Batman: The Animated Series remains the single greatest version of the Dark Knight to ever hit the screen.
You may notice that theres a disproportionate number of first season episodes on this list.
So here are our most essential episodes ofBatman: The Animated Series.
And when youre talking about animation, well, theres rarelyanyreason to start at the beginning.
Ah, but On Leather Wings is different.
Theres an uneasy tension between Batman and the police.
Its everything you could possibly want from a Joker episode.
The Clown Prince of Crime escapes Arkham Asylum on a Christmas tree (!)
and decides to host his very own deadly Christmas special.
He even creates a parody version of Jingle Bells that would make Weird Al jealous.
Batman seems almost pleased when his archnemesis shows up to terrorize the city.
This episode proves that a fight with the Joker is Batmans ultimate holiday treat.
Two-Face Season 1 Episode 10-11
Heh-heh.
It was a two-parter.
Two-Faces origin is a collection of gut-punches, one after another.
Part of it comes from Harvey Dent having enough of a presence in the previous nine episodes.
Its up to these junior detectives to hold off the Penguin while Batman recovers in their basement.
What follows is the closestBTASever got to aHome Alonespoof.
Its pretty much everything we ever wanted as kids.
You seenobodygave a damn about Mr. and an unforgettably eerie vocal performance from Michael Ansara.
Freeze stories, in comics or on the screen, now take their cues from this episode.
OtherBatman: The Animated Seriesepisodes create stories from an alchemy of established Batman mythology.
Heart of Iceisthe established mythology.
Simon Trents legacy lives on in more ways than one.
Both episodes feature a sympathetic, hideous monster with similar origins and very similar abilities.
TheTurtlesepisode paints over the body horror with humor whileBatman: The Animated Serieslets its freak flag fly.
Theres so much about it that remains utterly chilling, up to and including theThrillerfinal shot.
Meanwhile, Mutagen Man permanently transformed himself into a male model and started dating April ONeil, so yeah.
Jokers Favor Season 1 Episode 22
Jokers Favor is a super tightly written episode.
Sadly for the paunchy, balding Collins, that other driver just happens to be the Joker.
What follows is a series of events that sees Charlie spiraling into the Jokers world of twisted madness.
The moment Harley sashays on screen, one cant help but be captivated by the motley criminal.
This was the first episode broadcast featuring Robin.
Yes, Christmas With the Joker is technically episode 2.
But that didnt air until November (the show premiered in September).
Keep in mind that in the early 1990s, Robin wasnt exactly all that cool.
In Perchance to Dream, Bruce gets everything he ever wanted.
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Except things are a little strange in this happy reality and Bruce remembers his real life as Batman.
With an homage toAlfred HitchcocksVertigo, Bruce discovers the truth behind his new life away from Batman.
This one has a great twist!
Its also a hoot.
Hes equal parts dark, evil, chaotic, hilarious, absurd, ridiculous and brilliant.
When she finally finds her beloved cat, she discovers that Isis has become feral.
While his scheme is pretty convoluted, Selinas love for her cat is not.
This turns out to be a heartwarming episode in the end.
Heart of Steel Season 1 Episode 38-39
Two things about Heart of Steel stand out.
Sebastian inBlade Runnerwhere he helped design replicants.
The second standout is the voice acting.
It adds to the visuals in a way that cant really be described, but its wonderful.
If Youre So Smart, Why Arent You Rich?
There are surprisingly few Riddler episodes of this show, so enjoy them where you’re free to.
Many episodes did more in 22 minutes and change than some superhero movies do in two plus hours.
Thats why Almost Got Im stands out as extra special.
The episode is underscored by a last second reveal with Croc that is as hilarious as it is enduring.
Plus, writer Paul Dini throws in a Catwoman denouement that makes this already perfect episode even more perfect.
So then a whole bunch of people try and kill Sid.
Harley and Ivy Season 1 Episode 56
Its likeThelma and Louisebut with Bat villains.
Harley and Ivy sees the first teaming of DCU BFFs Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.
Its a rollicking, hilarious episode that introduces one of the most enduring friendships in modern comics.
During the episode, Poison Ivy declares that, No man can take us prisoner!
and this battle cry defined the unbreakable friendship between the pair.
Those words proved prophetic, too, as its Renee Montoya who ends up bringing them in.
Shadow of the Bat Season 1 Episode 57-58
AnimatedBatgirlis a badass.
His Silicon Soul Season 1 Episode 62
This is a follow up to Heart of Steel.
In a lesser show, this would be one of the standout episodes.
Its not one of the best of this series only because there are so many other amazing ones.
Sogo read yourself some Lansdale.
Showdown explores the history of the Demons Head and gives depth and meaning to the master villains legacy.
Showdown is visually stunning and just so darn different that it stands out as a must-see episode.
This episode was a testament to this teams approach to Batman and his entire rogues gallery.
Well, in this episode, Robin uses fish as nunchaku.
Sometimes theyre great for other reasons.
No, theres obviously more to the story.
And thats the whole point.
No, the actual climax is a post-dinner discussion between family members.
Kind of a big contrast to such a crazy episode.
The art is the real star in this episode.
Mad Love Season 3 Episode 21
Mad Love is where the Harley-ssance truly began.
The result was ian instant classic.
Mad Love changed all that.
Mad Love broke traditional animated storytelling ground by focusing on Joker and Harleys abusive relationship and its sexual nature.
Mad Love took Harley from a one note sidekick to one of the most tragic women in comics.
