10. A BETTER CLASS OF CRIMINAL

If you’re good at something never do it for free.  I remember this scene being one of the clips they released prior to The Dark Knight’s release.  I must have watched it 50 times leading up to the midnight screening on opening night.

Put into context, this is the moment when the criminals of Gotham realize they unleashed the wrong clown.

9. THE HERO WE DESERVE

What a great way to end one of the coolest movies I’ve ever seen.  Commissioner Gordon sums up what Batman means to Gotham perfectly.

8. HIT ME!

Batman’s code is tested.  This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

7. YOU’RE GONNA LOVE ME

One of the most memorable moments from Batman Begins was Batman’s first appearance when he pulls Falcone out of the limo and states:

“I’m Batman”

This is The Dark Knight’s equivalent as the Joker finally comes face to face with the Caped Crusader.

6. TWO FACE AWAKENS

This is more of an editorial pick you might say.  I love that Nolan chose to mute the scream and include a faint score.  It’s a powerful moment as Harvey Dent realizes what he’s lost and rips off the bandages screaming.  Great stuff.

5. HE MISSED!

They flipped over a transport!  That’s what I love about the tone of this series.  It’s ‘grounded in reality’ but transports can still lift off the ground.

4. THE GOOD COP BAD COP ROUTINE

If you’ve never read The Dark Knights screenplay give it a shot and then watch this scene.  What Heath Ledger did with those masterful words is nothing short of brilliant.

3. YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW I GOT THESE SCARS?

“Nothing in his pockets except knives and lint.”

I love the mystery surrounded this force.  This agent of chaos is also a terrific storyteller.

XTRA | 10 Flicks: Movies With Unanswered Questions

2. THE BAT POD EMERGES

I remember watching this movie with my Dad.  I really hyped it up after seeing the film 3 times on opening day.  When the Tumbler’s left front wheel started spinning he didn’t know what to expect.   Then the Bat-Pod emerged.

“Whoa.  That was pretty cool.”

And that is why Christopher Nolan and his creative team are a big bunch of loveable super awesome genius people.

1. THE MAGIC TRICK

Now that’s an entrance!  As I mentioned above, I saw The Dark Knight 3 separate times on opening day and people applauded this moment every single time.  One of my favorite characters introductions in movie history.

People love that moment but you can’t help but feel for the guy with the pencil rammed through his eye socket.

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