Let’s face it—DC movies, and the Batman ones, have been wild. We’ve seen it all from the best bits to some big flops. Gotham’s movies are never dull. Whether you followed from Keaton or just joined with Pattinson, it’s clear Batman holds one of the coolest film stories ever. So, if you love Batman a lot or just like the big show, here’s a list of DC’s most key Batman movies (and one big non-Batman movie) from the messiest to the top ones.
10. Batman & Robin (1997)
Let’s talk about the big issue. “Batman & Robin” is known for the wrong stuff—from Mr. Freeze’s cold jokes to those odd Bat-nipples. George Clooney felt more stuck in a suit than like Gotham’s hero. Even with some fun bits (yes, the goon sing-along is a thing), it’s the film most fans want to forget.
9. Batman Forever (1995)
Val Kilmer’s turn as Batman came with bright colors, Jim Carrey’s wild Riddler, and that famous Seal song. It’s not as disliked as its next part, and some of its odd bits are sweet. But looks often beat out the tale, and it ended up more showy than a true hit.
8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
This movie tried too much—and sort of fell over doing it. It packed Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Doomsday, and hints of the Justice League into one full film. Ben Affleck’s rough Batman and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman stand out, but the film’s big miss is forcing a fight without real feelings first.
7. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
Yes, it’s a cartoon. Yes, it’s about toys. And yes—it’s awesome. “The LEGO Batman Movie” loves every Batman style, makes fun of years of Bat-stories, yet brings real heart and smart laughs. It’s one of the smartest and most self-aware Batman movies, and really, it’s just fun.
6. Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton’s dark mind ran free in this dark sequel. Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman is great, Danny DeVito’s Penguin is both creepy and sad, and Michael Keaton is back with his quiet, strong way. While the mood isn’t for all, it’s bold, one of a kind, and looks great.
5. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Christopher Nolan’s end to the trilogy had much to meet—and while it tripped at bits, it still gave a strong, feeling-filled end. Tom Hardy’s Bane is a huge force, Anne Hathaway shines as a smooth Catwoman, and the size is big. Some argue about Bruce stopping being Batman (twice), but the end seems right by the finish.
4. Batman Begins (2005)
The movie that made Batman new again, “Batman Begins,” changed how we see superhero start stories. Christian Bale’s Batman is deep and real, Cillian Murphy’s Scarecrow is creepy, and the cast—from Michael Caine to Liam Neeson—just rocks. It laid the grounds for one of the most liked trilogies out there.
3. Batman (1989)
This is the game-changer. Before Burton’s “Batman,” comic movies weren’t big deals. Jack Nicholson’s Joker is huge, Michael Keaton gave Batman a new, cool feel, and Gotham had never looked so cool and odd. It brought Batman back in style—and started a fresh time for superheroes in movies.
2. Watchmen (2009)
Okay, not a Batman film—but too big to skip. Zack Snyder’s Watchmen turned Alan Moore’s deep, hard graphic novel into a movie with cool looks and a bold style. Rorschach nearly takes every scene, and while some don’t like changes to the end, the movie still stands as one of the most gutsy DC films so far.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
No shock here. “The Dark Knight” isn’t just a great superhero movie—it’s a top film on its own. Heath Ledger’s Joker changed movies, Bale’s Batman faces his toughest moral test, and Nolan’s strict lead and deep themes changed how we see comic movies. It’s deep, has many layers, and you won’t forget it, and for many, it’s still the best.
These DC and Batman movies show one thing: Gotham never goes quiet. With each new Batman film, we see a new side of one of the most lasting icons in pop stories—and love it or hate it, that Bat-signal always comes back in the sky.