Batman is the giant of live-action blockbusters, but his animated adventures are where some of his most iconic tales soar. For decades, these animated features have brought everything from crisp detective work to emotional resonance—and in many instances, they’ve eclipsed their live-action brethren in critics’ eyes. From holiday heists to noir thrillers, here are the 10 best Batman animated films, rated by their Rotten Tomatoes scores and enduring legacy.
1. Merry Little Batman (2023) – 97%
Not many predicted a holiday Batman tale would top the ratings for the character’s animated offerings, but Merry Little Batman did just that. This Prime Video original focuses on tiny Damian Wayne guarding Gotham City at Christmas, combining charm, warmth, and superhero antics. Its compact nature and child-friendly themes may be behind the astronomical score, but it’s also simply an incredibly charming ride.
2. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017) – 89%
An affectionate spoof and tribute to everything Batman, The LEGO Batman Movie is a top-shelf balance of goofy humor and genuine storytelling. Will Arnett’s comedic interpretation of the Dark Knight pleased critics and kids. It’s the sole Batman animated movie to receive a Certified Fresh stamp of approval on Rotten Tomatoes—testimony that even in plastic blocks, the Bat’s legacy continues to shine.
3. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) – 85%
Often thought of by fans and critics as the greatest Batman movie—animated or otherwise—Mask of the Phantasm transposes the sophistication and tragedy of Batman: The Animated Series to film. Featuring Kevin Conroy’s authoritative voice and an ominous love story at its core, the movie is a gold standard for animated superhero fiction.
4. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) – 100%
Part of the cyberpunk future of Batman Beyond, this movie is an intense battle of legacy versus villainy. When a resurrected Joker attacks Neo-Gotham, Terry McGinnis has to deal with the demons of Bruce Wayne’s past. With a flawless score and shocking twists, it’s a beacon of excellence on how animated movies can break the genre mold.
5. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998) – 92%
This hidden gem provides an emotionally deep tale focused on one of the most heartbreaking villains of Batman. When Mr. Freeze abducts Batgirl in his final desperate hope to save his wife, Batman and Robin must act under pressure. With standout animation and emotional depth, SubZero provides both action and emotion in true Batman tradition.
6. Batman: The Long Halloween, Parts One & Two (2021) – 100%
Adapted from the highly praised Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale comic arc, The Long Halloween immerses us deep within Gotham’s world of crime with a thrilling murder mystery. Divided into two parts, this literal word-for-word adaptation is notable for its stylish direction, slow-burning tension, and rich noir sensibilities. A must-see for detective-driven Batman fans.
7. Batman: Year One (2011) – 89%
This hard-boiled origin story takes Frank Miller’s dark reinterpretation of Bruce Wayne’s first year as Batman and runs with it. Combined with James Gordon’s concurrent ascension through a dishonest police force, Year One is as much a crime drama as a superhero film. With an excellent voice cast—led by Bryan Cranston as Gordon—it’s a grown-up and intense take on Gotham’s origins.
8. Batman Ninja (2018) – 82%
What if Batman is transported into feudal Japan? You have Batman Ninja, a crazy, visually stunning anime ride that reimagines the Dark Knight and his rogues’ gallery in a breathtaking Japanese setting. It’s strange, audacious, and unashamedly over-the-top—and for anime or Elseworlds fans, it’s an unforgettable experience.
9. Batman: Hush (2019) – 83%
Borrowing another core comic book narrative, Hush brings a new enigmatic villain into control of Gotham’s most deadly players from behind the scenes. Though some deviations from the original material alienated fans, the film’s streamlined animation and efficient timing won the movie high marks from critics and affection from audiences.
10. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) – 75%
In a steampunk-themed, Victorian-era Gotham, Gotham by Gaslight finds Batman up against the very sinister Jack the Ripper. The novelty of the setting, dark animation, and dark detective work provide a welcome reimagining of the Batman mythology. Though it didn’t set records, it established a specific niche within the animated canon.
A Legacy Carried by Voice and Vision
It’s not possible to discuss animated Batman without acknowledging Kevin Conroy, whose voice embodied the character for so many. From The Animated Series through Mask of the Phantasm and beyond, Conroy infused the character with gravitas, suffering, and hope in a way that no one else did. His influence resonates through almost every movie on this list.
Why Batman Flies Higher in Animation
So why are these animated Batman movies so resilient? They’re not superhero spectacles alone—they plunge into the emotional and psychological reaches of Gotham, marrying character-driven narrative with genre-bending innovation. From poignant to laugh-out-loud funny, from mysterious to mystical, the animated Bat proves himself every bit as iconic—and frequently more risk-taking—than his live-action equivalent.
Though The Dark Knight might have raised the bar for live-action greatness, animated features like Mask of the Phantasm and Merry Little Batman show us that some of Batman’s greatest moments occur well away from the silver screen glare. For veteran fans and new ones alike, they are necessary entries in the history of the Caped Crusader.