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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.
