Parents' Guide to Batman: The Animated Series

TV Boomerang , Disney XD , Discovery Family Channel Kids' Animation 1992
Batman: The Animated Series Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Deirdre Sheppard , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

A dark, violent comic book comes to life.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 19 parent reviews

Parents say that while this animated series is hailed as a classic with intelligent writing and complex characters, it is not suitable for younger children due to its mature themes, violence, and sexualized characters. Viewers appreciate the show's ability to handle dark subject matter sensitively but recommend parental guidance for younger audiences to facilitate discussions about its content.mature themesparental guidanceintelligent writingdark contentage recommendations
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age 9+

Based on 48 kid reviews

Kids say this show is a classic with superior animation, compelling storylines, and strong voice performances, making it a favorite among both children and adults. However, many reviews caution that its darker themes, moderate violence, and occasional mature content make it unsuitable for younger viewers, particularly those under eight.dark themesmoderate violencesuitable for teensclassic animationstrong storytelling
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What's the Story?

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES follows the adventures of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman. This cartoon version, which originally ran from 1992-1995 (it still airs in syndication and is available on DVD), closely mirrors most other takes on the Dark Knight: Bruce comes from one of the most affluent and generous families in Gotham City. As a child, he witnessed his parents' murder -- an event that ultimately leads him to become Batman. As an adult, Bruce (voiced by Kevin Conroy) is left carrying the responsibility of the family mansion and the family business, Wayne Enterprises; but most of all, he's left carrying guilt, since he blames himself for his parents' deaths. With the help of servant-turned-father figure Alfred (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.), Bruce creates Batman to get his revenge on all the criminals in Gotham. Later on, he's joined by sidekick Robin (Loren Lester).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 19 ):
Kids say ( 48 ):

Overall, this complex, well-made series is further proof (if anyone still needs it) that animation isn't always automatically kid friendly. Batman: The Animated Series is a fairly violent cartoon. Guns, knives, and other weapons make frequent appearances, and all of the characters -- including Batman himself -- handle conflicts with their fists rather than their conversational skills. Also, some episodes focus heavily on Bruce's would-be playboy image, which includes some tame womanizing.

Most concerning, though -- at least for parents of young children -- is the show's overall grim quality: Bruce's melancholy and anger are the driving force behind the entire series, and some of the show's dark, intellectual plot twists could easily scare some younger kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Batman: The Animated Series compares with other Batman TV shows and movies?

  • What are the responsibilities of being a hero? What is a hero? Is Batman a hero, a martyr, or both? Why is Batman so grim? Why does he feel responsible for the citizens of Gotham?

  • How does Batman demonstrate courage in Batman: The Animated Series? Why is this an important character strength?

TV Details

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