Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm poster & wallpaper
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Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Hart Bochner, Mark Hamill, Stacy Keach ... see more see more... , Efrem Zimbalist Jr. , Abe Vigoda , Dick Miller , John P. Ryan , Robert Costanzo , Bob Hastings , Marilu Henner

This stylish animated adventure is based on the '90s animated television series, which in turn is based on the original comics and Tim Burton's live action "Batman" films. Unlike the campy 1960s versi... read more read more...on of Batman, this version is half-mad from the superhero's obsession with justice. It is only his unusual sense of ethics that keeps him from becoming a full-blown psychotic. The story describes the origins of Batman as it follows the Dark Knight's attempts to capture the elusive, deadly Phantasm who kills a crime lord and makes it look as if Batman did it, causing a media smear campaign against the Caped Crusader. At the same time, millionaire Bruce Wayne holds a party at his mansion. There he meets Councilman Arthur Reeves, the man behind the accusations. Reeves derides playboy Wayne for allowing his college sweetheart Andrea Beaumont to leave him. Suddenly Wayne flashes back to his pre-Batman days. He remembers how he met her while visiting his parents' graves to renew his vow that he would spend his life fighting crime to avenge their wrongful deaths. He has already devised an early version of his alter-ego Batman, but that is nearly forgotten when he falls in love with Andrea. The story then jumps from past to present and back as the mysterious Phantasm strikes again. Batman continues his investigation and discovers a disturbing link between Andrea, who suddenly shows up after many years absence, and the villain. Meanwhile, the Phantasm, feeling that Batman is too close to learning his/her identity hires the Joker to kill him. But the Joker has his own agenda and much action ensues before the mystery of the Phantasm identity is solved, Batman clears his name, and justice is served. This film was originally made to go straight to video, Warner's studio liked it enough to release it theatrically. Some of the violence may be inappropriate for very young children. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Flixster Users

75% liked it

65,822 ratings

Critics

87% liked it

23 critics

PG, 1 hr. 20 min.

Directed by: Eric Radomski, Bruce W. Timm

Release Date: December 24, 1993

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DVD Release Date: December 21, 1999

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Stats: 2,545 reviews

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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm the birth of batman I Am Vengeance there's a crane lifting up the angel statue that crushed buzz bronski the hospital where arthur reeves resides batman vs. the phantasm cool animated bats the batmobile from mask of the phantasm Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm the joker kicked in the jaw by batman BATMAN BATMAN AND FLASH wayne manor when bruce proposes to andrea the true face of the phantasm batman from batman mask of the phantasm The Joker jack napier aka human joker from mask of the phantasm summer gleeson the news reporter makes a cameo
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Flixster Reviews (2,545)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    November 25, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    As far as animated films are concerned, Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm is a film that has really stood out for me. I remember watching this one several times as a kid, and man did I enjoy it. As far as animated films are concerned, this is a classic film, and one of the best animat... read moreed features that is NOT a Disney feature since 1981's Heavy Metal. Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm is a must see for Batman fans everywhere and is actually just as good as Tim Burton's Batman works. This film is lavishly drawn, dark and violent. The film breaks ground by being an animated film that isn't just for kids to enjoy. The film has a thrilling, riveting story that will appeal to the die hard Batman fan. This is simply put a solid action film that even though is animated is still worth seeing by skeptics that think that animated features are only for kids. This film has a darker tone what you're usually used to in a Batman film. This is a terrific film. The voice talents are incredible and the cast deliver great performances. Along with the great art and the awesome, talented cast, Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm is a superb Batman film that is a definite must see film. Don't be fooled because of the animation, this is one violent film with lots of action and thrills to will satisfy anyone looking for a good action film. A well crafted film that is simply a near flawless action film, and is one of the best of the earlier Batman films.
  • DragonEyeMorrison
    October 14, 2011
    DragonEyeMorrison
    So far the best Batman movie, the only time they gave him an good love interest of a character, something the live action movies have never done right.
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    August 30, 2011
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    The Dark Knight fights to save Gotham city from its deadliest enemy.

    Good movie. It was entertaining and fun. Loved it!

    Batman, the costumed crime-fighter who prowls the night skies in Gotham City, soon finds there's another vigilante in town knocking off prominent mob figur... read morees. Despite the scythe-like blade for a hand, a mechanical voice and the cloud of smoke that follows the figure wherever it goes, the police and outraged officials mistake the homicidal crusader for Batman himself and demand that the city's longtime hero be brought to justice. Meanwhile, Andrea Beaumont returns to town. She is the lost love of Bruce Wayne, the billionaire playboy who is Batman's alter ego, and was an integral part of Wayne's decision ten years earlier to don the cape and cowl. Now, she is back in his life and is no less a disruption than the return of his old archenemy, The Joker, who has a stake in seeing the annihilation of this new vigilante, whoever it proves to be.
  • kenstachnik
    August 8, 2011
    kenstachnik
    Way better than anything in the Burton/Schumacher series
  • fb729949618
    July 31, 2011
    fb729949618
    Not a big release, but a great cartoon from the animated series. Watched it as a kid and i'll never forget it.
  • fb57802118
    July 12, 2011
    fb57802118
    Adult content in child sensibilities. The action scenes are inspired, Mark Hamill shines as the Joker, and I can't help but wonder why this 18-year-old animated movie did the best job yet of plumbing Batman's psyche. Good, good stuff.
  • ajv2688
    May 23, 2011
    ajv2688
    The best animated Batman movie I've ever seen. It's in the like Batman the Animated Series, in animation, music, and story quality, but it's a full length film. Actually it's slightly darker than the show, and it has more romance too. Plus, it's got the best Batman villain, th... read moree Joker. So, if you're a Batman fan, you should totally see this movie.
  • skeletonking101
    December 29, 2010
    skeletonking101
    very dark and gripping which was much like the show, and i think the nostalgia critic said it best" This movie came out at the same time as Joel Schumachers Batman Forever, alot of us were surprised that the animated movie treated us more like adults than the grown up movie did."... read more and i truly agree the story was very strong and dark and very much more like an adult film, which is surprising. Now i loved the animated series growing up because it was much more adult than most Animated shows kids grew up with, and it was a fantastic show, and this movie kept you guessing about who the phantasm is, where'd he come from, whats his motive? And the movie was also nice enough to give us the Joker which how can you go wrong with Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) as the Joker. Though they do give his backstory on how he became the joker but it really doesn't stay true to the original comic. You see in the comic The Jokers story was changed countless times but the story that most people settle on even the creator of the comics himself Burt Ward agrees with, That the joker was a failed comedian who slipped into deep depression after the death of his wife and unborn child, He then goes on a crime spree as a character called the red hood. Hes chased by cops into a toxic waste plant he swims away in the toxic waste he gets out, takes off his helmet and finds out that his face has become pail white he became insane after that. Im not gonna give anything away but the end result is that this film is definitely worth a watch.
  • djdemersseman
    December 21, 2010
    djdemersseman
    Cheesy, as expected, but not nearly as cheesy as expected. Great art/animation/voicework. Delightfully dark and the Phantasm is easily one of the best Batman villains. Predictable plot but forgivably so. A fitting climax for one of the best animated TV series.
  • ythelastman89
    January 13, 2010
    ythelastman89
    Arguably one of the best animated films ever made and definitely the best animated Batman story. It's such a cinematic approach, it feels like a live action movie. I've never been so pleased with a script for animation. It's dark, something that rarely happens in children's carto... read moreons. They challenged the whole identity of Batman and what makes him who he is. They also showed you what it would take to stop him, love. The whole idea of having a woman come in and be everything that he stood against yet everything he wanted was just really great to see.

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Critic Reviews

Leonard Klady
April 16, 2007
Leonard Klady, Variety

While the script and pedigree of actors are commendable, the craft level is too close to the small-screen offering to get audiences into theaters. Full Review

Stephen Holden
May 20, 2003
Stephen Holden, New York Times

The actor's voices may suit animated television characters, but on a large screen Kevin Conroy's Batman, Mark Hamill's Joker, and Dana Delany's Andrea sound flat and one-dimensional. Full Review

Richard Harrington
January 1, 2000
Richard Harrington, Washington Post

Closer to radio drama than kiddie fare, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the strangest PG film of the year. Full Review

Daniel Etherington
May 18, 2008
Daniel Etherington, Film4

Quintessential Batman and a quality cartoon. Full Review

Kevin Carr
February 27, 2008
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures

managed to soar above the theatrical Batman adaptation, and would remain the best Bat Movie to hit the big screens until Batman Begins shook things up in 2005 Full Review

Stefan Birgir Stefansson
February 2, 2008
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is

One of the best movie versions of Batman ever

April 16, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

This absorbing adventure should resonate with those who take the notion of heroism seriously -- especially adolescent boys. Full Review

June 22, 2005
Empire Magazine

Heroic stuff. Full Review

Peter Canavese
February 15, 2005
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

Respects the character...and winningly combines personal drama and clever themes with intrigue and action to tell a story in keeping with Batman's classic comic adventures.

Alex Sandell
December 27, 2004
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum

Excellent, highly stylized animation.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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    • The Joker: Can't be too careful with all those weirdos running around!
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Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm Trivia

  • What movie has the line "Mi casa nostra es su casa nostra."?   Answer »
  • Which was the only animated Batman film to appear in theaters?  Answer »
  • Who does the voice of the Joker in "Batman: mask of the Phantasm" and "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker?"  Answer »
  • In the animated feature "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm", who does the voice of the Joker?  Answer »
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