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Robert Pattinson in The Batman
CREDIT: Warner Bros. Pictures

All The ‘Batman’ Films: Ranked

Natalie Daniels

Robert Pattinson is the latest superstar actor to portray the heroic yet brooding Batman. As The Batman plays in theaters worldwide, we are reminded of the pop culture icon’s impact. Since Batman’s creation in 1939, the character has taken over the film industry with numerous movie adaptations. It begs the question: which Batman film is the best?

Starting from the first full-length feature Batman film in 1966 to Justice League in 2017, here is our ranking of the Batman movies from worst to best— taking inspiration from critic reviews and fans like you!

#12 Batman & Robin (1997)

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The first film (and the worst) on this list is Batman & Robin. George Clooney and Chris O’Donnell star as Batman and Robin, as the 2 battle new villains like Mr. Freeze (Arnold  Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). A third hero named Batgirl, played by Alicia Silverstone, joins Batman and Robin during their crime-fighting shenanigans. 

The film tanked at the box office when it premiered in theaters in 1997, earning $238.2 million worldwide with a production budget of $160 million. In an archival article from Empire in 2010, 

titled “The 50 Worst Movies Ever,” Batman & Robin took the #1 spot. 

The movie received unfavorable reviews from critics. In a 1997 review from The Washington Post, critic Desson Howe calls Batman & Robin a “winged defeat.”  

Fans of the Batman franchise still share their distaste for the film on social media more than 20 years later.

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Though there are some fans of this installment!

#11 Batman Forever (1995)

While Batman Forever did not receive the level of hatred that Batman & Robin had, it still falls flat for many viewers and critics. The third installment to Warner Bros.’s original Batman series follows Val Kimer as he replaces Michael Keaton as Batman. In this film, Batman fights Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and The Riddler (Jim Carrey) while pursuing a romantic relationship with psychologist Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman).

In Variety’s 1995 review, critic Brian Lowry says the movie does well in some areas but comes “up short” in others. “Val Kilmer seamlessly slides into the Dark Knight’s cape and the film boasts considerable action and visual splendor,” he writes. “In the negative column, that action isn’t as involving as it should be, and there are so many characters the movie can’t adequately service them all.”

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Audiences have mixed opinions about the film. Is it a movie marketing gold mine or a subpar flop?

#10 Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Ben Affleck takes over as Batman in this superhero crossover film Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The movie begins 2 years after Superman’s (Henry Cavill) battle with supervillain Zod (Michael Shannon) destroyed the city of Metropolis. While people deal with the aftermath, Batman sets on a mission to kill Superman, believing he is dangerous to mankind.

Slate’s Jonathan L. Fischer gives his honest opinion and strong dislike for this movie. “Batman V. Superman should be the nail in the coffin of an entire industry strategy, in which each superhero film’s primary job is to lay breadcrumbs leading toward the next one,” he writes.

While the critic reviews aren’t as “harsh” as the 2 films before on the list, audiences ripped Batman V. Superman to shreds.

However, there are some fans out there that stand by the movie.

#9 Batman (1966)

The original Batman film is a campy look at the character based on the 1960s TV series. Adam West and Burt Ward star as Batman and Robin as they battle Catwoman, The Joker, and The Riddler. While it doesn’t have the star power of Michael Keaton and Christian Bale in later films, critics agree that it’s a blast to watch.

“For any true fan of Batman cinema, there will always be a place for 1966’s Batman: The Movie nearest and dearest to their heart,” writes critic Scott Lowe in his IGN review. “It may not be the most accurate, well produced, or entirely awe-inspiring film adaptation of the caped crusader, but it is certainly the most amusing.”

Fans share their undying love watching this film.

#8 Batman (1989)

Michael Keaton stars as Batman in Warner Bros.’s first installment of the DC Comic series. Directed by Tim Burton, this film follows Batman in his early days of crime-fighting as he battles deformed madman, the Joker (Jack Nicholson), and protects his lover, reporter Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger).

This movie is the first time audiences saw Batman in a darker light, which established the character as a deeper and more complex individual. “The film may be disappointing to those expecting a campy cartoon, however, although the more dramatic stylization of this version is its strongest asset,” writes Ron Pennington of The Hollywood Reporter.

Like other Batman films on the list, people either love this movie or aren’t crazy about it.

#7 Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

For this one, we’re talking about Zack Snyder’s 4-hour director’s cut, which received positive reviews from fans and not the 2017 film. Following the events of Batman V. Superman, Batman (Ben Affleck) enlists the help of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to create a team to battle an incoming enemy.

Critics aren’t entirely convinced that the 4-hour cut was necessary, but they understand the hype from fans. “Does all this make Zack Snyder’s Justice League necessary viewing?,” writes Melanie McFarland in Salon. “Not really, unless you’re a sucker for redemption stories and vindication arcs. You know, two of the reasons people love comic books.

Fans went crazy for the film when it dropped.

#6 Batman Returns (1992)

This sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman provides more entertainment to both critics and fans. Batman (played onced again by Michael Keaton) must battle with the monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito) and businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken), all while falling in love with the femme fatale, Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer).

In Richard Corliss’ Times review, he expresses his enjoyment of the film’s beauty within pop entertainment. “It is a funny, gorgeous, midsummer night’s Christmas story about. . . well, dating, actually. But hang on. This is the goods,” he writes.

Audiences argue that this sequel is better than the first film, Batman (1989). Is it the story? The comical and complex villains? Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman? It’s probably a mixture of all 3.


Of course, some fans dislike it, making it a perfect film to sit in the middle of our list.

#5 Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

The Caped Crusader also ventured into animated territory with Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. With a star studded cast filled with the voice talents of Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Dana Delany, Batman must fight off dangerous criminals attempting to take over Gotham City, including the Joker.

What makes this film so great is its nod to the original comics. “Directed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, it’s the ultimate creative expression from 1 of the series’ creators, and they craft a film that expands on their specific universe while providing insight into the Batman mythology as a whole,” says Oliver Sava in AV Club’s review.

Audiences are fond of the animated film too.

#4 Batman Begins (2005)

Christian Bale stars in this reboot installment of the Batman film series that’s directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie follows the origin story of Bruce Wayne and how he became Batman. With favorable reviews from critics, Batman Begins reignited the intense love for the DC comic book character in the 2000s.

In a review by The Washington Post, critic Desson Thomas says the film “earns its wings.” “The story concentrates on Bruce Wayne’s evolution into Batman, his martial arts apprenticeship with a certain Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), and his setting up shop at Wayne Manor,” he writes, “rather than those traditional, Gothic smash-’em-ups atop vertiginous Manhattan buildings. You have to sit down and experience this saga, piece by fascinating piece.”

Fans still revel in the excitement of this film and believe it brought the franchise back to life.

#3 The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises is the final installment in Christian Bale’s reign as Batman, and it’s filled with new characters and gripping storylines. While Batman spends his days in exile to protect Gotham City, a new cat burglar, Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), and terrorist (Tom Hardy), force him to come out of hiding and fight.

Critics like the New York Post’s Lou Lemenick praise the ability for a trilogy like this to end so well, with minimal complaints. “Christopher Nolan’s dramatically and emotionally satisfying wrap-up to the Dark Knight trilogy adroitly avoids clichés and gleefully subverts your expectations at every turn,” Lou writes in their review.

Audiences believe that while it’s not to the level of The Dark Knight, it is a powerful movie in its own right.

#2 The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

We can’t make this list and forget one of the most comical and inventive movies in the Batman universe. The Lego Batman Movie follows Batman, in Lego form, as he battles villains like the Joker to save Gotham city. While it may seem ridiculous to have a Batman film in the Lego universe, critics and fans can’t get enough of it.

The Wrap’s Alonso Duralde acknowledges the film’s satire and enjoys its funny commentary on the world of superheroes. “The Lego Batman Movie gleefully parodies every mass-media iteration of its hero, from the serials to Super Friends and from Adam West to Ben Affleck,” Alonso writes. “You don’t have to be a super-fan to enjoy its crafty mix of outlandish verbal humor and outrageous visuals.”

Fans love the camp behavior of the movie, comparing it to the likes of Spider-Man. With a voice cast including stars like Will Arnett, Michael Cera, and Zach Galifianakis, what more could you ask for?

#1 The Dark Knight (2008)

Number 1 on our list is the Academy Award-winning film, The Dark Knight. Following the events after the first film, Batman Begins, the Joker (Heath Ledger) continues to reign over Gotham City with his evil nature. Batman (Christian Bale) must question his physical and mental strength to save the city from the Joker’s chaos and terror. The movie was the highest-grossing film of 2008 and received 8 Oscar nominations, including Heath Ledger winning posthumously for Best Supporting Actor.

Both critics and fans can agree that this film is a strong contender for the best Batman film of all time. “The Dark Knight is pure adrenaline,” writes Kirk Honeycutt in a review from The Hollywood Reporter. “Returning director Christopher Nolan, having dispensed with his introspective, moody origin story, now puts the Caped Crusader through a decathlon of explosions, vehicle flips, hand-to-hand combat, midair rescues and pulse-pounding suspense.”

A lot of audiences stand by the fact that The Dark Knight is the greatest Batman film of all time.

With The Batman (2022) in theaters now, where will it fall on the list? Time will only tell. We’ll update our list once we watch it in theaters!

Do you agree with our Batman film ranking? Let us know on Twitter!

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Natalie Daniels
Natalie Daniels

Movies in theaters