Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)

Batman: The Killing Joke feels special because it treats the Batman–Joker rivalry less like a comic-book sparring match and more like a psychological pressure test, rendered in animation that isn’t afraid of shadows, silence, or moral discomfort. Kevin Conroy brings a weary, human gravity to Batman, while Mark Hamill’s Joker is a virtuoso performance—funny in the way a siren is beautiful, luring you closer even as you sense the danger. The vibe is grim, adult, and intimate, with a crime-drama intensity that builds toward a confrontation that’s more about ideology than fists. It’s not for everyone—this one earns its R rating with disturbing imagery and harsh themes—but if you want a DC story that dares to go to the edge and stare back, it’s a bracing, unforgettable watch.

Batman: The Killing Joke wants to be a grim, adult animated Batman story that digs into Joker’s philosophy and tests Gordon’s sanity, and on paper that’s a solid mission. The problem is the movie pads the classic material with an added first act that feels disconnected and, worse, makes some uncomfortable choices around Barbara Gordon that many viewers find creepy and diminishing rather than insightful. Once it gets to the “main event,” it’s closer to what fans expect, with Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy delivering the goods, but the direction and pacing can still feel stiff and more like a checklist adaptation than a gripping film. If you’re looking for a respectful Batgirl story or a smooth, cohesive thriller, this may frustrate you; if you can stomach bleak R-rated content and mainly want the iconic Batman/Joker showdown voiced by the legends, it’s a qualified watch.