10 Best Superman: The Animated Series Episodes
3. "World’s Finest: Part III"
"World's Finest" is a three-part episode from the second season, which was presented as a movie event when it was first aired in the October of 1997. The episode is probably best known as the first time the Man of Steel met the Dark Knight in the DCAU.
Their meeting begins as a result of the Joker's jaunt to Metropolis. The Clown Prince of Crime offered to dispatch the Man of Steel for Lex Luthor, which not only brings him to Metropolis, but Batman as well.
When the two heroes meet for the first time it makes for a classic confrontation. Superman doesn't trust Batman and doesn't approve of his ways, which is pretty much the same on the other side of the fence. Ultimately, they find a way to work together to stop their foes, and it makes for the perfect conclusion.
In terms of writing alone this is one of the best episode arcs in the series. The event also had a perfect portrayal of the Joker, who was voiced by the inimitable Mark Hamill, as well as the conflict between Superman and Batman. Fans know they are the closest of friends, but there is always a turmoil brewing beneath the surface and this episode captured that feeling perfectly.