Rooted in DC Comics' pantheon—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and beyond—this franchise spans decades of film, television, animation, and games exploring heroism, justice, and mythic archetypes. Its adaptations range from gothic noir to cosmic spectacle, reflecting the breadth of one of comics' foundational universes.

The hard-boiled detective subgenre features gritty, realistic, and often morally complex narratives centered around tough and cynical protagonists. These stories typically take place in urban settings and delve into the darker aspects of society, including crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity.

Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray in Double Indemnity (1944)

The superhero subgenre features costumed crime fighters with extraordinary abilities or powers who use them to fight against villains and protect the innocent. They often combine high-energy action sequences with themes of heroism, morality, and the struggle between good and evil.

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, and Chris Hemsworth

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

After The Penguin, What's Next for The Batman?

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Người Dơi: Vạch Trần Sự Thật - phần 2

Paul Dano, Colin Farrell, Robert Pattinson, and Zoë Kravitz in The Batman (2022)

James Gunn and Andy Muschietti in The Brave and the Bold

Matt Reeves in The Batman: Part II (2028)

Matt Reeves and Mattson Tomlin in The Batman: Part II (2028)

The Batman: Part II

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