Top 5 Animated Features Starring the Caped Crusader

 From the debut of Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, DC Entertainment set a standard for nothing less than dynamic, and exciting full length animated features based on comic book story lines we love with classic characters from all corners of the DC Universe. While movies featuring multiple fan favorites like Superman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Harley Quinn and the Joker are increasing popular, movies starring everyone's favorite caped crusader continue to make their impression. In preparation for the highly anticipated release of one on the most iconic Joker story lines, Batman: The Killing Joke , here is my list of the Top 5 Batman animated features.

5. Son of Batman

For me, there is nothing like the tumultuous relationship of Bruce and his son Damian. Son of Batman, is an exciting story of what happens when Bruce tries to connect with a Damian, who was trained that to kill was the only option to achieve peace, by Ra's Al Ghul and The League of Assassins. After Ra's is brutally murdered by his old protege Deathstroke, Damian is set on destroying him but Bruce want to teach Damian that there is another way. 

4. Batman: Year One

A powerful intersection of Jim Gordon's first days in Gotham, and Bruce Wayne's first days as Batman. Gordon is faced with Gotham's crippling justice system, which has become a breeding ground for dirty cops who revel in their power. Bruce can no longer hide in the shadows while his city cripples in front of him. He chooses to use the shadows to instill fear the criminals of Gotham. 

3) Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

This story line based on the comic is so epic they split it into two parts. It's been 10 years since the last sighting Batman and Gotham is in a state of utter mayhem with a new gang, who refer to themselves as mutants, terrorizing the city with no apparent pattern, or morals. Once Batman returns it brings new life to the Joker who has been in a fugue state for years. The movie includes not only an epic fight between The Joker and Batman, but also a knock down, drag out fight between Batman and the Man of Steel. (A fight scene that may have inspired Zack Snyder)

Part 2 Trailer can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKL77bzytkY 

2) Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

The first of it's Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, was the only DC Animated feature to have a theatrical release. Arguably one of the best musically scored Batman features, this 1993 classic is truly times. A story that seamless connects Bruce Wayne's past to his present. A MUST SEE!

1) Batman: Under the Red Hood

Arguably one the most heart wrenching images in the DC comic canon is that of Batman holding Jason Todd's body after he's been beaten to death by The Joke. Under the Red Hood examines the ripple this event has on not only Bruce, but Gotham as well. The Red Hood is a well known criminal in Gotham, due to the fact that multiple men has adapted the persona. The most infamous being The Joker, before an accident turned him in to the psychopath we love to hate. The new Red Hood, is a ruthless killer who is dangerously encroaching on the current king of Gotham Crime's Turf. This one of a kind feature is also home to one of the best final scenes to date. Nightwing, The Joker, Ra's Al Ghul, and Black Mask are some of the stand out characters.