Top 10 Timeless Episodes of Batman: The Animated Series That Will Blow Your Mind Even after 28 Years

Summary

The list of best Batman: The Animated Series includes "Heart of Ice", which reinvented Mr. Freeze by telling a new origin story.

"Joker's Favor" is another significant episode that introduced Harley Quinn, now an iconic character in DC Comics.

"One of the essential Batman: TAS episodes is "Nothing to Fear", featuring Kevin Conroy's iconic line "I am Batman" and providing a profound character study."

Several of the finest episodes from Batman: The Animated Series have grown even more significant after three decades since the show first premiered. Warner Bros. commissioned the Batman animated series following the success of Tim Burton's Batman in 1989. This was done in conjunction with the release of Batman Returns, as part of a strategic plan to maximize brand synergy for the sequel. While Batman: The Animated Series drew inspiration from Burton's version of Batman to some extent, it retained its own continuity and featured a different creative team. With its accurate portrayal of Batman characters and fresh interpretations of the Dark Knight's mythology, Batman: TAS boasted numerous incredible episodes.

Almost every popular Batman villain or important aspect of Bruce Wayne's journey was showcased in an outstanding episode of Batman: The Animated Series. The show adapted classic comic book moments while also establishing its own narrative. Additionally, it served as the starting point for the timeline of the DC Animated Universe, which encompassed other shows like Batman Beyond and Justice League. Despite the countless adaptations of Batman in films, television shows, and video games over the past 30 years, revisiting Batman: TAS confirms its enduring timelessness. Presented here are 10 of the most exceptional episodes from Batman: The Animated Series that remain just as captivating 28 years later.

10 Season 1, Episode 3, “Heart Of Ice”

9 Season 1, Episode 7, “Joker’s Favor”

The impact of Batman: The Animated Series on Batman and the entire DC universe goes beyond the introduction of characters like Harley Quinn into the comic books. This iconic show also revitalized classic Batman villains, most notably Mr. Freeze. Prior to the episode "Heart of Ice," Mr. Freeze was a run-of-the-mill tech-based adversary, relying solely on a freezing-gun gimmick. However, Batman: The Animated Series breathed new life into the character by presenting a gripping origin story in "Heart of Ice," which won an Emmy award. In this episode, Victor Freeze seeks revenge against those accountable for a tragedy involving his wife. With its masterful storytelling, "Heart of Ice" remains a timeless gem from Batman: The Animated Series.

Batman: The Animated Series was consistently captivating, but whenever Mark Hamill graced the screen as the Joker, something truly extraordinary unfolded. "Joker's Favor" stands out among the remarkable Joker-centered episodes, and its significance has only grown over the course of 28 years. This particular episode marked the debut of Harley Quinn in the DC universe, crafted by the brilliant minds of Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Originally portrayed as a mere accomplice to the Joker, Harley's influence within the series rapidly expanded. Today, she has evolved into a revered DC Comics icon, making appearances in numerous literary works, films, TV shows, and video games.

8 Season 1, Episode 10, “Nothing To Fear”

Kevin Conroy’s portrayal of Batman will forever be associated with the character. Conroy has voiced Batman in various adaptations over the years, but it is in the scene from Batman: The Animated Series' "Nothing to Fear" where his Batman performance truly shines. The memorable line "I am vengeance... I am the night... I am Batman," referenced even in modern adaptations like Matt Reeves' The Batman, originates from this particular episode. Here, Batman confronts Scarecrow, who uses a toxin to challenge Bruce's beliefs and question if his parents would approve of his actions. "Nothing to Fear" serves as a profound character study and is considered an essential Batman story.

7 Season 1, Episodes 17-18, “Two-Face”

The transformation of Harvey Dent into Two-Face was depicted in a compelling two-part episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Titled "Two-Face," this storyline delved into the friendship between Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent before the latter's transformation into a Batman nemesis. It borrowed elements from the comics while also introducing fresh elements to Dent's narrative. Similar to the acclaimed episode "Heart of Ice," "Two-Face" went beyond being a mere "villain of the week" story, instead delivering an intense and emotionally driven narrative that delved into the psychological depths of Harvey Dent's character. Even after three decades since its release, "Two-Face" remains one of the finest, if not the finest, portrayals of Two-Face's origin story in any form of media.

6 Season 1, Episode 26, “Perchance to Dream”

5 Season 1, Episode 32, “Beware Of The Ghost”

Batman's character was fully explored in Batman: The Animated Series, surpassing even the depth found in most comics and other adaptations. Despite its target audience being younger viewers, this episodic 20-minute cartoon delivered some of the most compelling introspective moments of Bruce Wayne's life. One notable example is the episode titled "Perchance to a Dream," in which Bruce wakes up in an alternate reality where he is not Batman, his parents are still alive, and he has built a family with Selina Kyle. This poignant and mesmerizing episode encapsulates the essence of Batman's character and delves into themes that continue to resonate in contemporary portrayals of Bruce Wayne.

Batman: The Animated Series incorporated various iconic elements of Batman's mythos from DC Comics. However, the show also developed its own unique mythology, some of which would later become part of the official DC canon. One notable example is the Gray Ghost, a fictional character within the show who Bruce Wayne watched as a child. In the episode "Beware of the Ghost," Batman finds himself investigating a series of crimes linked to Simon Trent, the actor who portrayed the Gray Ghost on this TV series. Adding to its significance, the late Adam West, known for his portrayal of Batman in the classic 1966 Batman series, provided the voice for the Gray Ghost in Batman: TAS. This further elevates the significance of this particular episode.

4 Season 1, Episode 34, “I Am The Night”

Of all the character-focused episodes in Batman: The Animated Series, "I Am the Night" stands out as possibly the finest. After Jim Gordon is attacked and admitted to intensive care, Batman begins to question the very purpose of his mission. The fact that Gordon's age now matched that of Thomas Wayne when he tragically died only deepened Batman's anguish. The powerful imagery of Batman gazing into the abyss, pondering whether his efforts were truly making a difference in Gotham City, once again highlighted the profound understanding of the character by the writers of Batman: The Animated Series. With hindsight, "I Am the Night" emerges as one of the most somber and thought-provoking episodes of Batman: TAS.

3 Season 1, Episode 35, “Almost Got ‘im”

One of the reasons behind Batman's immense success is its collection of supervillains, famously known as the "rogues gallery." These iconic evildoers have played a crucial role in shaping the Batman franchise throughout pop culture history. Batman: TAS not only presented a brilliant portrayal of Batman but also introduced remarkable versions of the classic villains. "Almost Got 'Im" perfectly showcases the captivating and enjoyable nature of the villains in Batman: TAS, elevating the overall quality of the show. This episode brings together Penguin, Poison Ivy, the Joker, Two-Face, and Killer Croc for a poker night where they share their personal encounters of nearly capturing Batman. It is a timeless episode that flawlessly captures the essence of these unforgettable villains.

2 Season 2, Episode 9, “Trial”

“Trial” was yet another remarkable episode of Batman: The Animated Series that revolved around the villains. In this particular episode, the Joker assumes the role of a judge while Batman finds himself on trial, held accountable for all the chaos inflicted upon Gotham's criminals, including iconic characters such as Penguin and the Riddler. Despite the utter absurdity of the situation, "Trial" delves into the ongoing debate regarding whether Batman is to blame for the proliferation of supervillains in Gotham. This concept of Batman's actions inadvertently fueling the rise of supervillains has been explored in numerous narratives, notably in DC Comics' "The Long Halloween" and Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. By intertwining the delightful characteristics of its villains with a thought-provoking Batman discourse, "Trial" delivers an exceptional episode.

1 The New Batman Adventures Episode 11, “Over The Edge”

The inclusion of The New Batman Adventures within Batman: The Animated Series is a topic open for debate. However, it is undeniable that both share the involvement of the same creative team. In fact, Max categorizes The New Batman Adventures as the third season of Batman: The Animated Series. Irrespective of this debate, "Over the Edge" stands out as one of the most remarkable episodes within the "Timmverse." In this episode, Batgirl tragically meets her end, leading Commissioner Gordon to hold Batman accountable. As bizarre occurrences unfold, the Bat Family unites to confront these extraordinary challenges. While The New Batman Adventures generally possessed a more lighthearted tone compared to the early episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, "Over the Edge" presented a notably dark narrative that testes Batman's limits.