Ranking All 10 Batman Movies From Least to Most Impressive

      Everyone has ranked every Batman film from worst to best, and here's our take.

      First, we won't be including animated films, movies where Batman has a cameo, or films featuring Batman as part of a team. This means we exclude The Flash (mentioned above), even though we enjoyed Michael Keaton’s role in it.

      Here’s our list.

      Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      Let’s kick off our rankings with the least favorable. This is the worst Batman movie: a chaotic, CGI-laden spectacle that takes the dark and gritty theme too far and feels overly forced.

      We appreciate Ben Affleck as Batman, but the overly dense atmosphere didn’t allow him much flexibility. Everything about this film feels overly contrived and unenjoyable, starting with its title.

      Arguably, it shouldn’t even be categorized as a Batman movie since it’s essentially a sequel to Superman’s Man of Steel. If you prefer to disregard it, that’s totally fine by us.

      Batman & Robin (1997)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      Conversely, this film tries excessively hard to be entertaining, filled with endless puns from Mr. Freeze, ridiculous costumes, and garishly vibrant colors. Although we admire Arnold Schwarzenegger, this Batman movie simply isn't appealing.

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

      “Because I was, to begin with. But also because it allows me to argue that, having admitted my performance was poor, I can also say that none of the other elements worked well either. You know? Lines like ‘Freeze, Freeze!’”

      Batman Forever (1995)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

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

      While Val Kilmer may not be the most memorable Batman, he’s definitely among the top three Bruce Waynes. Jim Carrey's Riddler makes bold choices that we quickly forgive. It’s also amusing and unique to see Drew Barrymore and Nicole Kidman in this film.

      Tommy Lee Jones portrays Two-Face a bit too cartoonishly, and he seems less than thrilled, but we still enjoy this movie.

      Batman Forever stands out as one of the most peculiar Batman films, and we appreciate its boldness.

      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 thoroughly charming.

      For the early years of our lives, Adam West was the definitive Batman — cool, determined, and incorruptible. We didn’t even recognize the campy elements. It was a joy to watch him shine on the big screen.

      We also adore Burt Ward as Robin and the iconic lineup of villains, including Cesar Romero as the mustachioed Joker, the brilliant Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, and Lee Meriwether as Catwoman (along with the other two 1960s Catwomen – Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar). However, we may love Burgess Meredith the most for his portrayal of the Penguin, who steals scenes with his flamboyant style and cigarette holder.

      Plus: The shark scene! We love this movie.

      The Batman (2022)

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

      Robert Pattinson might be the finest Bruce Wayne/Batman after Christian Bale — we appreciate his fractured, battered, and disoriented portrayal of the Caped Crusader as he grapples with his true identity. His identity struggle is the centerpiece of Matt Reeves’ 1970s-influenced rendition of Batman, which pays tribute to conspiracy thrillers like Klute and All the President’s Men.

      Considering all the effort Reeves invested in creating a new Batworld in this film — including the introduction of Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and a nearly unrecognizable Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot — we eagerly anticipate what the sequels will bring.

      Additionally, it led to the well-received Penguin standalone TV series.

      Batman (1989)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O Warner Bros.

      Tim Burton deserves significant recognition for merging the two versions of Batman known to 1989 audiences: The campy character from the 1960s TV show and movie, and the dark, tortured figure who emerged from Frank Miller’s brilliant 1980s DC Comics works, such as The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One.

      Jack Nicholson is among the greatest actors of all time, but his Joker disrupts the film's balance: he’s too grandiose,