Marvel and DC Comics are playing nice again for the first time in decades, kicking off a new initiative of crossovers with dueling Batman and Deadpool crossover arcs. It makes sense when you think about it; the two most popular characters of this age, finally hanging out in books with all-star creative teams. So, if you think it’s odd, you’re dead wrong.
Batman has had way, way weirder crossovers throughout the years, whether you’re looking at his Onstar promo ads or the comic where he solved a crime with Elmer Fudd. We’ve picked the weirdest Batman crossovers in TV and movies for your enjoyment, just in case you’re in the mood for something really out of the box. Watch them now on HBO Max, Prime Video, and more.
Scooby-Doo Meets Batman (2002)
One of the greatest and most beloved crime fighters of all time, Scooby-Doo, meets Batman in the aptly titled Scooby-Doo Meets Batman. Yes, this movie is a 2002 re-release of two episodes from 1972’s The New Scooby-Doo Movies: “The Dynamic Scooby-Doo Affair” and “The Caped Crusader Caper.” Adam West and Burt Ward reprise their roles as the Dynamic Duo for both episodes, which see them helping Scoob and Mystery Inc. solve crimes perpetrated by Joker and The Penguin.
I remember watching and loving these as a kid and nearly wore out a VHS release that had both episodes on it. They’re just plain goofy fun in the spirit of the classic ‘60s series, from the slapstick action to Batman nonsensically identifying a counterfeit bill because the crooks drew Lincoln wearing a turtleneck sweater.
The Batman vs. Dracula (2005)
Batman’s dealt with his share of vampires in the comics over the years, but what about in animation? 2005’s The Batman vs. Dracula is a special event movie spinning out of 2004’s acclaimed animated series The Batman. Set in the early years of Batman’s career, this movie sees Count Dracula arriving in Gotham with his eyes set on taking over the city.
Like The Batman, the movie has some pretty bombastic action and fluid, anime-inspired animation. It’s a far cry from the high drama of something like Batman: The Animated Series (1992), and you won’t find anything as gritty or haunting as comic adventures like the legendary Batman: Red Rain, but for a kid-friendly Batman versus vampires tale, this one hits the mark.
Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have made the rounds over the years, appearing in a variety of comic book and television crossovers, but 2015 marked the first time they hung out with The Dark Knight. The success of the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic meant DC greenlit an animated adaptation, resulting in 2019’s Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a slightly abridged version of the original comic.
The story sees the Bat-family team up with the Turtles to thwart the combined forces of Ra’s al Ghul and Shredder for a story that is deliciously tongue-in-cheek, much like the Batman/Scooby-Doo crossover. There’s a lot of humor, but also a lot of heart in this story, making it an easy pick to check out.
Batman: Dead End (2003)
If you want to see a supremely cool Batman crossover that’s also a testament to how much fans love the character, look no further than 2003’s Batman: Dead End. Directed by fan film legend Sandy Collora, Dead End is an eight-minute fan film that depicts Batman in a bitter brawl with The Joker, which is interrupted by an arriving horde of Xenomorphs and Predators.
The quality and direction here are pristine, and the practical Batman costume still looks absolutely incredible today. It’s a genuine shame that the film stands on its own with a cliffhanger ending, but it was enough to keep fans talking for decades.
