Attention Batman fans: The Dark Knight is now streaming on Netflix. Widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book movies ever made, director Christopher Nolan’s take on the iconic DC Comics hero is once again easily accessible to the masses.
Given the complicated licensing with films these days, with many streaming services competing for content, these movies tend to come and go. Netflix though is the biggest streaming service in the world with more than 200 million subscribers. As such, a movie like this is typically available to a much larger audience when it hits the service.
Here is the synopsis for The Dark Knight.
“Christian Bale and director Christopher Nolan reunite following their blockbuster success with Batman Begins! This time, Heath Ledger joins the cast as The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart stars as Harvey Dent in an all-new adventure of The Dark Knight. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and new district attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart–Thank You for Smoking), Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City forever. The three enjoy early success, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker (Ledger–Brokeback Mountain), who throws Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman ever closer to crossing the line between hero and vigilante.”
Released in 2008, The Dark Knight was the sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins. That movie introduced Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in a gritty, grounded take on the character. This was in stark contrast to what had come before, namely Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. While Batman Begins was acclaimed and a solid hit at the box office, its sequel would blow away any and all expectations.
The Dark Knight was met with near-universal praise. Whatever Nolan had accomplished in this universe before paled in comparison. The story was aided greatly by a head-turning performance from the late Heath Ledger as the Joker. Ledger would go on to win an Oscar for his work following his untimely passing. The film ultimately went on to earn more than $1 billion at the global box office.
It paved the way for one more sequel as well, 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. Though not as well regarded as its predecessor, the third and final chapter in Nolan’s trilogy was, until Aquaman was released, the highest-grossing DC Comics movie in history.
The Dark Knight is streaming now on Netflix.
What do you think? Where does this rank on your all-time superhero movies list? Do you plan on revisiting it now that it’s on Netflix? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
