A week before "The LEGO Batman Movie" opens, let's look into what fans, both kids and kids at heart can expect from it. Also, it is notable to look back into previous animated "Batman" movies and how they paved the way for "The LEGO Batman Movie".

"The LEGO Batman Movie" predecessors: top animated "Batman" movies

According to Forbes here's the top five "Batman" animation features to date:

5. "LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Gotham City Breakout" (2016)

There have been six previous LEGO movies based on the DC Comics universe. This one centers on the hilarious adventure of Caped Crusader who gets pushed by his surrogate family to take vacation (something he rarely wants to do), while Superman guards Gotham. Unfortunately many events unfold: a sabbatical occurs with a mass exodus from Arkham, which matches Superman against all of Batman's worst enemies.

No further spoilers, as you have to see it for yourself - if you haven't yet.

4. "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders" (2016)

A recent release, this is an original animated film set within the universe of the 60s "Batman" TV show. Written by Michael Jelenic and James Tucker and directed by Rick Morales, the film focuses on what happens when Batman is poisoned with a drug, that when taken, results to increased aggression and borderline authoritarian tendencies.The film was a VOD/DVD release, although it got a Fathom Events one-night-only theatrical release and a brief stint in Australia and New Zealand, where it made $57,343.

3. "Batman: Under the Hood" (2010)

The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) seems to love Batman, right? Most of the earlier DCAU films are adaptations from popular comic arcs. They have since moved to reworking current comic book arcs over the last few years. "Under the Red Hood" makes the very best of a so-so story. It's exciting and obscenely violent.

2. "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" (2000)

The film has some terrific action sequences and the usual strong vocals expected from the DCAU, but the kicker/reason-for-the-season is the film's big flashback sequence, which details just what happened during what would-be the final battle between Batman and The Joker. And it was actually a while before fans got to see the whole sequence as intended. The film is in second place because of the terrific vocal performance by Mark Hamill as The Joker.

1. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

So, "Batman: The Animated Series" will be turning 25-years-old this September. "Mask of the Phantasm" told a story of Bruce Wayne's ex, a woman for whom he would have put aside his childhood vow, while mixing in a present-day thriller with the Caped Crusader framed for the deaths of several mob bosses. This was originally meant to be a direct-to-VHS offering before Warner Bros. decided, somewhat later to go theatrical with a semi-wide Christmas Day release.

Now, let's go to the latest title, shall we?

"The LEGO Batman Movie" to feature a more diversified Gotham?

Per Heat Street, "The LEGO Batman Movie" promises to show a more diverse and authentic Gotham City. Aside from the fact that the whole town will be made of tiny plastic blocks, the production team gave their word of honor.

Director Chris McKay said that, while he's always been a fan of the "Batman" franchise, he recognized that the old-school Batman universe could be described as problematic. He had a hard time justifying keeping Gotham's cast of characters mostly white, male, and cisgendered. Therefore, McKay casted Mariah Carey as Gotham City's hardscrabble mayor, as well as Billy Dee Williams as Two Face, and Rosario Dawson as Batgirl. Let's see how his McKay's version of diverse (in terms of racial variation) pans out.

"The LEGO Batman Movie": cameos and other revelations to watch out for

Now that we're talking racial diversification and celebrity voice talents, "The LEGO Batman Movie" keeps the surprises coming. Yes, there are more cameos to watch out for.

Aside from the cast: Batman (Will Arnett), Robin (Michael Cera), The Joker (Zach Galifianakis), Harley Quinn (Jenny Slate), and Alfred Pennyworth (Ralph Fiennes), more celebrities and personalities are involved in this new title.

The star-studded cast has Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill's return (Clark Kent/Superman and Hal Jordan/Green Lantern), Zoë Kravitz (Selina Kyle/Catwoman), Doug Benson (Bane), Adam DeVine (Allen/The Flash), Riki Lindhome (Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy), Kate Micucci (Basil Karlo/Clayface), Jason Mantzoukas (Dr. Jonathan Krane/Scarecrow) and Conan O'Brien (Edward Nygma/The Riddler). Some cameos from characters from other Warner Bros. movies in "The LEGO Batman Movie" include and Eddie Izzard (Voldemort), Seth Green (King Kong), and Jemaine Clement (Sauron).

No voice talents have been assigned to some characters but McKay wanted use many of them in "The LEGO Batman Movie". These include Penguin, Gentleman Ghost, Calendar Man, the Condiment King, among others.

Excited? "The LEGO Batman Movie" comes to theaters in Feb. 10

Tags Lego, Batman