The new Batman movie is R-rated, and it shows multiple times why it deserves to be classified as a more mature entry for the Dark Knight than most of his adaptations. Batman is one of the darkest characters in DC Comics. Despite that, the hero has yet to have an R-rated live-action movie. The Batman film franchise is made up of PG-13 entries.

Perhaps the closest we have ever gotten to an R-rated Batman movie was Matt Reeves’ The Batman, which was incredibly dark, violent, and delved into mature themes. That said, even that film was PG-13. Now, DC’s new Batman movie is R-rated, and the animated film can scratch the itch for fans waiting for a darker Batman movie.

DC’s Newest Batman Movie Features Several Scenes That Earn It An R-Rating

Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires arrived on digital today. The film follows the young Yohualli Coatl, who goes on a journey to become Batman to prevent Two-Face, who is Hernán Cortés in the film, from taking over Tenochтιтlán after he killed Batman’s father. While the film’s focus is on merging Batman elements and Aztec culture, its R rating is of note.

It might not be in live-action, but DC’s new Batman movie does feature the kind of bloody violence and harrowing moments that some Batman films have been missing. A good example of that is Aztec Batman‘s Joker, who is called Yoka in the film. A disgraced priest, Yoka is shown carving the heart out of a man.

His transformation into the Joker also includes using the ashes of his family, whom he killed, for his white makeup. With the conquistadors mᴀssacring the Aztecs, several beheadings, maimings, and the like happen in the film. Cortés’ design as Two-Face is also deeply unsettling after Catwoman — Jaguar Woman in the film — scratches half of his face off. The Batman movie is violent.

Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires Continues A Fascinating R-Rated Superhero Movie Trend

Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires continues a movement in superhero media that has gained strength over the past few years. That pertains to more movies and TV shows focused on older audiences and mature content. For instance, two out of the first three projects in James Gunn’s DCU, Creature Commandos and Peacemaker, are rated R or TV-MA.

When it comes to movies, ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine was Marvel’s first R-rated film, grossing $1.3 billion to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Two R-rated Joker films have been released, with Clayface coming to the DCU in 2026. This year, Thunderbolts* was not rated R, but delved into mature themes. DC’s new Batman movie now continues that trend.