🦇Best Batman Movies Ranked
Batman films range from Tim Burton's gothic visions to Nolan's crime epics and animated entries that deepen the mythos. Rankings hinge on storytelling craft, performances, and lasting influence rather than mere spectacle. Vote to shape the crowd ranking.
What counts: Best defined by critical consensus, cultural resonance, and narrative strength; figures approximate where reported.
The Dark Knight (2008)▲ Rising
Nolan's sequel turned a comic icon into a modern crime epic with Heath Ledger's anarchic Joker forcing Batman into impossible moral choices. Its bank heist opening and interrogation scene redefined blockbuster tension. It earns the top spot for unmatched scale and performances.
Year: 2008IMDb: 9/10Budget: 185 M$Gross: 1,005 M$Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialThe Dark Knight
64Nolan closed the trilogy with Bane's uprising and a city-wide siege that tested Batman's endurance. The stadium explosion and underground prison escape defined its spectacle. It lands here for epic scope despite mixed pacing.
Year: 2012IMDb: 8.4/10Budget: 230 M$Gross: 1,081 M$Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialThe Dark Knight Rises
33Burton's gothic take brought a dark, stylized Gotham to life with Keaton's brooding hero and Nicholson's flamboyant Joker. The Batmobile reveal and cathedral finale became instant classics. It holds its place for reinventing the character on screen.
Year: 1989IMDb: 7.5/10Budget: 35 M$Gross: 411 M$Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman
30▲ Rising
Reeves delivered a noir detective story with Pattinson's Batman unraveling a conspiracy in a rain-soaked Gotham. The Riddler investigation and final act twists gave it fresh weight. It earns this ranking for its focused character study.
Year: 2022IMDb: 7.8/10Budget: 185 M$Gross: 772 M$Director:
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28Nolan rebooted the franchise with a grounded origin that showed Bruce Wayne's training and first nights as Batman. The League of Shadows climax and Scarecrow toxin sequences built a believable hero. It ranks high for launching the modern era with purpose.
Year: 2005IMDb: 8.2/10Budget: 150 M$Gross: 374 M$Director:
added by Yourlist Editorial
22Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
The animated film tackled Jason Todd's return as the Red Hood and his confrontation with Batman over lethal methods. Its brutal fights and moral debates stood out. It earns this spot for sharp character conflict.
Year: 2010IMDb: 8/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Under the Red Hood
21Batman Forever (1995)▲ Rising
Schumacher brightened the series with Kilmer's Batman facing Two-Face and the Riddler in neon visuals. The Batcave reveal and circus sequence offered fun set pieces. It ranks lower for shifting tone from Burton's darkness.
Year: 1995IMDb: 5.4/10Budget: 100 M$Gross: 336 M$Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman Forever
17The animated adaptation of Miller's comic depicted Bruce's early nights and Gordon's rise with raw efficiency. Its street-level grit and voice work captured the source faithfully. It ranks for concise, faithful storytelling.
Year: 2011IMDb: 7.4/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Year One
14Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
The animated feature explored Bruce's past love and a mysterious vigilante killer in classic BTAS style. Its emotional climax and Joker moments gave it theatrical weight. It stands out for mature storytelling in animation.
Year: 1993IMDb: 7.8/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Mask of the Phantasm
12Schumacher's finale went full camp with Clooney's Batman battling Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy amid icy puns. The neon suits and Schumacher's signature style defined its excess. It sits low for becoming a punchline.
Year: 1997IMDb: 3.8/10Budget: 125 M$Gross: 238 M$Director:
added by Yourlist Editorialin 3 rankingsBatman & Robin
9Burton leaned into weirdness with Penguin and Catwoman clashing against Batman in a twisted holiday tale. Michelle Pfeiffer's feline antihero and the sewer army sequences remain memorable. It ranks here for bold vision despite its odd tone.
Year: 1992IMDb: 7.1/10Budget: 80 M$Gross: 266 M$Director:
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8The animated film adapted the popular comic arc with Batman facing a mysterious manipulator and familiar foes. Its twists and fights delivered comic-book thrills. It ranks for faithful adaptation of a fan favorite.
Year: 2019IMDb: 6.9/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Hush
5Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)
The animated entry introduced a new Batwoman while Batman investigated corporate crime. Its lighter tone and mystery elements offered a change of pace. It ranks for solid supporting cast.
Year: 2003IMDb: 6.7/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Mystery of the Batwoman
4Batman vanished and the Bat-family including Batwoman stepped up against a new threat. Its team dynamics and family focus added depth. It places here for expanding the animated universe.
Year: 2016IMDb: 6.8/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Bad Blood
3Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Snyder pitted Batman against Superman in a grim conflict that built to a team-up tease. The warehouse fight and Knightmare sequences showcased ambition. It earns this placement for scale despite divisive execution.
Year: 2016IMDb: 6.5/10Budget: 250 M$Gross: 874 M$Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
0Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
Terry McGinnis faced the Joker's return in a futuristic Gotham with dark revelations. Its flashbacks and climactic fight stood out. It earns this spot for expanding the mythos creatively.
Year: 2000IMDb: 7.8/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman Beyond: Return of the Joker
-5An anthology of six short stories bridged Batman Begins and The Dark Knight in anime-influenced segments. Its varied styles showed different facets of the hero. It ranks for experimental approach.
Year: 2008IMDb: 6.7/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Gotham Knight
-5Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)
The Suicide Squad infiltrated Arkham to stop the Riddler while Batman hunted them. Its heist elements and antihero focus offered a fresh angle. It places here for energetic team dynamics.
Year: 2014IMDb: 7.5/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Assault on Arkham
-6Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)
The animated comedy teamed Batman with Harley to stop a plant-based threat. Its buddy-cop vibe and humor offered lighter fare. It places here for fun tone despite mixed reviews.
Year: 2017IMDb: 5.9/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman and Harley Quinn
-8The animated adaptation explored the Joker's origin alongside Batgirl's trauma in a controversial story. Its final confrontation became infamous. It ranks low for tonal missteps despite ambition.
Year: 2016IMDb: 6.4/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
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-9Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 (2012)
Miller's aged Batman returned to a dystopian Gotham in this animated two-parter opener. The tank chase and mutant gang fights delivered visceral action. It earns its spot for capturing the comic's intensity.
Year: 2012IMDb: 8/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
-11Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham (2023)
An Elseworlds animated film mixed Batman with Lovecraftian horror in an alternate 1920s setting. Its supernatural mystery and team-up elements created a unique tone. It ranks for bold genre blend.
Year: 2023IMDb: 6.1/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: The Doom That Came to Gotham
-14Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)
An animated martial-arts tale reunited Bruce with old allies against a cult. Its fight choreography and 1970s vibe delivered retro action. It earns this ranking for niche appeal and style.
Year: 2021IMDb: 6.2/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Soul of the Dragon
-15Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
The crossover animated film united Batman with the Turtles against a shared villain threat. Its fun team-ups and action delivered crossover energy. It ranks for lighthearted entertainment value.
Year: 2019IMDb: 7.1/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
-16Batman: Death in the Family (2020)
The interactive animated feature let viewers choose paths after Jason Todd's fate in an alternate timeline. Its branching story explored multiple outcomes. It earns this spot for innovative format.
Year: 2020IMDb: 5.8/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Death in the Family
-22Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)▼ Falling
The Elseworlds tale placed Batman in Victorian Gotham hunting Jack the Ripper. Its steampunk aesthetic and mystery plot stood apart. It earns this spot for unique setting and atmosphere.
Year: 2018IMDb: 6.7/10Budget: —Gross: —Director:
added by Yourlist EditorialBatman: Gotham by Gaslight
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