Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply a movie buff, there’s no denying that this film is a modern classic, and even better – you can catch it on TV for a movie night in tonight.

First released in 2008, film fans still can’t stop talking about The Dark Knight, the second instalment of the famed Batman film trilogy. Directed by Hollywood legend Christopher Nolan, this film changed the course of superhero movies as we know them today, with its ‘exceptional’ A-list cast and impressive screenwriting.

Based on the DC Comics superhero we all know and love, Batman, this film acts as the sequel to the 2005 film Batman Begins. This time around, Christian Bale plays the superhero himself, alongside the legendary Heath Ledger as The Joker.

Ever since Ledger’s tragic passing, fans of the film have held it even closer to their hearts, and his legacy lives on within his mastered performance of such a well-known comic book character.

On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, a viewer wrote: “The Dark Knight is a masterpiece that sets a new standard for Batman films. With its realistic and political undertones, engaging storyline, and exceptional cast – including Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker portrayal – this movie is a compelling and thrilling ride from start to finish. Its widespread acclaim is undoubtedly well-deserved. Grading: A+.”

The film’s plot follows Batman, who joins forces with police lieutenant James Gordon and district attorney Harvey Dent to gather up criminals wreaking havoc on Gotham City. That’s before a new sadist anarchist comes onto the scene, who is known as the Joker, and he does all he can to push Batman to his limits, testing how far he’s willing to go to save the city.

Although their fierce competition grows to a much deeper level when Batman is forced to confront everything he believes in. All the while, a new love triangle is forming, and he has no choice but to improve his technology to put a stop to the Joker’s antics.

Another review simply claims The Dark Knight is the “best movie of all time”. Meanwhile, another fan of the film suggests it’s “one of the most legendary pieces of cinema in history.”

A rave review reads: “One of the best movies ever made, regardless of genre. The acting by everyone involved is phenomenal. I rewatch this movie almost every year because of how good it is!”

One thing that many fans of the film have in common is their shared love for Heath Ledger’s performance. In a tragic turn of events, the young actor died of an accidental overdose in January 2008, before the film hit the big screens in the July that followed.

While at first, his casting was criticised by fans of the genre, they were soon proven wrong when they saw his portrayal of the Joker. A review claims: “My favourite movie of all time! I know quote for quote, and Heath Ledger’s performance is one of the best of all time, no doubt.”

Meanwhile, someone else said: “It’s Heath Ledger’s otherworldly performance that people will remember most 100 years from now.” Another added: “The best Batman movie in history because it has the best Joker in history, that is Heath Ledger. Christopher Nolan and Hans Zimmer were impeccably synchronised in every second of this masterpiece.”

You can catch all two and a half hours of this ‘masterpiece’ movie for free tonight, just in time for a late-night movie and to get into the Halloween mood. The Dark Knight will be airing on ITV tonight, Tuesday, October 28, at 11:10pm.