The Best Batman Movies, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Batman has been in numerous movies, some are hits, while others are misses, but every Batman film is worth a watch.
The Lego Batman Movie is a fun and humorous take on the Caped Crusader, providing laughs for kids and adults alike.
The Dark Knight Rises is a gripping conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, with intense drama and action.

As a lifelong admirer of the Dark Knight, I must say that each of these films offers a unique take on the Batman saga, and they all stand out for different reasons.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but acknowledge the undeniable impact of Batman in the realm of pop culture. This caped crusader isn’t just DC Comics’ beloved superhero, he’s also a favorite among creators and fans alike. From animated to live-action films, Batman has graced the silver screen numerous times. While some may argue about their greatness, every Batman movie is worth watching in my book.

In every portrayal of Batman, be it live-action films or animated series, viewers can consistently immerse themselves in the somber aura of the Dark Knight and his relentless fight against crime in Gotham City.

11 Batman & Robin

A Campy Batman Flick That Gets Too Silly

Release Date: 27 June 1997
Director: Joel Schumacher
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 12%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 16%

In the city of Gotham, Batman and Robin team up to protect it from various villains. However, their methods sometimes clash, causing disputes that can interfere with their mission to stop new threats. Poison Ivy and her loyal minion Bane pose a significant problem, while Mister Freeze seeks to plunge Gotham into an icy future.

The movie “Batman & Robin” isn’t generally considered the greatest Batman film, as it heavily emphasizes comedic elements that don’t sit well with viewers. This careless approach to the storyline makes Batman and his villains seem more like a joke than formidable characters, resulting in an entertaining experience for children but leaving adults questioning the plot.

10 Batman Forever

A Batman With Potential, But Plagued By Camp Villains and Choppy Editing

Release Date: 14 July 1995
Director: Joel Schumacher
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 41%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 32%

In the ongoing battle, Batman confronts the crooks of Gotham City, specifically dealing with formidable adversaries such as Two-Face and the Riddler. These cunning villains are determined to tarnish Batman’s reputation, ultimately aiming to plunge Gotham City into turmoil by orchestrating their own malevolent schemes.

Although Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Batman/Bruce Wayne deserves recognition, Batman Forever wasn’t the ideal sequel that fans anticipated after the brooding tone set in previous versions. Batman Forever can be enjoyable with its over-the-top style, and the extended cut of the movie directed by Joel Schumacher continues to be a sought-after version for those seeking a more complex, epic storyline.

9 The Lego Batman Movie

A Funny Animated Movie That Makes Fun of Batman in the Right Ways

Release Date: 4 February 2017
Director: Chris McKay
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 90%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 80%

Delve into a realm crafted from plastic bricks, where the LEGO universe boasts its very own Gotham City, teeming with emblematic Batman antagonists, and a solitary Caped Crusader. The LEGO Batman Film cleverly satirizes Batman in an appropriate manner, allowing viewers to chuckle alongside and at Batman without crossing the line into mockery that could tarnish the character’s mythos.

The Lego Batman Movie is a lot of fun for kids and adults, and Will Arnett’s Batman voice is great to listen to as he tries to reheat lobster and figure out what to do in a Gotham City that has been essentially cured of crime, all whilst trying to manage an orphan he didn’t even want.

8 Batman Returns

A Broody Batman Saves A Gloomy Gotham City

Release Date: 10 July 1992
Director: Tim Burton
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 82%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 73%

In this instance, Gotham City faces a fresh peril, as the menace arises from the city’s sewers. A grotesquely deformed character called the Penguin aims to seize control of Gotham City by manipulating politics. Meanwhile, Batman is tasked with halting the Penguin and preventing Catwoman, whose charms are hard to resist, from pursuing her own objectives within Gotham.

In contrast to its earlier version, Batman Returns takes on a much more somber and ominous tone. However, it manages to get many aspects right. The city of Gotham remains as gloomy as before, and the on-screen chemistry between Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer, portraying Batman and Catwoman respectively, is spot-on for their characters, creating an enthralling Batman tale.

7 Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

An Animated Retelling of Batman’s Early Days and His Hunt for a Murderer

Release Date: 25 December 1993
Director: Eric Radomski, Bruce Timm
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 83%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 88%

In the film “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm,” Batman’s reputation is under attack, as he’s falsely accused of committing multiple murders throughout Gotham City. The investigation leads Bruce Wayne to confront his past and deal with the responsibility that comes with being the Dark Knight. Meanwhile, a former lover could be the primary suspect in these crimes. The movie beautifully combines animation with a somber, introspective tone.

In a refreshing take, the artistic approach in “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” demonstrates that the colossal character of Batman can thrive both in animated and live-action adaptations. The powerful vocal performance by Kevin Conroy perfectly encapsulates the essence of our beloved Batman. This film delves into drama, action, romance, and the heartrending plight that befell the Dark Knight, a tale cherished by audiences worldwide.

6 Batman Begins

A More Grounded Take on Batman’s Origin Story

Release Date: 16 June 2005
Director: Christopher Nolan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 85%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%

In my gaming world, a fresh take on Batman unfolds with an even more authentic portrayal of his grim universe. Playing as the young Bruce Wayne, I bear witness to the chilling assassination of my parents, propelling me into a lifelong crusade against Gotham City’s corrupt underbelly in pursuit of justice. Batman Begins immerses me in an intense training regimen that ultimately shapes me into the crime-fighting vigilante known as Batman.

In “Batman Begins,” audiences are drawn into an engaging origin story that explores Bruce Wayne’s tumultuous past and his journey to becoming Batman. This initial installment, though not flawless, is a compelling start, showcasing the creative vision of Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale as the iconic superhero.

5 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition)

Batman and Superman Share the Big Screen For the First Time

Release Date: 25 March 2016
Director: Zack Snyder
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 29%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 63%

In a world where super-powered beings can level entire cities, Batman grapples with a sense of helplessness. The memory of Metropolis’ destruction during Superman’s battle with Zod still haunts him, leading him to conclude that the Man of Steel should be eliminated for humanity’s sake. Meanwhile, Superman struggles with his own identity, facing both reverence and resentment from the populace.

The Premium Version of “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” surpasses the original film in quality, offering more depth to scenes that were unnecessarily trimmed. This movie, although it may be contentious due to its political undertones, presents an exceptional portrayal of Superman and the distorted morality of Batman who is led astray into violating his sole rule for the welfare of mankind.

4 The Dark Knight Rises

Batman Returns After Eight Years to Fight a Terrorist Group For Gotham

Release Date: 20 July 2012
Director: Cristopher Nolan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 87%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 90%

Following being falsely accused of murdering Harvey Dent, Bruce Wayne reluctantly gives up his Batman identity and plunges into sorrow due to the devastation wrought by the Joker in Gotham City. However, eight years on, Bruce is compelled once more to assume the mantle of the Dark Knight to shield Gotham from Bane, a ruthless terrorist intent on causing chaos and destruction.

In the final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, titled “The Dark Knight Rises,” the city of Gotham is plunged into a battle between law enforcement and criminals. Christian Bale portrays Batman in this gripping tale, as he grapples with the concept of mortality, making for an inspiring and intense viewing experience.

3 Batman (1989)

The Blueprint For Future Batman Stories

Release Date: 11 August 1989
Director: Tim Burton
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 77%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%

The masked hero of Gotham City, known for his relentless battle against wrongdoing, is preparing for his toughest challenge yet – facing the Joker, a notorious villain who could potentially plunge Gotham into disorder. As Batman gears up for this one-man crusade against crime, he must be ready to deal with the Joker’s unstable and erratic behavior that borders on madness.

1989’s “Batman” movie stands out as a timeless masterpiece that effectively translated the dark atmosphere of Batman onto the silver screen. It broke away from the lighthearted portrayal of the character in the 60s, offering instead a gothic interpretation under the creative vision of Tim Burton. The performances of Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson as Batman and Joker, respectively, continue to be enjoyable to watch even after multiple viewings.

2 The Batman

Gritty and Realistic, Batman Investigates a Serial Killer Plot

Release Date: 4 March 2022
Director: Matt Reeves
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 85%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%

In Matt Reeves’ latest retelling of the Batman story, Gotham City is depicted as a tightly-knit labyrinth of crime and deceit. To transform this city, which he vows to safeguard, Batman must transcend his role as an emblem of terror. Simultaneously, he grapples with a conspiracy involving the assassination of political figures, unveiled by a mysterious masked individual.

“The Batman” delivers a gripping experience, filled with powerful thriller elements that vividly portray the World’s Greatest Detective on the silver screen. The captivating mystery is engaging and immersive, making it an enjoyable watch multiple times due to the convincing performances of Robert Pattinson as Batman, along with the entire team behind the scenes who bring a gritty Gotham City to life.”

1 The Dark Knight

Batman Fights Against The Joker’s Chaos in this Grounded Thriller

Release Date: 21 July 2008
Director: Christopher Nolan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 94%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%

In their persistent struggle against Batman’s relentless crime-fighting efforts, villains resort to enlisting the aid of the Joker, an unhinged character who harbors no allegiance beyond mayhem and desires nothing more than to shatter Batman and plunge him into a brutal realm where Gotham City will consume itself in order to endure.

The film “The Dark Knight” marked a significant shift in the genre of comic book movies, as it demonstrated that superheroes could be portrayed as both ominous and enthralling. Christopher Nolan’s Batman saga undeniably includes “The Dark Knight,” which offers high stakes, abundant tension, and unpredictability, along with compelling performances that elevate this gripping thriller to one of the most impactful and exceptional Batman films ever made.

2024-08-26 20:54