#2: The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, particularly 2008’s The Dark Knight, is often hailed as the gold standard of superhero films, largely thanks to Heath Ledger’s chilling, Oscar-winning portrayal of the Joker. The trilogy’s grounded realism, complex themes, and intense action set it apart from past Batman adaptations.

However, some argue that its overwhelming praise is partly a reaction to the franchise’s previous missteps—namely, the neon-drenched camp of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. While undeniably well-crafted, Nolan’s vision may seem even more impressive simply because it followed such widely panned predecessors.
