Over the span of more than a decade, DC stitched together a thrilling shared universe revolving around its legendary superheroes. Launching with Bruce Timm’s Batman: The Animated Series, a show that has aged incredibly well, the DCAU’s TV output came to a close with Justice League Unlimited, an ambitious project that did right by the brand’s expansive roster of icons. Along with its celebrated shows, the DCAU also produced its share of feature films, including releases as recent as 2017 and 2019.
Permitting someone does not absolutely detest Batman, the DCAU’s films are, at worst, a serviceable way to waste 70 minutes. At best, they rank among the greatest superhero movies of all time. Which DCAU movie is the highest-rated on IMDb? Which is the lowest?
8 Batman and Harley Quinn (5.9)
In 2017, fans got treated to a surprise return to the DCAU with Batman and Harley Quinn. Born out of the latter’s rampant popularity, Batman and Harley Quinn serves as a passable showcase of Quinzel’s original incarnation. In many ways, Harley is Batman: The Animated Series‘ greatest creation, an original character who has blossomed into one of DC’s most beloved personalities.
Featuring quite a bit of fan service and an underwhelming storyline, Batman and Harley Quinn comes across as a rather cynical product. This film does not add anything of significance to Harley’s mythos, and it feels especially regressive following the release of the Harley Quinn cartoon series.
7 Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (6.5)
At the moment, Justice League vs. the Fatal Five is the DCAU’s final release. The only film not headlined by Batman, Justice League vs. the Fatal Five plays it somewhat fast and loose with the DCAU’s continuity. That said, it is an entertaining throwback to the art style, voices, and tone of the Justice League cartoons.
In terms of quality, the movie is closer to the decent Justice League than the magnificent Justice League Unlimited. While Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are all brought back, Justice League vs. the Fatal Five also focuses heavily on a new generation of characters, including Jessica Cruz as the Green Lantern. The film handles its heroes well, even if the same cannot be said for the paper-thin villains.
6 Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (6.7)
If it were not for the fact it is a sequel to two vastly superior films, Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman would probably be remembered more fondly. Viewed on its own, this is a fine direct-to-video animated movie that does not strive to deliver anything more substantial than an entertaining adventure.
The titular Batwoman comes with an intriguing backstory and her more destructive form of vigilantism acts as a fascinating parallel to Batman’s morals. Admittedly, this theme is handled better in Batman: Under the Red Hood and another DCAU movie that is yet to come, but that does not invalidate Mystery of the Batwoman‘s efforts.
5 Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (7.2)
In a series overflowing with stellar episodes, “Heart of Ice” stands as something extra special. Batman: The Animated Series presents Mr. Freeze as the ultimate sympathetic antagonist, a character driven to villainy in a desperate attempt to protect the person he holds most dear.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero brings Mr. Freeze’s arc to a satisfying close. When the cryogenic pod keeping Nora alive is broken, Mr. Freeze has to find a live donor to save his wife, prompting him to kidnap Barbara Gordon. SubZero has great animation, a gripping storyline with a moving conclusion, and plenty of memorable action sequences. Mr. Freeze also has pet polar beers, which falls on the right side of campy.
4 Batman Beyond: The Movie (7.8)
This entry is a slight cheat as Batman Beyond: The Movie is just a compilation of six episodes. The focus is primarily on Batman Beyond‘s two-part pilot, “Rebirth,” which chronicles Bruce Wayne’s final days as the Caped Crusader and his eventual passing of the torch to Terry McGinnis.
The compilation includes four other episodes from Batman Beyond‘s opening season, presumably because two 20-minute segments do not make a movie. As Batman Beyond is a great series, this collection is an enjoyable watch and a solid introduction to Terry’s version of the Dark Knight.
3 The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest (7.8)
Another compilation masquerading as a film, The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest at least has the benefit of compiling a three-part storyline. Armed with kryptonite, the Joker makes his way to Metropolis to present Lex Luthor with an offer he cannot refuse; naturally, Batman is not far behind.
While it cannot compare to the DCAU’s proper movies, especially in terms of animation, The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest does work well as a standalone story that brings together prominent characters from Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series.
2 Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (7.8)
Even after all these years, Kevin Conroy’s Batman and Mark Hamill’s Joker are regarded as the definitive TV versions of those characters, and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker provides an endpoint to their rivalry. Despite seemingly dying decades before, Joker makes a comeback to the shock of an elderly Bruce Wayne and a confused Terry McGinnis. Backed by the Jokerz and pursuing a plan farfetched enough to be worthy of the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker has not lost a beat.
Along with paying tribute to the past with a haunting backstory that sets up Joker’s original demise and eventual resurrection, Return of the Joker also highlights Terry’s strengths as the new Batman. The final confrontation between Terry and Joker is fantastic. This movie also spawned a terrible game.
1 Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (7.8)
Released in theatres, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the DCAU at its best. Batman: The Animated Series‘ gothic architecture, mature themes, and splendid voice acting all survive the transition to the big screen in one piece; in fact, Mask of the Phantasm enhances the elements that shined in the TV series.
Acting as something of an origin story for the DCAU’s Batman, Mask of the Phantasm thoroughly explores the man behind the mask as it dives into Bruce Wayne’s past and the future he lost.
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