Batman is one of the most popular superheroes in the world, and for good reason. The brooding Dark Knight has been featured in movies and TV shows, and DC Comics even gives the hero his own day of celebration every year. The character has spawned a treasure trove of engaging media across every medium, with movies and TV being the biggest highlights outside of the comic book source material. In this article, we will look at the best Batman movies and shows on HBO Max that you can watch to celebrate the hero’s legacy.
The Batman HBO Max is the most-anticipated!
One of the most anticipated Batman movies is The Batman, set to release in 2022. The movie is a gripping crime-noir rendition of the hero in live-action. Its biggest accomplishment is finally giving Batman proper focus to his World’s Greatest Detective epithet that’s been surprisingly sidelined in even the best of the character’s prior movies. The atmosphere is suitably moody and drenched in a perpetual rain that makes this take on the hero and his world irresistibly stylish in a grimy way. Robert Pattinson pours himself into this gloomily reclusive take on Bruce Wayne/Batman, with Zoë Kravitz Selina Kyle/Catwoman providing an electric dynamic.
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The Batman Trilogy HBO Max is also available
The Dark Knight Trilogy is another great option for fans of the character. There’s not much about Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy that hasn’t been said already, but its impact can’t be understated. These movies were the saving grace for Batman in the live-action theatrical space following the maligned Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. With the glorified zany toy commercial approach thoroughly beaten into the ground, Batman Begins brought the hero back to his gritty roots while simultaneously embracing that sense of comic book wonder.
More Batman HBO Max Movies To Watch In 2023
Here are some of the top Batman movies and shows to watch on HBO Max.
The Batman (2022)
The newest addition to the Batman film franchise, The Batman stars Robert Pattinson as a younger, darker version of Bruce Wayne. The film is a crime-noir interpretation of the character that highlights Batman’s detective skills and features a stunning performance by Pattinson. The movie’s release was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was worth the wait for fans of the Caped Crusader.
The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is widely considered to be one of the best superhero film franchises of all time. The films star Christian Bale as Batman and feature incredible performances by the late Heath Ledger as the Joker and Tom Hardy as Bane. The trilogy includes Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Batman and Batman Returns (1989, 1992)
Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns are two of the most iconic Batman movies ever made. Starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker in the first film, and Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in the second, these movies helped revitalize the character in live-action after the campy 1960s TV series.
Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures (1992-1995, 1997-1999)
For many fans, Batman: The Animated Series is the definitive representation of the character. The show features the voice talents of Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker and tells some of the most iconic Batman stories ever written. The show’s unique “dark deco” art style and blend of comic book whimsy and crime-noir themes make it a must-watch for any Batman fan.
Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
Batman Beyond is a cult classic animated series that takes place in the future, where a teenage boy named Terry McGinnis takes on the mantle of Batman with the help of an elderly Bruce Wayne. The show has a neo-noir cyberpunk aesthetic and features some incredible action sequences, making it a standout in the Batman animated universe.
Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Mask of the Phantasm is a critically acclaimed animated Batman movie that was released in theaters in 1993. The film takes place during Batman’s early years and tells the story of a mysterious new villain called the Phantasm. The movie features the voice talents of Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and Dana Delany as Andrea Beaumont, a love interest from Bruce Wayne’s past.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
Return of the Joker is a direct-to-video animated movie that takes place in the Batman Beyond universe. The film features an incredible story that delves into the history of the Joker and his relationship with Batman and includes some truly shocking moments. The movie was so popular that it was edited down to a PG version for its initial release, but the uncut version is widely considered to be the superior version.
The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and 2 (2012, 2013)
Based on Frank Miller’s iconic comic book series of the same name, The Dark Knight Returns is a two-part animated movie that tells the story of an aging Batman coming out of retirement to save Gotham once again. The films are faithful adaptations of the comics and feature the voice talents of Peter Weller as Batman and Michael Emerson as the Joker.
Under the Red Hood (2010)
Under the Red Hood” is a 2010 animated superhero film based on the Batman comic book storyline of the same name. The movie follows Batman as he investigates a new villain in Gotham City, known as the Red Hood, who has taken over the city’s criminal underworld. The story explores Batman’s past relationship with the Red Hood, who was once his partner, Jason Todd.
The film features an all-star voice cast, including Bruce Greenwood as Batman, Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, and Neil Patrick Harris as Nightwing. It was critically acclaimed for its storytelling, animation, and voice acting, and is considered one of the best Batman films of all time.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)
Batman: The Animated Series is a critically acclaimed animated television series that premiered in 1992. The show is known for its unique art deco style and dark, moody atmosphere, which perfectly captures the essence of the Batman comics.
The show follows Batman as he battles a variety of villains, including the Joker, Two-Face, and the Penguin. It also explores the character’s relationships with his allies, such as Commissioner Gordon and Robin.
The series was highly influential in shaping the Batman mythos, introducing new characters like Harley Quinn and establishing the iconic portrayal of the Joker by Mark Hamill. It won four Emmy Awards during its run and has since become a cult classic.
Gotham (2014-2019)
Gotham is a television series that premiered in 2014 and ran for five seasons. The show is a prequel to the Batman comics and focuses on the early career of James Gordon, the future police commissioner of Gotham City.
The series explores the origins of many of Batman’s most infamous villains, including the Penguin, the Riddler, and the Joker. It also introduces new characters, such as Fish Mooney, a gangster who becomes a major player in Gotham’s criminal underworld.
While the show received mixed reviews from critics, it was praised for its strong cast and the way it incorporated classic Batman mythology into its storytelling. It also featured some standout performances, such as Robin Lord Taylor’s portrayal of the Penguin.
Conclusion
HBO Max has an impressive collection of Batman content, with something for every fan of the Dark Knight. Whether you’re a fan of the classic animated series, the gritty realism of the Christopher Nolan films, or the dark humor of Harley Quinn, there’s sure to be something that will satisfy your Batman cravings on the streaming platform.