He is vengeance, he is the night, and he’s one of the biggest movie stars in the DC Universe. Batman has had a stunning film career. From the heroic days of Adam West, to the brooding crime noir saga of Robert Pattinson, it’s been quite a ride. If you’re looking to get into the Dark Knight’s filmography, we’re here to break it down for you.
What are all the Batman films in order?
The Caped Crusader has appeared in quite a few films over the years. Here’s a brief breakdown of the Dark Knight’s distinguished film career. Please note, this list only covers Batman’s live action appearances and films where Batman has a major role. In other words, we’re not putting Space Jam: A New Legacy on this list, just because Batman appeared in the background.
Batman (1966)
Batman (1989)
Batman Returns (1992)
Batman Forever (1995)
Batman & Robin (1997)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Justice League (2017)/Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
The Batman (2022)
The Flash (2023)
Which Batman films are connected?
Some of the Batman films are connected, while others are standalone movies set in their own continuity. The DC Universe is a multiverse of adventure, which means that there are multiple versions of Batman on film. So, which movies are connected? Here’s a brief breakdown of the Dark Knight’s cinematic continuity.
The Adam West Universe
This universe is home to the 1966 Batman film starring Adam West, which is set in the same continuity as the 1966 Batman television series. However, don’t worry if you haven’t watched any episodes of the classic show. You don’t need to see it to understand the movie.
The Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher Universe
This universe is home to the big screen Batman films released in 1989-1997. This is where the Dark Knight truly became a box office sensation. The series begins with the Tim Burton directed Batman and Batman Returns, both starring Michael Keaton. It then continues with the Joel Schumacher directed Batman Forever, starring Val Kilmer. Joel Schumacher would return one more time for Batman & Robin, where the role of the Caped Crusader is played by George Clooney.
Michael Keaton’s Batman returns for the 2023 film The Flash, thanks to some fun with time travel and the multiverse. We also get a clever cameo from George Clooney.
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Saga
In 2005, director Christopher Nolan rebooted the Batman franchise, telling a more serious, grounded and character-driven story. The role of the Dark Knight here was played by Christian Bale. The storyline is told over a trilogy of films, starting with Batman Begins, continuing in The Dark Knight, and concluding with The Dark Knight Rises.
The DC Extended Universe
This continuity is home to Ben Affleck’s version of Batman, who made his debut in the 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, before returning in Justice League and The Flash. This universe is also home to a variety of other live action DC movies that the Dark Knight isn’t in, such as Wonder Woman, Shazam and Aquaman.
Batman Epic Crime Saga
This universe is home to Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman. If you want to explore this continuity further, check out the upcoming HBO series, The Penguin. The television drama bridges the gap between The Batman and its upcoming sequel.
Are the Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher films in the same continuity?
That is entirely up to you! Although the role of the Dark Knight was recast, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are meant to be sequels to Michael Keaton’s Batman films. However, you can also look at the Batman ‘89 and Batman ‘89: Echoes comic series as a continuation of the Burton/Keaton films. Both are entirely valid! Think of it like a branching timeline. In one branch Micheal Keaton’s adventures continue in comics, and in another branch, Keaton turns into Val Kilmer and George Clooney.
Which actors play Batman in each film?
Who is under the Bat-cowl? It depends on which movie you’re watching! A few talented actors have donned the Batman mantle over the years, each bringing their own unique style to the role. Here’s a breakdown of Gotham’s various protectors, and each of their filmographies.
Adam West
Batman (1966)
Michael Keaton
Batman (1989)
Batman Returns (1992)
The Flash (2023)
Val Kilmer
Batman Forever (1995)
George Clooney
Batman & Robin (1997)
The Flash (2023) (short cameo)
Christian Bale
Batman Begins (2005)
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Ben Affleck
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Justice League (2017)/Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
The Flash (2023)
Robert Pattinson
The Batman (2022)
Who are the directors for each Batman film?
Batman doesn’t take orders from anyone…except the director. Over the years, a lineup of visionary directors have taken the helm of Gotham's grand saga, each adding their own twist to the Dark Knight's legendary tale. Here is a breakdown of each Bat-director and the cinematic classics they've crafted for our favorite hero.
Leslie M. Martinson
Batman (1966)
Tim Burton
Batman (1989)
Batman Returns (1992)
Joel Schumacher
Batman Forever (1995)
Batman & Robin (1997)
Christopher Nolan
Batman Begins (2005)
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Zack Snyder
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Justice League (2017)/Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Matt Reeves
The Batman (2022)
Andy Muschietti
The Flash (2023)
Where else has Batman appeared in film?
Ben Affleck’s Batman has a brief cameo in the 2016 Suicide Squad film (his Bruce Wayne does as well if you watch past the end credits). It’s not really a Batman film, so we’ve left it off of our main list. However, if you’re a completist, feel free to watch Suicide Squad between Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. It’s a fun movie!
Dante Pereira-Olson plays a young Bruce Wayne in the 2019 film Joker. This Bruce Wayne is a child, and we never see him suit up as Batman. In fact, there is no guarantee that Bruce will ever become Batman in this particular cinematic universe! For that reason, we’re not classifying it as a Batman movie, and we’ve left it off our main list. But if you’re a Bat-fan, you should still check it out.
Which Batman film is the best to start with?
It honestly depends on your tastes. If you’re a true crime or horror fan, then you might want to start with Matt Reeves’ The Batman. If you’re into smart, modern day thrillers, then Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins is your best bet. If you’re a fan of grand epics that tap into the modern day myth of DC’s superheroes, then you’ll love Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman. If you just want something goofy and fun (but charming), then Leslie M. Martinson’s 1966 Batman film will leave you smiling. And if you’re a millennial looking to recapture your childhood, then Tim Burton’s Batman or Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever are both good choices.
Truthfully, there is no wrong way to start watching Batman. There’s a cinematic Dark Knight for everyone, and part of the fun is finding yours.
Join Batman fans the world over on September 21st for Batman Day—a yearly celebration of the Dark Knight. Need some help getting into the spirit? Visit our official hub page for the latest Batman news, features, comics and more!
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
