Ranking the Batman Films from Worst to Best
Batman is perhaps the world’s most famous superhero although technically he is not even one. Relying on his wits, access to state-of-the-art gadgets, martial arts expertise and unlimited funds, his persona, setting and intriguing villain gallery make for compelling cinematic takes on the source material. It is no mistake that Tim Burton’s “Batman” shattered records during its 1989 premiere and since then, we have systematically a new entry every three/four years that deals with different villains due to the enduring legacy and popularity of these characters. While there is a general consensus on what is regarded the worst Batman film, in terms of style and execution which one can be the best, there are plenty of opinions. We rank all the solo live action Batman films from 1989 to 2022 (excluding duo or team efforts such as “Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) and “Justice League” (2017) or animated entries).
Villains: Joker (2), Penguin, Catwoman (3), Max Schrek, Riddler (2), Two-Face (2), Mr Freeze, Poison Ivy, Ras Al’Ghul, Scarecrow (3), Carmine Falcone, Salvador Maroni, Bane (2), Talia Al’Ghul
Directors: Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, Christopher Nolan, Matt Reeves
Composers: Danny Eflman, Elliot Goldenthal, Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard, Michael Giacchino
8. Batman and Robin (1997)
Removing anything resembling dark and meaningful, Joel Schumacher employs a ridiculously kitsch and grandiose aesthetic that drowns the screen with so much colour that would make Willy Wonka blush. Akiva Goldsman’s (e.g., “The Client” (1994), “A Beautiful Mind” (2001)) script is packed with so many horrid one liners making it impossible to take the proceedings seriously and reduces Batman (an anemic George Clooney) to a side character overshadowed by the combined OTT antics of (a miscast) Arnold Schwatzenegger and Uma Thurman, the only actor who maintains any dignity. But then again the film suffers from poor stunts, over-produced effects, an abundance of campy moments (e.g., Bat credit card, ice skating shoes), Alicia Silverstone’s disastrous accent, Chris O’Donnell’s whiny Robin, costume nipples, crotch close ups and a neon fused Batmobile among others. Yet, it has become a legendary movie in its own right providing plenty of entertainment for all the wrong reasons.
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Best moment: Its bombastic opening.
7. Batman Begins (2005)
Christopher Nolan’s first big Hollywood project was an attempt to resurrect the Dark Knight after the disastrous reception of “Batman and Robin” in a reality based take. With screenwriter David S. Goyer, Nolan brings serious gravitas to the Caped Crusader’s myth by casting Christian Bale as the lead. Populated with nifty and practical set pieces, it ticks all the right boxes of an origin story. The appealing supporting cast breathes new life to credible villains and well known characters. Responsible for starting the trend of over-explaining superheroes, it is far from perfect: its typical noughties editing (influenced by “The Bourne Supremacy” (2004)) renders the action almost incomprehensible, the score is unhummable, the antagonists do not feature much (especially the creepy Scarecrow) and its visual style is generically urban stripping the film from a distinct identity. Just like with “X-Men” (2000) though, it is an adequate set up for bigger things to come.
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Best moment: A car chase against time in the streets of Gotham is appropriately thrilling.
6. Batman Forever (1995)
A mixture of Tim Burton’s more gothic impulses and campy fun, “Batman Forever” might be tonally inconsistent but still offers plenty to admire. Kilmer is solid although he is being eclipsed by the colorful antagonists of (a career peak) Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones. Schumacher attempts to distance himself from Burton’s darker and expressionistic style organizing the various skirmishes in an expansive Gotham as an elaborate theatre show complemented by a totally 90’s soundtrack. With an Oscar worthy (nominated) cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt, the neon infused (and frankly jaw dropping in moments) production design of Barbara Ling (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood“ (2019)) and Elliot Goldenthal’s bombastic score, Schumacher handles the action well and hints at a more personal yet superficial exploration of Batman, afraid of alienating the younger audience. Thus, “Batman Forever” is an expensive firework: it causes awe but is quickly forgotten.
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Best moment: Every time Carrey is on screen.
5. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
In one of the cases that perhaps increasing the scale of your film is not necessarily a good thing, Nolan attempted ambitiously to elevate the superhero genre in the heights of Hollywood’s epics from the classic era. With a lengthy running time and surprisingly limited action, “The Dark Knight Rises” starts promising only to become confused later on through social politics of that era. Its unnecessarily convoluted script introduces and under-develops several key players (e.g., Catwoman, League of Shadows (again), Tom Hardy’s Bane), who are let down by a lame final act. Nevertheless, Hans Zimmer’s score is powerful enough to propel the film at dizzying emotional heights and the script smartly brings everything in a full circle. Tom Hardy dominates the screen with intricate mannerisms crafting a memorable villain while Bale and Caine are at their most emotional in the whole trilogy making up for the absence of visual finesse and well staged action sequences (!).
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Best moment: The escape from the Pit with Zimmer’s inspiring score is an absolute triumph.
4. Batman (1989)
Tim Burton’s “Batman” was the film that started it all: superhero movies can translate into the big screen and generate lots and lots of revenue. Although Burton is more interested on the Joker, backed by the immense star power of Jack Nicholson who steals the show with his (literally) deadly theatrics and exquisite wardrobe, Keaton makes his Batman a sinister presence while simultaneously portraying a believable and vulnerable Bruce Wayne. Its real champion though is the outstanding (and Oscar winning) production design of Anton Furst that envisions Gotham City as as dark, criminal infested metropolis with grandiose art deco influences. Burton does not shy away from a mature tone showcasing plenty of horrific for a mainstream film, murders and entertaining moments of black humor under the thunderous score of Danny Elfman. Similarly though to “Batman Begins”, Burton’s first crack on the dark knight paved the way for better things to come.
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Best moment: “Jack is dead my friend. You can call me Joker. As you can see I am a lot happier“ - an iconic villain is born.
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
“The Dark Knight” is mostly a flawless film. Yet what holds it down, is the banal cinematic visualization of Gotham which lacks a distinct visual flavor. Learning from his mistakes though, Nolan is more confident during his numerous action moments, employing practical stunts and indulging the audience with a lengthy car chase under the glorious format that is IMAX although the sometimes dubious editing creates a sense of geographic confusion. Nonetheless, the crime proceedings are engaging, the cast is on top form and there is a genuine sense of tragedy and pathos throughout the unexpected turns of this crime epic takes. Without forgetting the spectacle, “The Dark Knight” places its bets to fully developed characters providing sharp social commentary in the form of the Joker, a magnetic Heath Ledger who is literally an unpredictable agent of chaos setting out to make a point with poignant monologues. And comic based films will never be the same.
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Best moment: The Joker explains how he got his scars (twice).
2. The Batman (2022)
Despite the lack of grand scale spectacle and the presence of some anemic characters, “The Batman” is a neo-noir crime thriller taking place in a filthy and rain soaked Gotham that oozes Fincheric atmosphere with minimalistic world building that creates excitement for further installments. Matt Reeves’ methodic direction moves the three hour story at a steady pace focusing more on criminal proceedings instead of superficial plot points that act as action excuses. While Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is a blunt Kurt Cobain clone, his Batman is the best in years: menacing, subtle and full of rage, he is more of a vigilante trying to figure things out rather than the world’s greatest detective. There are also interesting morality themes here in the form of the Riddler and how far political corruption can go that give room to actual stakes and creating genuine suspense. And then there is the swelling orchestral score of Michael Giacchino, arguably one of the best soundtracks of the last ten years.
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Best moment: Riddler’s introduction is the closest the dark knight offers in horror.
1. Batman Returns (1992)
A sequel superior in every way possible, Burton’s second crack at the Dark Knight fires on all cylinders. Using a Christmas setting, it is an excuse for Burton to display some of the finest anachronistic production and costume design in film history. Like before, Burton is far more interested in his villains (taking drastic liberties with the source material) with a particularly inspired opening credit sequence. While Batman might be a secondary character in his own movie, Keaton is right at home with the role sharing electric chemistry with fellow actors: Danny de Vito’s Penguin is appropriately tragic and menacing with remarkable make up effects, Christopher Walken is superb but it is Michelle Pfeiffer’s unhinged Catwoman who became the film’s visual reference. Employing a dark tone, violence and sexual innuendos, “Batman Returns” is unapologetically for adults, a twisted version of a superhero flick with shades of a Grimm fairy tale that are musically illustrated from Danny Elfman’s career high score. This is Batman as its best. Period.
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Best moment: Selina Kyle returns as … Catwoman.