The 15 Best Episodes of Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: The Animated Series is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated shows of all time, known for its mature storytelling, complex characters, and iconic noir aesthetic. Premiering in 1992, the series resonated with both children and adults and became the definitive version of Batman and his villains for many people. Over its run, the show delivered countless memorable episodes and nearly every character was given their own backstory, making them more than just villains in a mask. In this list, we count down 15 of the best episodes of the show, highlighting the moments that continue to define its legacy.

(Note: This list follows IMDB's season and episode numbers, which divides the series into two seasons and orders the episodes by air date. Three episodes from The New Batman Adventures have been included, which are marked with "TNBA" instead of a season number.)

15. Old Wounds

TNBA Episode 18 (1998)

This episode from The New Batman Adventures dives into the backstory of Dick Grayson's transformation from Robin to Nightwing, shedding light on his falling out with Batman. Through a series of flashbacks, "Old Wounds" explores the tensions that arose from Batman's relentless nature and how it strained their relationship. The episode features Dick Grayson's last adventure as Robin, which is his only appearance as Robin in The New Batman Adventures. It is one of the only episodes in the series to feature all members of the Bat Family.

14. If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich?

Season 1, Episode 41 (1992)

This episode introduces the character of The Riddler, one of Batman's most intellectually challenging opponents. In the episode, Edward Nygma, a genius computer programmer, assumes the identity of The Riddler as part of his scheme to get back at his former boss. In order to prevent The Riddler from enacting his deadly vengeance, Batman and Robin must solve the riddles and puzzles that he has set. The episode demonstrates how Batman’s brains are just as formidable as his brawn.

13. I Am the Night

Season 1, Episode 34 (1992)

While Batman is paying his respects to his parents on the anniversary of their death, Commissioner Gordon is critically injured in a gunfight. Traumatized and consumed by self-doubt, Batman questions his mission and contemplates giving up his crime-fighting career. "I Am the Night" is an introspective episode that offers a poignant exploration of Batman’s doubts and vulnerabilities. The episode captures the essence of Batman’s inner turmoil and the heavy burden of his self-imposed duty.

12. Joker's Favor

Season 1, Episode 7 (1992)

In "Joker's Favor," an ordinary accountant accidentally crosses paths with the Joker and is plunged into a nightmare. After he inadvertently curses Joker for his bad driving, he is let off on the condition that he does a small favor for him in the future. Two years later, Joker decides to call in the favor. This episode is notable for being the first ever appearance of the now iconic character Harley Quinn, in any form of media. It is also the first episode of Batman: The Animated Series in which Joker appears.

11. Feat of Clay: Parts 1 and 2

Season 1, Episodes 4 and 5 (1992)

In return for an experimental cream that can temporarily restore his disfigured face, actor Matt Hagen is forced to help corrupt businessman Roland Daggett eliminate Lucius Fox of Wayne Enterprises. When Hagen attempts to steal more of the substance, he is caught by Daggett's men and force-fed a large container of it as punishment. Rather than killing him, however, this transforms him into a shapeshifting clay monster. Now going by the name of Clayface, he vows revenge on Daggett. Meanwhile, Batman investigates the attempted murder of Lucius Fox, which results in them violently crossing paths. The two-part arc touches on mature themes such as addiction, body image, and loss of identity and is rich in character development. The animation quality, especially during the transformation scenes, is top-notch and haunting.

10. The Man Who Killed Batman

Season 1, Episode 49 (1993)

When a small-time crook named Sid the Squid accidentally appears to have killed Batman, Gotham’s criminal underworld is thrown into chaos. "The Man Who Killed Batman" explores the impact of Batman’s perceived death on both villains and allies alike, and offers a clever look at Batman’s influence on Gotham City. The episode expertly blends humor and noir and is one of the few episodes that doesn't feature Batman as the main character.

9. Over the Edge

TNBA Episode 11 (1998)

This episode of The New Batman Adventures opens with a shocking scene in which Commissioner Gordon leads a raid on Wayne Manor, believing Batman to be responsible for his daughter Barbara's death. Alfred and Nightwing are arrested, and Batman is forced to go on the run. Later, during Barbara's funeral, Bane attacks Batman before killing both him and Gordon. Finally, in a twist ending, it is revealed that the events were a hallucination that Barbara was having after being exposed to Scarecrow's fear gas. The episode is jam-packed with high-stakes drama and intense action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

8. Trial

Season 2, Episode 9 (1994)

Batman is captured along with Janet Van Dorn, Gotham's new District Attorney who has blamed Batman for creating Gotham's villains. The perpetrators are a collection of Batman's worst enemies, who bring their captives to Arkham Asylum where they put on a trial in which Janet must defend Batman from her own allegations. "Trial" features more villains than any other episode of the show, and it's great to see each of them get their own moment to shine. Interestingly, the plot of this episode was originally intended to be a movie, but Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was made instead.

7. Robin's Reckoning: Parts 1 and 2

Season 1, Episodes 51 and 53 (1993)

This episode digs into the origin story of Dick Grayson, the original Robin. After Batman and Robin stop some goons and one of them reveals that they are working for Billy Marin, Batman mysteriously orders Robin not to accompany him on the search for the culprit. Curious, Robin checks the Batcomputer and learns that Marin is the alias of Tony Zucco, the man who killed his parents. Furious at Batman, Robin heads out to track down Zucco. Meanwhile, as Batman searches for Zucco, he recalls his memories of taking Dick in as an adopted son. This two-parter masterfully balances action and storytelling with a level of emotional maturity not often seen in a cartoon, and Part 1 won the 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program for Programming Less Than One Hour.

6. Mad Love

TNBA Episode 24 (1999)

Adapted from a comic of the same name, the final episode of The New Batman Adventures tells the origin story of Harley Quinn and her twisted relationship with the Joker. Originally a psychiatrist named Harleen Quinzel, Harley worked at Arkham Asylum where she became the Joker's therapist. Falling for his manipulation, she began to fall in love with the Joker and ended up breaking him free. The episode tackles the difficult subject of abusive relationships with a surprising level of depth and maturity, while Harley's humorous antics provide some contrast to her tragic backstory.

5. Beware the Gray Ghost

Season 1, Episode 32 (1992)

In this episode, Gotham City is struck by a series of remote-controlled bombings. Batman recognizes that the pattern of the attacks is based on an episode of "The Gray Ghost," a television show that Batman enjoyed as a child. For help with deducing the identify of the bomber, Batman seeks the aid of Simon Trent, the actor who played the titular character in the show. Simon Trent himself is voiced by Adam West, the actor who played Batman in the 1960s TV show, making this episode a nostalgic and meta homage to the legacy of Batman.

4. Perchance to Dream

Season 1, Episode 26 (1992)

In "Perchance to Dream," Bruce Wayne wakes up to find that his parents are still alive, someone else is Batman, and he is engaged to Selina Kyle. After his initial shock, Bruce comes to accept his new reality. But when cracks begin to form, he must reject this ideal world in favor of the real one. The episode is a psychological masterpiece, examining Bruce Wayne’s deepest desires and the inescapable pull of his true identity as Batman. Kevin Conroy, who voices Thomas Wayne in addition to his usual role as Batman and Bruce, has said that it is his favorite episode of the show.

3. Two-Face: Parts 1 and 2

Season 1, Episodes 17 and 18 (1992)

This two-part episode offers a gripping origin story for the villain Two-Face, chronicling the downfall of District Attorney Harvey Dent as he succumbs to his split personality, Big Bad Harv. Struggling with the pressure of his re-election campaign and his conflict with the mobster Rupert Thorne, Harvey’s fragile mental state snaps when Thorne’s blackmail attempt leaves him disfigured. Reborn as Two-Face and using a two-headed coin to make his decisions, Harvey seeks revenge against Thorne. Batman, wracked with guilt over the loss of his friend, strives to save him from his destructive path before it is too late. The emotional weight and complex portrayal of Two-Face make this one of the most compelling arcs in the series, and the show's early introduction of Harvey Dent as one of Bruce's few friends makes his fall here even more impactful.

2. Almost Got 'Im

Season 1, Episode 35 (1992)

The Joker, Killer Croc, the Penguin, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy gather at a shady hideout to play poker and recount tales of their closest attempts at killing the Dark Knight. The concept is simple but fun, and it features some of the tightest writing of the series as it brilliantly manages to balance each of the characters' stories in its allotted runtime. The episode is more humorous than most ("I threw a rock at him!"), but also gets serious and gives us a unique glimpse into the minds of Batman's most notorious enemies. The twist ending is genuinely surprising and cements the episode as one of the series' most iconic.

1. Heart of Ice

Season 1, Episode 3 (1992)

"Heart of Ice" redefines the villain Mr. Freeze, transforming him from a gimmicky gag character into a tragic figure driven by the desire to save his terminally ill wife. When scientist Victor Fries is caught using company funds and equipment to cryogenically freeze his wife, CEO Ferris Boyle orders the experiment shut down and kicks Fries into a table of chemicals. Now unable to survive without his cryo-suit, Fries becomes the criminal known as Mr. Freeze in pursuit of revenge. The episode completely revamped Mr. Freeze's origin story, with his new dark and tragic background becoming accepted as canon and incorporated into later comics and movies. The episode's masterful storytelling and emotional depth demonstrate the potential for superhero stories to tackle dark and profound themes, and it won the series a 1993 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program.

With its blend of mature themes, groundbreaking animation, and unforgettable music, Batman: The Animated Series set the standard for superhero storytelling on television. These 15 episodes capture the essence of what made the series so special, but every episode is great. If you need helping deciding which one to watch, try letting our Batman: The Animated Series random episode generator or our The New Batman Adventures random episode generator make the decision for you. And if you enjoyed our list of the best Batman: The Animated Series episodes, check out our other best episode lists like the best South Park episodes and the best Family Guy episodes.