My Favourite Batman Films of All-Time

Few superheroes have gained a fan following as huge as Batman. Since his introduction in the 1930’s, Batman has appeared in several unforgettable movies. An icon in popular culture, the caped crusader has been portrayed by several actors. Given the number of movies produced about Batman, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of a hero that deserves to be celebrated.

1. The Dark Knight

The Joker is a legendary villain that shaped my brother’s identity. As far as I remember, my brother has always been a fan of the Joker. I remember forming strong bonds with a brother that was a huge fan of the comic-book character. He grew up to embrace a villain holding a special place in his heart that left lasting smiles on his face. Through his love for the Joker, my brother gave me greater appreciation for an iconic comic-book character. As someone treasuring bright memories of a brother that loved the Joker, I adored “The Dark Knight”. Ever since its release in 2008, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as a comic-book classic. Nolan did an extraordinary job of bringing a dark, gritty and realistic version of Batman to the big-screen that audiences hadn’t seen before. Arguably, the main reason why the film is considered to be a classic today is because of the Joker. With the Joker, Heath Ledger created one of the most celebrated villains in cinematic history. Ledger’s performance remains one of the best roles ever played by an actor in a comic-book film. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight” the best Batman movie is its message. Unlike most Batman movies, it manages to strike a fine balance between spectacle and storytelling. The film delivers a profound message about terrorism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of a commemorated comic-book film about clownish villains causing cities to experience terror, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a strong superhero that audiences treasure.

2. Batman Begins

Childhood trauma has shaped my identity. At an early age, I experienced bombings causing emotional damage. In 2003, my family endured a bomb blast that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. Truth be told, I was only five years old. Through a miracle, my family managed to survive the worst disaster in the world imaginable. However, the traumatic bombing stayed with me forever. As someone haunted by memories of childhood trauma, I loved “Batman Begins”. Released in 2005, Christopher Nolan’s movie did an extraordinary job of reimagining darker versions of Batman on the big-screen. Unlike previous iterations of the character, the film offered a dark depiction of the caped crusader. Nolan successfully used childhood trauma as a key plot point to add depth to the comic-book character. For instance, the opening scene in which Bruce becomes trapped in caves of bats as a child is one of the most memorable scenes in a Batman movie. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Christian Bale, who proved to be the perfect actor for portraying the caped crusader. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Begins” the perfect Batman film is its balance. The film manages to find a balance between storytelling and spectacle which was missing from previous versions of the character. A breathtaking beginning of a commemorated franchise, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a beloved hero whose timeless stories are definitely worth telling.

3. The Dark Knight Rises

Perseverance is a personality trait that I have always lacked. Ever since high school, I have often found it hard to persevere when faced with obstacles that are cruel. Several years ago, I faced sorrow when I began failing a math class in school. Unable to cope with intense pressure, I thought my graduation dreams were destroyed forever. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the power of perseverance that can cause surprises as powerfully as “The Dark Knight Rises”. Released in 2012, Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film brought the beloved comic-book franchise toward satisfying conclusions. Nolan did an extraordinary job of celebrating the legacy of the caped crusader through emphasizing themes of perseverance. Unlike previous films in the franchise, “The Dark Knight Rises” showcases the power of perseverance. For instance, the scene in which Bruce Wayne climbs out of the pit after numerous failed attempts is one of the greatest Batman scenes in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight Rises” one of my favourite Batman movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about perseverance that would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a commemorated superhero with perseverance, it’s a riveting reminder of a hero with intelligence whose stories have always attracted an audience.

4. Batman

Batman is a beloved superhero that shaped my childhood. Several years ago, I became a huge fan of the iconic superhero. At an early age, I became a huge fan of a caped crusader hero with courage. I remember growing up with a love for the caped crusader that I came to treasure. I grew up watching the animated Batman series on television that gave me a love for a hero that I appreciated. As someone that grew up with a love for Batman, I adored “Batman”. Ever since its release in 1989, Tim Burton’s groundbreaking movie has stood the test of time as a comic-book classic. Burton did an excellent job of reimagining the caped crusader from a dark perspective. Packed with breathtaking gothic visuals, sharp storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best Batman movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied the conflicted personality of the caped crusader. Ultimately, what makes “Batman” stand out from other films about the caped crusader is its faithfulness to the comic-books. Tim Burton created a compelling version of Batman that was true to the way the character was written in the comics. A breathtaking tribute to a beloved superhero created several years ago, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a comic-book character that has always given audiences dreams to follow.

5. Batman Returns

Catwoman is a great heroine that shaped my aunt’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with an aunt that was fond of the feminist superhero. A comic-book nerd, she was always drawn towards a feminist heroine that made her feel heard. She often spoke fondly about a sexual superhero that committed shocking burglaries. Through her love for Catwoman, my aunt gave me an appreciation for a feminist heroine that I’ve grown to value. As someone treasuring fond memories of an aunt that loved a heroine with strong returns, I adored “Batman Returns”. Released in 1992, Tim Burton’s movie celebrated the caped crusader. Packed with gorgeous visuals, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, “Batman Returns” remains one of the best comic-book sequels ever made. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance from Michelle Pfeiffer, who embodies a seductive heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Returns” one of the best Batman movies is its strong portrayal of women. “Batman Returns” defied sexist stereotypes long associated with Batman through its empowering portrayal of women. A breathtaking tribute to a heroine with sex appeal, it’s a riveting reminder of a hero whose movies have an enduring appeal.

6. The Batman

Robert Pattinson is one of those actors that I’ve never been able to take seriously. Ever since his role in the disastrous “Twilight” franchise, Pattinson is an actor that I’ve never been fond of. So, when it was first announced that Pattinson would be playing the caped crusader I had doubts about whether he could pull it off. At first glance, it didn’t appear like the caped crusader portrayed towards perfection in Christopher Nolan’s legendary “The Dark Knight” trilogy required a modern-day makeover. Nevertheless, Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” took me by surprise. Pattinson brought an intimidating intensity to Batman that was missing from previous iterations of the character. A breathtaking modern interpretation of the caped crusader achieving appreciation, it’s a riveting reminder of a superhero whose stories are worthy of celebration.

7. Batman

Batman has built an image of being a serious superhero without any sense of humour. Ever since his introduction in comic-books several years ago, Batman has been a serious hero. In this regard, it’s surprising that the first ever Batman film offered a comical take on the superhero. Released in 1966, Adam West’s film offered a comedic take on the caped crusader. In the most comical portrayal of Batman, Adam West brought a campy sense of humour to the character. Batman has always been a serious character, but West brought a sense of humour to the hero that’s unique. His iconic interpretation laid the foundation for a character that has gained appreciation. A heartfelt tribute towards a humongous superhero that’s hilarious, it’s a riveting reminder of a courageous character comic-book fans have always considered to be precious.

8. Justice League

Teamwork is one of those skills that has never come naturally to me. I have always struggled to collaborate with teams to accomplish objectives. As someone that has always struggled with groupwork causing fatigue, I adored “Justice League”. Released in 2017, Ben Affleck’s Batman movie showcased the power of teamwork. In the most funny cinematic portrayal of Batman, Affleck brought a comical side to the superhero that audiences hadn’t seen before. Unlike previous iterations of Batman, Affleck’s portrayal of the hero was lighthearted. Watching Batman bonding with the Justice League team made for a film which was extremely entertaining. As strong as the bonds formed between the Justice League team, it’s a riveting reminder of a superhero with enduring appeal that has always inspired audiences to fulfill their dream.

9. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

Few actors that have ever played Batman are as controversial as Ben Affleck. Ever since it was first announced that Affleck would be playing the caped crusader, fans doubted whether he could pull it off. I had doubts about whether Affleck was the right actor to play the character. Nevertheless, Affleck managed to do the character full justice in his film “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”. In the most serious interpretation of the caped crusader, Affleck brought an intensity to the character. Not only did he capture Bruce Wayne’s personality but he embodied Batman’s bravery. While “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” is far from a perfect film, Affleck’s Batman remains the highlight of it. A breathtaking tribute to a superhero seeking justice, it’s a riveting reminder of a character that’s hard for audiences to dismiss.

10. Batman Forever

Batman is one of those comic-book characters that hasn’t always been portrayed perfectly on the big-screen. While most movies have done an admirable job of celebrating the caped crusader, others have experienced failure. For instance, “Batman Forever” is one of those problematic films that didn’t quite celebrate the caped crusader. Released in 1995, Joel Schumacher’s blockbuster was a box-office disaster. That being said, Val Kilmer did an excellent job in the coveted role of the superhero. Despite its faults, there’s no denying that the film remains a remarkable reminder of Batman’s appeal as a character. As strong as Batman’s desire to catch Two-Face, it’s a powerful reminder of an unforgettable superhero that will forever hold a special place in my heart for inspiring me to chase dreams of film criticism that I embrace.