One of the world’s most famous and beloved heroes, Batman, in addition to film adaptations and video games, boasts an extensive list of animated films. From films based on the animated series to adaptations of classic comics, there are several tales of the Dark Knight to watch.
To make things easier for you, we’ve organized the various continuities of the Batman animated films so you can know the best order to watch them. We’ve separated them into their own universes and highlighted which ones have a specific continuity, allowing some to be watched independently.
Batman Animations: Chronological Order
DC Animated Universe (Bruce Timm Universe)
This continuity follows the acclaimed 1992 animation, Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995), and its sequels, The New Batman Adventures (1997-1999) and Batman Beyond (1999-2001). In addition to these, it also includes the famous Justice League animation.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
In this film, Batman faces off against a masked vigilante who is eliminating criminals in Gotham, while dealing with ghosts from his past and a lost romantic connection.
Batman and Mr. Freeze: Below Zero (1998)
The villain Mr. Freeze, who threatens Gotham with his plan to freeze the city. To face him, Batman will also have to deal with a personal crisis.
Batman: Mystery of the Batman (2003)
Bruce teams up with a new vigilante called Batman to tackle a series of crimes in Gotham, while exploring his new partner’s mysterious past.
Batman & Harley Quinn: Knock and Laugh (2017)
Harley Quinn and Batman are forced to join forces when a joint threat puts Gotham in peril, sparking an unpredictable and action-packed partnership.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
In the future, the young Batman must face the return of the Joker, who threatens to destroy the city and the Dark Knight’s legacy.
DC Animated Cinematic Universe – New 52
The animations for this story arc are loosely inspired by the New 52 comic book series, which began at DC Comics in 2011. In addition to the Batman movies, this phase includes animations of other DC heroes, such as Superman and the Justice League,
Son of Batman (2014)
Batman discovers he has a son, Damian Wayne, with Talia al Ghul. Together, they face off against Ra’s al Ghul and his League of Assassins.
Batman vs. Robin (2015)
Bruce and his son Damian, now Robin, come into conflict when Damian allies himself with the Court of Owls and challenges Batman’s authority.
Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
After Batman’s disappearance, his allies, including Batwoman and Robin, must assume the mantle of the Dark Knight and face a new threat to Gotham.
Batman: Silence (2019)
Batman faces a mysterious villain known as Silence. This new enemy knows his secrets and manipulates his enemies into attacking Gotham.
DC Animated Cinematic Universe – Tomorrow Verse
This arc of the DC animated universe began after Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, which concluded the first arc with a universal reboot. At this stage, we have two animated Batman movies:
Batman: The Long Halloween – Part 1 (2021)
Adaptation of a famous graphic novel. Batman faces a serial killer named “Holiday” who only kills on holidays, while dealing with the growing power of the mafia families in Gotham.
Batman: The Long Halloween – Part 2 (2021)
The search for Holiday continues and Harvey Dent transforms into Two-Face. Meanwhile, Batman faces the consequences of his actions and the fate of Gotham is sealed.
Millerverse
In this continuity, we separate the animations that adapt the stories originally written by Frank Miller for the comics:
Batman: Year One (2011)
Bruce Wayne begins his journey as Batman, taking on crime in Gotham while Lt. James Gordon takes on police corruption. Together, they begin to forge an alliance that will define the city’s future.
Batman: The Dark Knight – Part 1 (2012)
Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement to fight a decaying Gotham. Facing old enemies and new challenges, he challenges society in his quest for justice.
Batman: The Dark Knight – Part 2 (2013)
Continuing the events of the previous film. Batman faces off against the Joker in a final showdown, while the government decides he must be stopped, sending Superman to confront him. The battle between the heroes redefines Batman’s legacy.
Nolanverse
Batman: Gotham Knight (2008)
This Batman anime takes place in the timeline of the film trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan, set between Batman Begins and Batman: The Dark Knight. The film is composed of six segments, each with Batman’s adventure in Gotham.
Isolated animations
Each segment follows its own continuity, so you can choose to watch it according to your preferred universe or explore the films individually based on their release order.
Batman vs. Dracula (2005)
Gotham City faces a new threat when the legendary Count Dracula is resurrected. As Dracula wreaks havoc and turns the city’s citizens into vampires, Batman must confront this supernatural force and prevent the city from being overtaken by darkness.
Batman vs. Red Hood (2010)
A new vigilante known as Red Hood emerges in Gotham, enforcing his own brand of justice by eliminating criminals. Batman finds himself on an intense hunt to uncover the true identity of this mysterious enemy, who seems to be deeply connected to his past.
Batman: Death in the Family (2020) (Interactive Short)
This interactive story lets viewers decide the fate of Jason Todd, the second Robin. The choices they make will determine whether this adaptation of the iconic comic book story arc that saw the death of one of the Robins ends in tragedy or salvation.
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
In this adaptation of the famous graphic novel, the Joker tries to drive Commissioner Gordon insane to prove a dark point: that anyone can lose their mind after a “bad day.”
At the same time, the villain’s tragic origin and the profound impact his actions have on the life of Barbara Gordon, Batgirl, are explored.
Gotham City 1889: A Batman Story (2018)
In a Victorian version of Gotham City, Bruce Wayne takes on the mantle of Batman to confront Jack the Ripper, who is terrorizing the city. This film reimagines the Dark Knight in a period setting, dealing with one of history’s most notorious serial killers.
Batman: Ninja (2018)
After a battle with Gorilla Grodd, Batman and many of his enemies are transported to feudal Japan.
Without his usual technology, Batman must use his skills and form alliances with local warriors to defeat the villains and find a way back to Gotham.
Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles form an unlikely alliance when Shredder and Ra’s al Ghul join forces to take over Gotham City. Together, they face familiar foes and new challenges as they try to stop the villains from carrying out their nefarious plans.
Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)
In the 1970s, Bruce Wayne, along with his former martial arts training partners, faces a mystical threat from his past.
The film is a tribute to the martial arts films of the time.
Catwoman: The Hunt (2022)
In a daring mission, Catwoman seeks to steal a precious artifact, but finds herself embroiled in a dangerous hunt led by criminals and authorities.
The film combines action and intrigue as Selina Kyle faces the dangers of Gotham and beyond.
Batman: The Destiny Has Come to Gotham (2023)
In 1920s Gotham, Batman faces supernatural forces and monsters as he battles an ancient curse that threatens to destroy the city. Inspired by Lovecraftian horror, the film plunges the Dark Knight into a cosmic nightmare.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
