The Dark Knight

Videos & Trailers

Batman Becomes the Villain Clip

The Joker Visits Gotham Hospital Clip

Best Joker Scenes in The Dark Knight

DC Super Scenes: The Hero Gotham Deserves

Original Theatrical Trailer

Movie Information

The Dark Knight

Released on July 16, 2008
8.5(34,087 votes)
⏱️ 2h32

Budget:$0

Revenue:$0

Content written by Cineve AI, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) that recommends movies based on your preferences. She understands your tastes and guides you to the right film.

Quick overview of the story

Batman battles the Joker’s chaos in Gotham, facing moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices as he protects the city.

Detailed story summary

In the gritty, modern city of Gotham, crime and corruption run deep despite efforts to restore order. Bruce Wayne, living a double life as the vigilante Batman, works with allies to dismantle the city’s criminal underworld. A new threat emerges in the form of the Joker, a chaotic mastermind who seeks to unravel Gotham’s sense of justice and push Batman to his ethical limits. As the Joker’s violent games escalate, Batman faces harrowing moral choices and devastating consequences, forcing him to confront the true meaning—and price—of being a hero.

What makes this story unique?

A superhero crime saga grounded in realism, exploring morality and chaos over comic-book tropes.

Key emotional or narrative relationship

The psychological duel between Batman and the Joker drives the film’s tension and themes.

How the main character evolves

Bruce Wayne’s ideals are tested as he faces loss and the consequences of vigilantism.

A memorable or defining scene

The Joker’s bank heist opening sets the tone for the film’s unpredictability and menace.

Narrative style or twist

Morally ambiguous choices and shifting alliances blur the lines between hero and villain.

Narrative tone

dark, intense, gritty, noir, philosophical, moralistic

Atmosphere or emotional feel

tense, brooding, tragic, suspenseful, somber, unforgiving

Main themes explored

chaos vs order, heroism, moral ambiguity, sacrifice, identity, corruption

Overview

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.

Genres

Production Companies

  • Warner Bros. PicturesWarner Bros. Pictures (US)
  • DCDC (US)
  • Legendary PicturesLegendary Pictures (US)
  • SyncopySyncopy (GB)

Production Countries

  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
🌐 Visit Official Website

🎥 Select your country to see where to watch

Streaming

HBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO Max

Rent

Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesFandango At HomeAmazon VideoMicrosoft StoreYouTubeSpectrum On Demand

Buy

Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesFandango At HomeAmazon VideoMicrosoft StoreYouTube
See viewing options
Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan
Director
Jonathan Nolan
Jonathan Nolan
Screenplay
Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan
Screenplay

Cast

Crew

Additional context

Runtime category for this movie: Long

Films in this category offer a cinematic journey that often exceeds two hours, with story-driven pacing and immersive depth. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • epic film
  • long runtime
  • extended cut
  • cinematic journey
  • over 2 hours
  • deep dive story
  • marathon watch
  • lengthy feature
  • immersive experience
  • story-driven runtime

Release period category for this movie: Modern

Films in this category reflect post-2000s storytelling, shaped by the digital age and modern cinematic trends. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • contemporary classic
  • 2000s cinema
  • early 21st century
  • millennial movies
  • recent past
  • pre-2020 era
  • modern film era
  • post-2000s storytelling
  • transitional cinema
  • digital age movie

Popularity status category for this movie: Popular Favorite

Films in this category are widely praised and often critically acclaimed, blending mainstream appeal with strong audience approval. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • critically acclaimed
  • top rated
  • highly recommended
  • widely praised
  • blockbuster hit
  • award-winning
  • must-watch
  • fan favorite
  • mainstream success
  • high score movie

Understood search styles

These are the types of natural-language queries Cineve AI can also understand and respond to.

  • best superhero crime drama
  • movies about moral choices
  • films with iconic villains
  • dark vigilante justice movies
  • psychological superhero thrillers
  • films set in corrupt cities