All 10 Batman Films Ranked from Least to Most Impressive
Everyone has their rankings of every Batman film, from the least to the most impressive.
Here's ours.
Did we overlook a film? Share your thoughts in the comments.
But First
Credit: Warner Bros
Before we begin, it's important to clarify that we are not including animated films, appearances where Batman is merely a cameo, or films featuring Batman as part of a team. This eliminates The Flash (as mentioned above).
Even though we definitely appreciated Michael Keaton's role in it.
Now, let's dive into our list.
**Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)**
Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.
Let’s kick off our list with the lowest-ranked one: this chaotic, CGI-laden mess that takes the dark and gritty tone too far, appearing as though it's striving far too hard for impact.
While we like Ben Affleck as Batman, the overly dense atmosphere left him little room to shine. The entire film feels forced and unenjoyable, starting right from the title.
Perhaps it shouldn't even be categorized as a Batman film since it technically serves as a sequel to the Superman film Man of Steel. If you prefer to exclude it from the Batman film list, we completely understand.
**Batman & Robin (1997)**
Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.
In contrast, this film attempts too much to be entertaining, filled with endless Mr. Freeze puns, ridiculous costumes, and overly vibrant carnival colors. We adore Arnold Schwarzenegger, but this Batman film is lacking in coolness.
George Clooney, who portrayed Batman, recently told GQ, “When I say ‘Batman and Robin’ is a terrible film, I always claim, ‘I was terrible in it.’”
“Because I was, number one. And it gives you the chance to assert, ‘Having acknowledged my poor performance, I can also point out that the other elements didn't work either.’ You know? Lines like ‘Freeze, Freeze!’”
**Batman Forever (1995)**
Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.
We believe that every film on this list from this point onward is entertaining to watch.
Val Kilmer may not be an unforgettable Batman, but he certainly ranks in the Top 3 Bruce Waynes. Jim Carrey’s Riddler makes bold choices that are hard to stay mad at for long. It's also amusing and unconventional to see Drew Barrymore and Nicole Kidman (above) in it.
Tommy Lee Jones goes a bit too cartoonishly overboard as Two-Face, and the actor seems to lack enjoyment in the role, but that’s alright. We enjoy this film.
Batman Forever stands out as one of the most peculiar Batman films, and we appreciate its distinctiveness. It takes big risks.
**Batman (1966)**
20th Century Fox – Credit: 20th Century Fox
This film is campy, absurd, looks inexpensive, and is utterly charming.
In our early years, Adam West was the Batman — suave, steadfast, and incorruptible. We didn’t even notice the campiness. It was delightful to see him shine on the big screen.
We also adore Burt Ward as Robin and the original lineup of villains, featuring Cesar Romero with his mustachioed Joker, the fantastic Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, and Lee Meriwether as Catwoman (and we also love the other two Catwomen from the 1960s – Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar). But we perhaps love Burgess Meredith's portrayal of the Penguin the most, who steals scenes with his performance and cigarette holder.
And let's not forget: the shark scene! We cherish this film.
**The Batman (2022)**
Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) tries to restrain The Batman (Robert Pattinson). Photo by Jonathan Olley/DC Comics – Credit: Warner Bros.
Robert Pattinson might be the best Bruce Wayne/Batman, alongside Christian Bale — we love his broken, battered, disoriented interpretation of the Caped Crusader as he grapples with his identity. His existential crisis is the highlight of Matt Reeves’ Batman, which draws inspiration from 1970s conspiracy thrillers, from Klute to All the President’s Men.
With all the effort Reeves invested in constructing a new Batworld in this film — including the introduction of Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and a completely unrecognizable Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot — we eagerly anticipate what the sequels will bring.
It has also given us the highly-praised Penguin solo TV series.
**Batman (1989)**
Warner Bros.
Tim Burton deserves immense credit for merging the two versions of Batman familiar to audiences in 1989: the campy character from the 1960s TV show and film, and the gritty, tormented figure that emerged in Frank Miller's influential 1980s DC Comics works, The Dark Knight
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All 10 Batman Films Ranked from Least to Most Impressive
Batman films ranked from worst to best. Every fan has their own list, and here’s ours. Come along!
