The Dark Knight (2008)

Also known as: Batman 2

The follow-up to the action hit Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and the committed new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City for good. The triumvirate initially proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces The Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger portrays arch-villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from Batman Begins are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine as Alfred; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

Reviews

Community: "Foosball and Nocturnal Vigilantism" Review - December 2, 2011
Batman returns! Anime! Childhood secrets revealed!

Blitz Review - May 18, 2011
Featuring some heavyweight British acting talent, Blitz could be start of a beautiful franchise.

Inception AU Review - July 19, 2010
Spoiler-free. Hollywood's obsession with 3D extends to the storytelling process.

Inception Review - July 5, 2010
Christopher Nolan follows up The Dark Knight with his best film yet.

Kick-Ass Review - March 12, 2010
Is this the best superhero movie ever made?

Kick-Ass Review - March 12, 2010
Is this the best superhero movie ever made?

Avatar UK Review - December 11, 2009
We've finally seen James Cameron's epic sci-fi, but was it worth the wait?

Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Season 1 Review - December 3, 2009
Batman and friends fight crime with goofy smiles.

FlashForward: "No More Good Days" Review - September 23, 2009
"What did you see?" Has ABC found a successor for Lost?

G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra UK Review - August 3, 2009
How has the hugely popular toy-line translated to the big-screen?

Public Enemies UK Review - June 26, 2009
Michael Mann's latest is action-packed, gripping and grown-up.

Virtuality Review - June 25, 2009
Our take on Battlestar-creator Ron Moore's new TV movie.

South Park: "The Coon" Review - March 19, 2009
A mysterious super-hero (or two) shows up in South Park.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold: "Game Over for Owlman!" Review - March 9, 2009
Batman teams up with the Joker to defeat his evil doppelganger.

Knight Rider: "Exit Light, Enter Knight" Review - January 29, 2009
Just a mere 13 episodes in, Knight pulls a bank hostage episode.

The Dark Knight Two-Disc Special Edition DVD Review - December 9, 2008
This one should put a smile on that face.

The Dark Knight DVD Review - December 3, 2008
A great film deserves a great DVD. This single-disc release isn't it.

The Dark Knight Blu-ray Review - December 1, 2008
Why so serious? Because we seriously love this Blu-ray.

The Dark Knight UK Review - July 23, 2008
The most intelligent blockbuster movie ever made?

The Dark Knight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Review - July 17, 2008
At times bombastic, the music ultimately captures the nihilistic tension of the film with panache.

The Dark Knight AU Review - July 16, 2008
Subtle and restrained, but always two shakes shy of bloody holocaust.

The Dark Knight Review - June 30, 2008
Nolan's sequel surpasses the original with an intense, disturbing masterpiece.

Previews

Everything We Know About The Dark Knight Rises - July 11, 2011
What's the word on Batman's latest big-screen adventure?

Inception Movie Preview - May 12, 2010
Everything we know about it, aside from the fact that it's not Batman 3.

2010 Summer Movie Preview - May 3, 2010
Movie geeks, assemble! Iron Man, Christopher Nolan, and Megan Fox need you.

Two-Face Collectible Revealed - October 13, 2008
Hot Toys lifts the curtain on its latest Batman collectible.

The Dark Knight: Six-Minute Preview - December 6, 2007
Bat-prologue unveiled in IMAX.

News

The Alternate Dark Knight Revealed - December 30, 2011
Wanna see some unused footage from the comic book epic?

Dark Knight Rises' Eight-Year Gap Explained - December 12, 2011
Plus, Chris Nolan talks about saying goodbye to the Bat.

Oldman Talks Dark Knight Rises - December 6, 2011
Commissioner Gordon on how Gotham City's been doing.

SNL: Why Batman is a Perv - December 4, 2011
The Dark Knight needs to stop messing with Commissioner Gordon.

Gilliam: The Dark Knight is Like GTA - December 3, 2011
The Brazil and Doctor Parnassus director on Nolan's filmmaking.

What Does Bane Know About Harvey Dent? - November 22, 2011
The belfry is full of plot details -- and questions -- regarding Dark Knight Rises.

Most Pirated Movies of All Time - October 14, 2011
A list of the top ten most illegally downloaded films.

Dark Knight Rises Writer Comments on Spy Photos - September 29, 2011
How does the film's screenwriter feel about people seeing leaked images and video early on?

The Dark Knight Gets a Closer Look - September 13, 2011
Be warned: The Dark Knight is subject to criticism... GASP!

Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows Part 2 Third Biggest Box Office Hit Ever - August 8, 2011
Passes Return of the King to become biggest non-James Cameron film of all time.

Bane Not Daunted by Ledger's Joker - August 4, 2011
Tom Hardy on playing the villain in The Dark Knight Rises.

Harry Potter Beats The Dark Knight - July 17, 2011
Deathly Hallows finale breaks the record for biggest opening ever.

Check Out Batman's New Car! - June 28, 2011
No, sir. The OTHER car.

Batman's New Ride Unveiled Soon? - June 2, 2011
The Dark Knight Rises may make an appearance at upcoming expo.

Batman's Missing Scene - May 16, 2011
Michael Keaton looks back at his years in the cape.

Dark Knight's Corbould Not Guilty - March 14, 2011
VFX supervisor cleared in '07 accident that killed crew member.

Gary Oldman on Dark Knight Rises - March 8, 2011
Commissioner Gordon weighs in on Batman's return.

Watch The Dark Knight on Facebook - March 8, 2011
Warner Bros. teams up with social network to stream movies.

No Ra's al Ghul in Dark Knight Rises - February 7, 2011
Eh, maybe next time.

Dark Knight Rises: Best Batman Yet? - February 2, 2011
Nolan's cinematographer says the first scene will blow your mind.

Batman/Superman: No Shared Universe - January 5, 2011
Producer breaks up the super party.

Batman Heads Back to Asia - December 14, 2010
Nolan is currently scouting locations abroad.

Script For The Dark Knight Rises - December 6, 2010
Nolan makes more headway on his last Batman movie.

Dark Knight's Two-Face Won't Rise - December 3, 2010
Aaron Eckhart confirms Harvey Dent's status.

Joker Cameo Rumored Again - November 30, 2010
Gossip claims Ledger will be digitally resurrected for Dark Knight Rises.

Nolan's IMAX Plans For Batman 3 - November 12, 2010
Geeks prepare to lose their s!@# in 70mm.

The Dark Knight Rises in Batman 3 - October 27, 2010
Christopher Nolan names sequel and reveals which villain won't be appearing this time.

An Oscar for Tim Burton? - October 18, 2010
Disney reportedly pushing Alice in Wonderland for top Academy Awards.

On Guard, Star Wars - September 30, 2010
Watch it! Harry Potter at point oh-six!

Batman's Greatest Foe: 3D - September 27, 2010
Inception and the Dark Knight sequel maybe go stereoscopic.

Batman 3 News Is Coming. Maybe. - September 17, 2010
We've heard this one before, but it sounds like WB has a plan for DC.

CBS Nabs JJ Abrams/JoJo Nolan Drama - September 17, 2010
Will this new crime series be a run-of-the-mill procedural or something new?

Abrams Teams with Dark Knight Scribe for Series? - September 9, 2010
Lost/Star Trek-overlord shopping around Jonah Nolan's crime show.

Oldman and Harris to Star in Black-ops - September 7, 2010
Hollywood talent onboard for new Call of Duty.

Oldman and Harris to Star in Black-ops - September 7, 2010
Hollywood talent onboard for new Call of Duty.

Oldman and Harris to Star in Black-ops - September 7, 2010
Hollywood talent onboard for new Call of Duty.

The Dark Knight of Treks? - August 26, 2010
Team Abrams takes a page from Nolan's playbook.

Inception Has Dream Debut at UK Box Office - July 22, 2010
Chris Nolan's sci-fi epic takes �5.9m in its first weekend

Batman 3 An All IMAX Experience? - July 20, 2010
Director of photography Wally Pfister loves IMAX. 3-D? Not so much.

Chuck Versus The Man of Steel - July 13, 2010
The latest director and casting buzz for the Superman reboot.

Transformers Bigger Than Batman? - June 28, 2010
Bay's threequel looks to top The Dark Knight's Chicago shoot.

The Dark Knight's Start Date - June 10, 2010
Christopher Nolan reportedly locks in Batman 3 shoot.

Nolan Knows How Batman 3 Ends... - June 4, 2010
...And he's not telling anyone.

The Dark Knight Bested by Alice - June 4, 2010
The Batman gets a beat-down from a little girl.

Nolan's Superman Origins - June 4, 2010
The director talks a little about Supe's very big movie.

How'd They Do That? Dark Knight's Truck Stunt - May 27, 2010
IGN goes behind the scenes of Gotham City.

Skywalker Readies Black Pearl - May 17, 2010
Mark Hamill to write and direct comic book spin-off.

Avatar Smashes Blu-ray Record - April 26, 2010
Title becomes fastest selling home entertainment release in history.

Iron Man 2 vs. Dark Knight - April 7, 2010
Can Tony Stark defeat Bruce Wayne at the box office?

Does Catwoman Wear Prada? - April 6, 2010
Rumor mill suggests a Marvel movie contender may be Batman 3 villain.

Features

Chris Nolan & Emma Thomas Talk Dark Knight Rises - December 10, 2011
The director and producer tell IGN about their final Bat-film.

Hero Worship: The Appeal of the Joker - December 9, 2011
Why is the Joker such an adaptable villain?

Hero Worship: The Dark Knight Returns (and Rises, Too!) - December 2, 2011
Will the final Nolan Batman film draw from the Frank Miller classic?

Batman Characters Created for TV and Film - December 1, 2011
Hollywood has made its own contributions to the Bat-mythos.

Hero Worship: Will There Ever Be Another Batman? - November 11, 2011
Perhaps the time for new superheroes has passed.

Reader's Choice: Comic Book Movies - November 9, 2011
We tallied your votes for the best comic book films of all time.

What Are Your Favorite Comic Book Movies? - October 26, 2011
We made our list, but now we want to see yours.

IGN's Top 25 Comic Book Movies - October 24, 2011
It's Spider-Man vs. Dark Knight vs. Thor vs. Cap for all the marbles. Where did your favorite end up?

Villains We Want in Batman: Arkham City - October 18, 2011
Dark Knight's Joker and Catwoman top our DLC wish list.

6 Batsuits We Want in Arkham City - October 10, 2011
The Dark Knight's costumes that we need and deserve as DLC.

Five Reasons Why Christopher Nolan is Perfect for The Twilight Zone - October 3, 2011
The Inception helmer + Rod Serling = Movie Heaven.

11 Sequels That Could Be Better Than The Originals - September 23, 2011
Do The Dark Knight Rises and Iron Man 3 have what it takes?

The Greatest Summer Movies Ever - September 6, 2011
From Jaws to The Dark Knight, we pick the best of the best summer blockbusters.

What Do The Dark Knight, Marty McFly and Mr. T have in common? - September 5, 2011
And what does it have to do with Driver: San Francisco?

Batman's Worst Decisions Returns - August 30, 2011
The Batusi? 30-year-old teen sidekicks? Even Batman screws up now and then.

And The Best Batman Trailer Is...? - July 19, 2011
As the Dark Knight Rises' trailer hits, what say you about Batman's other previews?

Dark Knight Rises: Best. Poster. Ever? - July 12, 2011
Batman's new poster hints that Gotham's in for some serious sh!@.

Hero Worship: Why Batman and the Avengers Don't Need Comic-Con - June 24, 2011
SDCC is small potatoes to the most anticipated films of the decade.

Hero Worship: Green Lantern's Fan Service - June 17, 2011
Can Green Lantern entertain despite its obvious flaws?

How British Filmmakers Are Saving Comic Book Movies - June 3, 2011
Directors like Vaughn, Branagh, and Nolan are reigniting our passion for superhero flicks.

What Say You?: The Dark Knight Rise's Bane - May 20, 2011
Do we approve of Nolan's take on Batman's new villain?

Who Is The Best Batman? - May 18, 2011
We want to know who is your favorite Dark Knight.

Hero Worship: Fetishizing The Dark Knight Rises - April 22, 2011
Is casting scrutiny damaging a film that's not even made yet?

Fake Companies We Don't Want to Work For - April 5, 2011
OCP and The Empire top our list of Fortune 500-suck companies.

How Will The Dark Knight End? - March 30, 2011
We debate what Nolan has in store for Batman.

Justice League Movie: What Say You? - March 29, 2011
WB is giving the JLA another shot. Is this a good thing?

Comic Book Movie Douchebags - March 23, 2011
From Nuclear Man to Robin, we have the douchebaggery covered.

Batman's Worst Decisions - March 8, 2011
Even billionaire playboy superheroes do things that are Fail Blog worthy.

5 Villains Who Should Be in the Superman Reboot - March 1, 2011
Reunion touring with Zod is cool, but fighting Doomsday is cooler.

Know Your Batman - February 18, 2011
We delve into the differences between the comic-book, movie, and video game Batmen.

Comics-to-Film: The Dark Knight Rises - January 21, 2011
What classic Batman storylines might we see play out on screen in the next movie?

The Dark Knight Vs. Catwoman, Bane - January 19, 2011
Nolan's third Batman film has its villains. Can Catwoman and Bane steal the show?

Where Should Batman Go When Nolan Leaves? - December 1, 2010
With the future of the Dark Knight at stake, we prepare for a Nolan-less Batman.

The Dark Knight Rises For Catwoman? - November 12, 2010
What say you about Batman 3's lady villain?

How To Make Video Game Movies Not Suck - November 11, 2010
If you want a great Halo or BioShock movie then follow us.

The Dark Knight Rises: Villains Wanted - October 14, 2010
Who will be Batman fight? (Hint: Not the Riddler.)

MAD Takes on Avatar, Star Trek and Dark Knight! - September 3, 2010
IGN talks to the the creative minds behind Cartoon Network's new animation fest.

What's Your Favorite Comic Book Movie? - August 4, 2010
We gave you our list, now we want to see yours.

The 10 Smartest Action Movies - July 16, 2010
With Inception hitting this week, we count down the best blockbusters with brains.

Christopher Nolan FTW! - July 15, 2010
IGN's essential guide to The Dark Knight director's greatest hits.

ModNation Racers: The Coolest Comics Content - July 9, 2010
The best nerd-worthy user-creations are all in one place.

Top 25 Animated Movies of All-Time - June 24, 2010
The only list where Buzz, Cartman and Batman would socialize.

IGN's Favorite Movie Psychos - June 21, 2010
In honor of Psycho's 50th birthday, here are our Top 10 big screen crazies.

Summer Movies - Eff Yeah! - June 9, 2010
Not feeling this summer's crop of movies so far? We can fix that.

If You Like Iron Man 2 - May 5, 2010
Strap on your Mark III armor as IGN offers a few good movies that go well with Stark's new game.

X-Men Status Report - March 19, 2010
What is the state of the X-Men's new big-screen evolution?

When Oscar Missed the Mark - March 8, 2010
IGN tells the Academy how things really should have gone down.

Getting Others Started On Comics Vol. 1 - February 26, 2010
Want your friends, relatives, co-workers and loved ones to read comics? Check out this new IGN Comics column!

Lost: Being Richard Alpert - February 22, 2010
Nestor Carbonell talks about the never-aging character.

Top 10 Worst Comic Book Movies of the Decade - February 19, 2010
The Dark Knight they ain't.

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