5 Essential Batman Animated TV Shows, Ranked

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Batman is undoubtedly DC Comics’ most significant character. For decades, he’s been the most consistently popular and financially successful hero, appearing in countless different forms across movies, TV, and other media. His popularity is so strong that two new Batman movies are currently in the works: a sequel to Matt Reeves’ realistic *The Batman*, and a separate version connected to the main DC Universe in *The Brave and the Bold*. However, despite his success in live-action films, Batman has arguably had the biggest impact through animated projects.

For many fans, the Batman they grew up with wasn’t from the comics or movies-it was the TV show they watched every day. Animation has always been a great way to tell all kinds of Batman stories, from dark, detective mysteries to bright, exciting adventures. The best Batman shows have even changed what we consider official Batman lore, introduced unforgettable characters, and inspired generations of fans.

5) Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Okay, let me tell you about *Batman: The Brave and the Bold*. After a decade of really gritty Batman takes, this show was a total breath of fresh air! It intentionally went back to the fun, adventurous spirit of those Silver Age comics – think bright colors and genuinely *fun* superhero team-ups. Each episode paired Diedrich Bader’s Batman with a different hero, and I mean *all* kinds of heroes – the big names you’d expect, and some seriously deep cuts from DC lore. Honestly, it was a little surprising at first, but the show quickly won me over with its clever writing, great humor, and obvious love for DC’s history. It’s just a really enjoyable, respectful take on the character.

“Batman: The Brave and the Bold” is important because it shows how adaptable Batman is – he doesn’t *need* dark and serious stories to be great. The show is also a really fun and creative take on superheroes, bringing a lightheartedness that had been missing from Batman for a while. Plus, it gave a lot of lesser-known heroes a chance to shine, introducing many viewers to the broader DC Universe.

4) The Batman

I remember when *The Batman* first came out in 2004 – it had a tough act to follow, being the sequel to such a beloved animated series! But honestly, it was smart to do its own thing. It wasn’t trying to be the old show, and instead went for a really cool, anime-inspired look. I liked that it showed Bruce Wayne still learning the ropes – Rino Romano did a great job voicing a younger, less polished Batman who was only three years into his crime-fighting career. This Batman was all about the action and martial arts, and they completely revamped the look of all the classic villains. It wasn’t everyone’s favorite at first, but over time, people have really come to appreciate it as a really stylish and surprisingly good addition to Batman’s animated history. It’s definitely underrated!

The animated series *The Batman* is important because it successfully updated the Batman story for a new audience. It proved that Batman could move beyond the typical dark and gritty style and still be captivating. The show’s exciting action sequences and evolving characters-particularly the introduction of Batgirl (Danielle Judovits) as Batman’s first partner before Robin (Evan Sabara)-helped it stand out. By taking risks and changing the formula, *The Batman* offered a unique and consistently enjoyable version of the hero’s story, securing its place in Batman’s history.

3) The New Batman Adventures

Following the success of *Batman: The Animated Series*, *The New Batman Adventures* premiered in 1997 and is often considered both a continuation of the original and a separate show. Set a few years later, it featured a visual style similar to *Superman: The Animated Series*, with sharper, more streamlined designs. The series put a greater emphasis on Batman’s allies, particularly the development of Dick Grayson into Nightwing and the introduction of Tim Drake as the new Robin. Kevin Conroy once again voiced Batman, portraying him as a more serious and reserved figure, reflecting his growing role as a leader.

This series is incredibly important to Batman’s overall story. It broadened the universe surrounding the character and essentially set the stage for the *Justice League* animated series. A key element was the focus on Batman’s relationships with his allies – his ‘Bat-Family’ – which added depth and complexity to the characters. While some new character designs were debated by fans, the show kept the intelligent writing of the previous series and was able to explore slightly more mature topics thanks to fewer restrictions. *The New Batman Adventures* is a significant step forward for the animated Batman, smoothly connecting his individual adventures with his future role as a founding member of the Justice League.

2) Batman Beyond

Debuting in 1999, *Batman Beyond* was a bold idea that could have easily fallen flat. However, it became a highly popular and influential animated series. The show reimagined Gotham City as a futuristic, cyberpunk landscape and introduced Terry McGinnis, a teenager voiced by Will Friedle, who discovers the aging and disillusioned Bruce Wayne (voiced by Kevin Conroy). Terry then becomes the new Batman, equipped with advanced technology. By combining a dark, futuristic setting with classic superhero stories, the series created a distinctive style and a new set of villains. It was a significant gamble that succeeded, earning praise from critics and a dedicated fanbase that continues to thrive today.

Batman Beyond was a truly significant series, demonstrating that the Batman story could continue even after Bruce Wayne’s time. Terry McGinnis wasn’t just a new Batman; he was a well-developed character, and the show beautifully explored his relationship with an older, mentoring Bruce Wayne. With its mature stories and complex ideas, the series pushed the boundaries of what superhero cartoons could achieve, paving the way for more thoughtful animated shows. It remains a prime example of how the Batman franchise can successfully reinvent itself in exciting and innovative ways.

1) Batman: The Animated Series

For me, when anyone asks about the best Batman ever, there’s only one answer: *Batman: The Animated Series*. Seriously, this show, which first aired in 1992, isn’t just the best Batman cartoon – it’s one of the most important animated shows *period*. Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski created something truly special, basically defining how we see Batman today. And the way it looked – that incredible ‘Dark Deco’ style – along with its sophisticated stories and movie-like feel, completely changed what superhero cartoons could be.

With its intelligence and emotional complexity, *Batman: The Animated Series* was revolutionary for American animation, especially for children’s shows. It famously gave villains like Mr. Freeze compelling backstories, and even introduced Harley Quinn, who quickly became a fan favorite in the DC universe. The show’s success earned it numerous Emmy Awards and launched the entire DC Animated Universe, which continued for over a decade. Because of its incredible impact, masterful storytelling, and enduring legacy, *Batman: The Animated Series* is still considered the best of its kind.

What’s your pick for the best Batman animated series? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-09-22 19:12