Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, extremely violent, and sexual superhero tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Batman: The Killing Joke
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Parents say this animated film polarizes viewers, with some enjoying its unique take on the Joker's backstory and the underlying theme of madness, while others criticize its graphic content and deviation from the original graphic novel. Many reviewers feel that the violence and sexual elements are overdone, making it unsuitable for younger audiences, and most believe the film should carry a lower age rating than R, citing its limited bloodshed and a lighter tone than expected.
- graphic content
- mixed reviews
- age rating concerns
- deviation from source
- character portrayal
- theme of madness
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is not suitable for children due to its heavy themes of violence and sexual content, including an inappropriate relationship between Batman and Batgirl. While some viewers appreciate the adaptation of a beloved comic, many criticize the unnecessary added scenes and graphic portrayals that detract from the source material, ultimately deeming it a letdown compared to the original story.
- mature themes
- graphic violence
- unsuitable for kids
- adaptation issues
- relationship concerns
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
There are two distinct parts to BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE with a thin thread holding them together. Batgirl (the alter ego of Barbara Gordon, voiced expertly by Tara Strong) moves the story in the first section. In the midst of a rash of criminal activities with a sleazy gangster obsessing over and sexually menacing her, Batgirl does some obsessing herself. Caught between an escalating romantic crush on Batman (Kevin Conroy) and annoyed by his dismissive attitude of her abilities, Batgirl makes some risky choices. A sexual liaison between the two intensifies her conflicted feelings. Before anything can be resolved, however, the Joker (Mark Hamil), sets in motion a plot that may doom all of Gotham City. Spoiler alerts: In a bloodbath during which Batgirl is shockingly injured and her father, Commissioner Gordon (Ray Wise) taken hostage, the Joker reveals his intent to drive Gordon insane and lure Batman to destruction. The present-day story of the Joker's torturous abuse and intimidation of the police officer in a derelict Fun House, complete with freakishly tragic misfits on a rampage, is intercut with the story of the Joker's own plummet to insanity years earlier. It's a sordid tale in which a failed comic driven to crime to support his loving, pregnant wife falls victim to his lapsed sense of right and wrong and the malice of two small-time crooks. It's up to Batman to thwart the Joker's evil plan, save Commissioner Gordon, and avenge the tragic outcome of Batgirl's injuries.
Is It Any Good?
An overlong forced preface, extreme bloodthirsty sequences, as well a curious reliance on nakedness and the sexualizing of its iconic superheroes set this Batman adventure apart from the familiar. Adapted from an already dark but highly thought-of graphic novel also called Batman: The Killing Joke, the film takes some of what were thought to be mildly offensive themes and doubles down. Batgirl becomes a "flattered" sexual victim, the emotional casualty of a one-night stand with her mentor, and a martyr all in the first 20 minutes. The movie fares much better when the Joker's story amps up. The Joker's origin story, detailing the source of his insanity, comes directly from the novel and is well done. Performances are uniformly excellent; animation is first-rate. A final confrontation between Batman and the Joker will both surprise and perplex. So it's a mixed bag. With its dark underbelly and philosophical complexity, as well as its questionable sexual content, it's definitely for adults, both visually and thematically.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Batman: The Killing Joke. How did the depth of pain and suffering experienced by well-loved heroes raise the stakes and make the violence more personal and thus more affecting? What role did humiliation of the characters play in the story?
In film terms, what is a backstory? Now that you know the Joker's backstory, is the character more sympathetic? Is his behavior any less inexcusable? Given "a bad day" similar to the day that changed the Joker's life, how did Commissioner Gordon react differently?
Discuss the ending of the movie. Was it funny? Unsettling? Unexpected? What do you think the filmmakers wanted you to take away from the final confrontation between Batman and the Joker?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 2, 2016
- Cast : Kevin Conroy , Mark Hamill , Tara Strong
- Director : Sam Liu
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : bloody images and disturbing content
- Last updated : January 13, 2026
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