The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker.
Details
Budget
$185,000,000
Rating
9/10 (33561 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Syncopy, DC
About The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan's 2008 film "The Dark Knight" expands Batman's ongoing fight against Gotham's criminal elements. With District Attorney Harvey Dent and Lt. Jim Gordon, Batman works to dismantle the city's organized crime. This alliance soon faces the Joker, a criminal mastermind who introduces a period of chaos.
The film explores themes of justice, vigilantism, and the nature of heroism, moving into neo-noir territory within the superhero genre. Its status as a thriller and crime drama is supported by keywords such as "chaos," "sadism," and "organized crime," alongside "tragic hero" and "anti villain." The narrative focuses on the psychological impact of Batman's methods and the Joker's disruptive influence on both the city and its protectors.
"The Dark Knight" received high critical acclaim, reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score of 94% and a Metacritic score of 85. The film delves into the complexities of its characters, particularly the dynamic between the crime fighter Batman and the anti-hero Joker, who challenges the established order through acts of "criminal mastermind" and "sadism."
Why you might be searching for The Dark Knight
People are searching for specific memorable moments like a bridge collapse involving metal rods, a character escaping custody, and the Joker's iconic interrogation scenes where he discusses his scars. There are also searches for specific lines, such as "All that is required for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing," and scenes like a house explosion after a man lights a cigarette.
What reviewers are saying
This film is considered the best installment of the trilogy, praised for Christopher Nolan's direction and Heath Ledger's performance, alongside its musical score.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer states that it stands as the best comic-book movie ever made, surpassing others in its ability to portray human emotions and experiences, similar to the work of acclaimed directors like Kubrick or Hitchcock.
Read the full reviewThe film is seen as potentially the best Batman movie, offering an unexpected take on the superhero's story. Heath Ledger's portrayal of a psychopath and Christian Bale's depiction of Bruce Wayne as a human behind the mask are specifically noted.
Read the full reviewA reviewer calls it one of the best films ever, highlighting Christopher Nolan's ability to create a realistic Batman world. Heath Ledger's Joker performance is singled out as a standout for its depiction of a psychotic villain, despite a change in the actress for Rachel Dawes.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Dark Knight" on HBO Max. It is also available for purchase or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Additionally, you might be able to find it in theaters or buy it on DVD/Blu-ray.
"The Dark Knight" is not based on a true story; it is a superhero film based on characters appearing in DC Comics, specifically Batman.
In the climax of "The Dark Knight," Harvey Dent, as Two-Face, takes Commissioner Gordon's family hostage, blaming Gordon for Rachel's death. Batman intervenes, tackling Dent to save Gordon's son, which results in Dent falling to his death. To preserve Dent's heroic image for Gotham City, Batman takes the blame for Dent's actions and death, convincing Gordon to conceal the truth. The city mourns Dent as a hero, while Batman becomes a hunted vigilante. Alfred burns a letter from Rachel to Bruce revealing she chose Dent, and Lucius Fox destroys Batman's surveillance system.
Yes, "The Dark Knight" is widely considered a highly acclaimed film. It holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it "Dark, complex and unforgettable," and has been assessed as one of the greatest superhero films ever made.