Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012)
Kernel Score: 88% · 1,681 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Animation, Mystery
Released: 2012-09-25
Runtime: 76 minutes
Where to watch Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Batman has not been seen for ten years. A new breed of criminal ravages Gotham City, forcing 55-year-old Bruce Wayne back into the cape and cowl. But, does he still have what it takes to fight crime in a new era?
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 is an animated superhero film with a dystopian future and crime-fighting violence.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Action-oriented superhero violence in a dystopian crime-ridden Gotham, rated PG-13.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
If you liked Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (2013) — 87%
- Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020) — 80%
- Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One (2024) — 82%
- Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) — 90%
- Batman: Bad Blood (2016) — 76%
- Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part Three (2024) — 81%
- Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015) — 77%
- Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (2022) — 88%
Director
Cast
- Peter Weller as Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice)
- Ariel Winter as Robin / Carrie Kelley (voice)
- David Selby as James Gordon (voice)
- Wade Williams as Harvey Dent / Two-Face (voice)
- Michael McKean as Dr. Bartholomew Wolper (voice)
- Rob Paulsen as Jeff Adams (voice)
- Gary Anthony Williams as Mutant Leader / Anchor Bill (voice)
- Gary Anthony Sturgis as Silk / Other Spike / Young Mutant (voice)
- Paget Brewster as Lana Lang (voice)
- Carlos Alazraqui as Hernando / TV Host (voice)
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 FAQ
Is Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 good?
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,681 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 OK for kids?
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 is an animated superhero film with a dystopian future and crime-fighting violence.
What movies are like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1?
If you liked Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, try Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox.