Most people have heard of Batman, billionaire playboy by day, crime-fighting vigilante by night. He exists in many mediums: comics, video games, live-action movies or TV shows, but the focus of this ranking is on his animated versions. There are many different animated Batman versions. These will be ranked from best to worst.

For the purpose of this ranking, the animated Batman versions included will be from the following movies or shows:

“Batman: the Animated Series” 

“The Batman” 

“Lego Batman” 

“Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited” 

“Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” 

The DC animated universe 

”Super-Friends”

“Batman: the Brave and the Bold”

“Batman Beyond”

First: “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992)

From Batman’s first solo-cartoon, this version of the character is a pretty common favorite amongst fans overall. This version of the character was voiced by the late Kevin Conroy, arguably the most iconic Batman voice. This Batman is funny, smart, and a good person with a good story: all very important Batman qualities. Fun fact: Harley Quinn makes her first appearance in “Batman: the Animated Series” and is liked so much she gets adapted into the comics.

Second: “Lego Batman” (2017)

The Batman from this universe was voiced by actor and comedian Will Arnett. He is one of the funnier versions of the character, but it still allows for touching moments in his story. Lego Batman’s overdramatic demeanor and ridiculous confidence make him a very fun version of the character. It will be forever disappointing that his sequel movie was canceled. 

Third: “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (2008)

This version of the character is voiced by Diedrich Bader. The show focuses more on Batman’s detective skills and his work with other heroes in the DC universe. It’s very fun to watch, and his dynamics with the other characters is entertaining. This show would have succeeded even if it was Batman flying solo again, without any help from other heroes or sidekicks. 

Bader’s Batman even got a fun movie in which he teamed up with the Scooby Gang to save Gotham from villains running through the streets. The movie is called “Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and The Bold.”

Fourth: “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited” series (2001 & 2004)

 This Batman was also voiced by Kevin Conroy and is meant to follow the 1992 series. However, there are enough differences between the two to count them as separate Batmans. He’s a great character who does share a lot of traits with the 1992 Batman but is still unique in his own right. 

Fifth: “Batman Beyond” (1999)

A futuristic reimagining of the character, voiced by Will Friedle, is the Batman that takes over the role years after Bruce Wayne retires from his time as Batman. He’s a great character and a great Batman. Terry McGinnis, the Batman of this show, has his own rogues’ gallery, allies, and abilities that make him a really unique character. The show he’s from is also great, which doesn’t always happen with Batman. He’s had some good characterizations in bad shows or movies.

Sixth: “Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2019)

In this crossover-movie Batman is voiced by Troy Baker, who also voices the role of Joker in the movie. This version of Batman is pretty great: he’s humorous, witty and logical. This is a lovable version of Batman, and he would be higher on the list if it was smaller. E Batman even says “cowabunga” in the movie. He’s such a fun version of Batman.

Seventh: “Super Friends” (1973)

Voiced by the late Olan Soule, this Batman is a classic, silly Batman. The show, being from the ‘70s and meant for children, has Batman doing a lot of ridiculous things he wouldn’t do in the other cartoons, such as stopping a moving black hole from destroying the earth, and that’s what makes him such a fun version of the character. This is an example of a good Batman being from a not-so-great show.

Eighth: DC Animated Universe, Bruce Wayne (2013)

This is one of the two Batmans ranked from DC’s animated universe, number eight being Bruce Wayne. He first appears in “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox,” released in 2013 voiced again by Kevin Conroy. He’s a very solid Batman, has all the good Batman characteristics of being smart, funny, and a good person, but he doesn’t stand out in any way. He’s the standard, basic Batman that most comic fans will like.

Ninth: “The Batman” (2004)

A fresh take on the character, this Batman, voiced by Rino Romano, is a good Batman, but not a great one. The character itself leans a bit too much into the “playboy” part of Bruce’s cover. The show’s definitely a fun watch, but it’s not what people tend to think of when someone says “Batman cartoon.” “The Batman” has a lot of designs and characterizations that are unique to the show, but it’s pretty hit or miss overall.

Tenth place: DC animated universe, Thomas Wayne (2013)

The worst animated Batman on this list isn’t Bruce Wayne, but his father Thomas Wayne. This Batman, voiced by Kevin McKidd, makes his first and only appearance in “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox.” There is one main reason that this Batman is at the bottom of the list: he uses guns which is not an acceptable thing for Batman to do. Thomas Wayne’s Batman is definitely a good and interesting character, just not a good Batman.

Most of the Batmans on this list are good Batmans, they’re fun and witty and logical, but they all have their faults, some more than others. To write a good Batman, you have to incorporate all parts of his character, not just the dark and gritty stuff. He’s a complex character who does work with other heroes and makes jokes and is a good investigator, something animation excels at representing.