All 10 Batman movies ranked from worst to greatest
By Cody Schultz
5. The Dark Knight Rises
Release Date: July 20, 2012
Plot Summary: After eight years of peace following the Joker’s reign of terror, Batman is forced out of retirement with the help of the enigmatic Selina Kyle. Together, they must protect Gotham City from the ruthless guerrilla terrorist known as Bane.
Cast: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Tom Hardy as Bane, Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, Matthew Modine as Peter Foley, and Ben Mendelsohn as John Daggett.
Box Office Results: $1 billion
This cinematic masterpiece left audiences awestruck and emotionally invested from start to finish, serving as the perfect final chapter to Christopher Nolan’s near-flawless trilogy.
The intricate storyline, masterful direction, and stellar performances, particularly from Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, were nothing short of extraordinary — though this surprised no one as Bale is often considered by many to be the best to ever play the character. He was joined by equally incredible co-stars, with Tom Hardy delivering a chilling performance as Bane and Anne Hathaway bringing a refreshing complexity to Selina Kyle.
The film’s exploration of themes like redemption, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of Gotham City resonated deeply with audiences. The Dark Knight Rises is a testament to the character’s lasting legacy and helped Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy emerge as one of the best trilogies of any genre.
