Where to start withBatman
26 versions · originally a series, 1966
Themes: Secret Identity, Good vs. Evil, Justice, Vigilante Justice, Eccentric Villains.
Start with Batman: The Animated Series (Bruce Timm, 1992) — the series. Batman exists in 26 versions across media, beginning as a series in 1966; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Batman has more than one version — here's where most fans start, and what each offers.
✦ Most fans start here
Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
1992 series
✦ Start hereBatman: The Animated Series
Bruce Timm · Series · 1992
1992 series, 1992.
2000 film
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
Curt Geda · Film · 2000
2000 film, 2000.
2011 book
Batman
Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, Bob Kane · Book · 2011
2011 book, 2011.
2012 film
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
Jay Oliva · Film · 2012
2012 film, 2012.
2013 film
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2
Jay Oliva · Film · 2013
2013 film, 2013.
Common questions
What is the correct viewing order for The Dark Knight Returns?
The Dark Knight Returns is split into two distinct parts. You should watch Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 first to establish the narrative arc, followed immediately by Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 to complete the story.
Is Batman: Mask of the Phantasm connected to Batman: The Animated Series?
Yes, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a feature-length film that serves as a cinematic expansion of the continuity established in Batman: The Animated Series. It features the same voice cast and artistic style developed for the television show.
Should I watch Batman Beyond before Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker?
You should watch the Batman Beyond television series prior to viewing the movie Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. The film serves as a direct continuation of the series, featuring the same characters and building upon the established futuristic Gotham setting.
How does Batman: Caped Crusader compare to the 1966 Batman TV series?
Batman: Caped Crusader is a modern animated series that offers a different interpretation of the character compared to the campy, live-action Batman television series from 1966. While both focus on the hero's crime-fighting efforts, they utilize vastly different tones and animation styles.