Superman: The Movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm returning to theaters

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Superman and Batman have a long, storied career at the movies, and though it hasn’t always been great, the two pop culture icons have starred in some of the best movies of the genre. Among their tremendous outings are 1978’s SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE and 1993’s animated gem BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM, both of which have stood the test of time and become comic book movie classics. Both are celebrating big milestones this year and you can celebrate the festivites by checking them out in theaters next month.

Via a press release from Warner Bros., both movies will return to theaters through Fathom Events to mark the 40th anniversary of SUPERMAN (and 80th anniversary of the character’s comic history) and the 25th anniversary of PHANTASM. The former will have screenings on Sunday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 27, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local time), and the latter will be for one night only on Monday, November 12, playing at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local times).

Tom Lucas, Fathom Events VP of Studio Relations put out a statement saying, “There are no bigger Super Heroes in the world than Batman and Superman, and these incredible cinematic adventures are true movie milestones. Fathom Events is honored to be working with Warner Bros. and DC to return them to the silver screen for their anniversaries, and we can’t wait to share the excitement of these movies with fans of all ages.”

SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE was released at a time when comic books were for children and adults who read them in secret, and their screen outings (mostly TV) were usually geared toward the former. But this movie broke down the barriers, making over $300 million at the global box office and proving the material could be taken seriously. This led to three more outings (but only one more good one), making star Christopher Reeve a household name forever and into eternity.

While Batman was having a grand ol’ time at the movies with the Tim Burton/Michael Keaton outings, the animated MASK OF THE PHANTASM was a separate tale, and a continuation of the hit BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, which ran from 1992-1995. Starring Kevin Conroy as Batman, Stacy Keach as Phantasm and Mark Hamill as The Joker, the movie won raves from critics and stands one of Batman’s best cinematic outings – despite the lack of any Prince songs.

These are two classics in the comic book movie canon and seeing them on the big screen is an opportunity that doesn’t come along often. The odds are higher that most of you got to see PHANTASM on the big screen when it came out in 1993, which means seeing SUPERMAN must be the top priority, should you only be able to see one. But, who am I kidding, you all will shell out for both.

You can get tickets for the screenings here!