There have been plenty of big-budget, live-action versions of Batman, but many fans still point to Batman: The Animated Series as the best adaptation of the comic books. The series ran for four seasons in the early 90s and explored Batman’s battle to keep Gotham safe from various dangerous villains.
Though made as a show for kids, the series embraced the dark aspects of the character and gave some of the defining portrayals of the classic Batman characters. It remains a great show to revisit for Batman fans as well as one new fans should seek out. Here are the best episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, according to IMDb.
The Laughing Fish (8.6)
While there are so many great aspects of this show, probably the most famous and popular is Mark Hamill’s version of Joker. While there are plenty of great takes on Batman’s greatest enemy in the movies, Hamill remains a favorite among many fans and it’s always a treat when he’s front and center in an episode.
“The Laughing Fish” features one of Joker’s more outlandish schemes as he creates a fish with his signature smile and attempts to sell it to the public. Of course, there’s more at play and Batman goes on an action-packed and fun adventure to stop him.
Robin’s Reckoning: Part I (8.7)
Batman’s trusty sidekick Robin is a character that doesn’t always work outside the pages of the comics, but this show proved the character could be done right. This episode explores the origins of the Boy Wonder as Robin is confronted with the man responsible for his parents’ death.
The episode is a heartbreaking and powerful look at a character that doesn’t always get respected. The theme of justice versus revenge is a poignant one for these characters and it’s interesting to see the crimefighting duo put at odds.
The Man Who Killed Batman (8.7)
While the series is filled with some of the most iconic Batman villains, this episode takes a look at a criminal who is quite unexpected. The story follows a wannabe gangster named Sid the Squid who, after an encounter with Batman, seemingly kills the Caped Crusader by accident. As a result, he becomes the most notorious criminal in Gotham which brings unwanted attention.
It’s a classic story of desiring fame and not being able to handle it when one achieves it. Sid makes for an interesting protagonist for the story and there’s a great addition of Joker who is heartbroken about the death of his old nemesis.
Beware The Grey Ghost (8.9)
This show is decidedly different from the Batman series of the 60s, going with a much darker tone. However, this episode does pay homage to what came before in a wonderful way. When a series of crimes are committed that mirror a detective show Bruce Wayne watched as a child called The Grey Ghost, Batman teams up with the actor from that series who is voiced by none other than Adam West.
The role is a surprisingly poignant one for West, mirroring his own career struggles after Batman. However, the episode avoids being just a gimmick and presents a solid story to pay respect to West’s legacy.
Perchance To Dream (8.9)
The show was not afraid to put its hero is extremely difficult situations that not only test him physically but mentally as well. This episode begins with Bruce Wayne waking up and discovering that his life has changed for the better. His parents are alive, he is marrying Selina Kyle and someone else is protecting Gotham as Batman.
The episode is a thrilling and mind-bending torture of Bruce Wayne. He has everything he’s ever wanted but he knows it can’t be true. The intense build-up and eventual reveal are thrilling.
Heart Of Ice (9.0)
Mister Freeze was an established villain in the comics, but the show reimagined him in a way that became the most popular version of the character. This episode is his first appearance which explores his backstory and the reasons behind his life of crime.
Freeze makes for an intimidating villain, but also one of the more sympathetic members of Batman’s Rogue’s gallery. The character becomes a fascinating foe for Batman as well as a complex character in his own right.
Trial (9.1)
There has often been a question of whether or not Batman is doing good or if he’s creating more problems with his vigilantism. “Trial” explores that idea in an incredibly fun way as the inmates take over Arkham Asylum and put Batman on trial with the new distinct attorney who is critical of the Caped Crusader forced to defend him.
Along with exploring interesting aspects of the hero, the show features an all-star roster of Batman’s greatest villains participating in the trail, with the Joker, of course, serving as the judge. It is a fun and interesting entry in the series.
Two-Face Part I (9.1)
This is another look at one of Batman’s more complex villains told in an incredibly intense and heavy story. Harvey Dent is Gotham’s successful district attorney and friend of Bruce Wayne. However, his own anger and personal demons begin to come out as he is threatened by local gangsters.
The gradual downfall of a seemingly heroic character is heartbreaking, especially when seen through Batman’s eyes. The climax of the story is horrific and perfect set-up the story’s conclusion.
Two-Face Part II (9.1)
The conclusion of the origin tale of Two-Face is an even more powerful episode. We see Harvey Dent fully embracing his new life as a criminal. His obsession with the new duality of his identity leads him on a crime spree that Batman attempts to stop him.
Dent’s tragic tale continues to be one of the more powerful character arcs in the show. His turn towards villainy also tortures Bruce Wayne who feels responsible for not saving him. The result is a harrowing look at an iconic villain.
Almost Got ‘Im (9.3)
Batman has one of the best, most entertaining line-up of villains of any superhero and the episodes that bring some of them together are among the series best. “Almost Got ‘Im” is a creative episode that finds some of Batman’s most memorable villains playing poker together and sharing the times they almost got Batman.
The individual stories are fun and perfectly suited to the respective bad guys. It all builds to a clever twist bringing the whole thing together. And Killer Croc’s story is a hilarious moment.
