The Batman: 15 Major DC Comics References In Matt Reeves’ Masterpiece

1. The Batman 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 803615, ID: 1877830
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Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ is a gritty, operatic crime drama that challenges the hero’s history and purpose. Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz have insane chemistry as the dark duo, while Paul Dano is terrifying as The Riddler. The film is packed with references to DC Comics, including the Riddler’s Edward Nashton identity and Thomas Wayne saving Carmine Falcone’s life. This movie is a must-watch for any Batman fan.
2. Batman: Year One 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 38355, ID: 1672723
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Batman: Year One is a faithful adaptation of Frank Miller’s classic comic, capturing the gritty and realistic tone with moody visuals and morally complex characters. The film explores the early days of Bruce Wayne as Batman and James Gordon’s battle against corruption in Gotham City. The voice acting is solid, with Bryan Cranston bringing depth to Jim Gordon and Ben McKenzie providing a brooding performance as Batman.
3. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 30087, ID: 0233298
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Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is a fantastic extension of the Batman mythos, paying homage to the classic Dark Knight while extending the dignity and mature arc of ‘Batman Beyond.’ The film is brimming with suspense, action, and humor, making it a great movie for both kids and adults. Mark Hamill’s Joker is brutally terrifying, and the animation is solidly beautiful.
4. Batman: The Animated Series 1992，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 119201, ID: 0103359
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Batman: The Animated Series is a beautifully crafted show that ties Batman to his detective roots while adopting a gothic tone. The animation is a standout, making brilliant use of warped angles and shadow work. Kevin Conroy’s voice acting as Batman is perfect, and the show is praised for its aesthetics and storylines. This series is a must-watch for any serious Bat-fan.
5. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 2013，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 57437, ID: 2166834
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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 delivers a gripping conclusion to the iconic storyline. The film stays true to Frank Miller’s vision, with a dark and brooding atmosphere. The conflict between Batman and Superman is epic, and the voice cast, especially Peter Weller as Batman, shines. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it’s a must-watch for any Batman fan.
6. Batman: Hush 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 23156, ID: 8752440
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Batman: Hush brings the beloved comic storyline to life with a mix of action, intrigue, and romance. The film captures the essence of Batman and Catwoman’s relationship, though it lacks some of the depth of the original comic. The animation and voice acting are solid, making it an enjoyable addition to the DC Animated Universe.
7. Batman: The Killing Joke 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 62027, ID: 4853102
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Batman: The Killing Joke is a dark and unsettling adaptation of the iconic graphic novel. While the film captures the twisted bond between Batman and Joker, it falters with its controversial additions. The voice acting by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill is stellar, but the movie’s pacing and tone are inconsistent.
8. Batman: Under the Red Hood 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 68535, ID: 1569923
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Batman: Under the Red Hood is a standout in the DC Animated Universe, offering a dark and emotional tale of redemption and revenge. The film’s exploration of Jason Todd’s transformation into the Red Hood is compelling, and the voice cast, including Jensen Ackles, delivers powerful performances. It’s a must-watch for fans of Batman’s darker stories.
9. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 57653, ID: 0106364
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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a masterful blend of noir and superhero storytelling, capturing the essence of Batman’s dark and brooding nature. The film’s rich narrative and deep characters, combined with its stunning animation, make it a standout in the Batman animated universe. The movie’s exploration of Bruce Wayne’s past and his relationship with Andrea Beaumont adds emotional depth, making it a must-watch for any Batman fan.
10. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 19187, ID: 7167630
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Batman: Gotham by Gaslight offers a unique twist on the Dark Knight, setting him against the backdrop of a Victorian-era Gotham. The film’s steampunk aesthetic and murder mystery plot provide a fresh take on the Batman mythos. However, the underdeveloped characters and underwhelming climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, the film’s rich setting and standout performances make it an intriguing watch.
11. Batman: Bad Blood 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 26451, ID: 4870838
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Batman: Bad Blood is a thrilling addition to the Batman animated film series, focusing on the extended Bat-family. The film’s action-packed sequences and dark, brooding atmosphere are complemented by its top-notch animation. However, the convoluted plot and unclear villain motivations detract from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s focus on characters like Batwoman, Nightwing, and Robin adds a refreshing twist.
12. Batman: Assault on Arkham 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 38021, ID: 3139086
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Batman: Assault on Arkham shifts the focus from the Dark Knight to the intriguing members of the Suicide Squad. The film’s dark humor, stylized action, and dynamic character interactions make it a standout in the Batman animated universe. While Batman’s appearances are limited, his presence is felt throughout, adding tension and excitement. This film is a must-watch for fans of the Suicide Squad and the Arkham games.
13. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 6480, ID: 5973626
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Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is a delightful homage to the 1960s Batman TV series, capturing its campy charm and colorful aesthetic. The film’s self-aware humor and faithful recreation of the original show’s vibe make it a nostalgic treat for fans. While it may not appeal to those seeking a darker Batman, its playful tone and engaging storyline make it a fun and entertaining watch.
14. Batman: The Dark Knight 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 2606, ID: 2098632
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The Dark Knight is a masterpiece that redefines the comic-book movie genre. With its complex characters, moral dilemmas, and outstanding performances, particularly by Heath Ledger as the Joker, the film transcends its origins to become an engrossing tragedy. The direction, writing, and technical quality are all top-notch, making it one of the best Batman films ever made. It’s a dark, brooding, and unforgettable cinematic experience.
15. The Dark Knight Rises 2012，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1846584, ID: 1345836
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The Dark Knight Rises is an ambitious conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. While it lacks the fun and personality of its predecessors, it offers a thoughtful and potent action film with a sensational climax. The film’s strengths lie in its scope, character development, and emotional depth, but it suffers from a murky plot and too many new characters. Despite its flaws, it’s a fitting end to the trilogy.