On October 21st of 2022, DC fans and gamers alike will be able to delve into the world of Batman once again with Gotham Knights. Rather than Batman alone, fans will be able to play as Nightwing, Red Hood, Batgirl, and Robin: famous members of the Bat-Family.
Those excited about the release of Gotham Knights can hold themselves over by watching various films about the Bat-Family. While the live-action films mainly focus on Batman, the animated universes are where the rest of Batman's allies tend to shine.
Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans (2019)
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Though not particularly about the Bat-Family, Robin is the lead character of the Teen Titans and this celebrates the many versions of the DC superhero team. Seeing the more sitcom version from Teen Titans Go! meet and clash with the classic Teen Titans animated series is a bit of a spectacle.
It's a silly adventure that even pokes fun at the DC Animated Movie Universe version of the Teen Titans at one point. Fans of both shows are bound to get some joy out of this crossover and kids are going to go wild for all the wacky shenanigans.
LEGO Batman: Family Matters (2019)
LEGO Batman: Family Matters is an ideal choice for fun for the whole family. It brings together Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, and Ace The Bat-Hound to fight the Red Hood to satisfy longtime fans who want to see the LEGO Bat-Family again.
It may not be the dark and epic story that Under The Red Hood is, but it has enough for all demographics including plenty of wacky humor for kids. It also features Troy Baker as the voice of Batman, a character the actor has become famous for in movies and video games alike.
Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
With Batman vanished, Batman: Bad Blood shows how the Bat-Family manages Gotham without him, similar to the concept of Gotham Knights. Dick Grayson becomes Batman and the DCAMU is introduced to Batwoman and Batwing in the same movie; characters that many fans would love to see as DLC for Gotham Knights.
Though it becomes a bit too convoluted at times, especially with the reveal of the main villain's plot, Batman: Bad Blood still delivers on a Bat-Family story. It delves into Dick Grayson's reservations about being a new Batman rather well, showcasing that even though he may be worthy of it, he doesn't want it. Batwing steals the movie and the rest of the Bat-Family doesn't shine quite as much.
Batman: Death In The Family (2020)
This animated film may share the same name as a comic about Jason Todd, the second Robin, but it is far from a direct adaptation. Instead, it's an interactive movie that can allow the viewer to play out different outcomes of Death In The Family and the Under The Red Hood storylines.
Though it is not nearly as strong, Death In The Family is the closest thing to a continuation of the Under The Red Hood movie. The many ways Jason Todd's story can be told are interesting, especially since the player can have him become both Red Robin and a new version of Hush.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero (1998)
The game Gotham Knights boasts quite an array of villains including Clayface, Harley Quinn, and the always tragic Mr. Freeze. Though the episode Heart Of Ice from Batman: The Animated Series is the superior place to start with, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero is a solid starter for newcomers to the character.
It takes place in the same universe as the animated series and showcases the lengths that Freeze is willing to go to save his wife, including the capture of Barbara Gordon, which leads to him fighting both Batman and Robin AKA Dick Grayson.
Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000)
To a degree, this straight-to-video film acts as the conclusion for Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond, showing what happened to the Bat-Family. Sadly, it's not a happy future for them all, with Barbara Gordon now a cold and less hopeful police commissioner, Bruce Wayne a hermit, and Tim Drake now traumatized as a middle-aged man.
The Joker left an impact on the Bat-Family, and his return to the cyberpunk future of the DC universe reopens the old wounds. It makes for a shockingly dark animated film but a powerful one that brings an end to the DCAU Joker satisfyingly and gives a more realistic portrayal of life after vigilantism.
Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)
Easily the most quintessential story for Jason Todd AKA The Red Hood, Batman: Under The Red Hood quickly became a fan favorite due to its dark and tragic story showing Batman uncover Red Hood's identity. It's easy to feel sad for both Batman and the Red Hood in this story.
This movie is good for those wanting to know about the dark history of Jason Todd, played by Jensen Ackles, before his anti-hero status in recent comics and as he is presented in Gotham Knights. However, Under The Red Hood also features one of the best Batman voice-over performances thanks to Bruce Greenwood, and it presents a thrilling story with plenty of emotional moments that turn it into something different from a typical superhero story.
Son Of Batman (2014)
This is the movie that first adapted Damien Wayne to film thus expanding the Bat-Family even more. His rude and obnoxious attitude is often the reason why Damien is such as a divisive member of the Bat-Family, but he is an important one because he is the first Robin to be a biological son of Bruce Wayne.
This combined with being raised by both Talia and Ra's Al Ghul results in Damien becoming at odds with other members of the Bat-Family including Alfred and Nightwing. Son Of Batman shows off the complicated side of being part of the Gotham Knights as well as establishes a story that would continue with Batman Vs. Robin.
Batman Vs. Robin (2015)
In actuality, the title of Batman Vs. Robin is a lie since the two heroes engage in an real fight once in the whole film. The better title would be Batman: The Court Of Owls since that is a better description of this sequel to Son Of Batman.
With the Court Of Owls being the main threat of the Gotham Knights game, Batman Vs. Robin is definitely the movie to watch as it showcases the evil organization of Gotham's elite rather well. The fight between Bruce Wayne and his son is a bonus. It's worth watching Batman Vs. Robin simply for when the Talons break into the Batcave and Batman fends them off.