The Dark Knight (2008)

A masterpiece. There’s simply no other way to put it, and Christopher Nolan’s epic crime saga more than delivered the Batman film fans deserved. In the process, the film changed how the industry (and moviegoers in general) approach comic book films, proving that the tales on the page could be brought to life both reverently and artistically. Heath Ledger snagged a posthumous Oscar for his electrifying turn as the Joker, becoming the first actor to win the award for a comic book-inspired role. Moreover, The Dark Knight‘s lasting impact has continued to propel the genre forward, greatly influencing Superman reboot Man of Steel and the subsequent DC cinematic universe. It continues to be heralded as a modern classic and a gold standard for what comic book films csn be.