Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
★★★ — Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's 1988 one-shot graphic novel "Batman: The Killing Joke" is widely regarded as one of the definitive Batman stories, notable for its portrait of the Joker's possible origin and its brutal treatment of Barbara Gordon. Warner Bros. Animation had been producing DC animated features since 2007's "Superman: Doomsday", and this adaptation, directed by Sam Liu (a veteran of the DC animated line), reunites the celebrated voice cast from "Batman: The Animated Series", with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their iconic roles. The film carries an R rating, a relatively rare step for a DC animated release, reflecting the source material's reputation for violence and dark psychological content.
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) had the potential to be a faithful, haunting adaptation of one of the darkest and most influential Batman stories ever told, but instead, it feels like a missed opportunity wrapped in unnecessary filler. The film’s biggest sin is adding a lengthy, completely fabricated prologue about Barbara Gordon and a romantic subplot with Batman that not only undermines her character but betrays the tone of Alan Moore’s original graphic novel. It’s jarring, distracting, and takes precious time away from the psychological duel at the story’s core. That said, Mark Hamill is magnificent as the Joker, once again proving he’s the definitive voice of the character. His performance is chilling, layered, and darkly poetic, especially in the Joker’s origin flashback, which is both tragic and terrifying. Kevin Conroy also delivers a solid, weary Batman, and the animation during the nightmare sequences captures the surreal horror of the source material. But despite these strengths, the film feels flat, rushed in the second half, emotionally hollow where it should be devastating, and lacking the visual boldness the story demands. The infamous attack on Barbara is handled well, but the aftermath lacks depth, reducing a pivotal moment in comics history to just another segment in a flawed animated retelling. Saved by Hamill’s brilliance and a few strong visuals, but dragged down by poor decisions and a failure to honor the gravity of its own legacy. A decent watch for fans, but far from essential.
Rating: ★★★ | Year: 2016 | Watched: 2025-10-05
Where to watch (UK)
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Buy: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Physical: Amazon UK
Affiliate disclosure: Movies With Macca may earn a small commission on purchases or subscriptions started via these links. It costs you nothing extra.
Where to watch (UK)
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Buy: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Physical: Amazon UK
Affiliate disclosure: Movies With Macca may earn a small commission on purchases or subscriptions started via these links. It costs you nothing extra.
Related on Movies With Macca
More from the 2010s: Wonder (2017) · Beautiful Boy (2018) · The Witch (2015) · What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
More animation: Fantastic Planet (1973) · Alice in Wonderland (1951) · Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain (2024) · Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage (2025)
More action: A Better Tomorrow (1986) · The General (1926) · Hand of Death (1976) · Daredevil (2003)
