The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, produced, and co-written by Christopher Nolan. It is the second film in The Dark Knight Trilogy. It stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne / Batman, with Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman in supporting roles.
The film follows Batman as he attempts to dismantle organized crime in Gotham City with the help of Police Lieutenant Jim Gordon and new District Attorney Harvey Dent. However, their efforts are complicated by the emergence of the Joker, a psychotic criminal who seeks to undermine Batman's influence and create chaos in the city.
The Dark Knight was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It received eight nominations at the 81st Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two for Best Supporting Actor (Ledger) and Best Sound Editing. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero films of all time.
In addition to its critical and commercial success, The Dark Knight has also been praised for its complex characters, dark and gritty tone, and Ledger's performance as the Joker. The film has been cited as an influence on subsequent superhero films, and is considered to be one of the most influential films of the 21st century.