Batman Beyond
A great pick
Ages 9–13First shown 1999
It's been years since Batman was last seen and Bruce Wayne secludes himself away from the resurgence of crime in Gotham. After discovering Bruce's secret identity, troubled teenager Terry McGinnis dons the mantle of Batman. With Bruce supervising him, Terry battles criminals in a futuristic Gotham and brings hope to its citizens.
Our verdict
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
Grating audio: mixed views
Reviewers describe this series as a sophisticated and dark cyberpunk thriller that successfully bridges the gap between children's programming and adult drama. It is highly praised for its stylish animation, award-winning industrial score, and its serious treatment of complex themes like legacy and adolescent struggles. While the intense tone and energetic music are polarizing for some, the show is generally considered a masterfully crafted addition to the superhero genre.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
4out of 5
The show is widely praised for its nuanced mentor-student relationship and its willingness to tackle complex adolescent issues like substance abuse, peer pressure, and family dysfunction without being preachy. While some reviewers find the protagonists too angry or violent, most see the lead character's journey from a vengeful youth to a disciplined hero as a strong positive arc. There is a minor consensus that the dark tone and occasional suggestive comments are present, but these are generally framed within a mature storytelling context.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
5out of 5
The series is highly regarded as a classic that adults can enjoy alongside children, with many reviewers noting it treats its audience with maturity. It explores sophisticated cyberpunk themes, the psychology of aging, and social inequality, ensuring it remains engaging for older viewers. Although a very small number of viewers found certain plotlines predictable or the tone occasionally 'cheesy,' the overwhelming majority of commentary describes it as a rewarding, high-quality drama.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
5out of 5
The show is celebrated for its distinctive neo-noir and cyberpunk aesthetic, backed by Emmy-winning music and exceptional voice acting. Reviewers frequently highlight the stylish opening sequence and tight writing, particularly in the first season. Some notes of criticism exist regarding a perceived dip in quality and a shift to digital animation in later seasons, but the overall production is considered superb.
Watch-outs
Overstimulating: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio: mixed views
While some reviewers find the high-energy techno and industrial score to be a perfect fit for the futuristic setting, others describe it as unpleasantly loud or even headache-inducing. Because there is a substantial disagreement across multiple sites where the audio is either a standout feature or a major irritant, the state is mixed.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
DVD and Blu-ray
Streaming availability from Watchmode.
Last updated 18 October 2026.