Batman Returns (1992)

"Batman Returns" (1992) plunges viewers back into the gothic depths of Gotham City as Batman grapples with not one, but two formidable adversaries. Having previously vanquished the Joker, the Dark Knight now confronts the Penguin, a grotesque and embittered outcast yearning for acceptance. Manipulated by the ruthless businessman Max Shreck, the Penguin schemes to become Mayor, aiming to expose and discredit Batman in the process. Adding to the chaos, Selina Kyle, Shreck's mistreated secretary, undergoes a dramatic transformation into Catwoman after a near-fatal fall. This leaves Batman caught in a twisted web of political intrigue, personal demons, and the tantalizing allure of a kindred spirit who shares his fractured psyche. While often categorized as a superhero or action film, "Batman Returns" earns its place on a list of the best fantasy movies through its stylized and almost hallucinatory depiction of Gotham. The film veers into the realm of fantasy by exaggerating character traits and using otherworldly scenarios, transforming Gotham into a surreal landscape where comic-book logic and exaggerated morality reign supreme. The Penguin is less a human antagonist and more of a grotesque fairytale monster, while Catwoman's resurrection and transformation grant her supernatural abilities, blurring the line between human and something more. Furthermore, the film explores the fantastical idea of transforming into an animal, a supernatural trope. The film's exaggerated visuals and exaggerated performances create a world that feels closer to a dark fairytale than a realistic depiction of urban crime, cementing its status as a fantasy film.