These are the Batman movies, from worst to best. The Dark Knight has an extensive mythology that, without a doubt, can be transferred to the big screen. There are many filmmakers who have offered their interpretation of the hero created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.
Over the years, there have been multiple film interpretations of Batman, but it would be crazy to crown any as the definitive one. For this reason, we put together this list (in addition to mentioning where you can find them in streaming). You choose.
eleven. batman and robin (Dir. Joel Schumacher, 1997)
After the warm – almost cold – reception of Eternally, Joel Schumacher reflected and… came to the conclusion that he would not pay attention to the criticism! The filmmaker stuck to his cartoonish vision for the hero’s mythology.
Val Kilmer preferred not to wear the black outfit again and, on this occasion, the role was played by George Clooney, who did what he could with a script that was extremely strange, bordering on the absurd. Additionally, the adaptation is famous for presenting a poor attempt at integrating Bane into the narrative, as well as Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone).
A parade of excesses that has to be seen to be believed. They have even apologized for their existence. If you talk about Batman movies, this one will always be remembered as a real disaster.
Where to see batman and robin? HBO Max.
10. Batman Forever (Dir. Joel Schumacher, 1995)
Schumacher’s first delivery based on the hood. In reality, it is not as outlandish as his sequel, but it is nowhere near exploding on that level. We enter a much more colorful Gotham City than usual and, from the moment we see the first scene, we understand that this version will be different.
Many people despise this film for not being attached to what Tim Burton configured in his first two versions by Michael Keaton, and although it is true that its writing is of questionable quality and at times it has a television movie aesthetic, it has aspects that It is worth saving, like the performances of Jim Carrey – magnificent as The Riddler –, Nicole Kidman, Tommy Lee Jones and, of course, Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne.
Where to see Batman Forever? HBO Max.
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9. Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (Dir. Zack Snyder, 2016)
Zack Snyder cares little about character development. He is more into creating bombastic and explosive environments. With his interpretation of Batman he does justice to this rule, but perhaps not to the character. The way in which the filmmaker chose to make the death of Wayne’s mother the main axis of the narrative will remain for history. Such a fateful event is key to creating the connection between Bat-Man and the Last Son of Krypton.
As we said, the film does not present the best versions of the supers that give it its title, but it works as a pretext to confront these characters. In addition, it serves as the introduction to Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash and Wonder Woman. Without this project, Gal Gadot would never have arrived in the DC universe, and well… we already know that it was an extremely wise decision. Something salvageable in the midst of chaos. Plus, the action sequences are pretty solid.
Where to see Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice? HBO Max.
8. Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (Dir. Christopher Nolan, 2012)
Agreed: the final part of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy is not as complete as the previous two, but the filmmaker’s stamp is still present. Wayne’s journey ends satisfactorily, with a confrontation with Bane – this time better played, now by Tom Hardy – and Talia al Ghul – whom Marion Cotillard impersonates in an impressive way.
As a chronicle of the fall and salvation of Gotham City, this sequel delivers. Furthermore, those moments in which we meet Robin, or in which Gordon finds out Bruce’s secret, are iconic. And how can we forget the scene where Alfred finally sees Bruce enjoying life?
It is weak in terms of narrative, but it holds up quite well thanks to other elements.
Where to see Batman: The Dark Knight Rises? HBO Max.
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7. batman (Dir. Leslie H. Martinson, 1966)
Nobody hates Adam West’s version of the hooded man. It is impossible. Therefore, it also makes no sense to hate this film starring the Luminous Knight. The project was the first of the Batman films released in theaters and today it is remembered as one of the initiators of the camp subgenre.
Here, the dynamic duo of Batman and Robin must stop The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith) and The Joker (Cesar Romero) before they use a dehydrator ray to turn them into dust. to the population. Get ready for endless scenes in which farce and, above all, sixties aesthetics stand out. It’s totally implausible, but isn’t that the point? POW! WHAM! WHACK!
Where to see batman? Star Plus.
You might also be interested in: Batman The Dark Knight, why is it a classic?
6. LEGO Batman: The Movie (Dir. Christopher McKay, 2017)
This spin-off of The LEGO Movie shines thanks to its handling of humor, but also for its surprising quality of animation and its narrative full of feeling. Plus, Will Arnett’s vocal work as the hero is sensational.
With Phil Lord and Chris Miller producing, it was clear we could expect laughs and plenty of pop culture references. It is also important to mention that the film connects with all types of audiences. How can we forget the scene in which mini-Batman is there, sitting having dinner, in the center of his enormous mansion? It’s sad, but hilarious. In the LEGO universe, anything can happen.
Where to see LEGO Batman: The Movie? HBO Max.
Continue reading: Batman movies, from worst to best
5. batman returns (Dir Tim Burton, 1992)
Tim Burton delivers an aesthetically impressive, and to some extent sordid, continuation of his universe starring Michael Keaton. Burton is an avid follower of the dark, the fantastic and ironically also the gothic. This sequel has all those elements, but its rhythm and story are sometimes lost among so many subplots.
Of course, the performances of Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman and Danny DeVito as The Penguin are electrifying. It is a parade of quirky personalities that only Burton could create.
Where to see batman returns? HBO Max.
4. Batman (Dir. Matt Reeves, 2022)
More than a superhero film, this Gotham masked film is a psychological thriller with overtones of police and procedural cinema. The proposal is refreshing, not only because it presents a version of Batman who is not yet an expert fighting crime, but because it reimagines villains like The Riddler (terrifying Paul Dano), The Penguin (energetic and unrecognizable Collin Farrell) and Carmine Falcone (disturbing John Turturro). In addition, it gives a very interesting twist to the relationship between the hero and Catwoman (intense and hypnotizing Zoë Kravitz).
Directed by Matt Reeves, the film boasts a deep and realistic narrative – not at the level of The Dark Knight, but close. If we add to this a solid performance by Robert Pattinson as the titular character, it is clear that this is something not to be missed. It should be noted that, as Batman, Pattinson more than delivers,
Somber, dense and focused on themes such as sadness, melancholy and revenge, this new direction for the franchise does not feel as rounded and well-planned as other installments, but as the first installment of a nascent trilogy, it is quite satisfactory. What is coming promises a lot.
Oh, and yes: here, Batman is the world’s greatest detective.
Where to see The batman? HBO Max.
3. Batman starts (Dir. Christopher Nolan)
Christopher Nolan began his trilogy focused on Bat-Man in a very successful way. An origin story in every sense of the term. And the first of the films starring Christian Bale has it all: exploration of crime, exploration of fear and exploration of what it means to be a hero. The British director’s film not only stands out because it allows us to see the genesis of the Gotham vigilante, with everything and the creation of his gadgets, but because it presents the most realistic version of the environment in which Batman operates.
Plus, it has a dream cast. Not only Bale brings Wayne to life. We also see Michael Caine as Alfred, Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow, Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Liam Neeson as Ra’s al Ghul.
Where to see Batman starts? HBO Max.
Continue reading: Batman movies, from worst to best
2. batman (Dir. Tim Burton, 1989)
Dark, vibrant and crazy, this eighties film is like a comic book brought to life. Once again, we are faced with a parade of eccentricities, which with Michael Keaton at the helm acquired even anti-heroic qualities. Portraying Batman as a lonely man was the best thing the production could have done. As if this were not enough, Jack Nicholson’s performance as The Joker is great.
Kim Basinger’s performance as Vicki Vale, a reporter who does not rest for any reason until she gets the scoop, also stands out. In addition, the soundtrack by Danny Elfman and Prince is highly recognizable.
Where to see batman? HBO Max.
1. Batman: The Dark Knight (Dir. Christopher Nolan, 2008)
Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. This criminal epic left its mark on audiences around the world. Because? Because of his ambition, performances, dialogues and psychological themes of great depth. Although what made it truly mythical is Heath Ledger’s masterful performance as The Joker. It is widely considered the best of the Batman films.
Where to see Batman: The dark knight? HBO Max.
Filmed in IMAX and with stunning photography by Wally Pfister, this film revolutionized superhero cinema.
José Roberto Landaverde I am fascinated by writing, listening, reading and commenting on everything related to cinema. I love music and I am a fan of The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Paramore. My favorite movies are Rocky and Back to the Future and obviously one day I will climb the “Philly Steps” and drive a DeLorean. Faithful believer that cinema is the best teleporting machine, and also that on the big screen we can all see ourselves represented.