Fifteen years ago, the modern blockbuster changed forever as Christopher Nolan’s seismic superhero/crime epic The Dark Knight hit theaters.
The film opened July 18, 2008, making a billion dollars globally and winning Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards for the late Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker.
The Dark Knight was a tonal game changer for the way that studios approached intellectual property, kicking off a darker, more grounded take on comic book stories and beloved franchises alike.
Whether it’s the monumental truck flip or the Batman/Joker interrogation scene, Ledger’s clown prince said it best. This movie changed things.
It’s become one of the most celebrated and revered studio films of the 21st century, and the film’s many fans wished it a happy 15th anniversary on Tuesday.