Batman: The Animated Series Episodes To Watch Before The Batman Part II

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I’m really excited for The Batman Part II, but it feels like a long wait! It’s been four years since Robert Pattinson first played Batman on the big screen, and we’ll have to wait even longer – until October 1, 2027 – to see him return. To tide me over, I’m rewatching Batman: The Animated Series – it’s still fantastic!

After much anticipation, the script for the sequel to The Batman is finished, and filming will begin in just a few weeks. Director Matt Reeves has shared some hints about the story and who will be in it. This next film will focus more on Bruce Wayne’s personal life than on his adventures as Batman. Colin Farrell will be back as the Penguin, now a hugely popular character thanks to his own spin-off series, and Barry Keoghan is also expected to return as the Joker. Plus, Sebastian Stan is joining the cast to play Harvey Dent.

Even though we won’t see a trailer for a while, the idea of seeing the Joker, the Penguin, and Two-Face together in the next Batman movie is really exciting! While we wait for The Batman Part II, it’s a great time to revisit these classic villains. Certain episodes of Batman: The Animated Series are especially helpful for understanding what motivates them.

Two-Face

Season 1, Episodes 17/18

Now that Stanley Tucci has been cast as Harvey Dent, it looks like Two-Face will be the main villain in the next Batman movie. If you want to understand the character, a great place to start is the two-part “Two-Face” episode from the first season of Batman: The Animated Series. This episode reveals that Harvey Dent had a troubled personality even before the accident that scarred him. Throughout the story, he tries—and largely fails—to control his darker side, nicknamed “Big Bad Harv.” It’s an excellent introduction to a character who is likely to be very important in future Batman installments.

Birds Of A Feather

Season 1, Episode 52

As a huge fan of The Batman, I was thrilled to hear Colin Farrell is coming back as The Penguin in The Batman Part II. His take on the character in the first film was honestly one of the best villain adaptations I’ve ever seen. While he’ll probably have a supporting role again, it got me thinking about a classic Batman: The Animated Series episode, “Birds of a Feather.” It’s a really interesting story where Penguin, fresh out of prison, tries to climb the social ladder, only to find he’s being made fun of – think Dinner for Schmucks, but with a tragic edge. That episode really highlights the sad side of Cobblepot, this guy who just desperately wants to be accepted, and it’s something Farrell really nailed in his performance. Definitely worth checking out if you want to understand what makes this version of the Penguin so compelling.

Trial

Season 2, Episode 4

In the second season episode “Trial,” Batman is unexpectedly captured by a group of his most notorious foes – including Two-Face, the Joker, and Poison Ivy – and subjected to a trial within Arkham Asylum. His only chance at freedom rests with District Attorney Janet Van Dorn, who reluctantly defends him despite opposing his methods. The episode is a clever showdown of intellect between Batman and his enemies, and it explores the ethical questions surrounding Bruce Wayne’s fight against crime, while also revealing Two-Face’s surprising legal background. It proves that a skilled lawyer can be a truly dangerous villain.

Joker’s Favor

Season 1, Episode 7

Barry Keoghan first played the Joker in The Batman, so he’s likely to be back for Part II. Even though his screen time was short, Keoghan’s version of the Joker is just as chaotic and troubled as the classic portrayal by Mark Hamill. If you want a taste of that intensity, check out the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Joker’s Favor.” It shows the Joker provoking a driver having a terrible day, leading to a two-year psychological game. Think of it as similar to the movie Unhinged with Russell Crowe, but featuring the Joker’s twisted mind.

The Strange Secret Of Bruce Wayne

Season 1, Episode 29

The classic Batman episode “The Strange Secret of Bruce Wayne” includes appearances by all three villains who will be in The Batman Part II. In the episode, Hugo Strange discovers Bruce Wayne is Batman using a mind-reading machine and then holds an auction where the Joker, the Penguin, and Two-Face compete to reveal Batman’s identity. Since the upcoming Batman sequel seems to be exploring Bruce Wayne’s personal life more deeply, it might be helpful to revisit this episode, which focuses much more on Bruce than his superhero persona.

I’ve Got Batman In My Basement

Season 1, Episode 20

In the Batman animated series episode “I’ve Got Batman in My Basement,” the hero unexpectedly teams up with a young, aspiring detective. After Penguin knocks Batman unconscious, this 12-year-old has to find a way to revive him before Penguin discovers their location. The story shares similarities with the dynamic between Tony Stark and Harley Keener in Iron Man 3, but it’s a more intense and dangerous situation. It’s a compelling episode with a strong storyline. It would be exciting to see this clever kid appear in The Batman Part II, though it’s more probable he’ll remain a character within the animated series.

Second Chance

Season 2, Episode 7

Following the dark and ruthless portrayal of the Riddler in The Batman, director Matt Reeves might take a different approach with the villain in the sequel. If he intends to give Harvey Dent a path to redemption, he could draw inspiration from the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Second Chance.” In that episode, Dent is kidnapped while preparing for surgery to repair his scarred face, and Batman and Robin must race to save him. Given Reeves’ focus on the detective elements of Batman comics, this storyline would fit well as a standalone, investigative case within the larger narrative.

Almost Got ‘Im

Season 1, Episode 35

The Season 1 episode “Almost Got ‘Im” features a team-up of villains who will appear in a future story: The Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, and Killer Croc. They’re all hiding out together and, to pass the time, compete to tell the best story about how close they came to defeating Batman. The episode is structured as a series of these individual tales, offering a fun way to learn more about each villain. It quickly becomes clear, though, that the Joker has consistently been Batman’s most dangerous opponent.

While Matt Reeves’ The Batman probably isn’t directly copying Batman: The Animated Series, the animated show is still worth watching. The Batman feels very grounded and realistic, portraying villains like the Riddler as a dangerous killer and the Penguin as a common criminal. Batman: The Animated Series, on the other hand, embraces its comic book origins. However, the animated series truly captures the atmosphere and essence of Batman and Bruce Wayne, making it a standout piece of Batman media and potentially inspiring, even if it doesn’t directly influence The Batman Part II.

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2026-04-12 05:10