Batman Films Ranked: Who Climbs to the Top?

When it comes to the caped crusader, there have been so many interpretations that have graced cinema screens. Here are all of the Batman live action movies ranked according to me!

11. Batman (1943)

A classic Batman story is always needed. Someone has to start off having the caped crusader come to life. In this film it’s more about keeping it close to the comics. Lewis Wilson is our titular character, and he does a pretty good job of portraying Batman/Bruce Wayne. 

10. Batman and Robin (1949)

Batman and Robin gives another glance of that classic Batman look. It includes Robin, which I was excited about, because the later versions of Batman don’t have Robin. I particularly like the suits that they have. Again, straight from what the comic versions look like. Robert Lowery plays Batman and Johnny Duncan plays Robin. 

9. Batman (1989)

 I know people will disagree, but this is Michael Keaton’s Batman. Although I didn’t grow up with Keaton’s version of Batman, I still have a true appreciation for it. Jack Nickleson as the Joker was also a great addition for this movie. 

8.  Batman: The Movie (1966)

When it comes to Batman, this was probably the first Batman that I’ve seen on screen. Adam West brings a unique take to the Bruce Wayne/Batman character. He often teams up with Robin, and that is the first time, as you will see, that we ever see a Robin in these films. Adam West does a good job of understanding how Batman is, and having him fighting crime.

7.  Batman and Robin (1997)

George Clooney is the next up to take on the titular role. This movie gives Clooney some room to become Batman. I like this movie, but the villains are just okay.  I particularly didn’t like Mr. Freeze in this film (Arnold Schwarznagger).  I think that they could have done a better job also portraying Batman and Robin’s dynamic as well. 

6. Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns is one of my favorite Batman films, starring Michael Keaton.  Even Michelle Pfieffer looks great in her Catwoman suit. It almost gives me that feeling of a classic Batman story, and Batman fighting villains.

5.  Batman Forever (1995)

First, rest in peace to Val Kilmer, who was our Bruce Wayne/Batman in this film. Val gave a gravatas performance as Batman, and he had a unique take on the role. I really like this movie, and I even liked the Riddler (Jim Carrey) in this film.

4. Batman Begins (2005)

This is the first appearance of Christian Bale, as our caped crusader. I enjoyed Batman Begins, because the tone of Batman has changed from light hearted, to a little darker.  This really set the bar on how Batman tonally needs to be for the live-action movies.

3.  The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christian Bale is great as Batman/Bruce Wayne. This film gives a darker view of Batman, and I always tend to go back to this film. Christopher Nolan does a great job giving Batman the stakes, and of course giving Batman an interesting story.

2. The Dark Knight  (2008)

Christian Bale and Heath Ledger give phenomenal performances in this particular film. It is one of the greatest portrayals of the Joker I have ever seen. This is one of those movies that you can put on again and again, and see the masterpiece that Heath Ledger does.

1.The Batman (2022)

This is Robert Pattinson’s debut as Bruce Wayne/Batman. It gives a more detective-like feeling that many of the older Batman films lack. Zoe Kravitz is Catwoman, and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon becomes number one in my book. I really enjoyed this film.

Who do you think deserves the top spot? Leave a comment down below!

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