🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sam Liu
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, Superhero, Steampunk
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 18min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (20K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Batman fights Jack the Ripper in Victorian Gotham, but the real twist is that it’s actually Jim Gordon, who’s just been having a really, really bad week.
🍿 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Victorian Gotham
Set in an alternative Victorian-era Gotham City, Bruce Wayne operates as Batman, a figure feared by criminals and the innocent alike. The city is plagued by a series of gruesome murders mirroring those of Jack the Ripper in London, throwing Gotham into a state of panic and suspicion.

The Hunt Begins
As the Ripper’s victims mount, Gotham’s citizens begin to suspect Batman himself is responsible. The story follows Batman’s investigation, intertwined with his interactions with key figures like Selina Kyle, James Gordon, and Harvey Dent, as he tries to clear his name and unmask the true killer. The investigation leads Bruce down a twisted path through Gotham’s underbelly and high society.

Accusations and Alliances
Bruce finds himself framed for the crimes, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. With the help of Selina Kyle and a trio of street orphans, he escapes and continues his pursuit of the Ripper. He uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of Gotham society, uncovering dark secrets and challenging his perception of the city he’s sworn to protect.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Batman (Bruce Greenwood): A Victorian-era Bruce Wayne who operates as a bat-garbed vigilante to protect Gotham City from criminals.
- Selina Kyle (Jennifer Carpenter): A stage actress and protector of the women from Skinner’s End, who becomes an ally and love interest for Batman.
- James Gordon (Scott Patterson): The Commissioner of the GCPD who works with Batman to stop Jack the Ripper, while secretly being the Ripper himself.
- Alfred Pennyworth (Anthony Head): Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler who assists Batman in his mission and cares for the street orphans.
- Harvey Dent (Yuri Lowenthal): A successful District Attorney and friend of Bruce Wayne, who eventually accuses Bruce of being Jack the Ripper.
- Hugo Strange (William Salyers): The warden of Arkham Asylum who claims to know the identity of Jack the Ripper, but is soon murdered by him.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Sister Leslie: “Well, I won’t beg. And I won’t get hysterical. I won’t give you the satisfaction. Know this: I forgive you.” – Sister Leslie bravely faces Jack the Ripper, refusing to show fear and offering forgiveness.
- James Gordon: “My work, though painful, is holy. Gotham will be redeemed.” – Gordon, as Jack the Ripper, justifies his actions as a divine mission to cleanse Gotham.
- Batman: “An age of mystery and superstition.” – Batman reflects on the nature of his mission in Victorian Gotham.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed seeing Batman in a completely different setting! The Victorian Gotham was so well-realized, and it was fun to see how they reinterpreted familiar characters. The fight scenes were awesome, and I was genuinely surprised by the identity of Jack the Ripper. It’s definitely a Batman story that stands out from the rest.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Batman”
- “Those who enjoy Victorian-era mysteries”
- “Viewers interested in Elseworlds stories and alternative takes on familiar characters”
- “Adult animation enthusiasts”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Disturbing imagery”
- “Mature themes”
- “Implied violence against women”
Professional Reviews
- IGN: “Gotham by Gaslight offers a unique and stylish take on the Batman mythos. While the mystery isn’t the most complex, the Victorian setting and Elseworlds concept make for an engaging and visually impressive experience.
- Comic Book Resources: “This animated adaptation captures the spirit of the original comic while adding its own twists and turns. The voice acting is solid, and the action sequences are well-choreographed, making it a must-watch for Batman fans.
- Empire: “Though not a perfect adaptation, Gotham by Gaslight is a dark and atmospheric take on the Batman mythos. It excels in creating a unique world, even if the mystery itself feels somewhat predictable.
Audience Reactions
The Victorian-era setting and steampunk elements were visually stunning and a fresh take on Gotham.: Viewers loved the unique blend of Batman with a classic murder mystery.
The twist reveal of the killer was unexpected and shocking, adding to the suspenseful narrative.: Fans appreciated the well-executed plot twist that kept them guessing until the very end.
Overall Consensus: Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is a well-received animated film that offers a unique and engaging take on the Batman mythos, praised for its atmosphere, action, and surprising plot twists.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is based on the comic book of the same name, considered the first ‘Elseworlds’ story in DC Comics, which places heroes in alternate times and places.”
- “The film blends elements of the Batman mythos with the historical Jack the Ripper murders, creating a unique steampunk/Victorian-era Gotham.”
- “Bruce Greenwood, a veteran voice actor for Batman, reprised his role, adding familiarity for fans of DC animated films.”
- “The film contains numerous Easter eggs and nods to other Batman stories, including references to ‘Mask of the Phantasm’ and Sherlock Holmes.”
🖥️ How to Watch Batman: Gotham by Gaslight?
Currently, ‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as it may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, you might like these similar films:
- From Hell (2001): A Victorian-era thriller centered around the Jack the Ripper murders, offering a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
- Sherlock Holmes (2009): Features a detective solving crimes in a steampunk-infused Victorian London, with a strong emphasis on mystery and action.
- Batman: The Long Halloween (2021): Another Batman animated movie that centers around a mystery with Batman tracking down a serial killer.
🛒 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Related Products
- Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (Deluxe Edition): A stunning statue depicting Batman in his Victorian-era attire, capturing the essence of Gotham by Gaslight with intricate details.
- Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (Graphic Novel): Experience the original story that inspired the movie. This graphic novel offers a deeper dive into the dark and gritty world of Victorian Gotham.
- Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in the movie’s atmosphere with the complete soundtrack, featuring eerie and haunting melodies that perfectly complement the Victorian setting.
- Batman Gotham by Gaslight Poster: High-quality print featuring iconic Batman illustration for room decor. Makes a great gift for Batman fans and comic collectors.
🎧 Soundtrack
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, it’s an Elseworlds tale, meaning it exists outside the main DC Comics continuity. It’s a self-contained story that reimagines Batman in a different time period.
Yes, it’s based on the comic book of the same name by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola, considered the first DC Comics Elseworlds story.
No, it’s rated R for violence and some disturbing images, making it more suitable for mature audiences.
🔥 Bonus Content
What Makes Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Great
Ever wondered what makes ‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight’ so captivating? This video breaks down exactly what makes it a standout animated film. I totally agree with their points about the unique setting; definitely worth checking out!
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Curious to hear what Comicstorian thinks of ‘Batman: Gotham by Gaslight’? This review dives into the story and characters, offering a fresh perspective. Their insights are always spot on; you’ve got to watch it!
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