Ranking All 7 Batman Actors from Least Impressive (Clooney) to Most Impressive

      Here are all seven Batman actors ranked — our attempt to analyze what contributes to a great Batman performance.

      We are excluding animated Batman actors, such as the remarkable Kevin Conroy, whom we highly admire. Our focus is solely on live-action portrayals since voice acting and on-screen acting require different skills.

      Naturally, opinions on this matter are subjective, and enthusiasm for Batman runs deep, so feel free to share if you have a different perspective.

      Now, let's rank all seven Batman actors from worst to best, starting with (apologies) the least impressive:

      George Clooney

      Warner Bros.

      It’s hard to afflict a harsher critique of George Clooney’s Batman than the one he has already given himself. He portrayed the Caped Crusader in just one film, 1997’s Batman & Robin, and he provided a brutally honest evaluation.

      “When I say Batman & Robin is a terrible film, I always say, ‘I was terrible in it,’” Clooney mentioned to GQ. “Because I was, number one. But also because it allows you to argue that, ‘Having admitted I was bad, I can also say that everything else was off too.’ You know? Lines like ‘Freeze, Freeze!’”

      He makes a valid point: No actor could have succeeded with the role as it was written.

      Ben Affleck

      Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in Batman v Superman. Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      We realize this might anger the Snyderverse fans, but here it goes.

      Ben Affleck had the potential to be the best Batman: He possesses the stature and physique to be intimidating, alongside the sensitivity and depth as an actor to embody the brilliance, wit, and anguish of a billionaire by day and vigilante at night, grappling with his dual identities: Which is the real persona, Bruce or Batman?

      However, the films featuring Affleck’s Batman — Batman v Superman and Justice League (in both Joss Whedon and Zack Snyder versions) — were chaotic at best and leaned too heavily into the grim, militaristic interpretation of Batman.

      They left little opportunity for nuance or exploration of one of the greatest literary characters of the 20th century.

      Val Kilmer

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      The recently departed Val Kilmer possessed a light, charming quality that made him one of the finest Bruce Waynes: He convincingly depicted a man casually navigating his daily life to focus on his more significant activities at night.

      Kilmer also had the right look for Batman — we appreciate seeing Batman without an overly bulky physique, allowing his tools and detective abilities to take precedence.

      His Batman film, Batman Forever, was largely overshadowed by Jim Carrey’s over-the-top Riddler, limiting Kilmer’s screen time. Yet, we have a fondness for Val Kilmer and wish he could have starred in more Batman films.

      Also Read: 7 Strange Aspects of the Batman and Robin Relationship That No One Talks About

      Adam West

      Adam West and Burt Ward in Batman. ABC – Credit: 20th Century Fox

      For many years, Adam West was the quintessential Batman — and a truly charming one at that. In his late '60s film and television series, and for years after in reruns, he portrayed Batman as a kind-hearted hero who relied on intelligence and humor rather than fear to combat crime.

      He and his youthful sidekick Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) played it straight, allowing a colorful cast of guest stars to shine.

      Everything just clicked: The writing was clever, the action sequences were among the coolest on television at the time, and the self-aware silliness (BAM! SOCK! POW!) permitted serious viewers to relax and enjoy.

      Adam West was vital to its success. He was a magnanimous lead, never overly showy, and exuded the confidence to wear a silly costume with style. We adore him and the Batman TV series.

      Robert Pattinson

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

      Robert Pattinson delivers what may be the most emotionally charged performance among all Batman actors. There’s a constant struggle between expressing the Batman persona or the Bruce Wayne identity, and Pattinson's interpretation grapples with this confusion. He is portrayed as lost and directionless, which feels authentic.

      Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman focuses heavily on the detective aspect of the character, showcasing him primarily as a crime solver who resorts to his gadgets merely to execute the grim task of confronting villains.

      Robert Pattinson could eventually be regarded as the best of all Batman actors. We will see how the upcoming films unfold.

      Also Read: All 10 Batman Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

      Michael Keaton

      Michael Keaton in Batman Returns. Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      It’s surprising to consider,