The Caped Crusader has accumulated an extensive collection of animated films over the last three decades, and we're here to shine a Bat-shaped light on them. 

Batman kicked off his animated run in the 90s with the critically-acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, which produced a handful of spinoff films including Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.

The Dark Knight has over 25 animated films under his gadget belt, right up to the latest release Batman: The Long Halloween

Batman: Year One (2011)

Frank Miller's Year One graphic novel has always stood as a great introduction to the character for newcomers.

Thankfully, the animated adaptation follows suit by recapturing Miller's tone and presenting itself as a competent visual aid to learning Batman's origins.

batman year one

Amazon

Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)

Under the Red Hood showcases sturdy animation and provides a platform for many of Gotham's finest side characters.

Supernatural's Jensen Ackles plays The Red Hood, Batman's elusive new rival, and the film itself stays faithful to the comic's themes.

batman under the red hood

Back of the Head

Batman: Death in the Family (2020)

An adaptation of the iconic four-part comic book arc that once let readers decide the fate of Jason Todd at the hands of the Joker. 

The Blu-ray release allows viewers to choose which ending to follow, emulating the public vote that took place in 1988.

batman death in the family

Polygon

Batman: The Long Halloween (2021)

Jensen Ackles visits Gotham again to don the cowl this time for a two-part adaptation of the popular comic book. 

Batman teams up with Harvey Dent and Commissioner Gordon to solve a serial killer's holiday season spree. The Long Halloween is stylish in its own right and a worthy addition to tide us over until next year's The Batman.

batman the long halloween

IGN

Batman Ninja (2018)

Batman Ninja was the unexpected hit of 2018, taking Bruce Wayne away from Gotham and his gadgets as he travels back in time to face enemies in Feudal Japan. 

This animation is perhaps the most artistically sound entry on the list because of its bold style, as it is radically different from anything we've seen before.

batman ninja

Circle of Cinema

The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

The Lego Batman Movie is definitely the most comedic entry in Batman's library. Voiced by an A-list cast with a hilarious cameo from The Lord of the Rings' Sauron, the Lego Batman's debut was brilliantly handled. 

the lego batman movie

Den of Geek

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Mask of the Phantasm is considered to be one of the greatest Batman films of all time, contesting Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight

The animated film is a 1993 spinoff of The Animated Series and deals with Bruce Wayne's inner turmoil as he struggles to find the identity of the Phantasm. 

Its haunting story and iconic score from Shirley Walker continues to stand the test of time, and there's even an unforgettable fun fair sequence with Mark Hamill's Joker.

batman mask of the phantasm

Substream Magazine