You have arrived in a world where the only thing that can bring light is justice, but darkness reigns supreme. A world in which a masked crusader fights against evil and triumphs over it by standing tall. A reality in which the mere mention of the word “Batman” strikes fear into the hearts of evildoers while inspiring hope in the hearts of good people. Since his debut in 1939, Batman has been the subject of various creative endeavors, including comic books, television series, and movies.
Enticed to watch Batman movies in order? The story of the Dark Knight movies has been adapted in a wide variety of unique ways over the years. Every filmmaker has given the portrayal their own distinctive touch, bringing something fresh to the table in the process. Tim Burton’s take on the character was more gothic noir, while Christopher Nolan’s was more gritty reality.
When Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ was released in theaters, it signaled the beginning of a fresh adventure with the Caped Crusader. Learn the proper sequence in which you should watch the Batman movies with this TechProReviewers’s post.
Batman Movies In Order Of Their Release Dates
Join us as we analyze not just the positive and negative aspects of each Batman movie but also the ways in which these movies have impacted the Batman mythos.
We will investigate the Dark Knight in all of his incarnations, from the first to the latest one, Batman in order to have a better understanding of what it is about this superhero that has made him one of the most well-known figures in the field. For your convenience, a streamlined list of all Batman movies is as follows!
- Batman – came out on 30 July 1966
- Batman – came out on 13 March 1990
- Batman – came out on 19 June 1992
- Batman: Mask of Phantasm – came out on 25 December 1993
- Batman Forever – came out on 16 June 1995
- Batman and Robin – came out on 20 June 1997
- Batman Begins – came out on 17 June 2005
- The Dark Knight – came out on 18 July 2008
- The Dark Knight Rises – came out on 20 July 2012
- Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice – came out on 25 March 2016
- Justice League – came out on 13 November 2017
- The Batman – came out on 4 March 2022
How Do You Watch Batman Films In Chronological Order?
The dark costume, stoic manner, and cutting-edge technology that Batman utilizes have contributed to his status as a cultural icon, making him synonymous with justice and heroism. In spite of the fact that every Batman movie has its own unique flavor, the film where the Caped Crusader has appeared is incontestably more memorable. Then, why don’t we have a look?
1. Batman: The Movie (1966)
Even though Bruce Wayne is a gloomy and somber character, the movie released in 1966 and starred Adam West was far from depressing. This camp classic adopted the humorous tone of the ABC television series to provide Batman and Robin (Burt Ward) with a more exciting adventure.
They go up against The Joker (played by Cesar Romero), The Penguin (played by Burgess Meredith), The Riddler (played by Frank Gorshin), and Catwoman (played by Lee Meriwether), who are involved in a conspiracy to reduce the United Nations Security Council to dust figuratively. It’s ridiculous but in the best possible way. But most crucially, it demonstrated that the hero was deserving of a home on the cinema screen, and not only in his most successful television series.
In addition to several well-known devices and catchphrases, the film includes all of the campy comedy and bright sets that contributed to the success of the television program. The first Batman movie, when it was first released, “Batman: The Movie” was a commercial success, and Caped Crusader lovers continue to adore it as a cult favorite today.
2. Batman (1989)
Michael Keaton portrayed Bruce Wayne in Tim Burton’s dark and gothic interpretation of The Dark Knight’s world, released in 1989. The film was directed by Burton and starred Keaton. The fact that Keaton was solely known for his humorous performances at the time meant that this was somewhat of a gamble for the studio, yet Keaton is still considered to be one of the best Batmans that has ever graced the big screen.
Even the infamous Clown Prince of Crime, played by Jack Nicholson, is presented in this film with a terrifying new interpretation for us to take away. The question “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?” is one of his favorite lines to make fun of his victims with. No, we haven’t done that, but that is a very clever line of conversation.
It was the highest-grossing film of the year thanks to its worldwide total of more than 411 million dollars earned from ticket sales. At the box office, it was an enormously successful endeavor. In addition, it was lauded by reviewers for its gothic atmosphere, its visually striking style, and the performances of Keaton and Nicholson. Many people believe that the superhero film genre was revitalized and that the film “Batman” was crucial in establishing the framework for subsequent adaptations of comic books.
3. Batman Returns (1992)
In the film “Batman Returns,” which was released in 1992, Batman’s mission is to prevent the Penguin along with Catwoman from unleashing mayhem on Gotham City over the course of the holiday season. Keaton and Tim Burton, the film’s director, both reprised their roles in the 1992 sequel Batman Returns. Do you ever wonder how movies get better with each subsequent installment? As Catwoman and the Penguin, respectively, Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito are about as good as it gets in terms of casting.
When the tragic background of the Penguin is revealed, showing how he was abandoned as a youngster and grew up in the sewers, Burton’s gothic fantasy style delved into Gotham City even further. Meanwhile, the hotter edge added by the interaction involving Catwoman and Batman is added to these costumes. I’m a cat!
More than $266 million was made from “Batman Returns” in box offices worldwide. However, due to the film’s somber tone and surrealistic style, critics were not unanimous in their praise for the movie. Despite this, fans of the franchise continue to adore the film due to the iconic performances and breathtaking visual effects it contains.
4. Batman: Mask Of Phantasm (1993)
Batman: Mask Of Phantasm comes fourth in the order of Batman movies. The famous 1992 live-action film “Batman: The Movie” served as inspiration for the 1993 animated superhero movie “Mask of the Phantasm.” The story centers on the Dark Knight’s efforts to exonerate himself after he is blamed for a string of homicides committed by a shadowy assailant who goes by the moniker the Phantasm. In order to go forward, Batman needs to make peace with his history, particularly the love he once held for Andrea Beaumont.
Even though it was only shown in a select number of theaters, “Mask of the Phantasm” was hailed by reviewers for its breathtaking animation, mature subject matter, and well-rounded character growth. Lovers of the character plus the animated Batman film series hold a special place in their hearts for this film since it is considered by many to be among the very greatest Batman movies that have ever been produced.
5. Batman Forever (1995)
Although Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever is essentially a sequel to the very best Tim Burton films that we highlighted above, Top Gun’s Val Kilmer inherits the cape & cowl from Michael Keaton in the role of the Dark Knight. Additionally, it provides us with Chris O’Donnell’s Dick Grayson/Robin in a style that is reminiscent of the 1990s.
The Batman adversaries Riddler (Jim Carrey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) are a new challenge for the dynamic partnership to overcome in this installment. It takes Tim Burton’s gloomy image of Gotham City but gives the heroics a campy twist. Even if we’re still upset about it, Billy Dee Williams was never cast in the role of Two-Face as he was initially intended to be.
The film “Batman Forever” was a commercial success, bringing in more than $336 million all around the world. However, critics had varied reactions to the film due to its campy atmosphere and the fact that it was a break from the darker and more gothic ambiance of earlier films.
In spite of its problems, “Batman Forever” has been a fan favorite for a long time. This is partly because the film features memorable performances, vivid graphics, and a catchy soundtrack composed by Seal and U2. In addition, the movie was essential in introducing an entirely new generation of fans to the concept of the Caped Crusader and in paving the path for subsequent representations of the figure on the big screen.
6. Batman And Robin (1997)
A couple of years later, Schumacher came back with a new sequel, and this time, it starred George Clooney as Batman, replete with a Batsuit, bat nipples, and a Bat-Credit Card! The campiness of Batman Forever is amped up to an even higher level as Arnold Schwarzenegger flings out a number of cold puns as Mr. Freeze and Uma Thurman manipulate everyone as the seductive Poison Ivy. Uma Thurman plays both of these characters.
While Mr. Freeze hunts for treatment for his wife’s unidentified ailment, he has the goal of making Gotham City into an icy paradise. Somewhere in the script, there’s a beating heart. It’s a real shame that it’s hidden beneath a bunch of lousy jokes and silly antics. Holy cow!
The film “Batman & Robin” grossed more than $238 million worldwide, making it a financial triumph. The majority of reviewers, on the other hand, had negative things to say about the movie. They praised its campy tone, ridiculous performances, as well as lack of a logical plot.
Although it was a monetary success, “Batman & Robin” is widely considered to be among the worst superhero movies that have ever been produced. Due to the film’s poor reception as well as its poor box office performance, the Batman film franchise was put on hiatus. The franchise was finally brought back to life with the release of “Batman Begins” in 2005.
7. Batman Begins (2005)
When Christopher Nolan, together with David S. Goyer, were writing the script for “Batman Begins,” they took a realistic approach to the city of Gotham. As a result, the world met Christian Bale for the first time in the role of Bruce Wayne in 2005. Batman Begins is one of the best Christian Bale Batman movies. Nolan constructed the character from the ground up, taking inspiration from the graphic novel Year One by Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli.
In addition to his well-known tragic origin tale and his training with the League of Shadows, Batman engages in a conflict with Scarecrow, played by Cillian Murphy, who seeks to destroy the city by utilizing his fear toxin. In Gotham, today is simply like any other day.
The film “Batman Begins” was a commercial and critical triumph, grossing more than 373 million dollars worldwide. The Batman Begins watch movie was praised for the amount of attention it paid to character development and storytelling, as well as for its realistic portrayal of characters. In addition to that, it received plaudits for its breathtaking sights, gritty atmosphere, and unforgettable cast performances.
Following the commercial and critical disaster of “Batman & Robin,” “Batman Begins” helped to restart the Batman film franchise and lay the basis for the critically praised “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises” sequels.
8. The Dark Knight (2008)
Oh yes, it’s that Batman movie. It is not without cause that many people consider the 2008 sequel directed by Nolan to be among the very best films ever made. The portrayal of the Joker by Heath Ledger as a transformational Joker is horrifying (we can all agree that he is the best Joker actor, right?). He is a primal force that rips across Gotham, leaving absolute carnage in his path for no other reason than to “introduce a little chaos.” He has no rhyme or reason for his rampage through the city.
What occurs when an immovable thing collides with a force that cannot be stopped? Of course, they fight to the death to control the city’s psyche. Watching the chemistry between Bale and Ledger is exciting, and the tension only intensifies as hotshot District Attorney Harvey Dent (played by Aaron Eckhart) undergoes his own test of endurance. It should not be missed.
The best Batman movie “The Dark Knight” was a critical and commercial success, grossing more than one billion dollars worldwide. It was praised for its subtle and intricate representation of the characters, notably Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker, for which he was awarded an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The movie received acclaim not only for its breathtaking action sequences but also for its innovative application of IMAX cameras.
Christopher Nolan’s reputation as a forward-thinking filmmaker was cemented with the success of “The Dark Knight,” which is widely regarded as one of the best superhero movies ever filmed. Additionally, it has developed into a cultural phenomenon. The film’s influence can be seen in the recent spate of comic book films, which are continuing to test the limits of what can be portrayed on screen.
9. The Dark Knight Rises: (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises was the last installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, and it presented the filmmaker with the challenging task of bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion. Nolan finally carried out what he had been planning to do since 2005, which was to throw the city of Gotham into complete and utter anarchy.
The plot was conceived by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, who was also the author of the original No Man’s Land plot line. In this version, Bane (Tom Hardy) rules the city with an iron fist after cutting it off from the rest of the continent. The final appearance of Christian Bale’s Batman is a spectacular one that lives up to the tremendous billing it was given.
The film “The Dark Knight Rises” was a commercial and critical success, grossing over one billion dollars worldwide. The movie has been praised for many different aspects, including its epic grandeur, beautiful vistas, complicated ideas, and outstanding performances by the actors. In addition, this event marked the conclusion of Christopher Nolan’s highly praised Dark Knight trilogy. This trilogy rewrote the Batman mythos, setting a new benchmark for superhero movies.
It was an appropriate ending to the trilogy as it resolved the underlying concepts that had been explored throughout the series and finished up the story arcs of the characters. “The Dark Knight Rises” continues to be a fan favorite, demonstrating how movies based on comic books can successfully depict gripping and emotionally moving storylines on the cinema screen. We highly recommend you to watch the Dark Knight Rises.
10. Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)
Zack Snyder made his debut as a director for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) with the movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which also marked the debut of the Dark Knight. It featured the more jaded and experienced version of Bruce Wayne, played by Ben Affleck, taking aim at Superman, played by Henry Cavill, for the destruction and loss of life that Superman inflicted in his battle with Zod, played by Michael Shannon, at the conclusion of 2013’s Man of Steel.
However, what begins as a plot about holding heroes responsible for their actions quickly devolves into a fight against a Kryptonian monster known as Doomsday that involves superpowers on both sides. We can also thank it for giving us Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) and the fantastic theme that Hans Zimmer composed for her.
The film “Superman vs. Batman” was a commercial success, grossing more than 873 million dollars worldwide. However, reviewers were divided in their opinions of the film, with some applauding its convoluted plot while others praising its inconsistent tone and long running time.
In spite of the film’s mixed reviews, it is vital for being the vehicle via which several new characters were brought into the DC Extended Universe. One of these characters was Wonder Woman, who later appeared in her own independently profitable film.
The movie “Superman vs. Batman: Dawn of Justice” stirred great debate among both moviegoers and film critics. Others critiqued the film for its lack of cohesion and the creative choices that were made within it, while others commended its ambitious scale and great cast performances.
11. Justice League/Zack Snyder’s Justice League: (2017/2021)
The Justice League is a formidable adversary since it is composed of larger-than-life superheroes whose exploits have enthralled followers all around the world. They are the ultimate definition of bravery as well as heroism, and each individual in the group possesses a unique set of qualities and benefits. Therefore, Batman’s journey as a member of the Justice League will be a challenging one. In the version shown in theaters, he recruits a group of heroes to help him battle a villain named Steppenwolf, who hails from the planet Apokolips. It is a straightforward box office hit that clocks in at two hours.
However, in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the protagonist gets significantly more time—nearly four hours’ worth—to reflect on his position in the cosmos compared to other gods and monsters. Even after Darkseid has won the battle for control of the world, the movie shows Ben Affleck’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader in a “post-apocalyptic” setting. This one is up to personal preference as well as the amount of time you have available.
There was a lot of untapped potential with this, and we are still keeping our fingers crossed for a release date for Justice League 2 so that we may continue the story.
The box office performance of the Justice League movie was not very good. The film was released in 2017 and has grossed a total of $657.9 million worldwide; this is quite a bit of money, but it is not enough to match expectations. Whether it be stopping wicked plans, repelling alien invasions, or stopping the destruction of the entire earth, the Justice League remains ready to defend justice, truth, & the greater good.
They are considered comic book legends all around the world as a result of their unyielding resolve and energy, which has inspired a great number of readers to model themselves like their heroes.
12. The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
The Lego Batman Movie provides twice the amount of pleasure that can be streamed online, and it is sure to please fans of both DC Comics and Lego. Batman, along alongside his sidekick Robin, and Barbara, the daughter of the police commissioner, join forces to fight Joker in his nefarious intentions to warn the city and control it using terror and power. The Joker’s plot is described in more detail in the next sentence. As the heroes come out on top and send the bad guys to Superman’s Phantom Zone, the newly formed Bat Family starts to come together and become a formidable adversary.
The movie has several touching scenes, such as when Batman makes up with those he has wronged and when he takes in Dick Grayson, an energetic orphan who draws inspiration from Batman in his fight to avoid forming emotional attachments following the death of his parents.
13. The Batman (2022)
The superhero movie “The Batman” was released in 2022 and directed by Matt Reeves. Robert Pattinson played the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Zoe Kravitz plays Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the film. The story takes place in the early stages of Batman’s career, during which he investigates the criminal underground of Gotham City and discovers a conspiracy that endangers the city’s safety.
“The Batman” presents a modern and gritty interpretation of the character, having a tone reminiscent of the noir genre and a primary emphasis on character-driven narrative. An astounding sum of $770 million has been brought in by the movie, which boasts an excellent cast and crew in addition to a fascinating storyline, which has contributed to the staggering total.
“The Batman” is the most recent installment in the long and illustrious history of Batman films, and it has successfully lived up to the expectations placed on it. The movie is an exciting new addition to the world of superhero movies and a worthy addition to the canon of Batman movies.
Version Without Spoilers: The Order In Which You Should Watch The Batman Movies
You will find below succinct summaries that are free of any plot disclosures that were supplied in the information that was provided above. This is intended for those who desire to avoid spoilers to the best Batman movies.
Every Batman live-action movie
The Adam West Batman Movie
- Batman: The Movie released in 1966
The Batman Motion Picture Anthology
- Batman released in 1989
- Batman Returns, released in 1992
- Batman Forever released in 1995
- Batman & Robin released in 1997
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy
- Batman Begins, released in 2005
- The Dark Knight, released in 2008
- The Dark Knight Rises released in 2012
Extended DC Cinematic Universe
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice released in 2016
- Suicide Squad released in 2016
- Justice League released in 2017
- Joker released in 2019
- The Batman released in 2022
All Batman live-action series
- The Batman theatrical series released in 1943
- Batman and Robin theatrical series released in 1949
- Batman TV series from 1966 to 1969
- Gotham TV series from 2014 to 2019
- Titans TV series from 2018 to present
- Pennyworth TV series from 2019 to present
- Batwoman TV series from 2019 to present
Animated Batman Movies and Series in Order
- Batman: The Animated Series animated TV series from 1992 to 1995
- Batman: Under The Red Hood animated film released in 2010
- Batman: Year One animated film released in 2011
- The Dark Knight Returns animated film released in 2012
- Batman: The Killing Joke animated film released in 2016
- Lego Batman animated film released in 2017
DC Extended Universe
Man of Steel, the first film in Zack Snyder’s relaunch of the Superman movie franchise, served as the first entry in a shared universe known as the DC Extended Universe. Ben Affleck, winner of an Academy Award and an actor who previously worked on a Marvel film (starting with 2003’s Daredevil), plays Batman in most of the movies in the franchise. However, Affleck wouldn’t be the sole actor to portray the character in future films in the franchise.
The following is a list of all Batman movies in order that has been released as part of the DC Extended Universe thus far, in release date order:
- Man Of Steel, released in 2013
- Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice released in 2016
- Suicide Squad released in 2016
- Wonder Woman released in 2017
- Justice League released in 2017
- Aquaman released in 2018
- Shazam! released in 2019
- Birds Of Prey & the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, released in 2020
- Wonder Woman 1984 released in 2020
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League, released in 2021
- The Suicide Squad released in 2021
- Black Adam, released in 2022
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods released in 2023
- The Flash released in 2023
Every Actor Who Played The Batman & For How Long
Following is a list of Batman actors in order:
- Lewis Wilson (1943)
- Robert Lowery (1949)
- Adam West (1966–1968)
- Michael Keaton (1988–1992, 2023)
- Val Kilmer (1995)
- George Clooney (1997)
- Christian Bale (2005–2012)
- Kevin Conroy (1992–2019)
- Ben Affleck (2016–2023)
- Robert Pattinson (2022–Present)
The Upcoming Batman Movies
When does the new Batman movie come out? The Batman new movie titles – The Batman 2 and The Brave & the Bold – are the titles of the next couple of Batman movies that are currently in the production stage.
The next Batman movie, The Batman 2 is a sequel to the film that Matt Reeves, along with Robert Pattinson, made in 2022, and it will take place in a region of the multiverse that is distinct from James Gunn’s new DC Universe.
The announcement of Gunn’s Chapter 1: Gods & Monsters, which includes an entire slate of upcoming DC movies, occurred in 2023. Brave and the Bold is a component of this chapter. The new Batman movie will feature a new Batman that will focus on the extended Bat Family, particularly Damien Wayne, son of Bruce Wayne, who will play the role of the new Robin in the movie.
Andy Muschietti, who directed The Flash, is in charge of the upcoming film, and if you are interested in learning more about it, you can read our release date information for Brave and the Bold here on our website.
The Bat is looking forward to a very successful year. Follow this guide to watch the shows in the Arrowverse in the correct order if you want to learn about the members of the Justice League along with their exploits. You can also know how Michael Keaton came up with his best line as Batman through improvisation, as well as the day that one of the stars of Batman Returns was attacked by a monkey.
Even if it signals the conclusion of the DC Extended Universe as we’ve come to know it, if you’re a massive fan of DC Comics, you’re undoubtedly very enthusiastic about the upcoming release date of Aquaman 2. You can also look to the future by reading our Batman Arkham Games guide and enjoying these Batman games.
Conclusion
The Batman film franchise has resulted in the creation of a diverse canon of movies, each of which has its own style, mood, and overarching idea. The persistent popularity of the Batman character has meant that the Batman film franchise continues to grow as a cultural phenomenon, despite the fact that not each movie within the franchise has been a financial or critical success.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an ardent fan of the Caped Crusader or simply a casual moviegoer who appreciates exciting action and adventure; the Batman films have something for you. One of the most lasting and legendary superheroes of modern times has a long and illustrious past that we may contemplate as we look forward to the next adventure in the franchise. This history and legacy can be found in the comic books. To get the greatest enjoyment out of these Batman movies, you should watch them in the correct order.
Now you know exactly how to watch all Batman movies in chronological order. We hope that you will enjoy the Batman movies and share this guide with other Batman fans.
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Bethany Wilson 
