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
Released in 2008, Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" is an action-crime thriller that continues Batman's efforts to combat organized crime in Gotham. This installment sees Batman, along with Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, confronted by the Joker, a criminal mastermind who brings a new level of chaos to the city. The film is known for its neo-noir atmosphere and exploration of themes such as sadism and chaos.
The narrative centers on the conflict between order and anarchy, as Batman and his allies attempt to maintain control against the Joker's escalating tactics. The movie's runtime is 152 minutes, contributing to its epic scope as a crime fighter narrative. It explores the complexities of vigilantism and the roles of anti-heroes and tragic heroes within a city under siege.
"The Dark Knight" has a strong critical reception, with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an 85/100 on Metacritic, and an IMDb rating of 9.1 based on over 3 million votes. The film's critical and popular success reflects its detailed portrayal of a world grappling with a criminal mastermind, secret identities, and the concept of an anti-villain.
Why you might be searching for The Dark Knight
People search for "The Dark Knight" to recall specific impactful scenes, particularly those involving the Joker, or lines of dialogue that have become well-known. They may also be looking for details about the film's gritty tone, its status as a superhero movie, or its cast.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer regards this as the best film in the trilogy, praising the music and acknowledging the contributions of Nolan and Heath Ledger.
Read the full reviewA review suggests the film is the best comic-book character movie ever made, comparing Nolan's approach to that of Kubrick, Hitchcock, or Kurosawa due to its focus on human emotions and complexities.
Read the full reviewThis film might be the best Batman movie of all time, keeping audiences engaged throughout, with Heath Ledger's portrayal of a psychopath and Christian Bale's depiction of Bruce Wayne receiving particular mention.
Read the full reviewThe film is called a masterpiece for its dark and gritty tone, and is described as a game-changing superhero movie.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream The Dark Knight on HBO Max, YouTube TV, or the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home, and can be purchased on DVD or Blu-ray from various retailers. There are no free streaming options for it currently.
No, The Dark Knight is not based on a true story. It is a superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman, created by Bob Kane. The movie features fictional characters like Batman, Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the Joker in Gotham City.
At the end of The Dark Knight, Batman takes the blame for Harvey Dent's crimes to preserve Dent's image as Gotham's hero, allowing the city to maintain hope. This means Batman becomes a hunted vigilante while Gordon and the city believe Dent died a hero. This sacrifice is made to ensure the public doesn't lose faith in justice after the Joker's reign of chaos and Dent's downfall.
Yes, The Dark Knight is considered worth watching, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 94% Tomatometer score and a 94% audience score based on over 250,000 ratings. Critics praise it as a dark, complex, and unforgettable crime saga and an instant classic in both the superhero and crime thriller genres.