Hey Bat-friends! Having been a die-hard Batman fan for years, I’ve watched and re-watched the many films featuring Gotham’s greatest hero. With such a rich collection of movies, ranking them is no easy feat, but I’m up for the challenge. Here’s my personal ranking of Batman films, from the animated treasures to the live-action blockbusters.
#1: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Let’s kick things off with an absolute classic that stands head and shoulders above the rest. “Mask of the Phantasm” isn’t just an exceptional Batman movie; it’s a landmark in animated storytelling. The animation is nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly bringing Gotham City to life with its dark, brooding atmosphere and meticulous detail. Every frame feels alive, pulsating with the grit and spirit of Batman’s world. The voice acting? Simply unparalleled. Kevin Conroy delivers a deeply nuanced and emotionally resonant Batman, while Mark Hamill hits his peak performance as the Joker, blending manic energy with sinister charm. This film plunges into the depths of Bruce Wayne’s tragic past and his poignant, complex relationship with Andrea Beaumont, making it one of the most emotionally charged narratives in the Batman saga. And let’s not forget the score—oh, the score! It’s a symphonic triumph that elevates every scene to new heights, adding layers of intensity and emotion. All these elements combine to create a true masterpiece, a shining gem in the crown of Batman’s cinematic history.
#2: The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker shattered expectations and redefined the character, bringing a dark, gritty realism that left audiences awestruck. Initially, there was a lot of skepticism about Ledger’s casting, but he delivered a performance that made everyone sit up and take notice. His chilling presence and unforgettable lines carved an indelible mark on cinema history. The film is a symphony of intense action, deep moral complexities, and stellar performances from the entire cast. It’s no wonder that “The Dark Knight” remains a perennial favorite among fans and critics alike.
#3: Batman Returns tied w/ Zack Snyder's Justice League
Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” and Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” share the third spot on this list, each bringing their own unique flair to the Batman franchise. Burton’s “Batman Returns” is a gothic masterpiece that transforms Gotham into a dark, atmospheric wonderland. The stellar performances by Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, and Michelle Pfeiffer elevate the film to classic status. From DeVito’s grotesque Penguin to Pfeiffer’s seductive and complex Catwoman, each character leaves an unforgettable mark. The film is often considered superior to its predecessor, with an exceptional score that perfectly complements the iconic scenes. On the other hand, Snyder’s extended cut of “Justice League” emerged as a surprise masterpiece. Though lengthy, it offers a comprehensive and epic vision that truly should have been the theatrical release. The grand action sequences and profound character development make it an unforgettable addition to the Batman saga, proving that patience can indeed pay off for fans.
#4: Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
This animated feature truly excels with its gripping storyline and innovative take on the Batman legend. Set in a visually stunning futuristic Gotham, it introduces us to Terry McGinnis, the new Batman, who faces off against a resurrected Joker. The narrative is masterfully enriched by the powerful subplot involving Tim Drake (Robin), adding layers of emotional depth and complexity. The animation is nothing short of flawless, bringing every action-packed scene to life with vivid detail. And, of course, Mark Hamill once again delivers a chilling performance as the Joker, his voice embodying the perfect blend of menace and madness. This thrilling ride not only captivates with its fresh perspective but also pays heartfelt homage to the original Dark Knight, making it a standout in the Batman cinematic universe.
#5: Batman Begins
“Batman Begins” breathed new life into the Batman franchise with a grounded origin story that meticulously explores Bruce Wayne’s transformation into the iconic Dark Knight. The film boasts stunning visuals that capture the moody essence of Gotham City, a compelling narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish, and powerful performances, particularly by Christian Bale, whose portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman is both intense and nuanced. While the film does run on the longer side, it remains an outstanding origin story, introducing refreshing villains like Scarecrow and Ra’s al Ghul to the big screen for the first time. Their inclusion adds a fresh and thrilling dimension to the story. The film’s exploration of fear, identity, and personal redemption resonates deeply, making it a standout in the superhero genre and a cornerstone of modern Batman cinema.
#6: Batman Forever
Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever” is a neon-soaked, action-packed extravaganza that’s bursting with energy and flair. This film brings us Val Kilmer’s take on Batman, the flamboyant antics of Jim Carrey as the Riddler, and the manic menace of Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face. Despite its campy reputation, Kilmer delivers a commendable performance, nailing both the brooding Dark Knight and the suave Bruce Wayne. Carrey’s portrayal of the Riddler is an absolute riot, a delightful homage to the 1960s version with his over-the-top, zany charm. Though often mocked, “Batman Forever” is undeniably fun, with a playful vibe that makes it highly rewatchable. The movie is jam-packed with superhero clichĂ©s, but that’s part of its charm—it embraces the ridiculous and runs with it. From the vibrant visuals to the catchy one-liners, “Batman Forever” is a wild ride that continues to entertain.
#7: Batman (1989)
Tim Burton’s “Batman” was a trailblazing film that revolutionized superhero cinema. With Michael Keaton donning the cape and cowl, his brooding Batman brought a new depth to the character, perfectly contrasted by Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable, larger-than-life Joker. Together, they created a dark, stylish Gotham City that oozed atmosphere. While it’s undeniably a classic that set the stage for modern Batman films, it does have its moments where the pace feels a bit sluggish. Keaton, despite being an iconic Batman, isn’t my top pick for Bruce Wayne, and the film lacks the full gothic aesthetic that Burton later perfected in “Batman Returns.” Nicholson’s Joker, while memorable and impactful, is distinctly Nicholson in all his eccentric glory. Nonetheless, this film remains a significant milestone for its era, paving the way for the Batman stories we love today.
#8: The Dark Knight Rises tied w/ The Batman
Both “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Batman” share the eighth spot, each bringing their own unique twist to the Batman legacy. Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” serves as a grand finale to his epic trilogy, blending emotion, intense action, and sweeping storytelling. While the film undeniably delivers on scale and spectacle, it does have its fair share of plot holes, and Bane’s portrayal deviates significantly from his comic book counterpart. In the film, Bane lacks the signature venom that enhances his strength and instead relies on a mask that delivers anesthetic gas to numb his pain. He also appears more like a revolutionary leader, reminiscent of a Mad Max villain, rather than the physically imposing adversary fans expected.
On the flip side, Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” takes a fresh, noir-inspired approach, shining a spotlight on Batman’s detective skills. Despite its lengthy runtime, the film captivates with its compelling mystery and atmospheric storytelling. The Riddler undergoes drastic changes, evolving from the quirky, riddle-loving villain we know to a more sinister, Zodiac-inspired figure with a penchant for cryptic puzzles and gruesome crimes. This darker, more grounded take on the Riddler makes for a chilling and effective antagonist. As for Bruce Wayne, there’s room for growth, and we’re hopeful for more development in the upcoming sequel. Both films offer distinct and engaging perspectives on the Dark Knight, making them essential entries in the Batman saga.
#8: SubZero tied w/ Batman v Superman
Tied for the ninth position are “SubZero” and “Batman v Superman.” “SubZero” is an engaging animated adventure that features the formidable Mr. Freeze. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as “Mask of the Phantasm,” it still offers an entertaining and visually appealing experience. Its narrative is simpler and shorter, making for a more concise story that, although not as deep, still packs a punch with its action and emotional moments.
Meanwhile, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is a flawed yet undeniably enjoyable film. Despite being ridiculed by memes and critics, it has several shining moments that stand out. The casting is near-perfect, with Ben Affleck delivering a memorable performance as a more seasoned and grizzled Batman. One of the film’s highlights is the spectacular warehouse fight scene, where Batman’s combat prowess is on full display. The film’s ambitious scope and bold narrative choices make it a notable entry in the Batman canon, even if it doesn’t hit all the right notes. Its grand vision and epic scale offer a unique take on the superhero genre.
Â
#10: Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
While “Mystery of the Batwoman” introduces an intriguing new mystery to Gotham, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of “SubZero.” The story is decent, and the film features a cool trio of villains—Thorne, Penguin, and the ever-formidable Bane. Each villain brings their unique brand of menace to the plot, adding layers of complexity and excitement. However, despite these strong elements, the overall execution falls a bit short. The film doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential, leaving some fans wanting more. Nevertheless, “Mystery of the Batwoman” offers an entertaining plot and well-crafted animation that keep viewers engaged. It’s a fun ride, even if it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as its predecessors.
#11: Batman and Harley Quinn
“Batman and Harley Quinn” is a wild animated romp that pairs the Dark Knight with the always unpredictable Harley Quinn. While the premise is full of potential, it ultimately proved to be a letdown for fans of “Batman: The Animated Series.” The film reached for a brand of humor that the eventual Harley Quinn show would execute with much more finesse. Many of the jokes missed the mark and felt awkwardly out of place. Despite this, the film’s humor and action provide a lighter, more whimsical take on the Batman universe. Unfortunately, it fails to capture the same magic and depth of the other animated films, leaving fans longing for the classic, gripping storytelling they had come to expect.
#12: Batman & Robin tied w/ Justice League
“Batman & Robin” and “Justice League” share the final spot, each for their own reasons. “Batman & Robin” is so notoriously bad that it’s almost fun to rewatch as a guilty pleasure. This film is infamous for its over-the-top campiness, cringe-worthy one-liners, and excessive use of neon colors. The portrayal of Mr. Freeze, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a far cry from the tragic villain we know from the comics—he’s reduced to spouting ice puns and delivering a performance that’s more comical than menacing. Batgirl, on the other hand, is completely rewritten into a new character that bears little resemblance to the one fans know and love, both in terms of personality and appearance. However, Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy is a standout, bringing a sultry and charismatic presence that feels like it belongs in a different, better movie. Despite its many flaws, “Batman & Robin” is so bad it’s almost good, making it an entertaining watch for all the wrong reasons.
“Justice League,” on the other hand, felt disjointed and incomplete, like Frankenstein’s monster stitched together from mismatched parts. The theatrical release was a disappointment to many fans, suffering from a lack of coherent vision and tonal consistency. The film struggled with pacing issues and an underwhelming villain in Steppenwolf. However, Zack Snyder’s extended cut, “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” gained appreciation for offering a more comprehensive and darker vision of the story. This version provides more depth to the characters and restores much of what was missing in the theatrical release (read above)
That wraps up my ultimate ranking of Batman films! Whether you’re team “Mask of the Phantasm” or “The Dark Knight,” I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did writing it. Batman’s journey through cinema has been nothing short of legendary. If you’re craving more deep dives into the world of entertainment, make sure to check out my other articles.
