Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker stands as one of the darkest and most ambitious Batman animated films. Taking place in the Batman Beyond timeline, the story pits Terry McGinnis’ new Batman against the shocking return of the Joker, decades after his supposed death. What unfolds is a gripping mystery that dives deep into the legacy of both Bruce Wayne and the Clown Prince of Crime, culminating in one of the most disturbing flashbacks ever shown in a Batman animated story.
The film is notable for how it expands the Batman Beyond universe while still connecting strongly to the world of Batman: The Animated Series. Mark Hamill delivers one of his most chilling Joker performances, managing to bring menace and unpredictability even in animation. Kevin Conroy continues to shine as Bruce, offering gravitas and weight to an older, wearier Dark Knight. The animation, action, and emotional stakes all hit harder than one would expect from what might otherwise have been dismissed as a TV spin-off film. While the movie has its flaws, some of the futuristic setting can feel a little dated now, and not every sequence lands perfectly, it remains a highlight of DC’s animated catalog. The infamous flashback sequence in particular pushes boundaries and lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, Return of the Joker succeeds in balancing the cyberpunk aesthetic of Batman Beyond with the haunting legacy of Gotham’s past, giving fans one of the most definitive Joker stories outside of the comics. It’s darker, riskier, and far more memorable than its made-for-video label might suggest.