Every Animated Version of Batman, Ranked

When it comes to the DC Universe, Batman gets all of the attention. There isn’t a moment that goes by without the Dark Knight having something significant going on in the comics, and the same goes for the movies. Matt Reeves is working hard to get his second Batman out after several delays, finally delivering what James Gunn and Co. claim to be a fantastic script. Speaking of Gunn, he frequently provides updates on the status of his franchise’s Caped Crusader, who is going to make his debut sooner rather than later. But all that discourse means that one medium that houses the hero doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Batman has been a major part of DC’s animation division for decades, having numerous solo series and plenty of appearances in other characters’ shows. However, not every iteration of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is cut from the same cloth. Here’s every animated version of Batman, ranked.

13) Harley Quinn

The HBO Max black comedy Harley Quinn doesn’t paint Batman in a very good light. Despite being voiced by the talented Diedrich Bader, the character isn’t very likable, even going to jail for tax evasion. Sure, he takes a back seat so the focus can be on Harley and her friends, but he is far from his best in the show.

12) Batman Unlimited

Batman Unlimited gives its titular hero the chance to shine in a few direct-to-video movies and a web series. The action is slick, and Batman’s design is more unique than some of its predecessors. In terms of characterization, though, there’s nothing to write home about, with the Dark Knight failing to make an impact.

11) Batman: Caped Crusader

Bruce Timm’s return to the Batman franchise relies a lot on its setting, dropping the character into a 1940s-inspired noir world. There are flashes of greatness from the hero here and there, but for the most part, he’s pretty generic. While Season 2 could push Batman: Caped Crusader to new heights, it’s going to take a lot of work to get its main character closer to the top of the leaderboard.

10) Young Justice

Despite focusing on a team of young heroes, Young Justice gives Batman plenty to do. He serves as the guardian for the Team, sending them on missions and fighting alongside them when the opportunity arises. But playing second fiddle means there isn’t much room for the show’s Batman to grow.

9) Beware the Batman

Beware the Batman walks the path least traveled, putting its titular hero up against villains he rarely faces, such as Lady Shiva and Tobias Whale. Being different helps the show in many ways, but it’s hard for its Dark Knight to find his footing because he only has 26 episodes to do so. Voice actor Anthony Ruivivar does the best with what he has, and that has to count for something.

8) Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Frank Miller’s iconic story comes to life in the two-part animated movie Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Rather than following a version of the character with his whole life in front of him, The Dark Knight Returns features an older Batman who’s ready to give his life for the cause. Peter Weller delivers an outstanding performance that makes one wish he got more chances to play the hero.

7) Batman Ninja

The “Elseworlds” movies that Warner Bros. Animation releases might feel gimmicky, especially when they ask Batman to travel to feudal Japan. However, Batman Ninja does a great job of fleshing out its world and building up its characters. The Dark Knight, as portrayed by Roger Craig Smith in the movies, is more open-minded than many of his dopplegangers, being willing to team up with villains if it helps get the job done.

6) The New Adventures of Batman

Of course, Adam West was best known for playing Batman in the 1960s live-action series, but he also had some animated credits on his resume. In The New Adventures of Batman, West voices his iconic character and continues his adventures with Robin. There’s just something so magical about the way the West’s version of the hero acts, living to help people despite all the darkness inside of him.

5) DCAMU Batman

The DC Animated Movie Universe consists of over one dozen films, and Batman is in a vast majority of them. Throughout the franchise, he learns to be more open to help, even accepting that he has a son who can help in his crusade. The only knock on DCAMU Batman is that he finds himself working for Darkseid at one point.

4) The Batman

Given Batman’s numerous shows, it’s inevitable that a few will go unnoticed. The Batman certainly fits into that category, but that’s no fault of its own. In five seasons, the show builds up both Batman and Bruce Wayne, making them seem equally important. Rino Romano also delivers an underrated performance that should get more love.

3) Batman: The Brave and the Bold

There’s nothing wrong with a brooding Batman. After all, it’s in his nature to embrace the darkness. Batman: The Brave and the Bold wants to make it clear that its titular hero can have fun as well and even wear blue if he wants to. As a show, The Brave and the Bold may not be at the top of any rankings, but its version of the Dark Knight doesn’t deserve the same fate.

2) LEGO Batman

LEGO versions of superheroes get a bad rap because many assume they’re for kids, which is true. However, the LEGO Batman that appears in The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie has something for everyone. Will Arnett voices a character who acts serious in front of his villains but also enjoys eating lobster in his bathrobe. If not for the number one animated version of the character, LEGO Batman would easily take the top spot.

1) DCAU Batman

Kevin Conroy’s first foray into Batman will probably never be topped. Starting with Batman: The Animated Series, the character goes on a long journey that sees him learn how to be a team player and save the world on countless occasions. It also doesn’t hurt that DC Animated Universe Batman gets to be part of so many critically acclaimed projects, including Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Justice League.

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