5 Animated Batman Movies Better Than Batman: Knightfall

The adaptation of the iconic comic book storyline, Batman: Knightfall, had its first part released in August. The reviews are praising the film, with some even comparing it to Mask of the Phantasm, which is often regarded as one of the best animated Batman films. While another part is due, Knightfall seems to be headed towards the hall of fame.

While Batman in live-action has had its upsets, DC animation has almost consistently nailed the Caped Crusader. Be it on TV or in movies, there have been some banger solo Batman outings. While Batman: Knightfall may be a great adaptation, here are five DC animated films that are better than it, ranked.

5 Batman: Year One

This is not the only adaptation of a Frank Miller classic on this list, but Year One did a brilliant job taking the comic and fleshing it out. Set in the initial years of Batman’s vigilante activities, we see a rusty but good-natured Bruce begin his crime-fighting. While Ben McKenzie does a commendable Batman, Bryan Cranston hits out of the park as Gordon.

The film is quite grounded in its tone, and its street-levelness makes it stand out among other, grander stories of the Caped Crusader. The young Batman stories, Cranston’s performance, and the grounded approach make it better than Batman: Knightfall.

4 Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker

Set in the futuristic Batman Beyond continuity, this film has teenage successor Terry McGinnis confronting a resurrected Joker while uncovering disturbing secrets about Bruce Wayne’s past with the original Robin. 

Originally censored for its violence before being restored, it is a surprisingly dark, psychologically complex story about legacy and trauma. Mark Hamill delivers one of his most unsettling Joker performances, making this a cult favorite that rivals any modern entry. Terry McGinnis’ presence, the Joker performance, and the insane visuals make the film far superior to Batman: Knightfall.

3 The Dark Knight Returns – Parts 1 & 2

Frank Miller’s iconic graphic novel got one of the best adaptations of all time. The Dark Knight Returns sees a retired Batman step back into the streets of Gotham after things get worse. The city is worse and overridden with a gang called the Mutants, and it needs a hero like Batman. His re-entry into the crime world is one of the best sequences on Batman ever.

Much like how Batman: Knightfall was the major inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises and the Bane fight, the concept of a retired Caped Crusader coming back after years is directly inspired by TDKR. There are two parts to this film, and both are incredible.

2 Batman: Under the Red Hood

Inspired by the ‘Red Hood’ storyline and Death in the Family arc, Batman: Under the Red Hood sees Jason Todd being mercilessly killed by the Joker and Batman doing nothing about it. Todd is resurrected in the Lazarus Pit by Ra’s al Ghul and returns as the Red Hood, wreaking havoc on Gotham and hoping to take revenge on the Joker. While Batman: Knightfall tests Batman’s physical body and breaks him with Bane, Under the Red Hood tests his mental strength and almost breaks him. It is a far closer look into Bruce’s psyche.

Bruce Greenwood’s performance as Batman is great. He perfectly brings in the regret of letting his protege die and not crossing his boundaries with the Joker. However, the standout performance is by John DiMaggio, who plays the Joker. Batman: Under the Red Hood is truly one of the best DC animated films, as its performances and storyline come together in a very organic way.

1 Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

The gold standard. Born out of Batman: The Animated Series, this theatrical feature pairs Bruce Wayne’s origin with a tragic love story involving Andrea Beaumont, whose return coincides with a masked killer targeting Gotham’s mob bosses. 

Directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm, it is atmospheric, emotionally devastating, and arguably the most human Batman story ever animated. Kevin Conroy’s Batman has never been better, and the film’s climax remains one of the character’s finest screen moments. Critics compared Batman: Knightfall with Mask of the Phantasm, with some stating that it was the best animated Batman film since. MoP remains the gold standard for Batman films, and just the incredible performances and visuals put it miles ahead of the others.

Which animated Batman film is your favorite? Comment below.

Batman: Knightfall is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.