Top 10 Animated DC Movies

Nov 10

Justice League Unlimited — Image Source: YaBoii_Sid

The DCEU has had its problems with establishing a live-action set universe, from actors losing interest, and movies not doing as well as hoped, to a fanbase frustrated with the constant restructuring. On the other end of the spectrum, animated DC films have consistently been amazing, with emotional plot lines, dependable voice actors, and a perfect balance of comedy and drama that sets them apart from their competitors.

10. Batman: Hush

This may be one of the most underrated films on this list. Set later in the cape crusaders' life, it delves into the duality of Batman’s relationship with Selena Kyle (Catwoman). Chock-full of cameos that include Bane, The Joker, Nightwing, Superman, Batgirl, Poison Ivy, Damian Wayne, and Lady Shiva, the story never feels too full or rushed. The huge ensemble cast compliment each other rather than competes for attention. The love story between Batman and Catwoman is done well, and the villain reveal at the end is one for the books.

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9. Justice League: War

The follow-up to the Flashpoint Paradox is the perfect place for a new fan to start. It showcases our favorite heroes at the beginning of their journeys, as they came together to fight Darkseid. In this (new) universe, the Justice League does not exist yet, Batman is considered a myth or a criminal, and Aquaman is nowhere to be found. Our heroes are barely acquainted, and some have yet to receive their powers. This all changes when Parademons attack Earth and force our heroes (unwillingly at first) to come together. The chain of events gives Cyborg his gifts and allows the heroes to be seen in a more positive light.

The movie does a great job of subtly showing the differences from the last timeline. We see Superman and Wonder Woman flirt during a battle, implying a romance between them, instead of Clark with Lois and Diana with Steve Trevor. Shazam's power resides only with Billy Batson instead of being split among his family.

8. The LEGO Batman Movie

A spinoff of the highly successful LEGO Movie, The LEGO Batman Movie surprises fans with how well it is done. It is of course, fun and easy to watch, but it is also layered in such a way that helps bring a part of Batman to life that is often ignored, which is his loneliness.

During a fight with The Joker, Batman reveals that he doesn’t consider the Clown Prince of Crime to be his arch-nemesis. He states, “I don’t need you, I don’t need anyone.” This, of course, rings untrue, and by the end of the movie, he realizes that without Alfred, his newly adopted son (Robin), the new Commissioner (Batgirl), and even his arch-nemesis, he would not have been successful. Full of dozens of cameos, a beatboxing Batman, and amazing animation, this movie is a must-see.

7. Batman: Year One

This amazing film from 2011 brings the work of Miller and Mazzucchelli to life. The movie focuses on the parallels between Batman and Gordon as they wade through crime in Gotham. The movie's tone, voiceovers, and pace are incredible. It shows a Batman not yet at peak form and Gordon (not yet commissioner) stymied by the corruption in his office. The two storylines come crashing together in an explosive climax that results in both having to set aside their differences and work together.

6. Justice League Vs. Teen Titans

The seventh film in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) film catalog starts with an explosive battle between the Justice League and the Legion of Doom. The League has the battle well in hand when one of the Flash’s enemies is possessed by Trigon and becomes near unstoppable. Robin (Damian Wayne) saves the day (momentarily) by himself. However, an angry Batman forces him to work on his teamwork and sends him to train with the Teen Titans.

After getting off on the wrong foot, Damian slowly becomes a part of the group. When Raven’s father possesses members of the League, it is up to Robin to lead the young assortment of heroes against their superior mentors. The action in the film is some of the best in the DCAU catalog and introduces the Teen Titans perfectly.

5. Justice League: Dark

Constantine Hellblazer — Image Source: HDQwalls

When paranormal activity begins to claim the lives of civilians across the world, Batman is forced to team up with Constantine, Zatanna, and Boston Brand. This adventure perfectly introduces the darker elements of the DC universe as the motley crew of “heroes” embarks on a mission that throws them in the path of the lesser-known characters of the DC world. Etrigan and Swamp Thing are just some of the personalities that expand the story and give the movie a fresh feel. The movie has a blistering pace, and the introduction of the more magical elements forces Batman to rely heavily on his new allies. The movie also balances the previous romance with Zatanna and Constantine without ever deterring it from the plot.

4. The Dark Knight Returns Part One And Two

As one of the greatest Batman stories ever told, these movies are brutal and violent and also provide a dark social commentary on the real world. Bruce Wayne (now much older) comes out of retirement to combat the savagery that has engulfed Gotham. The aged Caped Crusader faces off one last time with the Joker, Two-Face, a vicious gang called the “mutants,” and has a showdown with the Man of Steel himself. The movie was a huge inspiration for the DCEU film Batman v Superman. Both parts do an amazing job of giving the fans a satisfying conclusion to the Dark Knight‘s tale.

3. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

The Flashpoint Paradox is one of the greatest stories ever told. Set in an alternate future where the world faces Armageddon and the Flash does not have his powers, Barry Allen must discover a way to set things right. After an explosive intro that includes Barry facing (and defeating) most of his enemies, he wakes up in a world where his mother is alive, but the world is on the brink of war. A vicious Batman uses guns, Superman is nowhere to be found, and Aquaman and Wonder Woman are out for each other’s blood. After convincing Thomas Wayne to help him, Barry Allen sets off to find a way to correct the timeline but must do so before time runs out.

This movie constantly keeps the viewer on his toes as it shows us our favorite heroes (and villains) meeting their demise. It keeps us wondering until the end how it will all work out.

2. Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm

In a time when Batman movies had become overly comical and campy, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was a breath of fresh air. This animated movie presented a grounded storyline that even drew praise from tough critics like Siskel and Ebert.

Based on the fan-favorite Batman: The Animated Series, the movie shows Bruce Wayne at the top of his game. However, underneath it all, he is haunted by the memory of his ex Andrea Beaumont. The film follows a linear path but throws in several flashbacks that help fill out the mysteries of the story. As Batman gets closer to the vigilante known as the Phantasm, the two plot lines crash together, and he learns “the one that got away” is the mysterious villain that has been terrorizing certain criminals in an attempt to get revenge for her slain father and the life that was robbed of her.

The film features fan favorites Kevin Conroy as Batman, and Mark Hamill as The Joker, and is a fitting end to the animated series.

1. Batman: Under The Red Hood

Widely considered one of the best-adapted DC films, Under the Red Hood tells the story of Jason Todd’s return to Gotham. After an explosive introduction where we see The Joker murder (the second) Robin, the story jumps five years into the future when a figure known as the Red Hood has taken over the drug trade. As Batman investigates, he learns that Ra’s al Ghul has taken the body of his fallen comrade and resurrected him in the Lazarus Pit. Batman is then forced to deal with his past and what he calls his biggest failure. His code demands that he stops Jason, but his guilt pushes him toward helping his former apprentice.

The movie is violent, fast-paced, and concludes in an amazing stand-off that puts Batman’s morals to the ultimate test.

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