The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)

It took a filmmaker of Christopher Nolan’s caliber to reinvent Batman’s film career. Thankfully, Batman Begins was exactly the grounded approach the character needed after the candy-colored Batman and Robin left audiences cold. With a supporting cast that included Liam Neeson, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, the star-studded affair introduced Christian Bale’s indelible interpretation of Bruce Wayne, but even despite that film’s critical and financial success, no one expected The Dark Knight to be the masterwork that it is. Heath Ledger landed a posthumous Academy Award for his chilling turn as the Joker, with its thrilling story and resonant themes elevating the series. Four years later, The Dark Knight Rises failed to match its predecessor’s quality but still brought the trilogy to a mostly satisfying close, thanks to Tom Hardy’s Bane, Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman and an emotionally charged finale.