The Animated Series Spinoffs and Movies (And How to Watch Them)

when Batman: The Animated Series Debuted in 1992, it was intended to provide a non-canon animated counterpart to Tim Burton’s Batman Franchise. Since then, the show has exploded in popularity, becoming both a fan favorite and a critical darling. actually, Batman: The Animated Series is often propped up as one of the best adaptations of Bruce Wayne/Batman and his surrounding myth. Between its character-based storytelling and intriguing world-building, it’s no mystery why the show is beloved.

As a result, it spawned 13 official spinoffs, not including the webseries Gotham Girlsand influenced the vast majority of DC content that came after. Although its impact cannot be overstated, get in Batman: The Animated Series And the DC Animated Universe can be a daunting task. Spanning 32 years of animation, the DCAU is one of DC’s most thoroughly realized continuities. Revisiting it is a worthwhile endeavor for any superhero fan, and the age of streaming makes the undertaking a little easier.

13

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Originally released in theaters on Christmas of 1993

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was the first spinoff of Batman: The Animated Series and the only mainstream theatrical release of the franchise. Initially conceived as a direct-to-video spinoff, the film is set between the first and second seasons of its predecessor. Due to the success of Batman: The Animated SeriesIt was upgraded to a theatrical release, although unfortunately, the movie was a box office bomb. even so, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a cult classic. The film balances Bruce facing an old flame with Batman being framed by a new threat to Gotham City, the Phantasm.

It’s a gripping tale with both heart and intrigue, making it an essential watch for any Batman fan. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is no longer available to stream on Macs, however It is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTubeTV, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home and Apple TV.

12

Superman: The Animated Series (1996)

Originally aired on the Web from September 1996 to February 2000

Superman: The Animated Series Is often spoken in conjunction with its sister series, but it stands on its own. like Batman: The Animated SeriesIt updated both Superman’s character and the setting of Metropolis for the then modern era of the 1990s. Superman: The Animated Series was conceptualized as a companion show to a live-action Superman film, But the latter never materialized on screen. It was largely praised for its treatment of both Superman and of iconic villains such as Darkseid.

Even so, the cartoon is well-received and is about as important as Batman: The Animated Series In the wider DCAU. Superman: The Animated Series is available to stream on Mac or to purchase on YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home and Apple TV.

11

The New Batman Adventures (1997)

Originally aired on the Web from September 1997 to January 1999

The New Batman Adventures falls into a unique niche in the DCAU. The series served as a bridge between the first show on Fox and the later spinoffs on The WB and Cartoon Network. Although it was a separate series at the time it aired, It is now considered the third season of Batman: The Animated Series. Even so, there was a considerable gap between both series, leading to an in-universe time jump, a change in art style, and a new co-lead, Tim Drake/Robin.

The New Batman Adventures Is highly similar to what came before, with the most substantial difference – apart from a change in aesthetic – being a stronger emphasis on the supporting cast. Nowadays, it is simply listed under Batman: The Animated Series On most platforms. The New Batman Adventures is available to stream on Mac and Amazon Prime Video and to purchase on Fandango at Home, YouTube TV, Google Play and Apple TV.

10

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998)

Originally released direct-to-video on March 17, 1998

Batman: The Animated Series Redefined Mr. Freeze, making him the sympathetic villain audiences now know and love. Because of his popularity, Mr. Freeze was inducted into Batman and Robin What was his backstory about his terminally ill wife. As a result, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero was commissioned as yet another movie tie-in. It was originally slated for release in 1997, but was pushed back to 1998 due to the poor reception of Batman and Robin. Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero Also follow Mr. Freeze trying to cure his wife once and for all – by targeting Batgirl as a donor.

Despite being conceived of as a companion to Batman and RobinThe direct-to-video movie had a much warmer reception. Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero is available to stream on YouTube for free and to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV and Apple TV.

9

Batman Next (1999)

Originally published from January 1999 to December 2001

Batman next is quite possibly the biggest risk the DCAU could have taken. The series is set in a futuristic Gotham City where Bruce has become too old to be Batman. He was succeeded in the role by a character created for the show, Terry McGinnis. Although the initial concept of replacing Batman was controversial, Batman next became a cult classic. As a result, Terry moved to DC Comics.

Batman next is darker than the rest of the DCAU, with a distinctly futuristic aesthetic that feels firmly rooted in the Y2K era. The WB series is available to stream on Mac and to purchase on Fandango at Home, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

8

Static Shock (2000)

Originally aired on the Web from September 2000 to May 2004

Static shock is another DCAU series that has a big swing. The series follows teen superhero Virgil Hawkins/Static and his tech-savvy friend Richie as he copes with his new reality after gaining powers from an accident. Static shock is tonally different from the other series in the DCAU Largely because of its mix of humor, coming-of-age stories and difficult themes. Of note, it is the first show in the franchise with an African American protagonist.

Static shock remains a beloved entry in the DC canon, especially among audiences who grew up with it. As a result, Static has gained elevated importance in other DC content over the years. The show is available to stream on Mac and to purchase on Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Google Play and Apple TV.

7

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)

Originally released in December 2000 and re-released in April 2002

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Serves as an epilogue of sorts to Batman nextAnd it ties up loose ends of The New Batman Adventures. The film follows Terry as he investigates who appears to be the Joker back from the dead. This adventure leads him to cross paths with Batman’s former ally, Tim Drake, and to discover what drove Batman apart. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Has an unusual history as it is the first DCAU project to be rated PG-13. The original airing heavily censored pivotal scenes due to violence, and the uncensored version was not released until 2002.

dispute, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker had the darkest story to ever come from an animated Batman project, but it was well-received by fans and critics alike. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is available to stream for free on Tubi and to be served on Fandango at Home, Google Play, YouTube TV and Apple TV.

6

The Zeta Project (2001)

Originally aired on the Web from January 2001 to August 2002

The Zeta Project is a spinoff of Batman next And is thus set in the distinctive future of the series. It follows Zeta, a humanoid robot created by the NSA, and his teenage female companion, Ro. Zeta has an existential crisis about being created as a killing machine and goes rogue, determined to find his creator for answers. The Zeta Project has a troubled run, as the WB and creator Bob Goodman clash over the darker, anti-authority elements of the series.

Unfortunately, the series only produced 26 episodes, which is a shame because of its creative approach to the superhero genre. Goodman’s vision for the story was never realized, although he indicated an interest in reviving the show if the opportunity arose. The Zeta Project is only available for purchase on Fandango at Home, YouTube TV and Apple TV.

5

Justice League (2001)

Originally aired on Cartoon Network from November 2001 to May 2004

Except Batman: The Animated SeriesThe most prominent product of the DCAU is Justice League. Before The Avengers did it in 2012, Justice League pulled off a crossover that bridged 10 years of superhero content. The series featured Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, The Flash, Green Lantern and Hawgirl, among others. Additionally, it often featured villains from previous series and from the comics, with mainstays like Lex Luthor and The Joker. Justice LeagueLike his predecessors, he was praised for the care he put into his characters and world.

It still holds up to this day as an iconic and interesting take on the DC mythos. Justice League is available to stream on Netflix and Max and to purchase on Apple TV, YouTube TV, Fandango at Home and Google Play.

4

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)

Originally released in October 2003

The most overlooked movie in the entirety of the DCAU is 2003’s Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman. For over a decade, it was the final film in the series. The film sees Batman and Robin deal with the emergence of a new superheroine in Gotham, Batwoman, while also attempting to fend off The Penguin. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman It wasn’t particularly well received upon its release, and has faded into relative obscurity since then. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t add much to DCAU canon, as Batwoman doesn’t return to the franchise.

It’s a shame that Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman It didn’t leave much of an impact, but it had the unfortunate timing of coming out after all three previous Batman series had ended. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is available to stream for free on Tubi and to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube TV and Fandango at Home.

3

Justice League Unlimited (2004)

Originally aired on Cartoon Network from July 2004 to May 2006

Justice League Unlimited Picks up two years later Justice LeagueAnd it features an expanded cast of heroes. The series is much the same as its predecessor, with the only major difference being that episodes are not solely focused on the core six members. In fact, some stories revolve around characters and storylines introduced in previous DCAU shows, such as an entire episode dedicated to Batman next. Justice League Unlimited is a fun watch, but the series is best enjoyed after seeing what came before.

Even though it didn’t actually end the franchise, the DCAU legacy was largely cemented by the solid ending Justice League Unlimited Delivered. It is available to stream on Mac and Netflix and to purchase on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Google Play and Fandango at Home.

2

Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)

Originally released in August 2017

After a long time, the DCAU returned with Batman and Harley Quinn in 2017. The movie, which is rated PG-13, does exactly what the title promises; It shows Harley Quinn together with Batman. Nightwing is also along for the ride, making one of his biggest appearances in the DCAU since the 1990s. It premiered at San Diego’s Apple OmniCon and then also received a limited theatrical release for one night only on August 14, 2017. Batman and Harley Quinn is not particularly well-receivedLargely because it features more raunchy humor than Batman: The Animated Series.

Even so, most of the original voice cast returned for the film, making it a potentially nostalgic watch for longtime fans. Batman and Harley Quinn is available to stream for free on Tubi and to rent or buy on Apple TV, YouTube TV, Fandango at Home and Google Play.

1

Justice League vs. The Fatal Five (2019)

Originally released in March 2019

Justice League vs. The Fatal Five is an interesting case in that it was not originally written for the DCAU. The film was completely reshot after it was decided that the studio did not want the audience to confuse it with their upcoming shooting of animated movies based on the New 52. Because the film reused the character designs of Justice LeagueThe series’ voice cast has been brought back. However, some of the characters were shifted around, with the Flash, Green Lantern (John Stewart), Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl being swapped out.

The movie received largely positive reviews despite being only dubious canon to the DCAU, and it’s a worthy film for audiences who want more of their favorite characters. Justice League vs. The Fatal Five Available to rent or purchase from Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango at Home.

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

Source: TV Guide