The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan's landmark superhero thriller pits Batman against the Joker in a battle for Gotham's soul.

The Dark Knight - Movie Information

  • Original Title: The Dark Knight
  • Release Year: 2008
  • Directed by: Christopher Nolan
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
  • Age Rating (US): PG-13
  • Runtime: 2h 32m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, Mandarin
  • Release Date (Theatrical): July 16, 2008 (Australia - M), July 18, 2008 (United States - PG-13), July 18, 2008 (Canada - 14A), July 24, 2008 (United Kingdom - 12A), August 21, 2008 (Germany - 16), August 13, 2008 (France - 12), July 18, 2008 (India - UA), July 24, 2008 (New Zealand - M), July 18, 2008 (Brazil - 12), July 18, 2008 (Mexico - B), July 23, 2008 (Italy - T), August 13, 2008 (Spain - 16), August 6, 2008 (South Korea - 15), July 25, 2008 (Nigeria)
  • Alternative Titles: Hiệp Sĩ Bóng Đêm (VN), The Dark Knight 2: The Dark Knight (US), Batman - The Dark Knight (DE), سوارچاكی تاریكی (IQ), El caballero oscuro (ES), Темный рыцарь (RU), ᇡაᄅი მხედარი (GE), ダークナイト:2008 (JP)
  • Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Syncopy, DC
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America

The Dark Knight - Plot

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.

The Dark Knight - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the chaos begin:

Welcome to a world without rules.

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The Dark Knight - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Christopher Nolan

Main Cast

  • Christian Bale
  • Heath Ledger
  • Aaron Eckhart
  • Michael Caine
  • Maggie Gyllenhaal
  • Gary Oldman
  • Morgan Freeman
  • Monique Gabriela Curnen
  • Ron Dean
  • Cillian Murphy

Writers

  • David S. Goyer
  • Jonathan Nolan
  • Christopher Nolan

Producers

  • Emma Thomas
  • Christopher Nolan
  • Charles Roven

The Dark Knight - FAQs

Why is Heath Ledger's Joker performance so legendary?

Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is widely considered one of cinema's greatest performances. His deeply immersive, unpredictable interpretation earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ledger reportedly isolated himself for weeks to develop the character, crafting a Joker defined by anarchic menace and psychological complexity.

Where can you stream The Dark Knight?

The Dark Knight is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.

Is The Dark Knight based on a true story?

The Dark Knight is not based on a true story. It is adapted from DC Comics' Batman mythology, drawing heavily on iconic storylines such as The Killing Joke and The Long Halloween. While the film explores real-world themes like terrorism and moral corruption, all characters and events are fictional.

Who are the main actors in The Dark Knight?

The Dark Knight stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Heath Ledger as the Joker, and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent. The supporting cast includes Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Cillian Murphy, forming one of the most acclaimed ensembles in superhero film history.

What is The Dark Knight about?

The Dark Knight follows Batman, Lt. Jim Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent as they work together to dismantle Gotham's criminal underworld. Their efforts are derailed by the Joker, a nihilistic criminal mastermind who orchestrates a campaign of terror designed to expose the moral fragility of Gotham's institutions and its heroes.

Did The Dark Knight win any awards?

The Dark Knight won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger and Best Sound Editing. It received eight Oscar nominations in total. The film also won numerous BAFTAs, Critics' Choice Awards, and Saturn Awards, and is consistently ranked among the greatest films ever made.

What is the age rating for The Dark Knight?

The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning parental guidance is suggested for viewers under 13. The film contains intense sequences of violence, disturbing thematic content, and menacing action. International ratings include 12A in the UK, 12 in France, and 16 in Germany and Spain.

How long is The Dark Knight?

The Dark Knight has a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes (152 minutes). Despite its length, the film is widely praised for its relentless pacing and narrative momentum, with critics and audiences consistently noting that it never feels slow or overlong.

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