Batman Beyond (1999-2001)

A futuristic companion to Batman: The Animated Series, this show — which retains much of its predecessor’s creative team — introduces teenage Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle) as he assumes the mantle of Batman and is mentored by an elderly Bruce Wayne (again voiced by Conroy). Offering a new take on the character, the series became so popular that Warner Bros. was once considering a live-action adaptation to serve as a big-screen reboot following Batman & Robin. Despite the absence of Batman’s classic villains and recurring allies like Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon, Batman Beyond dared to explore an entirely new era for the Caped Crusader, including a radically different environment and a costume that even lacks his signature cape. Remarkably, the effort paid off handsomely and serves as the perfect continuation of the character’s story. A direct-to-video feature – Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker — even upped the ante with a controversially dark tale that saw Mark Hamill reprise his role as the Clown Prince of Crime, earning universal acclaim from fans and critics.