Every Single Batman Animated Movie In Order of Release

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It’s unusual for a costumed billionaire to become a lasting cultural symbol, but Batman has done just that for over eighty years. Unlike many superheroes, he doesn’t have otherworldly powers – he’s a man who transformed personal tragedy into a driving force. This combination of the mythical and the human is what makes Batman so compelling. Fans aren’t drawn in just by his cool technology or villains; they connect with the idea that dedication and strength of will can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Batman makes the incredible seem possible, and that’s why he remains so popular.

Because animation isn’t limited by real-world constraints, Batman’s animated stories are incredibly diverse. He’s been able to face off against fantastical villains like Dracula, join forces with characters like Scooby-Doo, and even battle Superman or journey through time. These movies aren’t afraid to try new things with their look, feel, and storytelling – some are dark and mysterious, others are lighthearted and silly, and some explore horror or action-packed martial arts. Over the years, talented voice actors like Kevin Conroy, Jason O’Mara, and Adam West have each brought their own unique interpretation to the character of Batman.

‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ (1993)


Warner Bros. Animation

The original theatrical Batman film, Mask of the Phantasm, explores Bruce Wayne’s history through a dark and tragic story. It features Andrea Beaumont, a past love who reappears in Gotham at the same time as a new vigilante called the Phantasm. When several mob bosses are murdered, Batman is wrongly accused and must prove his innocence, all while grappling with the possibility of finding personal happiness. The film successfully combines exciting action with emotional depth, and features iconic performances by Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, making it a defining part of Batman’s story.

‘Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero’ (1998)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Okay, so as a Batman fan, let me tell you about Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero. This one came out in ’98 and really feels like a continuation of The Animated Series – it dives deep into the story of Victor Fries, aka Mr. Freeze. It’s all about his heartbreaking attempt to save his wife, Nora, and how far he’s willing to go. Things escalate when Nora gets worse, and Freeze ends up kidnapping Barbara Gordon, hoping to use her in a risky operation. The final showdown, set in these crumbling ice caves, is seriously intense and stuck with me. Michael Ansara killed it as Freeze, making him a villain you actually feel for – one of the most sympathetic in Batman’s rogues gallery, honestly. It doesn’t get the same hype as Mask of the Phantasm, but it’s a really suspenseful and emotional story, and I always remember it as a genuinely touching film.

‘Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker’ (2000)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

By the year 2000, Batman Beyond had become a unique addition to the Batman universe, but Return of the Joker took the series to another level with a story that connected the past and future. The movie features Terry McGinnis, the new Batman trained by an older Bruce Wayne, as he confronts the Joker – who has mysteriously survived for decades. A key part of the story reveals a disturbing flashback where Tim Drake is tortured and turned into a sinister version of the Joker. The film is highly regarded for its daring approach, especially the uncut version, which doesn’t hesitate to show unsettling events. It’s more than just another Batman story; it delves into the darkest corners of the mythos.

‘Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman’ (2003)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Released in 2003, Mystery of the Batwoman offered a fresh, more lighthearted take on the Batman universe. The story introduces a new crimefighter, Batwoman, who’s taking down the operations of Penguin and Rupert Thorne. Batman, with help from Robin and Batgirl, tries to figure out who she is while also uncovering a dangerous plot involving illegal weapons and a threat to Gotham City. The movie blends detective work with exciting action, leading to big confrontations and ultimately adding another hero to Gotham’s team. While not as gritty as previous installments, Mystery of the Batwoman stands out with its fun mystery and appealing animation style. It maintains the sleek look of Batman: The Animated Series and delivers a strong message about identity and what it means to fight for justice.

‘The Batman vs. Dracula’ (2005)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Originally released in 2005 as part of The Batman animated series, The Batman vs. Dracula brings a gothic horror feel to Gotham City. The story starts when Penguin and Joker accidentally open Dracula’s tomb, awakening the famous vampire, who immediately targets Gotham. Dracula hypnotizes people, including Vicki Vale, turning them into his followers. Batman has to stop Dracula and also clear his name, as the city believes he’s responsible for the attacks. The Batman vs. Dracula stands out because it uniquely combines horror and superhero elements, a blend that wasn’t as common in the early 2000s. While it’s interesting to see Rino Romano’s Batman battle a classic monster, the film received a mixed response from viewers.

‘Batman: Gotham Knight’ (2008)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

I remember when Batman: Gotham Knight came out in 2008 – it was such a cool idea! It’s basically a collection of six short stories all connected, each with a different director and writer. It really filled in the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, showing us how Batman was developing as a hero, and how different people saw him. Some stories were lighter, like kids sharing their own Batman tales, while others were much grittier, focusing on fights with villains like Deadshot and Killer Croc. But what I loved is that they all showed how Gotham City itself was constantly changing Batman. And thankfully, Kevin Conroy was back as the voice of Batman, which really helped tie everything together, even with all the different animation styles. It’s just a lot of fun to see how Batman stories are always trying new things with how they look and feel.

‘Superman/Batman: Public Enemies’ (2009)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Inspired by the comic book storyline from Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is a fast-paced, political thriller. The story begins with Lex Luthor, who has become President, cleverly turning public opinion against Superman by falsely blaming him for a supposed meteor threat made of kryptonite. This leads to a huge bounty being placed on both Superman and Batman, forcing them to battle waves of villains and even heroes working for the government. The film is packed with non-stop action, culminating in an epic battle against Luthor in his powerful armored suit. While the plot isn’t overly complex, the voice performances from Tim Daly as Superman and Kevin Conroy as Batman create a dynamic contrast that makes the story both engaging and visually impressive.

‘Batman: Under the Red Hood’ (2010)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Released in 2010, Under the Red Hood is a powerful adaptation of a beloved Batman comic storyline. It begins with the shocking death of Jason Todd at the hands of the Joker, then moves to a Gotham City troubled by a new masked crime fighter called the Red Hood. This mysterious figure challenges Batman and forces him to confront the difficult reality of Jason’s return. Widely considered one of the best Batman animated movies, it features a compelling performance from Bruce Greenwood as a weary Batman, and a raw, emotionally complex Red Hood voiced by Jensen Ackles. John DiMaggio’s take on the Joker is uniquely unpredictable and just as effective as Mark Hamill’s portrayal.

‘Superman/Batman: Apocalypse’ (2010)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Released in 2010, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is based on the Supergirl story from DC Comics. The story starts with Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, arriving on Earth after a crash landing and having trouble with her new abilities. Superman welcomes her as family, but Batman is wary. The situation escalates when Darkseid captures Kara and takes her to Apokolips, intending to turn her into a weapon. This film is notable for its epic music and focus on character relationships. The animation beautifully portrays the fiery landscape of Apokolips, the action is flawlessly executed, and it includes a particularly intense fight between Superman and Darkseid – considered one of the best animated DC battles ever.

‘Batman: Year One’ (2011)


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Released in 2011, Batman: Year One is a remarkably true adaptation of Frank Miller’s famous comic book. The film shows Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham City after a long time away and beginning his journey as Batman. At the same time, Lieutenant Jim Gordon arrives in Gotham and confronts widespread corruption in the police department. The story follows both of their difficult beginnings and how they eventually team up. It’s a gritty and realistic take on the origins of Gotham’s two key heroes, and the animation style closely matches the dark, shadowy look of the original comic. While it’s paced more slowly than other Batman movies, critics and fans agree that this origin story is incredibly important.

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2025-12-25 19:22