Ranking All 10 Batman Films from Seven Decades of the Dark Knight on Film

      Everyone has their own ranking of Batman films from worst to best.

      Here’s ours.

      Did we overlook any? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      But First

      Credit: Warner Bros

      Before we begin, we want to clarify that we’re not including animated films, movies featuring Batman in cameo roles, or stories where Batman is part of a team. This also applies to The Flash (as mentioned above).

      We do appreciate Michael Keaton’s performance, though.

      Now, let’s get to the list.

      Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      Let’s kick off the list with what we consider the worst Batman movie. It’s a convoluted, CGI-heavy disaster that takes the dark tone too far and feels overly forced.

      While we like Ben Affleck as Batman, the overly dense atmosphere leaves little room for him to shine. The entire film feels awkward and unenjoyable, starting with the title.

      Perhaps it shouldn’t even qualify as a Batman film since it’s essentially a sequel to Superman's Man of Steel. If you prefer to exclude it from the list, that’s perfectly fine with us.

      Batman & Robin (1997)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      In contrast, this film attempts too hard to be entertaining, filled with endless Mr. Freeze jokes, ridiculous costumes, and an excessive carnival-like color scheme. We admire Arnold Schwarzenegger, but this Batman film is far from impressive.

      George Clooney, who portrayed Batman, recently stated in an interview with GQ, “Whenever I say ‘Batman and Robin’ is a terrible film, I always admit, ‘I was terrible in it.’ That’s true, and it allows me to say that none of the other elements worked either. You know, lines like ‘Freeze, Freeze!’”

      Batman Forever (1995)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      From this point on, we believe every film on the list is enjoyable.

      Val Kilmer may not be the most memorable Batman, but he’s definitely among the top three portrayals of Bruce Wayne. Jim Carrey’s Riddler makes bold choices that we can’t stay annoyed with for long. Plus, it’s interesting to see Drew Barrymore and Nicole Kidman in the film.

      While Tommy Lee Jones’ portrayal of Two-Face is a bit too cartoonish and he doesn’t seem to be enjoying the role, we still like this movie.

      Batman Forever stands out as one of the quirkiest Batman films, and we appreciate its uniqueness. It takes bold risks.

      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 utterly charming.

      For many, Adam West was the quintessential Batman — cool, determined, and incorruptible. We were oblivious to the campiness at the time. It was a delight to see him on the big screen.

      We also adore Burt Ward as Robin and the original lineup of villains, including Cesar Romero as the mustachioed Joker, Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, and Lee Meriwether as Catwoman (with special mentions to the other two Catwomen from the 1960s – Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar). However, we might have a special fondness for Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, who truly enjoys the role.

      Let’s not forget the shark scene! We love this film.

      The Batman (2022)

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

      Robert Pattinson is arguably the best Bruce Wayne/Batman after Christian Bale — we admire his broken, disoriented interpretation of the Caped Crusader as he grapples with his identity. His internal struggle is the main focus of Matt Reeves’ tribute to 1970s cinema, which nods to conspiracy thrillers like Klute and All the President’s Men.

      Considering all the effort Reeves put into establishing a new Bat-universe in this film — including the introduction of Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and a transformed Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot — we are excited to see what the sequels have in store.

      It also led to the highly-praised Penguin spin-off TV series.

      Batman (1989)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros

      Tim Burton deserves credit for merging the two Batman interpretations familiar to audiences in 1989: the campy version from the 1960s series and the darker, tormented character presented in the brilliant 1980s DC Comics by Frank Miller in The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One.

      While Jack Nicholson is regarded as one of the greatest actors, his take on the Joker disrupts the film’s balance: he’s overly