Since his animated debut decades ago, Batman has starred in several feature-length cartoon films of wildly varying quality. For every home run like Mask of the Phantasm, there's a swing-and-miss like The Killing Joke. Which is why we're undertaking the ambitious mission of ranking 30 of Batman's animated films definitively from worst to best.

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By looking at stuff like stoꦬry, characters, action, designs, and faithfulness to the source, we aim to cover the full Bat-filmography. So whether your fave is an underrated-hidden gem or an acclaimed class♊ic, see where it lands as we review and rate every single Batman animated movie.

30 𝐆 Batman: The Killing Joke ♐

The Killing Joke had the potential to be one of the great Batman animated movies, but as an adaptation it profoundly disappoints. The animation fails to recreate Brian Bolland's mesmerizing comic panels, instead feeling sterile and perfunctory. One of the biggest letdowns is the misuse of the prologue featuring Barbara Gordon, which fails to give her character real agency or properly address the story’s problematic treatment of her.

While Mark Hamill delivers some nicely menacing moments as the Joker, he doesn’t fully capture the psychotic intensity that defined the character in Baꩵtman: The Animated Series. The psychological confrontation between Batman and Joker reta𓃲ins glimpses of its thought-provoking power from the source material.

The film lacks the complexity and nuance needed to successfully adapt Moore’s multilayered writing. With so much wasted potential to fully animate this classic Batman graphic novel, The Killing Joke comes across as the product of a soulless studio content-mill, coasting on the comic's reputation rather than an insightful understanding of what made it a masterpiece.

29 Ba💙tman: Death in the Family ﷽

Death In The Family takes the famous Batman comic story of the same name and makes it interactive, which is kinda cool. To be completely honest, other than letting you choose what happens to Robin, the movie doesn't really add anything new to the Batman world. It hits all the main parts of the original story, how Jason Todd becomes Robin, the Joker capturing and torturing him, and Batman getting revenge.

But it feels more like they're just going through the motions than actually trying to make an emotional movie. There's none of the weight or tragedy you'd expect from a story about Batman's greatest failure. It's more like an extra cash-grab for fans who just want to see Robin die, not a meaningful addition.

For people who know this story from the comics or better animated movies like Under the Red Hood, there's shockingly little that's new here beyond the interactivity gimmick. Watching it linearly, it's clearly just a rehash of an iconic plot we've seen done better before. The interactivity is a neat trick, but the movie itself brings nothing fresh to such a well-known Batman story. As a linear film, Death In The Family reveals itself as an artistically and emotionally repetitive retread.

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28 🔯 Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem

Monster Mayhem feels like a paint-by-numbers Batman movie aimed only at the youngest new fans. The Halloween ꦏtheme provides fun monster designs and transformations likely to entertain kids. Joker and Scarecrow ham it up orchestrating the spooky plotting. But for ♚most, the overly simplistic story and dialogue offer little substance beyond seasonal flavor.

With thin characterization and forgettable action, Monster Mayhem gives adult fans minimal entertainment value beyond appreciating the slick ani𒊎mation. Parents seeking innocuous diversion for ♔their children may find this adequate Halloween viewing. But for those wanting the engaging storytelling and visual splendor of past Batman series, Monster Mayhem delivers only fleeting superficial thrills.

It dutifully checks the boxes but brings no passion or inspired ideas to the Batman mythos. The holiday trappings and monsters offer momentary appeal for kids seeking easy Halloween fun. But with its rote plot and dumbed-down dialogue, Monster Mayhem feels creatively bankrupt, without contributing anything meaningful or memorable. It's a disposable detour for the franchise that won't leave a lasting impression.

27 Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts ✃

Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts leans hard into the animal theme to deliver some goofy fun for kids. Seeing Penguin, Cheetah and other baddies redesigned as animal hybrids gives this movie some inventive flair that's missing from other cookie-cutter Batman adaptations aimed at little ones.

The plot still feels pretty generic, with the standard Batman fights villains storyline. But all the animal stuff sprinkles in silly moments of entertainment for the young target audience. The dialogue is full of obvious explanation, but you expect that in a children's flick. While adult viewers probably won't find much depth here, the crazy animal action provides some lively animation that animal-loving tykes will enjoy.

Animal Instincts doesn't try for the seriousness of past Batman cartoons, instead just having as much goofy fun as it can with the animal concept. Those creative animal designs give it points for uniqueness compared to other dialed-in kids' Batman movies. Even if the basic plot still feels phoned in, the animal theme is used well to bring amusement. For Bat-fans hoping for meaningful stories, this one may seem totally lightweight.

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26 B🌠atman Unlimited: Mechs vs Mutants

Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs Mutants loads up on crazy mech suit and monster action to deliver some over-the-top sci-fi fun for kids. Seeing Batman rock his wild robot suits against an army of invading creatures allows for some intense animated action. The plot is pretty basic, heroes try to foil the bad guys' latest takeover plan but all the mech and monster craziness keeps things visually exciting.

The dialogue's full of the usual obvious explanation, but with all the abundant action it stays fast-paced for young viewer's short attention spans. The creative mech designs and monsters give this flick some style that helps it stand apart from other cookie-cutter Batman cartoons aimed at kids. Older viewers probably won't find much depth, but the non-stop battle sequences supply enough flashy entertainment to keep young audiences glued to the screen.

Mechs vs Mutants smartly capitalizes on the potential of its techno concept rather than just banking on Batman's brand power. While the story remains straightforward, the awesome mech suits and wild creatures are used well to deliver thrills.

25 Son O🙈f Batman

By introducing Batman's son Damian, Son of Batman brings some new dynamics to the animated universe, but the execution has flaws you can't seem to shake off. Damian's lethal upbringing by the League of Assassins lets Batman tackle an unfamiliar paternal role, allowing for meaningful characterization. The banter is fun to watch for sure, but the father-son friction scenes seem a little underplayed.

While Jason O’Mara fits the nurturing Batman adequately and Stuart Allan leans into a brash Robin, their performances don't fully realize the dramatic potential. The action remains hard-hitting, though the plot covers some familiar ground despite using new characters. Ra's al Ghul as the antagonist ties things to existing Bat-lore but doesn't provide an exciting fresh direction. Talia has some complexity for sure, but is still massively underdeveloped, and it feels like she's pigeonholed into the femme-fatale role a little too much.

Overall, Son of Batman gets a decent amount of credit for debuting a new take on Robin and exploring Batman's paternal side. But it doesn't fully commit to the opportunity of its new dynamics to elevate the storytelling, and the emotion borders on cheesy when sharper writing could have lent more impact.

24 🎐 💝 Batman: Bad Blood

Bad Blood succeeds at further expanding the Batman family by introducing Batwoman and developing the interpersonal relationships between the characters. Kate Kane's arrival as Batwoman brings a captivating new presence, with her backstory organically integrated into the plot. The family dynamic between Batman, Batwoman, Robin, and Alfred infuses fresh personal drama into the standard save-Gotham storyline.

While the script balances wisecracks with darker themes well, a few plot points feel underexplored. Still, the stellar voice cast including Jason O’Mara, Yvonne Strahovski, and Stuart Allan delivers nuanced performances that lend emotional impact to the relationships. The animation impresses with fluid, fast-paced fight sequences. Rather than relying on Batman's brand, Bad Blood crafts an ensemble narrative that complicates his character in compelling ways.

Seeing Batman unmasked as the more vulnerable Bruce Wayne allows room for substantive development. With confident storytelling and excellent character work, Bad♛ Blood expands the potential of the animated universe.

23 Batman: The Doom That Caꦑme to Gotham

Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham impressively brings t💎he fre🌠aky Elseworlds comic to life through its creepy supernatural vibe. Dropping Batman into a gothic 1920s setting and pitting him against ancient evil forces like demons and cults puts a fresh horror spin on Bat-lore. The stellar voice cast led by David Giuntoli nails the brooding tone of this Batman wrestling with his dark destiny.

While cameos from other DC characters can distract, the occult-noir style pulls you into the eerie Gotham of the past. From demonic transformations to unsettling designs, the animation kicks butt at realizing the freaky threats. Rather than just banking on Batman's brand, Doom crafts a compelling weird alternate take filled with atmosphere. Seeing Bruce evolve into a monster 'Bat' to defeat the big bad adds heavy complexity.

The mature content and violence help it stand out from the usual DC cartoon fare. Some plot points feel rushed, but overall Doom impresses with how well it adapts the comic's tone and mythos. It expands what's possible in Batman stories by mashing-up eldritch mythology with his world.

22 Batman: Mystery Of The ꧒Batwoman

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is one of the more inventive Batman cartoons thanks to its rad new lead. Bringing Batwoman into the mix and making her identity a mystery for Bats to uncover is definitely something that keeps you on the hook. Even the suspects like Kathleen, Rocky, and Sonia are all complex, with cool flashback origin stories, which is something that's rare for the animated Batman movies.

Seeing Batman forced to team up with an unknown vigilante makes for funny conflicts even as they kick butt together against Penguin's gang. While the viral weapon plot feels a bit routine, Batwoman brings personality with her specialized tech and banter with Bats. The voice acting is solid, especially Kyra Sedgwick as the sassy titular character.

By the finale, you're invested in Batwoman's backstory and her uneasy team-up with Batman. Mystery of the Batwoman avoids just coasting on Batman's rep by crafting an original plot focused on this strong new heroine. Mostly because the mystery angle keeps things fresher than a basic Batman vs. villains story.

21 🐠 Batman And Harley Quinn

Batman and Harley Quinn shakes up thꦅe standa𒅌rd dynamic by forcing Batman to team up with his nemesis Harley, delivering a fun twist on the usual Bat-formula. Harley Quinn brings her signature irreverent humor to the mix as she and Batman reluctantly join forces to take down Poison Ivy.

The road trip vibe lets Harley's chaotic energy collide hilariously with Batman's stoic grit. Melissa Rauch nails the tone as Harley, while Kevin Conroy is perfect as the perpetually annoyed Caped Crusader. Seeing Harley play anti-hero offers fresh laughs, like her misguided attempts to reform. The mature humor and violence bring a distinct edge to this buddy adventure. While the environmental threat of the plant monsters is pretty standard, Harley's unpredictable presence keeps things lively.

Trading in the brooding tone for quirky character dynamics, this mismatched team-up delivers a fun vehicle for Harley Quinn to wreak havoc on Batman's world. Plot-wise, the movie doesn't really offer you much, but it's definitely an amusing twist on the formula that highlights the upside of shaking up established dynamics.