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  4. 'The Dark Knight' opened in theaters 15 years ago — here are the best photos from the red-carpet premiere

'The Dark Knight' opened in theaters 15 years ago here are the best photos from the red-carpet premiere

'The Dark Knight' opened in theaters 15 years ago — here are the best photos from the red-carpet premiere
(L-R) Gary Oldman, Michael Kane, Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Christopher Nolan, and Morgan Freeman at "The Dark Knight" premiere.Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty
  • This year marks the 15th anniversary of the release of "The Dark Knight" (it opened on July 18, 2008).
  • We dove back into the archives to grab the best photos from the red carpet premiere.

Here's Batman himself, Christian Bale, at the premiere.

Here
"The Dark Knight" marked the second time Bale played the Batman role. The movie solidified his place as one of the best actors to put on the mask.      Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty

Maggie Gyllenhaal looked stunning.

Maggie Gyllenhaal looked stunning.
Gyllenhaal portrayed Gotham assistant district attorney Rachel Dawes, originally played by Katie Holmes in "Batman Begins."      Bryan Bedder/Getty

Aaron Eckhart cleaned up nicely for the premiere.

Aaron Eckhart cleaned up nicely for the premiere.
Eckhart played Gotham district attorney Harvey Dent, who turned into the villain Two-Face by the end of the movie.      Bryan Bedder/Getty

Morgan Freeman has always had a smooth style on the carpet.

Morgan Freeman has always had a smooth style on the carpet.
Freeman reprised his role of Lucius Fox, who is responsible for Batman's wonderful toys.      Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Gary Oldman was all smiles.

Gary Oldman was all smiles.
Oldman returned to play James Gordon, who wasn't the commissioner of Gotham just yet at this point in the franchise.      Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty

Director Christopher Nolan unveils another hit movie.

Director Christopher Nolan unveils another hit movie.
"The Dark Knight" went on to be one of Nolan's biggest box-office earners for years ("Oppenheimer" has since broken some of the records "Knight" had) and is now regarded as one of the best Batman movies ever made.      Stephen Lovekin/Getty

The carpet also provided a shot of Nolan's present and future: Michael Caine, who starred in the entire "The Dark Knight" trilogy, and Josh Hartnett, who years later would star in Nolan's "Oppenheimer."

The carpet also provided a shot of Nolan
(L-R) Josh Hartnett and Michael Caine having a quick meet-up. Caine played Bruce Wayne's trusted butler Alfred in the franchise.      Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty

Also on the carpet that night was Ethan Hawke.

Also on the carpet that night was Ethan Hawke.
Ethan Hawke sporting a #1 Dad baseball cap.      Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty

Blake Lively took a pic by Batman's motorcycle.

Blake Lively took a pic by Batman
Blake Lively was ready to watch the blockbuster.      Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty

Some other "Gossip Girl" stars showed up on the carpet that night, like Penn Badgley.

Some other "Gossip Girl" stars showed up on the carpet that night, like Penn Badgley.
Penn Badgley came with a casual look.      Bryan Bedder/Getty

Ed Westwick went too.

Ed Westwick went too.
He came in the full Chuck Bass vibe.      Bryan Bedder/Getty

Also, there was TV legend Regis Philbin with his wife Joy.

Also, there was TV legend Regis Philbin with his wife Joy.
Daytime TV royalty right here.      Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty

Before he began fighting zombies on "The Walking Dead," Norman Reedus walked the red carpet for "The Dark Knight."

Before he began fighting zombies on "The Walking Dead," Norman Reedus walked the red carpet for "The Dark Knight."
Norman Reedus looking slick.      Bryan Bedder/Getty

Lauren Conrad made an appearance during the height of popularity for "The Hills."

Lauren Conrad made an appearance during the height of popularity for "The Hills."
The reality TV star sensation was in the house.      Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty

Danny DeVito was loving life at the after-party.

Danny DeVito was loving life at the after-party.
Who is better than Danny DeVito?      Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Of course, the Batmobile made an appearance.

Of course, the Batmobile made an appearance.
The biggest star of the night — literally.      Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty

Sadly, the only actor from the movie who wasn't present was Heath Ledger, who died earlier that year. He won a posthumous Oscar for his performance as the Joker.

Sadly, the only actor from the movie who wasn
Ledger died on January 22, 2008, due to an accidental overdose.      Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images/Warner Bros

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