19 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm takes the animated world of Batman and expands it onto the big screen. This film captures the essence of Batman: The Animated Series, with its dark and brooding atmosphere, complex storytelling, and stunning animation. It delves deeper into Batman's character, exploring his role as a vigilante and the toll it takes on his personal life. While the TV series focused on episodic adventures, Mask of the Phantasm tells a gripping and suspenseful tale of Batman being wrongly accused of murder. The movie introduces the mysterious Phantasm, a new vigilante assassin, adding a layer of intrigue and suspense to the story. With its talented voice cast, including Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as The Joker, the film brings these iconic characters to life in a way that only animation can.

The New Batman Adventures takes us back to Gotham City, with Batman facing new challenges alongside a revamped cast. This series builds on the success of Batman: The Animated Series, providing fans with a darker and more thrilling storyline. While the animation may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, the show compensates with captivating and well-crafted stories. The return of Dick Grayson as Nightwing adds an extra layer of excitement, while the introduction of Tim Drake as Robin brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Batgirl also takes on a more prominent role in this show, further expanding the Bat-family. With its engaging plotlines and delightful characters, The New Batman Adventures is a must-watch for fans of the Dark Knight.

Justice League, like Batman: The Animated Series, is an exceptional animated series that brings together some of the most powerful heroes to form a formidable team. While Batman battles crime in Gotham City, the Justice League fights for justice on a grander scale. Both shows have a captivating storyline, stunning animation, and well-developed characters. However, Justice League takes it a step further with its supernatural powers and superhuman strength, adding an extra layer of excitement. The writing in Justice League is also commendable, with episodes like "Destroyer" showcasing the best of what a cartoon can offer. The emotional depth in the writing, particularly in scenes like Superman confronting Darkside, is truly remarkable. So, if you loved Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League is a must-watch. It not only expands the universe but also delivers an engaging and thrilling adventure with a touch of superhero emotions.

Justice League Unlimited takes us back to the world of DC comics and the DC animated universe. If you loved Batman: The Animated Series, then you'll definitely enjoy this show. It picks up where the Justice League animated series left off, as the original members of the team are joined by dozens of other heroes from the DC comics universe. Just like Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited has incredible voice work, complex but easy-to-follow storylines, and stunning artwork. It's a must-watch for any fan of the superhero genre. So, if you're looking for more superhero action and a chance to explore the expansive DC universe, Justice League Unlimited is the show for you.

Batman Beyond is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series because it continues the legacy of the Dark Knight in a fresh and futuristic Gotham City. In this series, a young high schooler named Terry McGinnis takes on the mantle of Batman under the guidance of an elderly Bruce Wayne. The cyberpunk setting and updated animation style may initially catch you off guard, but as you delve deeper into the series, you'll appreciate its unique charm. Batman Beyond manages to strike a balance between being a teenage show and staying true to the essence of the original cartoons. It keeps you hooked with its references to past series and the intriguing question of how Batman's legacy will eventually evolve. If you're a fan of the old animated series or the comics, you might find yourself enjoying this show. Give it a chance, and you'll discover why Batman Beyond is a worthy successor to its predecessor.

"Static Shock" is reminiscent of "Batman: The Animated Series" in terms of its superhero storyline set in a city plagued by crime. Both shows feature young protagonists who use their unique powers to fight against evil and protect their community. While "Batman: The Animated Series" focuses on Batman's battles against Gotham City's underworld, "Static Shock" centers around Virgil Hawkins, a teenage boy with electricity-based powers who fights crime as a superhero, with the help of his inventive friend. The similarities between the two shows lie in their shared themes of justice, heroism, and the struggle against powerful adversaries. However, "Static Shock" brings a fresh perspective to the superhero genre by incorporating supernatural powers and exploring the dynamics of friendship. With its engaging animation, action-packed sequences, and witty dialogue, "Static Shock" is a must-watch for fans of "Batman: The Animated Series" who are looking for a new and exciting superhero adventure.

The Lego Batman Movie takes a playful spin on the caped crusader, just like Batman: The Animated Series did back in 1993. Both films showcase Batman's crime-fighting adventures in Gotham City, but with their own unique twists. While Batman: The Animated Series delves into a darker and more serious tone, The Lego Batman Movie adds a comedic touch to the superhero's story. The witty dialogue and clever sight gags in The Lego Batman Movie will keep you entertained throughout, and you'll find yourself chuckling at Batman's self-serving jerk persona. Additionally, The Lego Batman Movie introduces a heartwarming element by exploring Batman's accidental adoption of a teenage orphan who aspires to be his sidekick. It's this blend of humor, action, and heart that sets The Lego Batman Movie apart from its animated predecessor. So if you enjoyed the charm and faithful adaptation of Batman: The Animated Series, you won't want to miss The Lego Batman Movie.

Batman and Harley Quinn is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series because they both feature the iconic portrayal of Batman by Kevin Conroy. His voice takes me back to my childhood, and he perfectly captures the brooding nature of the caped crusader while still allowing for a little fun in the role. Melissa Rauch also delivers a fun take on the character of Harley Quinn, with some depth and really funny lines that make her easy to root for. The supporting characters, including Poison Ivy and The Floronic Man, add depth and motivation to the story. However, while Batman: The Animated Series had terrific animation, storylines, character development, and action sequences, the ending of Batman and Harley Quinn feels abrupt and unsatisfying. Additionally, the script includes some childish humor that seems out of place for a film that is not aimed at kids.

Justice League Action is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series, but with a twist. While both shows fall under the umbrella of DC Comics and share common themes like superheroes and 2D animation, Justice League Action takes a more fast-paced and action-oriented approach. The show dives headfirst into thrilling battles and explosive moments, leaving little room for extensive character development or intricate storytelling. Unlike Batman: The Animated Series, which was known for its brilliant animation, storylines, and character development, Justice League Action prioritizes action above all else. However, if you're a fan of the '90s superhero animated series and crave non-stop excitement, Justice League Action is worth checking out. Just don't expect the same level of depth and nuance as its predecessor.

Gargoyles. Released in 1994, this series reminds me of Batman: The Animated Series. Both shows are animated gems from the 90s that captivated audiences with their dark and mysterious settings. While Batman battles crime in Gotham City, the gargoyles protect modern New York City, just as they did in Scotland a thousand years earlier. Both shows feature a strong sense of justice and a group of heroes fighting for what is right. However, Gargoyles brings a fantastical element to the table with its steampunk aesthetics and mythical creatures. The show's lovable characters, like Brooklyn, Lexington, Goliath, and more, make it an absolute delight to watch. So, if you enjoyed Batman: The Animated Series and want to dive into a world filled with gargoyle heroes and epic adventures, Gargoyles is a must-watch.

The Batman is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series in its portrayal of the Dark Knight's crime-fighting adventures in Gotham City. While the former had a shaky start, it eventually found its stride and became more promising and watchable, just like its predecessor. Both shows take a unique approach to the characters, with The Batman making bold statements through its character redesigns, such as the Joker's new look. Die-hard fans may be disappointed by the differences, but The Batman has improved over time and now stands on more solid ground. With a compelling storyline and engaging action sequences, this series is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed Batman: The Animated Series.

Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a delightful movie that will bring back fond memories of Batman: The Animated Series. Both films share the commonality of featuring the iconic Batman character, but take different approaches in their storytelling. While Batman: The Animated Series is a series that delves deep into the world of Gotham City, Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold brings together the Scooby-Doo gang and Batman to battle villains from both their worlds. The humor in Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold is top-notch, with great voice acting and characters that will keep you entertained throughout the film. So if you're a fan of the DCAU and looking for a fun and nostalgic experience, don't hesitate to watch Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

Superman: The Animated Series is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series because both shows are part of the DC Animated Universe and share similar animation styles, storytelling techniques, and character development. While Batman focuses on the Dark Knight's battle against crime in Gotham City with the occasional help of Robin and Batgirl, Superman centers around the last son of Krypton protecting his adoptive home of Earth as the greatest of the superheroes. Both shows have an impressive voice cast, with Kevin Conroy as Batman and Tim Daly as Superman, and feature a wide array of villains that add depth and excitement to the storylines. However, what sets Superman apart is its exploration of Superman's vulnerability and the emotional challenges he faces, such as losing a good friend to Darkseid and battling schemes by Lex Luthor involving a cyborg named Metallo. Superman: The Animated Series is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fresh take on the iconic superhero, combining thrilling action, intriguing storylines, and memorable characters.

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series as it captures the essence of Gotham City's dark and corrupt underworld. Both movies delve into the crime-ridden city and showcase the struggles of Batman as he fights against the forces of evil. However, while Batman: The Animated Series is a series that beautifully explores the world of Batman with its brilliant animation, character development, and storylines, Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One takes a more cinematic approach, delivering a dark, atmospheric, and suspenseful crime drama. With its excellent animation, great voice acting from Jensen Ackles as Batman and Troy Baker as Joker, and the directorial prowess of Chris Palmer, this film is a must-watch for fans of the Caped Crusader. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare to be captivated by the gripping tale of Batman's battle against the Falcone crime family and the enigmatic Holiday killer.

Justice League vs the Fatal Five is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series because both movies are based on DC Comics and feature well-known characters from the DC universe. While Batman: The Animated Series focuses on the Dark Knight's battles against crime in Gotham City, Justice League vs the Fatal Five follows the Justice League as they face off against the Fatal Five, a group of supervillains. Both movies have elements of action and adventure, with engaging storylines and well-developed characters. However, Justice League vs the Fatal Five introduces newer qualities found in the more recent DC Universe movies and features a new Green Lantern character, adding a fresh and likeable element to the film. Overall, Justice League vs the Fatal Five brings together familiar settings and characters with a positive vibe, making it a must-watch for fans of the DC universe.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series because both are animated series based on DC Comics characters. While Batman: The Animated Series is known for its faithful adaptation of the Dark Knight, Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons offers a mature animation for grown-ups. The main_movie focuses on Batman's battles against crime in Gotham City, with occasional help from Robin and Batgirl, while the similar_movie follows the story of Deathstroke, a super-assassin who made a tragic mistake and is now facing the threat of his family being harmed. Both series fall under the genres of Animation, Action, Adventure, and Crime, but Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons also incorporates elements of Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, and Thriller. While Batman: The Animated Series has received numerous nominations and acclaim, Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons offers a different tone and target audience, appealing to those who enjoy more mature and dark storytelling.

Beware the Batman takes us back to Gotham City, where Batman once again fights crime and faces the underworld. While it may not be as iconic as Batman: The Animated Series, this show brings its own unique flavor to the table. Sure, it may take some time to adjust to the new look, but trust me, it's worth it. The voice cast is strong, and the writing is more sophisticated than previous animated Batman shows. Beware the Batman also introduces us to new villains and puts a spotlight on Batman's detective skills. It takes risks with characters like Alfred, borrowing from the Earth One/Sean Connery take. It's not a perfect show, but it's definitely an interesting evolution of the Batman story. So give it a chance, because as we know, Batman is a character that can adapt to any situation and still come out on top.

Harley Quinn is reminiscent of Batman: The Animated Series as both are animated shows set in Gotham City and centered around iconic DC Comics characters. While Batman: The Animated Series focuses on the Dark Knight's battle against crime, Harley Quinn follows the journey of the titular character as she sets off to make a name for herself in Gotham. Both shows boast a strong voice cast, with Kevin Conroy lending his voice to Batman in the former, and Kaley Cuoco delivering an outstanding performance as Harley Quinn in the latter. Additionally, both shows feature a blend of action, adventure, and crime genres, with a touch of mystery and sci-fi. However, Harley Quinn differentiates itself by infusing dark comedy and fantasy elements into its narrative, bringing a fresh and unique take on the DC universe. With its well-developed characters, hilarious dialogue, and distinct animation style, Harley Quinn is a must-watch for adults and fans of DC films.