5. Batman vs. Robin (2015)
Acting as a sequel to Son of Batman and partially based on the “Court of Owls” story arc by Scott Snyder, the film picks up with Damian Wayne as he continues to hold the Robin mantle. This time, he, Batman and his allies investigate the Court of Owls, a secret society that operates from the shadows of Gotham and is shrouded in myth and mystery, with many doubting its existence. The group, very much akin to the League of Assassins, hopes to destroy Gotham and rebuild it in their own image. And it appears the Court of Owls is having a more profound influence on Damian than Batman may have liked.
Unlike Son of Batman, this movie has a more serious tone to it and is more focused on Damian’s continued development as a superhero while touching more on his relationship with Batman. The character of Robin has a pretty deep mythos in the Batman universe, and for fans wanting to see more of Damian Wayne as a young Robin, this sequel continues developing him as a character, especially regarding his internal struggle Is his place truly as a superhero who doesn’t kill? Or is killing someone necessary to maintain order? Damian faces his toughest challenge yet as he continues to endure the inevitable growing pains that have come with taking up the Robin mantle and fighting alongside Batman.
4. Justice League: Doom (2012)
What would happen if villains somehow got their hands on the secret to defeating every Justice League member? That’s exactly what happens in this sequel of sorts to Crisis on Two Earths. Partially based on the “Tower of Babel” story arc by Mark Waid and Howard Porter, the films centers on how the Legion of Doom, a group of villains led by Vandal Savage bent on revenge against the Justice League, is able to hack Batman’s supercomputer to obtain special protocols on every League member. These protocols, created by Batman in case the team ever went rogue or was put under some sort of mind control or hypnosis, force the League into desperate situations, leaving themselves at the mercy of the Legion of Doom.
It’s intriguing to see just what lengths Batman will go to in anticipating worst-case scenarios and the repercussions that go with that line of thinking. Viewers will also see which weaknesses (physical or otherwise) the Justice League members have, and just what methods Batman concocted that are powerful enough to take down six superpowered beings. Outside of that, the film subtly tackles questions of trust and power, especially as it relates to Batman considering the thought of a rogue Justice League. To what extent and what cost must one go for “the greater good”? Regardless, it certainly makes for a great plot, as viewers witness exactly what could possibly push the Justice League to the brink of defeat.
3. Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)
Adapted from the comic book story arc by Judd Winick, the film follows Batman as he deals with a mysterious new threat in Gotham calling himself “Red Hood.” The new figure has quickly made a name for himself, openly killing criminals and drug lords while striking very familiar tones with Batman himself. Faced with a new presence that challenges his vigilante code when it comes to killing criminals and using firearms, Batman must come to face not only the Red Hood, but the deeds of his past that call his view of justice into question.
Exploring the psyche of Batman and his crime-fighting crusade, this film has a much darker tone to it when compared to other DC animated films. Easily one of the more popular storylines in recent Batman comic books, Under The Red Hood helps remind viewers what makes Batman an iconic character, pushing the psychological challenges Batman confronts to the forefront, while providing compelling and complex villains that provide thrilling and dramatic action.
2. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
Perhaps one of the most popular DC comic storylines in recent years, “The Flashpoint Paradox,” based on the 2011 Flashpoint miniseries by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert, details the events in which The Flash (Barry Allen), after an altercation with The Reverse-Flash, wakes up in an alternate timeline after preventing the death of his mother. The fractured timeline has many drastic changes from the life Allen knew. Nothing is as it was before. And only he seems to be aware of the changes to the timeline. It’s a fractured world on the verge of complete chaos, with no Justice League to save the day. With only his super-speed, Allen must find a means to somehow save the world and restore the proper timeline before it’s too late.
In terms of DC animated films, Flashpoint Paradox is one with perhaps the most mature storyline. Combining its plot with violence and heavier use of blood and graphic content compared to other films on this list, the film sets itself apart in numerous ways. Flashpoint was a critical story element in DC Comics, one that very much shaped The Flash from a character standpoint, seeing a timeline in which his mother lived, but the Justice League was never formed. It is jaw-dropping to witness what the results of this timeline become in light of those circumstances, and the maturity of the film coupled with its great storyline should make it a must-watch for DC fans.
1. Batman: Year One (2011)
Based on the critically acclaimed 1987 four-issue miniseries by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli, the film depicts a 25-year old Bruce Wayne returning to Gotham after 12 years. During that 12-year span, Wayne trained in various disciplines, from martial arts to science, and has returned to wage war on the crime on Gotham. As he begins his war on crime to bring peace to Gotham, Wayne adopts the persona of Batman, seeking to rid the city of the corruption and violence that plague the streets and killed his parents. Batman: Year One signals the beginning of the Caped Crusader’s rise as Gotham’s protector while making way for the array of villains eager to end his reign and the allies set to come across his path in the battles to come.
At 64 minutes, the runtime for this film is shorter compared to other DC animated films, which usually run around 75 minutes. For those who want more mature Batman material outside of the live-action Christopher Nolan trilogy, Batman: Year One is a film worth checking out. It’s also great for newcomers wanting to delve deeper into the Batman mythos. The film provides viewers with a raw, younger and inexperienced Batman who is just beginning to stake his claim on the streets of Gotham, and generates the excitement that has propelled the hero forward as one of DC Comics’ staple icons for decades. The 1987 series it’s adapted from is widely acclaimed as one of the most popular Batman stories to this day, and does a strong job capturing what makes the Gotham vigilante so compelling as a superhero.
Was your favorite movie on this list? If so, which ones? And if not, what are some of your favorite DC animated films, and what potential storylines would you like to see adapted?
