Marvel and DC dominate the superhero genre, each with its own approach to storytelling. Marvel tends to balance its content with a mix of light-heartedness and seriousness, aiming for broad appeal. In contrast, DC often delves into the darker, more intense corners of superhero narratives.
When discussing DC’s darker side, Batman inevitably comes up. His brooding nature, grim environment, and an array of unsettling adversaries make him a quintessential figure in exploring the shadowy realms of superhero stories.
This somber tone translates into both live-action and animated films, where Batman’s stories often push the boundaries of conventional superhero fare. The movies spotlight a range of grim elements from twisted villains and their sinister deeds to dark conspiracies and unsettling atmospheres.
Whether it’s the psychological depth of his rogues’ gallery or the bleakness of Gotham City, Batman’s cinematic portrayals frequently venture into territory that is as haunting as it is compelling, showcasing a unique facet of superhero media that revels in darkness.
10. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
As the inaugural film of the DC Animated Universe (DCAU), Batman: Mask of the Phantasm delves into a gripping narrative where Bruce Wayne contends with a mysterious new killer terrorizing Gotham. This killer’s trail leads Bruce back to his own past, intertwining his quest with the enigmatic Phantasm and the ever-dangerous Joker.
Batman faces the dual challenge of handling these menacing threats while unraveling a complex mystery, revealing the character’s most profound and shadowy facets.
Instead of relying on conventional dark movie tropes, Mask of the Phantasm focuses on Bruce’s internal conflicts and his promise to his parents to craft a somber and intense story. Although the film is set within the familiar world of Batman: The Animated Series, it elevates the tone by portraying its characters, especially the Joker, in a more ominous and mature light.
This serious approach contributes to a subtly eerie atmosphere, positioning Mask of the Phantasm as one of the most compelling and darkest Batman films ever made.
9. The Dark Knight (2008)
In Christopher Nolan’s sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight continues Bruce’s life as Batman, this time facing his most difficult physical and mental challenge. With the Joker on a killing rampage, he demands Batman reveal his identity, or the chaos will continue. As the Joker proves all it takes is one bad day, Batman must play into his game to stop the maniac.
With “Dark” right in the title, fans knew this movie would deliver. However, what makes the film so dark is the Joker and his twisted ideals, which see the steady downfall of many previously respected individuals. This haunting philosophy is so scary because it proves itself correct in many instances, leaving Batman helpless. Heath Ledger’s Joker did more than make iconic Batman quotes but was one of the darkest villains in movie history.
8. Batman vs. Robin (2015)
Whether Damian Wayne’s Robin garners admiration or disdain among fans, there’s no denying his significant role as one of the most impactful characters to wear the mantle. This prominence is reflected in James Gunn’s plans for the DCU, which will spotlight Damian’s complex journey. Batman vs. Robin weaves together various comics to explore Damian’s origins, focusing on his internal conflict with Bruce’s strict no-kill rule.
This tension leads him to the Court of Owls, where he uncovers their disturbing scheme and must reconcile with Batman to thwart it.
From the outset of the film, viewers are thrust into a chilling sequence where the Dollmaker has transformed children into ruthless, mindless assassins. This harrowing scene sets a dark tone, highlighting Robin’s internal struggle with his lethal training from the League of Shadows.
Though the film’s narrative doesn’t escalate beyond this initial darkness, the themes of moral conflict and the sinister influence of the Court of Owls contribute to a notably grim storyline.
7. Batman Returns (1992)
Following upon the success of the first Batman, Batman Returns continues Michael Keaton’s version of the character who now must deal with the Penguin. Things get even more complicated as Catwoman and Max Schrek team up with the waddling menace as he runs for office, plotting to rid themselves of Batman and control Gotham.
Partially what makes Batman Returns so dark is Tim Burton’s iconic gothic style, reinventing Gotham into a ghoulish stylized city. With a haunting city comes even scarier villains, with both the Penguin and Catwoman leaning into the bizarrely horrific tone.
The horror aspects and Penguin’s chilling backstory create a surprisingly dark and fantastic movie, considering it has its fair share of campiness.
6. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and 2 (2012 and 2013)
While these are two separate movies, they continue the same story of an aging Batman in an apocalyptic setting. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns adapts the revolutionary comic of the same name, taking Bruce on one last adventure as Batman. With the young and brash mutants taking over Gotham, Batman deals with them swiftly before taking on the Joker and Superman in the second movie.
The dark and depressing setting of a world in turmoil and the most vicious fiends in control paints a horrifying picture. The weathered Batman also tells fans just what the character has gone through. From the Joker’s death and final killing spree to the fight between Batman and Superman in a nuclear winter, the bleak future alone makes this movie one of the darkest and most thrilling DC movies.
5. The Batman (2022)
The Batman 2022 follows Bruce Wayne, now in his second year as Gotham’s vigilante, as he investigates a series of grisly murders targeting Gotham’s elite. The enigmatic Riddler leaves cryptic clues that lead Batman to uncover a web of corruption involving prominent figures in the city, including the powerful Falcone crime family.
Alongside allies like Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and Gotham’s weary police commissioner, James Gordon, Batman delves into the city’s darkest corners. His quest for justice reveals a deep-seated conspiracy that connects to his own past. As the Riddler’s plans become increasingly dangerous, Batman confronts both the personal and systemic rot plaguing Gotham.
The film culminates in a dramatic showdown that forces Batman to reassess his role and approach to fighting crime.
4. Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) centers on Batman grappling with the return of a mysterious vigilante known as the Red Hood, who is waging a violent campaign against Gotham’s criminal underworld. This new figure’s tactics and ruthless methods disturb Batman, especially as he discovers that the Red Hood is actually Jason Todd, the former Robin who was thought to be dead.
Jason resurrected and embittered by his past, seeks vengeance against both Batman and the criminal elements that failed him. As Batman confronts his own guilt and the moral implications of his actions, he must reconcile with the haunting legacy of his former sidekick.
The film explores themes of loss, redemption, and the complexities of justice. In the end, Batman faces a heart-wrenching choice between stopping Jason and understanding the deep-seated pain driving his actions.
3. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) follows Terry McGinnis, the new Batman of a futuristic Gotham, as he faces the reappearance of the Joker, long believed to be dead. The Joker’s return threatens the city and exposes a dark link to Terry’s mentor, Bruce Wayne, who is haunted by his past encounters with the Clown Prince of Crime.
As the Joker enacts a plan of chaos and revenge, Terry struggles to uncover the truth about the Joker’s comeback and its connection to Bruce. The film reveals a disturbing secret about the Joker’s manipulation and his past conflict with Batman. With the help of allies like Barbara Gordon and the Justice League, Terry must confront the Joker and prevent a new wave of destruction.
The story explores themes of legacy, trauma, and the impact of past sins on the present. Ultimately, it forces both Terry and Bruce to confront their darkest fears.
2. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) reimagines Batman in a Victorian-era Gotham City, where Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl to fight crime in a steampunk setting. The film follows Batman as he investigates a series of brutal murders committed by a mysterious figure known as Jack the Ripper. As he delves into the case, Batman uncovers a web of corruption and conspiracy involving Gotham’s elite.
The investigation leads him to confront not only the Ripper but also the darker elements of the city’s history. Batman’s quest to stop the killer forces him to navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and danger. The story blends classic detective noir with gothic horror elements, showcasing a unique and chilling take on the Dark Knight. In the end, Batman must confront his own sense of justice in a city fraught with peril.
1. Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) delves into the origins of the Joker and his twisted relationship with Batman. The film interweaves two storylines: one showing the Joker’s backstory, including his transformation from a failed comedian into a psychopathic criminal, and another focusing on his current scheme to drive Commissioner Gordon insane.
The Joker captures Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), subjecting her to horrific abuse to torment her father and Batman. As Batman races to rescue Barbara and thwart the Joker’s plans, he grapples with the ethical implications of the Joker’s actions and his own methods of justice. The story explores themes of madness, trauma, and the blurred line between sanity and insanity.
The film culminates in a dark and ambiguous ending, reflecting the unsettling nature of the Joker’s influence on Batman’s world.
