Which Batman movie is the best of the best? We’re ranking every Batman movie.
When it comes to superhero movies, there are few heroes who have had quite as storied a career on the big screen as the Dark Knight. In fact, superhero fans truly owe everything to the Caped Crusader, for had it not been for the success of his first major theatrical release there is a chance the cinematic landscape could have looked very different.
While Batman’s first appearance on the big screen came back in 1966, he got a new lease on life with the 1989 release of Tim Burton’s Batman starring Michael Keaton. Warner Bros. bet big on the film, which was unlike anything moviegoers had seen before and helped to pave the way for superheroes to thrive on the big screen.
In the decades since, there have been many new iterations of the Dark Knight on the big screen, with many of Hollywood’s biggest actors taking on the role. Although there have been some misses, for the most part, the Dark Knight has enjoyed one of the most successful streaks at the box office, raking in cash for DC Studios and delighting audiences for generations.
Still, it’s clear that some Batman movies are simply better than others, where they fall in the rankings are often a source of debate among fans. Every fan has their own personal favorites, but what is the best Batman movie, and which is the worst of the bunch? Let’s take a look!
Note: For the purpose of this ranking, we’re only looking at Batman solo films and are only looking at live-action feature films.
10. Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Release Date: March 25, 2016
Plot Summary: With concerns that Superman is not being held accountable for his actions, Batman decides to confront the Man of Steel.
Cast: Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Henry Cavill as Clark Kent / Superman, Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Holly Hunter as Senator Finch, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White.
Box Office Results: $872.7 million
Despite the potential the film had, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice left many fans disappointed, particularly when it came to the portrayal of Batman. (Sorry Batfleck fans.)
While Ben Affleck’s brooding demeanor suited the Dark Knight, the character’s moral compass seemed distorted. Batman, who is supposed to be a symbol of justice and restraint, was reduced to a vengeful vigilante and a one-note character.
This departure from the character’s core principles felt like a betrayal to long-time fans, and it didn’t help that Affleck’s performance fell flat.
It’s disheartening to witness a beloved hero diminished on the big screen, and we can only hope future adaptations will do justice to DC’s iconic hero. Luckily, we have James Gunn in the driver’s seat now, so the odds seem to be in our favor.
9. Batman: The Movie
Release Date: July 30, 1966
Plot Summary: Four supervillains have developed a secret invention that can instantly dehydrate people, and they plan to use it to hold the world for ransom. The Dynamic Duo must confront these villains and put a stop to their nefarious scheme.
Cast: Adam West as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Burt Ward as Dick Grayson / Robin, Lee Meriwether as Catwoman, Cesar Romero as the Joker, Burgess Meredith as the Penguin, Frank Gorshin as the Riddler, Alan Napier as Alfred Pennyworth, Neil Hamilton as Commissioner Gordon, and Stafford Repp as Chief O’Hara.
Box Office Results: $3.9 million
Released in 1966, this movie holds a special place in the amazing legacy of Batman. Adam West and Burt Ward deliver full camp as Batman and Robin, which is what many fans love about the original Batman show and this particular film.
Still, it’s a challenge to compare Batman: The Movie to the more modern movies due to how vastly different the films are not just in tone, but in appearance. Although Batman: The Movie lacks the dark and gritty tone we’ve come to associate with Batman in more recent decades, it remains a nostalgic relic for fans. It also serves as a reminder of the character’s lasting popularity and that there’s no one way to interpret this character.
8. Batman & Robin
Release Date: June 20, 1997
Plot Summary: As they work to prevent Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from taking over Gotham City, Batman and Robin strive to maintain their partnership.
Cast: George Clooney as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Chris O’Donnell as Dick Grayson / Robin, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze, Uma Thurman as Dr. Pamela Isley / Poison Ivy, Alicia Silverstone as Barbara Wilson / Batgirl, Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth, Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon, Elle Macpherson as Julie Madison, and Vivica A. Fox as Ms. B. Haven.
Box Office Results: $238 million
Let’s be clear: Batman & Robin did not live up to the expectations set by its predecessors. The movie made a plethora of questionable choices, from the over-the-top campiness to the excessive use of puns. “Let’s Kick Some Ice,” “Cool Party”…the list goes on and on.
However, as the years have gone on, it’s been interesting to witness the movie attain a peculiar cult status. Perhaps it’s the unintentional humor, the unabashed embrace of camp, or the sheer audacity of its colorful world that has turned people into fans. Whatever the case, despite its flaws, Batman & Robin has become a guilty pleasure for many that’s no longer deserving of the title of being the worst Batman film in history.
7. Batman Forever
Release Date: June 16, 1995
Plot Summary: In his latest mission, Batman finds himself up against Two-Face, a former district attorney, and The Riddler, also known as Edward Nygma. To aid him in his fight, Batman enlists the help of a smitten psychologist and a young circus acrobat who becomes his trusted sidekick, Robin.
Cast: Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent / Two-Face, Jim Carrey as Edward Nygma / Riddler, Nicole Kidman as Dr. Chase Meridian, Chris O’Donnell as Dick Grayson / Robin, Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth, Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon, Drew Barrymore as Sugar, and Debi Mazar as Spice.
Box Office Results: $336.6 million
While Batman Forever attempted to bring a vibrant and campy energy into the Batman franchise, it ultimately fell short of expectations and didn’t quite live up to the two films before it, due in large part to the change in who was behind the Dark Knight’s cowl.
Val Kilmer’s portrayal of the Dark Knight lacked the brooding intensity that fans had come to associate with the character thanks to Michael Keaton’s performances, and the excessive use of neon colors and over-the-top villains in Riddler and Two-Face seemed more suited to a cartoon (or the old Batman show from the ’60s) rather than a gritty superhero film.
Although there were some enjoyable moments and visually striking scenes, the overall execution felt disjointed. Fans yearned for a darker exploration of the characters of the kind they’d seen in Batman and Batman Returns, which the film failed to deliver.
6. Batman Begins
Release Date: June 15, 2005
Plot Summary: Following the tragic death of his parents, Bruce dedicates himself to mastering the art of combat in order to fight against injustice. Years later, when he returns to Gotham as Batman, he is faced with the daunting task of stopping a secret society that seeks to destroy the city.
Cast: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Liam Neeson as Henri Ducard/Ra’s al Ghul, Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, Cillian Murphy as Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow, Tom Wilkinson as Carmine Falcone, Rutger Hauer as William Earle, and Ken Watanabe as Ra’s al Ghul.
Box Office Results: $373.7 million
Don’t let its ranking at No. 6 fool you, Batman Begins is an extraordinary triumph for the Dark Knight on the big screen. Director Christopher Nolan delivers a gritty and realistic reimagining of Batman’s origin story, which captivated the audience from start to finish and helped to pave the way for what would become the most successful Dark Knight trilogy to date.
Christian Bale’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne is flawless, showcasing the character’s internal struggles and unyielding determination. The movie’s emphasis on character development, coupled with a thought-provoking narrative and stunning cinematography, helped to set a new standard for superhero movies, one that is still visible in many superhero movies today. Even Gotham City feels like a character, bringing an unparalleled depth to the film.
Batman Begins proved that the Caped Crusader could soar to new heights when given the proper treatment, and we’ve yet to see a trilogy of superhero films from DC that rivals Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
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.
4. Batman Returns
Release Date: June 19, 1992
Plot Summary: As Penguin wreaks havoc across Gotham with the aid of a heartless businessman, Batman must confront this new threat. Meanwhile, a female employee of the businessman transforms into the cunning Catwoman, driven by her own personal vendetta.
Cast: Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Christopher Walken as Max Shreck, Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth, and Pat Hingle as Commissioner Gordon.
Box Office Results: $266.8 million
Following the success of Batman, there was a lot of skepticism as to whether Tim Burton would be able to live up to the incredibly high bar he set with his first feature. Fortunately for fans, Burton more than exceeded expectations in avoiding the dreaded sequel curse by delivering another outstanding Batman film.
Michael Keaton delivered another incredible performance in the dual role of Bryce Wayne and Batman, with the film cementing his legacy as one of the best to ever play the character. His performance was further elevated by his amazing screen partners, including Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle/Catwoman. DeVito and Pfeiffer’s performances are regarded among the best adaptations of their respective characters to this day and left audiences wanting more.
It’s truly a shame Tim Burton and Michael Keaton weren’t able to team up for a third film as there is no telling what amazing stories could have been told in a final film or what characters Burton could have masterfully introduced next. Still, we have two amazing films from Burton as director and with Keaton at the lead which still hold up as some of the best films about the Dark Knight.
3. The Batman
Release Date: March 4, 2022
Plot Summary: As a sadistic serial killer begins targeting prominent political figures in Gotham, Batman is compelled to delve into the city’s history of corruption and reevaluate his family’s potential involvement.
Cast: Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton/The Riddler, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth
Box Office Results: $770 million
It’s hard to think of any Batman film that ended up defying the odds quite like Matt Reeves’ The Batman did.
Before the first trailer for the film was even released, fans vocally questioned the decision to cast Twilight‘s Robert Pattinson in the title role of Bruce Wayne / Batman. Naysayers were quickly silenced as footage began to be released, showcasing the incredible world being built by Reeves within the franchise and the unique spin he was going to take in adapting the Dark Knight for Warner Bros.
Upon its release, critics and fans alike praised Pattinson’s performance in the film, with many including him in the conversation for the best to have ever played the character, and rightfully so. Pattison was absolutely stunning in the role, perfectly capturing the character’s inner turmoil and the darkness lurking within that he was trying desperately to keep at bay.
What set the film apart from every other film on this list was that it finally gave audiences what they had long hoped to see: an actual Batman detective movie. Batman used his fists, yes, but also his intelligence as he untangled a knotty mystery.
2. The Dark Knight
Release Date: July 18, 2008
Plot Summary: As the Joker unleashes chaos and destruction upon the citizens of Gotham City, Batman is faced with one of his most challenging tests yet.
Cast: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Heath Ledger as the Joker, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.
Box Office Results: $1 billion
The Dark Knight undeniably stands as the defining film of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, captivating audiences and redefining the superhero genre to become one of the most critically acclaimed blockbusters ever.
While this list might be about the Dark Knight, you can’t look back at The Dark Knight and not admit that it was the legendary performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker that truly stole the show. The way in which he embodied the chaos and madness at the heart of the character, all while bringing plenty of dark humor, was unlike anything we’d ever seen before in a superhero film. Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance was mesmerizing and helped elevate the film to unprecedented heights.
The Dark Knight showed critics that superhero films can be just as nuanced as the most beloved indie drama, even if they still choose to overlook the genre during awards season. While it might not have even been recognized as a Best Picture nominee at the Oscars, The Dark Knight has firmly established itself as a modern classic, and we can still see its affects on the superhero genre today.
1. Batman (1989)
Release Date: June 23, 1989
Plot Summary: Gotham City’s Dark Knight embarks on his crusade against crime, with his initial adversary being Jack Napier, a criminal who transforms into the maniacal and murderous Joker.
Cast: Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Jack Nicholson as the Joker, Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale, Robert Wuhl as Alexander Knox, Pat Hingle as Commissioner Gordon, Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent, and Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth.
Box Office Results: $251 million
When looking back at the best Batman movies, it’s hard not to end any best-of list without the timeless masterpiece that is Batman at the top. Helmed by the visionary director Tim Burton and led by the incomparable Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, 1989’s Batman remains the peak of Batman on the big screen.
Burton’s dark and atmospheric Gotham City perfectly captured the essence of the character, while Keaton’s portrayal of the Dark Knight brought a brooding intensity to Bruce Wayne that was unlike anything we’ve seen before. Add in the film’s iconic gothic aesthetic and the chilling performance of Jack Nicholson as the Joker, and you have a truly masterful superhero film.
Batman set the standard for superhero movies and there is a good chance the superhero genre would have never evolved into what it has become today had Burton’s film not resonated with audiences in the way it did. The movie proved that superheroes could rake in cash at the box office and started a trend of these films being adapted by some of the most talented directors and actors in the game.
While there is a chance a future film will one day unseat it at the top of the pack, Batman remains the definitive Batman movie, even after all these years.
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