10 Comic Book Movies For People Who Don't Like Comic Book Movies

When put against most other superheroes out there, Batman tends to feel like the most lived-in person to don a mask and fight crime.

Set against other extraordinary beings like Superman, the tragic tale of a young boy fighting crime after his world was shattered by an act of violence is a lot easier - generally - for people to get into than extraterrestrial beings. Even in a world as real as Gotham City though, Mask of the Phantasm really lets us see the man behind the mask.

There are plenty of reasons Batman: The Animated Series is considered an iconic depiction of the Dark Knight, and Mask of the Phantasm embodies all of them in a feature-length package. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprise their roles as the Caped Crusader and the Joker respectively, plus the show's other stars, and everyone turns in a magnificent performance.

Aside from the actors though, the story behind MOTP is one of the rawest Batman adaptations put to film, showing the beginnings of Bruce Wayne's origins long before Christopher Nolan got to it with Batman Begins, accompanied by stunning animation and a phenomenal score from the late Shirley Walker.