40. Batman Beyond

As much as audiences loved Batman: The Animated Series, there was still some trepidation towards this spin-off/sequel series. After all, the idea of re-imagining Batman as a teenager living in a techno-filled future sounded like some kind of test-marketed nightmare, and not a proper continuation of the legacy of the Dark Knight. As it turned out though, Batman Beyond -- which included many alumni of Batman: The Animated Series among its producers -- was a worthy follow-up, and another cool piece of the evolution of the DC animated universe. Lead character Terry McGinnis was no Bruce Wayne, but he wasn't meant to be, and he still made for a brave and heroic Batman. And an integral part of the show was the inclusion of an elderly Bruce Wayne (still voiced by The Animated Series' Kevin Conroy), who gave Terry guidance while trying to move beyond what were clearly some bitter tragedies -- tragedies that would eventually be illuminated in the great direct-to-DVD movie Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.