The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight (2008), directed by Christopher Nolan, revolutionized superhero cinema with its gritty realism and psychological depth. This second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy pits Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne against Heath Ledger's iconic Joker, whose anarchic performance earned a posthumous Oscar. Set in a crime-ridden Gotham City, the film explores themes of chaos, morality, and heroism through its complex characters and intense action sequences. With groundbreaking practical effects, a haunting score, and philosophical undertones, The Dark Knight transcended the comic book genre to become both a critical darling and box office phenomenon, redefining what superhero movies could achieve.