10 Batman Stories That Should Be Made into Movies

For over 70 years, children have been growing up with Batman. Each iteration is somebody’s first introduction to the character, whether it’s in print or on screen. And because his story expands over decades, there is no shortage of stories to adapt to film. Below are 10 Batman graphic novels that should be made into movies.

Batman: A Death in the Family (1988)

By: Jim Starlin, Artist: Jim Aparo

 The Batman cinematic universe has only ever incorporated Dick Grayson as young sidekick, Robin. In fact, there have been several characters who have taken up the Robin mantle over the years.

One of the most famous was Jason Todd. Todd was Grayson’s replacement and a headstrong teen who didn’t always follow orders. So, when comics fans were asked to vote on whether or not to kill him off, as the cover reveals, they voted “yes” by a slim majority.

A film adaptation of this tragic story could explore the complex relationship between Bruce and Jason culminating in The Boy Wonder’s death. A filmmaker looking to tell a tragic story about a flawed father/son relationship would have a field day here.

Batman: The Long Halloween (1996-1997)

By: Jeph Loeb, Artist: Tim Sale

Previous Batman films have borrowed several elements from this iconic story. But a more straightforward telling of The Holiday Killer’s year-long rampage on Gotham City deserves its own incarnation. Audiences would get to see villains never before seen on the big screen, such as The Mad Hatter, Solomon Grundy, and The Calendar Man. They would also get a more fleshed out version of Harvey Dent’s fall from hero District Attorney to one of Batman’s most notorious supervillains. The mob presence adds authenticity as well. This is more than just a picture book for adults. It’s a gritty story full of corruption, mystery, and tragic heroes that takes place over an entire year rather than the standard couple of days or weeks.

Batman: The Court of Owls

By: Scott Snyder, Artist: Greg Capullo

The Court of Owls is a hardcore detective story that explores Gotham’s history in a gritty way that could double as a horror story with its gore and grotesqueness. This story deep dives into Gotham’s history and the events that have led to its current state which requires an extreme hero to battle them. There’s still plenty of action but also a lot of contemplation that pits family versus family with Gotham as the prize. I could see an up and coming screenwriter really giving this script its all and with the right director, striking cinematic gold.

Huntress: Year One (2008)

By: Ivory Madison, Artist: Cliff Richards

 My pick for a Batman film that explores the mob side of Gotham City is Huntress: Year One. I’ve always loved Huntress’ purple costume and deep-rooted backstory which is not much different than Batman’s. But Helena Bertinelli’s history is rooted in corruption and a lack of control that Bruce Wayne was shielded from. And that makes her decisions to choose good over evil all the more inspiring. A film version could copy numerous beautiful images for its scenes and Helena’s strong, solid voice for the right actress.

Batman Earth One (2012)

By: Geoff Johns, Artist: Gary Frank

Earth One is a retelling of Batman’s origin story, but where I think it can really shine in a world where we’ve seen Batman’s origin story over and over is in introducing the character of Barbara Gordon who goes from victim to ally to teammate. The Batman family really needs to expand into the cinematic universe. These are characters that Hollywood doesn’t want to touch, yet they’re seamlessly worked into so many great Batman graphic novels. This book is a great blueprint for one of those sidekicks who deserves more screen time. And it could lead all the way up to her tragic events in The Killing Joke that transform Batgirl into Oracle.

Batman and Son (2006)

By: Grant Morrison, Artist: Andy Kubert

Another character who could use a great introduction into the Batman cinematic universe is Damian Wayne, Batman’s son with Talia al Ghul. Batman is known for taking damaged young boys under his wing and mentoring them into heroes. At the same time, his own biological son was training with the League of Assassins. And Batman’s newest challenge is to retrain him to fight for the side of good. It’s time that a Batman movie looked forward instead of backwards. And having a dysfunctional father and son story as the backbone of that idea is the perfect way to freshen up the character.

Batman: Cacophony (2008-2009)

By: Kevin Smith, Artist: Walt Flanagan

 Batman hunts a villain by the name of Onomatopoeia while encountering some of his usual foes. But he soon realizes that he’s the one who is being hunted. This action-packed story culminates in a showdown in which Batman is faced with the choice to let his greatest villain, The Joker, live or die.

Cacophony is a blend of action and Batman philosophy which creates that mix of spectacle and sophistication that both audiences and critics look for in a Batman movie. There’s also some humor that would add a bit of levity without camping up the story in a way that audiences hate. The exchange between Batman and Commissioner Gordon in a pivotal moment at the end would be an amazing exchange between the two actors cast in those roles and perfectly sums up the Batman philosophy that we know today. It could even combine elements of its sequel, The Widening Gyre, into the finished screenplay.

Batman: Bruce Wayne Murderer? (2014)

Various writers and artists

This is an entry for all true crime fans out there. No fan of Batman would ever consider him to be a murderer. In fact, it goes against everything he stands for. But a film version of this story can play on all of the true crime tropes that we all use to judge the accused and the evidence that causes us to question even the most noble of us. To keep Bruce off the bench, the story could be told in a series of flashbacks as the billionaire is locked up and his bat family searches for clues that will prove his innocence.

Batman: Masterpieces (1996)  

People are always speculating over which villains should be used in the next Batman story. In this movie, they don’t have to choose because they will use them all, or at least the big ones. It might seem like a cop out to feature as many villains as possible in a movie, and some will inevitably get shortchanged in the process. But we all know there will be more Batman stories around the bend. So, to have fun with the entire rogues gallery the way this trading card set does would be the ultimate fan service to moviegoers.

Batman: Hush (2002-2003)

By: Jeph Loeb, Artist: Jim Lee

I saved my favorite Batman story for last. Batman: Hush is emotional, action-packed, and spectacle-filled. The scale of this film would be huge from a casting perspective alone.  It calls for appearances from multiple Batman villains and sidekicks along with cameos from Superman and Lois Lane. Most importantly, it would introduce the title character himself, Hush, into the DC film canon.

Hush also calls back to previous Batman stories which would allow the film to explore Bruce’s past beyond that iconic but overdone fateful night in crime alley. From his childhood friendship with skilled surgeon, Tommy Elliot, to the loss of his surrogate son and former Robin, Jason Todd, there’s enough content for multiple films here. Batman’s team up with Catwoman is another element that audiences would welcome as the two weave their way to the end of the shocking reveal of the orchestrator of the story’s mayhem.

An animated version has already been attempted but didn’t do the original printed story justice. So, I’d be first in line to see a live-action adaption on opening night.

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