Batman: The Animated Series was one of the first shows that proved that cartoons about superheroes could be more complex and nuanced than your average Saturday morning fare. Despite the fact that it is an animated program, it's darker and more noir-ish than you might expect. While the original Batman television series was gleefully campy, the animated series from the early 90s had a surprising amount of gravitas. It's clear that Nolan's gritty interpretation of Batman owes a debt of gratitude to this version, which undoubtedly served as an inspiration on some level. It's consistently ranked among the greatest animated series of all time, and represents one of the most interesting and faithful adaption of the popular superhero and his revolving door of villains.