10 Shows That Tried To Be The Next Batman: The Animated Series When Batman: The Animated Series debuted in 1992, it forever changed the landscape of superhero television. The show's groundbreaking approach to animation, storytelling, and character development elevated the medium to new creative heights, setting a new benchmark that countless series have tried to replicate ever since. Batman: TAS's distinctive art deco aesthetic, moody noir atmosphere, and nuanced character-driven narratives marked a stark departure from the bright, campy superhero cartoons that had dominated the genre. Driven by the acclaimed work of producer Bruce Timm and a team of talented writers, the series presented a version of the Caped Crusader that was darker, more complex, and more emotionally resonant than audiences had ever seen before on the small screen. The show's success paved the way for a shared DC Animated Universe that would go on to include acclaimed adaptations of other iconic heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League. But Batman: TAS remained the crown jewel, with its captivating blend of style and substance inspiring a wave of imitators that have sought to replicate its magic in the decades since. Here are 10 shows that tried, with varying degrees of success, to capture the spirit of Batman: The Animated Series and elevate superhero television to new creative heights. Gargoyles (1994-1997) Premiering just two years after Batman: TAS, Disney's Gargoyles shared many of the same creative DNA. Developed by veteran animator Greg Weisman, the series blended fantasy, mythology, and complex serialized storytelling to craft a rich, immersive world. Like Batman, the gargoyle protagonists were flawed, nuanced characters driven by a sense of justice and duty, navigating a morally grey urban landscape. Gargoyles' gothic visual style and mature thematic content made it a standout in the children's animation landscape of the mid-90s. Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-1998) Marvel may have been playing catch-up to DC when it came to superhero cartoons, but Spider-Man: The Animated Series proved the company could deliver a product that matched Batman: TAS in both style and substance. Boasting a talented creative team including writer John Semper Jr. and composer Shuki Levy, the series delved deep into Spider-Man's personal struggles and relationships, balancing action-packed set pieces with emotionally resonant character arcs. The show's moody visuals and willingness to explore adult themes like death, grief, and mental health set it apart from the more lighthearted superhero cartoons of the era. The Tick (1994-1996) Adapted from the cult comic book character, The Tick put a delightfully absurdist spin on the superhero genre. While the show's broad, comedic sensibilities were a far cry from the gothic gravitas of Batman: TAS, it shared the same commitment to worldbuilding, character development, and subverting genre tropes. The Tick's surreal, hyperactive take on superhero mythology, combined with its quirky ensemble of lovably eccentric characters, made for a unique viewing experience that stood out from the pack. Men in Black: The Series (1997-2001) Arriving in the wake of the hit 1997 film, Men in Black: The Series distinguished itself by crafting an expansive sci-fi universe populated by a diverse array of alien species and government conspiracies. While the show may have lacked the visual flair and narrative sophistication of Batman: TAS, it made up for it with a sharp, irreverent sense of humor and a commitment to exploring the social and ethical implications of the Men in Black's clandestine operations. The Maxx (1995) Based on the cult comic book series by Sam Kieth, The Maxx was a surreal, psychedelic exploration of the line between fantasy and reality. Featuring a striking visual style that blended live-action and animation, the series delved into the troubled psyche of its titular hero, a homeless vagrant who sees himself as a powerful warrior protecting a mystical jungle realm. With its trippy dreamscapes, complex psychological themes, and unconventional narrative structure, The Maxx stood out as a bold, experimental take on the superhero genre. The Zeta Project (2001-2002) Spun off from Batman: The Animated Series, The Zeta Project followed the android Zeta as he sought to escape his former life as an assassin for a shadowy government agency. The show's moody, serialized storytelling and focus on themes of identity, morality, and the nature of humanity echoed the sensibilities of its predecessor, while the central character's journey of redemption and self-discovery provided a fresh, compelling narrative hook. Invincible (2021-) Though it arrived decades after Batman: TAS, Amazon's Invincible has drawn frequent comparisons to the landmark animated series. Based on the comic book by Robert Kirkman, the show blends jaw-dropping superhero action with deeply nuanced character work, delving into the personal struggles and moral complexities faced by its protagonists. Invincible's cinematic visual style, strong ensemble cast, and willingness to subvert genre tropes have helped establish it as one of the most exciting new entries in the superhero television landscape. Young Justice (2010-2013, 2019-) Developed by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman (of Gargoyles fame), Young Justice drew inspiration from Batman: TAS's storytelling approach to craft an ambitious, character-driven take on the DC Universe. The show's sprawling ensemble, intricate plotting, and exploration of mature themes like trauma, grief, and the moral ambiguities of heroism made it a standout in the realm of superhero animation. Young Justice's critical acclaim and devoted fanbase have helped cement its status as a worthy heir to the legacy of Batman: The Animated Series. Harley Quinn (2019-) In many ways, Harley Quinn is the anti-Batman: The Animated Series – a raucous, irreverent, and thoroughly R-rated take on the DC Universe. But the show's commitment to complex character development, nuanced emotional storytelling, and a distinct visual style aligns it with the creative sensibilities that made Batman: TAS so groundbreaking. Harley Quinn's gleefully anarchic brand of humor and willingness to delve into the psyches of its damaged protagonists have earned it a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. Primal (2019-2021) Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal stands out as one of the most visually striking and thematically ambitious animated series in recent memory. Set in a prehistoric world devoid of dialogue, the show follows the bond that forms between a caveman and a dinosaur as they navigate a brutal, unforgiving landscape. Primal's stunning, painterly animation, captivating visual storytelling, and exploration of primal human emotions evoke the cinematic grandeur and emotional heft of Batman: The Animated Series, albeit through a radically different lens. The enduring legacy of Batman: The Animated Series is a testament to the power of animation to transcend the constraints of the medium and deliver complex, emotionally resonant stories. While no single series has been able to fully replicate its singular magic, the shows on this list have all drawn inspiration from its groundbreaking example, pushing the boundaries of what superhero television can achieve. In the process, they have helped cement animation's status as a vital and versatile storytelling medium capable of captivating audiences of all ages.