5 Animated Batman episodes to watch on Batman Day 2024

DC Comics’ animated projects are part of the reason Batman became a household name. The Tim Burton movies helped, but the cartoons brought the Caped Crusader back into homes. As time passed, people recognized Kevin Conroy as the best Batman and Bruce Wayne ever. He's *the* voice of the Dark Knight. He remains the voice people hear years after his death.

With Batman Day 2024 here (or gone depending on when you read this), it felt like a good time to give fans five animated episodes of Batman that they will enjoy for different reasons. Sure, you’ll see some of these are focused on the villains, but you’ll get the entire story after you watch (or rewatch) the episodes listed.

Sympathy for the villain

Episode: Batman the Animated series: Heart of Ice

Heart of Ice has to start this list. It’s the best representation of Batman: The Animated Series. The episode begins with one of Batman’s best villains Mr. Freeze who successfully grabs another item to build his weapon. Batman immediately displays his detective skills by figuring out Mr. Freeze’s plan. Then the action ensues and we see that Freeze is fully prepared for the Dark Knight. As the episode continues, the tragedy that led to the creation of a new Gotham City villain is revealed.

The ending of the episode made sympathy for Victor Fries easier. While he’s in prison, Victor poetically talks to his deceased wife saying that he failed her. And, after saying earlier that he can’t cry, tears run down Victor’s face as Batman watches from a distance. The Dark Knight won, but it didn’t seem like a victory.

It was a big rock

Episode: Batman the Animated Series: Almost Got ‘Im

None of the villains have beaten Batman, but they’ve all gotten close. Since they can’t claim victory, they discuss their greatest plans over a card game. Each antagonist explains their strategy, gimmicks, and how they “Almost got him.” Even Killer Croc weighs in with his elegant plan of throwing a rock at Batman. In his defense, it was a big rock.

Of course, Joker had the biggest and best story. However, like every villain in this episode, the Clown Prince of Crime’s scheme was thwarted. This time, in an unexpected way. The episode ends with the person who truly almost got the Caped Crusader.

Why'd you stay with me all day?

Episode: Batman the Animated Series: Harley’s Holiday

Harley Quinn was supposed to appear in one episode and disappear. It was clear after her first appearance that she needed to be more than just Joker’s sidekick. That’s where Harley’s Holiday comes in. It was the first time viewers saw that Harley Quinn should make a heel turn and stop being a villain.

When things got bad, she reverted to her old life and costume. But you could see it wasn’t her fault. She tried hard, but she was released too early. Harley just needed more time and mental health help. As we’ve seen from her current popularity, Harley’s Holiday was only the beginning of Harley's redemption. 

It's their game and their rules

Episode: Batman the Animated: Trial

Is Batman responsible for Two-Face, Scarecrow, and other costumed menaces in Gotham City? Lawyer Janet Van Dorn thinks so. Van Dorn is right that Batman is breaking the law. However, he’s the only thing stopping Joker, Poison Ivy, and Riddler from being more destructive than they already are. The funny part is the villains created The Trial of Batman but knew he wasn’t the cause of their crimes. They admit their themes would be different, but they'd remain criminals.

This was a fun episode that people don’t mention when they talk about the best of Batman: The Animated Series. It doesn’t have the depth of Heart of Ice and doesn’t introduce a new villain, but it has a lot of replay value. I highly recommend watching this one on Batman Day.

He sat with her until her time came

Episode: Justice League Unlimited: Epilogue 

The biggest misconception about Batman is that he’s cold-hearted. He’s oblivious to social cues at times, but he understands feelings. In this episode of Justice League of Unlimited, we see this in a way rarely depicted even in the comics.

What starts with Terry McGinnis learning that he’s genetically related to Bruce Wayne turns into the story of who Batman really is. He’s more than a vigilante who punches villains. He’s a man with morals and cares about the bottom line. Sometimes the bottom line is staying with a kid as she’s about to die.