No comic book character has had quite the same cinematic experience as Batman. From silly slapstick to gothic action to grim crime dramas, Batman has had a long and storied history when it comes to Hollywood depictions. If we include direct-to-DVD and direct-to-streaming releases on HBO Max, then Batman has starred in over 40 films since 1966’s Batman starring Adam West.
Given the sheer glut of direct-to-video/direct-to-streaming films featuring the Caped Crusader, I decided to limit this list to theatrical films. However, there are still some great animated Batman films for hardcore fans, like the dark yet sleek Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) and the anime-infused Batman Ninja (2018) duology. If you’re interested in watching some of the Dark Knight’s best films, then head over to HBO Max and be sure to check out these five, listed in release order.
Batman Returns (1992)
After decades of Batman being seen as a wacky superhero in the eyes of the general public, it can’t be overstated how much the Tim Burton movies changed public perception of the character. Gone were the days of Bat Shark Repellent, and in came Gothic architecture and striking night skies.
Of the two Tim Burton Batman films, Batman Returns has the ever-so-slight edge over Batman (1989). The film feels unrestrained by studio mandates, which allowed Burton to create a dark and seedy Gotham City. While Michael Keaton’s Batman is perfectly serviceable, it’s the trio of villains that make the film as memorable as it is. Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic Catwoman costume, Danny DeVito’s disgusting Penguin, and Christopher Walken’s Max Shreck all steal whatever scenes they're in. The film’s tone is also noticeably darker than the first, making it feel more akin to Dick Tracy (1990), but lighter than the more modern takes of the character. If you’re looking for a comic book movie that perfectly balances the grit of modern Batman with the pulp roots of the original books, then Batman Returns is the perfect film for you.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Ask any Batman fan who their favorite actor was that donned the cape and cowl, and there’s a good chance they’ll say Kevin Conroy. Conroy played Batman in Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and also delivered one of the most empathetic performances for the character in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.
While many would expect a Batman movie to feature a plethora of action with some colorful villains, most of Mask of the Phantasm is anything but. The best parts of the movie are a character study, not of Batman, but Bruce Wayne, as we see him grapple with the decisions that would eventually turn him into the Dark Knight. It’s a beautifully animated and somber tragedy, and fans looking for a more introspective Batman story owe it to themselves to see Mask of the Phantasm. Those who love Bruce Timm’s take on the character in shows like Batman Beyond (1999), Justice League (2001), and Batman: Caped Crusader (2024) will find a lot to appreciate about this poignant deconstruction of one of the world’s most popular superheroes.
The Dark Knight (2008)
It seems almost like a foregone conclusion to say that The Dark Knight is a great movie. In the decades since its release, not only has it been generally accepted by popular culture to be the best Batman movie, but it’s also one of the most worthy contenders for the title of “best comic book movie of all time.”
Christopher Nolan’s sophomore outing with the character delivers a visceral and thrilling crime epic from the very first scene. When Heath Ledger walks on-screen, he commands your attention, portraying The Joker as an agent of chaos, which would inspire future portrayals of the character. Then you have the fascinating discussions on morality, the relationship between violence and justice, and the corruption of the innocent. Like Watchmen (2009) and V for Vendetta (2005), The Dark Knight is rich with philosophical discussions about the ethics of vigilanteism that keep the film consistently relevant. For the entirety of its two and a half hour runtime, it leaves you on the edge of your seat, and anyone who calls themselves a fan of film owes it to themselves to watch The Dark Knight.
The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
While the modern conception of Batman has strayed far from the wacky days of Adam West, The LEGO Batman Movie isn’t afraid to have a little fun with itself. If you are eager to see a film mock just how edgy and grumpy Batman has become, then this is the film for you.
Much like the LEGO Batman video games, it's clear that director Chris McKay has a true love and respect for the series. Like James Gunn’s Superman (2025) or movies like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) and Deadpool (2016), The LEGO Batman Movie has a clear understanding of the core appeal of its lead. Batman is the most serious he’s ever been, but he’s so serious that he doesn’t feel like an imposing and stoic badass. He feels more like a bratty, edgy teenager, which is hilarious. The LEGO Batman Movie is a fast-paced comedy that gives in to the chaos it creates, with mile-a-minute jokes and equally rapid animation that wonderfully depicts all its mayhem. It’s a perfect movie for kids who may not be ready for the more mature live-action films. While diehard Batman fans may grumble at the idiocy of it all, that immaturity makes it stand out all the more.
The Batman (2022)
In a post-The Dark Knight world, how do you follow up that movie’s generation-defining take on the mythos? The answer is to leave the comic book antics behind and present a crime thriller dripping in grime. If you’ve been waiting for a Batman movie that focuses on Batman's detective skills as opposed to his combat capabilities, The Batman is what you’ve been searching for.
Over the course of three hours, the ugliness of Gotham City is apparent, and much like Batman Returns, the location feels like a character once again. This Gotham feels like The Sopranos (1999) and Zodiac (2007), with the city’s seedy underbelly all but boiling to the surface. This isn’t a glamorous movie, featuring a whole host of unsettling moments that will definitely put off fans looking for a lighter superhero fare. However, if you want to see a gripping detective story that grounds Batman like never before, then I can't recommend The Batman enough.
