Ranking All 10 Batman Movies from Least to Most Favorable

      Everyone has their own ranking of all the Batman films from worst to best. Here is ours.

      But First, a Bat Clarification

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Additionally, we are excluding animated films, those where Batman appears briefly, or films where he is part of an ensemble. This includes The Flash (mentioned above).

      We did enjoy Michael Keaton’s performance in it, of course.

      Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      Let's kick off our list with the least favorable. This is it, the worst Batman film: a chaotic, CGI-laden disaster that pushes the dark and gritty tone too far and feels overly forced.

      While we appreciate Ben Affleck as Batman, the overwhelmingly dense atmosphere didn't allow him much room to shine. Everything about this film feels strained and unenjoyable, starting with the title.

      Perhaps it shouldn’t even be included on the list of Batman films since it technically follows the Superman movie Man of Steel. If you’d prefer to omit it, we’re perfectly okay with that.

      Batman & Robin (1997)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      Conversely, this film tries excessively to be amusing, cramming in countless Mr. Freeze puns, outlandish costumes, and overwhelming carnival colors. We love Arnold Schwarzenegger, but this Batman film doesn’t measure up.

      “When I say ‘Batman and Robin’ is a terrible film, I always say, 'I was terrible in it,” George Clooney, who portrayed Batman, remarked to GQ recently.

      “Because I was, first of all. But also, admitting my poor performance lets me say that none of these other aspects worked either. You know? Lines like ‘Freeze, Freeze!’”

      Batman Forever (1995)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      From this point onward, we find every film on this list enjoyable to watch.

      While Val Kilmer may not be the most memorable Batman, he is undoubtedly among the top three Bruce Waynes. Jim Carrey’s vibrant portrayal of the Riddler features many bold choices that are hard to dislike. Plus, it’s intriguing and unusual to see Drew Barrymore and Nicole Kidman (above) in it.

      Tommy Lee Jones plays Two-Face a bit too cartoonishly, and his enjoyment seems lacking, but that's okay. We enjoy this film.

      Batman Forever stands among the most peculiar Batman movies, and we appreciate its unconventionality. It takes bold swings.

      Also Read: All 7 Batman Actors, Ranked Worst to Best

      Batman (1966)

      20th Century Fox – Credit: 20th Century Fox

      This film is campy, absurd, low-budget, and irresistibly charming.

      During our early years, Adam West was the Batman — cool, steadfast, and incorruptible. We didn’t even notice the campiness. It was wonderful to witness him shine on the big screen.

      We also cherish Burt Ward as Robin and the original rogues’ gallery, featuring Cesar Romero as a mustachioed Joker, the fantastic Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, and Lee Meriwether as Catwoman (along with the other two 1960s Catwomen – Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar). However, we might adore Burgess Meredith the most for his portrayal of the Penguin, who steals the scene with his antics and cigarette holder.

      And let’s not forget the iconic shark scene! We absolutely love this movie.

      The Batman (2022)

      Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) attempts to restrain The Batman (Robert Pattinson). Photo by Jonathan Olley/DC Comics. Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Robert Pattinson may be the best Bruce Wayne/Batman after Christian Bale — we admire his troubled and disoriented portrayal of the Caped Crusader as he wrestles with his identity. His internal struggle is the centerpiece of Matt Reeves’ 1970s-inspired take on Batman, which pays tribute to conspiracy thrillers like Klute and All the President’s Men.

      With the extensive work Reeves put into developing a new Batworld in this film — including the introduction of Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and an almost unrecognizable Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot — we are eager to see what the sequels will bring.

      It also led to the acclaimed Penguin solo TV series.

      Batman (1989)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Tim Burton deserves immense credit for merging the two Batman interpretations known to audiences in 1989: The campy version from the 1960s TV series and film, and the dark, tormented character that emerged in Frank Miller’s groundbreaking 1980s DC Comics works, The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One.

      Jack Nicholson is one of the greatest actors, yet his Joker disrupts the film's balance: he’s too over-the-top