Is there any bad time to lean back on your couch and rewatch a Batman film? We don’t think so. Here is a list of all the live-action Batman movies to watch, ranked in a particular order. If you need some Nolan vibes just in time for Oppenheimer, look no further than the Dark Knight trilogy.
Keep in mind that the list does not feature any animated movies and just live-action ones. Zack Snyder’s films have also been left out, as they are not standalone Batman films. Put on your masks, and let’s get started!
Ranking the best Batman movies to watch
1) The Dark Knight (2008)
The definitive Batman film. Christopher Nolan’s second entry in his Batman trilogy is not just the best superhero film ever but also one of the greatest films of all time. Heath Ledger’s landmark performance as Joker gave the film a timeless quality. Fifteen years after its release, The Dark Knight still stands tall among the machinery that spews out a new superhero movie every month or two.
2) Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins may fall short of its sequel, but it still doesn’t change its legacy as the film that turned things around for the caped crusader. The origin story with Ra’s al Ghul established an on-screen hero unparalleled by the rest. The film marked the beginning of many things which are now iconic to the franchise. That includes Hans Zimmer’s visceral score, Christian Bale’s iconic Bruce Wayne, and of course, Nolan’s take on his childhood hero.
3) The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A victim of its own success, The Dark Knight Rises often gets overlooked in overall success when compared to its predecessors in the franchise. Nevertheless, the film had the perfect send-off for Christopher Nolan’s world of Batman characters. Compared to the previous films, this one is more driven by elaborate action set pieces than drama. Of course, who could forget Bruce Wayne’s immortal jump without the rope?
4) The Batman (2022)
After Nolan wrapped up his franchise, Gotham’s protector had some forgettable outings in the Snyderverse. However, The Batman again put its titular dark knight in the conversation, with a little help from Nirvana’s Something in the Way. Thanks to Oscar-nominated visuals and background score, Matt Reeves’ film is a gripping super-noir ode to the hero. Robert Pattinson proved all his skeptics wrong by pulling off a young ‘emo Batman’ in absolute style.
5) Batman Returns (1992)
For the generation before Bale, Affleck, and Pattinson, Batman meant Michael Keaton. Directed by visionary filmmaker Tim Burton, the sequel overtakes the 1989 film in sheer quality. Thanks to stunning performances from Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken, Batman Returns still holds up well as a classic superhero movie.
6) Batman (1989)
1989 was the year of the Batman. Until then, Superman ruled the roost when it came to films, and the Dark Knight had to wait out his counterpart for some well-deserved limelight. Fresh off the success of Beetlejuice, Tim Burton cemented Batman’s place in the world of film. However, it was the legendary Jack Nicholson’s performance as the Joker which often overshadowed its hero.
7) Batman (1966)
“I’m gonna practice the art of Catrate on you!”
BATMAN (1966) #AdamWest #JulieNewmar
— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) July 16, 2023
The original Batman movie from the 60s attempted to extend the success of the Adam West TV show and DC’s comics. The result was a colorful and campy movie that is almost unrecognizable compared to Batman’s dark and brooding identity today.
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