Batman Feature Films
Explore Batman's evolution on the big screen, from Saturday-matinee serial hero to cornerstone of modern superhero cinema.
Batman's big-screen history spans serials, animated features, and blockbuster franchises across multiple eras, each offering distinct interpretations of the Dark Knight.
Early Serials
1940sBatman's first screen appearances came in the form of theatrical serials
Batman
1943Director: Lambert Hillyer
Batman Actor: Lewis Wilson
15-chapter cliffhanger serial, first live-action Batman
Batman and Robin
1949Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet
Batman Actor: Robert Lowery
15-chapter follow-up serial with new cast
Classic Era
1960sThe campy, colorful take on Batman that defined a generation
Batman: The Movie
1966Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Batman Actor: Adam West
Feature film based on the popular TV series
Burton/Schumacher Era
1989-1997Gothic visions and blockbuster franchising bring Batman back to cinemas
Batman
1989Director: Tim Burton
Batman Actor: Michael Keaton
Dark, gothic take that revitalized the character for a new generation
Batman Returns
1992Director: Tim Burton
Batman Actor: Michael Keaton
Burton's darker, more personal sequel featuring Catwoman and Penguin
Batman Forever
1995Director: Joel Schumacher
Batman Actor: Val Kilmer
More colorful, family-friendly direction with new Batman actor
Batman & Robin
1997Director: Joel Schumacher
Batman Actor: George Clooney
Infamous for its campy style and received poorly by critics and fans
Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy
2005-2012Christopher Nolan's gritty, realistic take that redefined superhero cinema
Batman Begins
2005Director: Christopher Nolan
Batman Actor: Christian Bale
Origin story focusing on Bruce Wayne's training and first year as Batman
The Dark Knight
2008Director: Christopher Nolan
Batman Actor: Christian Bale
Critically acclaimed with Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance as the Joker
The Dark Knight Rises
2012Director: Christopher Nolan
Batman Actor: Christian Bale
Epic conclusion featuring Bane and Batman's potential sacrifice for Gotham
DC Extended Universe & Beyond
2016-PresentBatman enters shared universes while maintaining standalone films
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
2016Director: Zack Snyder
Batman Actor: Ben Affleck
First meeting of Batman and Superman in a theatrical film, setting up Justice League
Suicide Squad
2016Director: David Ayer
Batman Actor: Ben Affleck
Brief cameo appearances by Batman in this villain-focused film
Justice League
2017Director: Zack Snyder/Joss Whedon
Batman Actor: Ben Affleck
Batman forms a team of heroes to face the threat of Steppenwolf
Zack Snyder's Justice League
2021Director: Zack Snyder
Batman Actor: Ben Affleck
Director's cut with expanded Batman storyline and Knightmare future sequences
The Batman
2022Director: Matt Reeves
Batman Actor: Robert Pattinson
Stand-alone film focusing on Batman's detective skills in his second year of crime-fighting
The Flash
2023Director: Andy Muschietti
Batman Actor: Ben Affleck & Michael Keaton
Features both Affleck and Keaton returning as their versions of Batman in a multiverse story
Notable Animated Theatrical Releases
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
1993Director: Eric Radomski & Bruce Timm
Theatrical release based on Batman: The Animated Series, considered one of the best Batman films
The LEGO Batman Movie
2017Director: Chris McKay
Comedic, self-referential spin-off of The LEGO Movie featuring Will Arnett as Batman