9 Greatest Batman Movies Currently Free To Watch on YouTube

9 Greatest Batman Movies You Can Watch for Free on YouTube Right Now Image via DC Comics Published May 15, 2026, 7:07 AM EDT Michael John Petty is a Senior Author for Collider who spends his days writing, in fellowship with his local church, and enjoying each new day with his wife and daughters. At Collider, he writes features, reviews, recaps, and conducts interviews. In addition to writing about stories, Michael has told a few of his own. His novella, The Beast of Bear-tooth Mountain, was released in 2023. His Western short story, The Devil's Left Hand, received the Spur Award for "Best Western Short Fiction" from the Western Writers of America in 2025. Michael currently resides in North Idaho with his growing family. Sign in to your Collider account In a world where streamers continue to raise their prices and your favorite movies or shows can be dropped at a moment's notice, it can be comforting to find free material online. Aside from free-to-stream platforms like Tubi or PlutoTV, finding high-quality (and legal) content can be a challenge. But for all you Batman fans out there looking for a great way to spend an evening in Gotham, we have some great news for you curtesy of YouTube. That's right, the video platform offers a collection of animated Batman movies free of charge! Labeled "free with ads" on YouTube, Bat-fans can enjoy some of the Caped Crusader's best animated adventures right now. From highly stylized television revivals and direct comic-to-screen adaptations to one-and-done features and made-for-TV spin-offs, there are a plethora of fantastic Batman movies out there for the streaming. In fact, we aren't even counting Justice League-related features — like Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, Justice League: The New Frontier, and LEGO Batman: The Movie - DC Super Heroes Unite, all likewise available for free — so there are even more options out there. So, consider this your Bat-signal for a free-of-charge vacation to Gotham City, with Batman himself as your own personal bodyguard. 9 'Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders' (2016) Image via Warner Bros. If you or someone you love grew up with the 1960s Batman television show, then this is hands-down the animated movie for you. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is an animated revival of the classic ABC series that brings back Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo. Julie Newmar, likewise, reprises her role as Catwoman, who teams up with Batman and Robin's other main foes for a surprise attack on the Caped Crusader himself. West and Ward prove that they still got it, and the outlandish nature of the plot (and world of '60s Gotham) feels quite in-step with the original program. Return of the Caped Crusaders is very much meant as both a tribute and a parody of the '60s Batman mythos, which is ironic given that the old series was itself often satirical. If you love this one, we have some additional good news for you. The animated sequel, Batman vs Two-Face, which featured William Shatner as the title villain, is also available for free on YouTube, so once you've got your fill of Return of the Caped Crusaders, you can enjoy Adam West's final performance as Gotham's caped and cowled hero. 8 'Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero' (1998) Image via Warner Bros. Animation Although meant to be a merchandise tie-in to Batman & Robin, Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero outshines the live-action endeavor on every level. A continuation of Batman: The Animated Series meant to bridge the gap between that show and episodes of The New Batman Adventures, SubZero was an intimate look at Mr. Freeze (Michael Ansara) that painted the tortured figure in a more complicated light, with Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Robin (Loren Lester) chasing down the figure after he kidnaps Batgirl (Mary Kay Bergman). It's far more emotionally intelligent than the live-action film... SubZero is a bit underrated. While the best animated Bat-flick is its predecessor, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (which sadly is not free on YouTube), SubZero does a fine job of playing as an extended episode of The Animated Series. The way it humanizes Freeze and challenges his "means to an end" approach is simply excellent. Fans hoping to continue with this iteration of the Dark Knight will be happy to hear that Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is also free on YouTube. 7 'Batman: Assault on Arkham' (2014) Image via Warner Brothers Offering one of the best iterations of Arkham Asylum yet, Batman: Assault on Arkham is an interesting addition to this list as it's not really about Batman. Loosely related to the Batman: Arkham video games, the 2014 animated feature follows the Suicide Squad as they are sent into the asylum to retrieve sensitive A.R.G.U.S. information stolen by the Riddler (Matthew Gray Gubler). But when Joker (Troy Baker) gets involved, and the Dark Knight (Conroy) catches wind of the deception, things get quickly out of hand. Assault on Arkham is a great time. Again, it's not your traditional Batman movie, but fans of the highly-praised Arkham video games will get a kick out of this addition. It's also probably everything that the 2016 Suicide Squad movie should have been, so if you found yourself disappointed by that movie (and Batman's role in it), this is the animated feature for you. 6 'The Batman vs. Dracula' (2005) Image via Warner Bros. When The Batman first made bat-waves on Kids' WB, nobody in their right mind would have thought that the show would be getting its own feature-length continuation — least of all a movie where the Dark Knight (Rino Romano) battles Count Dracula (Peter Stormare). But, the arrival of Batman Begins in theaters necessitated a direct-to-video cross-marketing strategy, and so this highly underrated and bizarrely frightening installment was born. Don't be fooled, The Batman vs. Dracula is awesome, and the fact that it's free is even better. Those looking for a Batman movie with a tinge of horror and easily one of the scariest depictions of the Joker (Kevin Michael Richardson) put to film, this is the animated flick for you. Fans of The Batman animated series and newcomers alike can dive head-first into this vampiric adventure, which challenges our hero with the existence of the supernatural. It's a bit strange compared to some of the other movies on this list, but that's part of why it works so well, both as a Batman movie and a Dracula installment for those who partake. 5 'Batman: Gotham Knight' (2008) Image Via Warner Home Video For another Batman feature that's a bit out-of-the-box, Batman: Gotham Knight is something quite special. An anthology film comprised of six shorts that offer unique glimpses into the myth of Batman (all animated by different Japanese studios), Gotham Knight was meant as a tie-in to The Dark Knight, but quickly grew into something else entirely. Some shorts pit the Caped Crusader (Conroy) against some of his most notable "Nolan-ized" foes, while others immortalize him as this legendary figure. It's a brilliant piece of work. In many ways, Gotham Knight is comparable to The New Batman Adventures episode "Legends of the Dark Knight," but rather than highlighting certain comic book eras of the character, it completely reinvents him depending on the segment. With a loose thread that connects them all and some stunning animation to boot, Gotham Knight is a must-watch for any serious fan of the character. 4 'Batman: Year One' (2011) Based on Frank Miller's famed origin story, Batman: Year One is basically a perfect adaptation in that it literally feels like the comic book brought to life in animation. With Bryan Cranston as Jim Gordon and future Gotham star Ben McKenzie as the Dark Knight himself, Year One is a brilliant take on the source material that doesn't feel the need to add or change anything. Miller and company perfected the character's first year on the job back in the '80s, and all this feature does is string it together as one feature-length production. Batman: Year One will be familiar to audiences who already love Batman Begins, though it does differ considerably in some ways. But whether you know the story or not, it's a fine watch that features excellent performances from its main cast, which also includes Eliza Dushku and Katee Sackhoff. Of course, this isn't the only Frank Miller-inspired Bat-tale to be available free on the video platform... 3 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1' (2012) Image via DC Entertainment Arguably Frank Miller's most important contribution to comic books, The Dark Knight Returns is a powerful story that brings the title hero out of retirement to deal with a new breed of criminal in 1980s Gotham. The four-part miniseries was so impactful that it has been emulated and adapted in several different mediums, but the most complete take on Miller's story began with the Jay Oliva-directed Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1. It's brutal, uncompromising, and one of the best animated Bat-flicks ever made. The first film deals with Batman's (Peter Weller) return to the cape and cowl after a seemingly reformed Harvey Dent (Wade Williams) disappears. Aided by a new Robin, Carrie Kelly (Ariel Winter), the Dark Knight not only stops Dent from his latest criminal acts, but also battles a gang of Mutants, who rise up and take Gotham by storm. Fans of the graphic novel will be entertained by this thrilling adaptation that Gil Kellerman once called "hardcore, dark, and about as faithful an adaptation as it could be." Of course, it isn't the only installment currently free on YouTube... 2 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2' (2013) Image via Warner Home Video Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 picks up where the previous installment left off, and good thing it's free too, or else YouTube would've been a real tease. The second installment continues with Batman's (Weller) new hardcore war on crime, and his return has brought the Joker (Michael Emerson) out of a catatonic state and forced the U.S. government to call upon Superman (Mark Valley of Human Target) to stop the Caped Crusader. The battle between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight alone is worth the intense build-up, and the explosive results offer some of the best DC content that audiences have ever seen in animation — you'll wish there was more. While YouTube offers both Part 1 and Part 2 for free as individual films (which was how they were first released), there is a combined feature titled Batman: The Dark Knight Returns - Deluxe Edition that edits the whole thing together into a two-and-a-half-hour epic. Unfortunately, the Deluxe Edition can only be rented or bought through YouTube, so you'll have to stick with the individual entries. However, for another solid (and free) Batman comic adaptation, don't sleep on Son of Batman, which continued with Batman vs. Robin, Batman: Bad Blood, and eventually Batman: Hush — and yes, all these are also free on YouTube. 1 'Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker' (2000) Image via Warner Bros. Animation Although this is the only entry on the list where Bruce Wayne is not the primary Dark Knight, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is arguably the best Batman movie available free on YouTube. A continuation of Batman Beyond that effectively works as a series finale (despite releasing before the show concluded), it follows neo-Gotham's new Batman, Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle) as he deals with the return of Mark Hamill's Joker after Bruce Wayne (Conroy) believed the criminal clown long dead. Utilizing flashbacks to the original Batman era of The New Batman Adventures, we get the best of both worlds as Dark Knights battle the twisted clown for the fate of the city. Those unfamiliar with the world of Batman Beyond will still find themselves pulled in by this Batman: The Animated Series continuation, especially due to Terry's magnetic charisma while wearing the cowl. An original story that serves as a "final hour" for Batman and the Joker, it does a remarkable job honoring the perspectives of two generations of the Dark Knight, all while delivering us the definitive version of the Joker in the form of Mark Hamill. While there are two versions of Return of the Joker out there — the "theatrical" television edit and the original "unrated" cut — it's the latter (and better version) that is currently free on YouTube. Collider Exclusive · Marvel Personality Quiz Which MCU Hero Are You? Spider-Man · Daredevil · Iron Man · Punisher · Thor · Cap Six heroes. One destiny. Answer 10 questions to discover which Marvel Cinematic Universe hero shares your personality, values, and fighting spirit. Will you swing, fly, or thunder your way to glory? 🕷️Spider-Man 😈Daredevil 🤖Iron Man 💀Punisher ⚡Thor 🛡️Cap FIND YOUR HERO → 01 What drives you to do what's right? Choose the answer that feels most like you. AWith great power comes great responsibility — I protect those who can't protect themselves. BMy faith and my conscience — I believe justice must be served, even in the dark. CLegacy and ego, honestly — but I've learned that others depend on me now. DThe system failed. Someone has to make sure the guilty actually pay. EDuty to the innocent and honour to my name — I was born to protect realms. FThe values I was raised with — freedom, decency, and never backing down from a bully. NEXT QUESTION → 02 It's 2 AM. Where are you? Your answer says more about you than you'd think. ASwinging between skyscrapers, keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. BRunning rooftops in Hell's Kitchen, listening for trouble. CIn my lab, upgrading my suit with a cold cup of coffee nearby. DStaking out a target I've been tracking for three weeks. ESomewhere between the stars, or at a feast that got out of hand. FOn a morning run — I was up at 4, actually. Couldn't sleep. NEXT QUESTION → 03 How do you handle a villain who keeps escaping justice? Every hero has a method. What's yours? AWeb them up and leave them for the police — again. BBuild an airtight case and dismantle their entire operation from the inside. CDeploy a containment system I designed specifically for them. Tech wins. DMake sure they don't escape a third time. Permanently. EChallenge them to single combat. Honour demands a decisive end. FRally allies, adapt the plan, and bring them in — by the book, even if it's hard. NEXT QUESTION → 04 How do you feel about keeping a secret identity? The mask — or the lack of one — says everything. AEssential — my loved ones would be in danger if anyone found out who I am. BCritical — the mask protects my mission as much as my face. COverrated — I announced myself to the world and I'd do it again. DI'm a ghost. The less people know about me, the better. EMy name is known across the Nine Realms. There's no hiding it. FI don't hide — but I understand why some need to. Transparency builds trust. NEXT QUESTION → 05 You've lost someone important because of your heroism. How do you carry that? Every hero pays a price. The question is how they pay it. AWith guilt that never fully goes away — it pushes me to do better, every single day. BI channel it into purpose — their memory is the reason I keep fighting. CI buried myself in work for years. I'm only recently learning to face it. DIt transformed me completely. I'm not the same person I was before. EWith warrior's grief — I honour them by fighting with everything I have. FI keep moving forward. Stopping means letting the loss win. NEXT QUESTION → 06 What's your role when working with a team? Who you are under pressure is who you actually are. AThe enthusiastic wildcard who somehow makes it work — and keeps the mood up. BThe strategist who works best alone but shows up when it matters most. CThe one who funds it, equips it, and occasionally takes over the whole operation. DI don't do teams. I'm more effective operating solo, on my terms. EThe heavy hitter — I crash in, draw fire, and turn the tide of battle. FThe leader — I earn trust, build the plan, and make sure no one gets left behind. NEXT QUESTION → 07 Where do you draw the line between justice and revenge? The answer defines what kind of hero you really are. AClearly — I don't kill, and I wrestle with that line constantly. BI try to hold the line, but I've come terrifyingly close to crossing it. CPractically — I do what's necessary to protect people, including hard calls. DI crossed that line long ago. What I do is justice — the system just won't admit it. EIn battle, victory is justice. Mercy is earned — not automatic. FFirmly. The moment we abandon our principles, we become what we fight against. NEXT QUESTION → 08 When you're not saving the world, what does life look like? The person behind the mask is always the more interesting story. ATrying to juggle school, a part-time job, and not failing my friends. BWorking as a lawyer by day, fighting for justice in court and on the streets. CRunning a global company, attending galas, and pretending I'm sleeping enough. DQuiet. Isolated. Surviving with a clear mission and no distractions. ENavigating a bizarre and fascinating mortal world — coffee is extraordinary. FAdapting to a world decades ahead of everything I knew. Quietly, stubbornly. NEXT QUESTION → 09 What keeps you up at night? Fear is useful data — if you're honest about what you're actually afraid of. AThe people I couldn't save — and the ones I might not reach in time tomorrow. BWhether the monster I fight every night is starting to live inside me too. CThe threats I can see coming and whether my tech is actually good enough. DNothing. Silence is the only peace I get. I've made my choices. EWhether I'm truly worthy — of the hammer, of the throne, of the people I protect. FA world where no one stands up anymore. Where good people do nothing. NEXT QUESTION → 10 The battle is lost. You're outnumbered, outgunned, and exhausted. What do you do? This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully. ACrack a joke to buy a second, then find the one web shot that changes everything. BBlock out everything except the sound of the next threat — and keep going. CActivate the emergency protocol I built for exactly this scenario. Always have a plan. DI don't accept that it's lost. I keep fighting until I physically cannot anymore. ECall the lightning. All of it. The storm answers to me. FPick up the shield. Stand up. Because as long as I can stand, it's not over. REVEAL MY HERO → Your Hero Has Been Identified Your MCU Hero Is…Based on your answers, the Marvel hero who matches your spirit, values, and instincts has been revealed. 🕷️ Spider-ManYou carry the weight of the world on shoulders that are younger than they should have to be — funny, loyal, and endlessly self-sacrificing. You do the right thing not because it's easy, but because no one else will. You understand that responsibility isn't a burden you choose — it's one that finds you. Whether it's a neighbourhood mugging or a multiverse crisis, you show up. Peter Parker's lesson — that great power demands great responsibility — isn't a slogan to you. It's the code you live by, even when it costs you everything. 😈 DaredevilYou fight in the shadows between law and chaos, guided by a fierce moral compass that refuses to let the guilty walk free. You use every tool available — your mind, your body, your faith — to protect those the system overlooks. You've looked into the darkness and chosen not to become it, though the line has never been easy. Matt Murdock's duality — champion in the courtroom, devil in the alley — mirrors your own. Relentless, conflicted, and unwilling to stop. That is exactly you. 🤖 Iron ManBrilliant, driven, and occasionally insufferable — but always the person who solves the unsolvable problem. You lead with your mind and back it up with resources, innovation, and a stubbornness that borders on heroic. You started out looking out for yourself, but somewhere along the way the world became your responsibility. Tony Stark's arc — from ego to sacrifice — is your arc too. You build, you plan, and when the moment comes, you're willing to give everything. Because in the end, you're Iron Man. 💀 The PunisherYou've been through fire that would break most people — and it did change you, completely. What's left is unyielding, relentless, and operating by a code forged in grief. You don't ask for forgiveness, and you don't expect gratitude. You see a corrupt, broken world and you've decided to do something about it, consequences be damned. Frank Castle's war is born from love twisted by loss — and so is yours. Uncompromising and unflinching — the world may not agree with your methods, but your conviction is absolute. ⚡ ThorPowerful, proud, and on a lifelong journey to become worthy of the legend you carry. You lead with strength but have learned — sometimes painfully — that true greatness comes from humility and growth. You're larger than life, yet more vulnerable than you let on. Thor's story is one of transformation: from arrogant prince to worthy king, from isolated warrior to beloved protector. You bring the storm when it's needed — and the warmth when it matters just as much. 🛡️ Captain AmericaYou believe in something bigger than yourself — and you fight for it even when the world has moved on and nobody else will. You don't bully the small guy, and you never stop when it gets hard. Steve Rogers didn't become a hero when he got the serum — he was always one. So were you. Your strength isn't in your fists; it's in your refusal to compromise what's right, no matter the cost. In a world full of people taking the easy road, you're the one who picks up the shield and stands up — every single time. ↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ