Ranking Batman movies based on fan reviews can be subjective, but I’ll provide an overview of how fans generally rank the Batman films, based on consensus from online platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and various fan polls. I’ll include fan reactions and the common trends that often shape opinions about these films, starting with the most beloved and working down to those that are more divisive or less popular.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
- Why Fans Love It: Widely considered the definitive Batman movie for many fans. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight is often ranked as one of the greatest superhero films of all time due to its combination of intense action, deep philosophical themes, and a career-defining performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker. Fans praise the film’s complexity, its dark, gritty tone, and the character-driven storytelling.
2. The Batman (2022)
- Why Fans Love It: Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman received a positive response, with fans appreciating the film’s noir detective angle and grounded approach. Fans felt it offered a fresh, more vulnerable version of the character, diving deeper into his psyche while introducing a chilling take on the Riddler. The film’s exploration of Gotham’s corruption and its visual style also won fans over.
3. Batman Begins (2005)
- Why Fans Love It: Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins reinvented the franchise, giving fans a grounded, realistic origin story. The movie offers a deep dive into Bruce Wayne’s transformation into the Dark Knight, with a focus on fear and justice. Fans appreciated the film’s darker, more mature tone and the beginning of Christian Bale’s iconic portrayal of Batman.
4. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Why Fans Love It: Though somewhat divisive, The Dark Knight Rises is still beloved by many for providing an epic conclusion to Nolan’s trilogy. The large-scale action, emotional depth, and Tom Hardy’s performance as Bane helped end the trilogy on a high note. Fans also appreciated the thematic exploration of redemption and legacy.
5. Batman (1989)
- Why Fans Love It: Tim Burton’s Batman is iconic for its dark atmosphere, memorable characters, and the groundbreaking performance by Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman also earned fans’ respect for its quiet, brooding take on the character. Burton’s gothic visuals and unique style set the tone for modern superhero films and made Batman (1989) a fan favorite.
6. Batman Returns (1992)
- Why Fans Love It: Fans who love Tim Burton’s vision regard Batman Returns as a cult classic. Its dark, twisted atmosphere and Burton’s unique aesthetic continue to appeal to those who appreciate the deeper, weirder side of Gotham. The performances from Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman and Danny DeVito as Penguin have earned iconic status, and it remains a fan-favorite for its gothic, offbeat approach to the character.
7. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
- Why Fans Love It: Based on the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm is often regarded as one of the best animated superhero films. It explores Bruce Wayne’s past and his struggles with his dual identity in an emotionally rich story. Fans of the animated series especially love this film for its mature themes and strong character development.
8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Why Fans Love It: Despite mixed critical reception, Batman v Superman has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Many fans appreciate Ben Affleck’s gritty portrayal of an older, more hardened Batman and the darker, more complex tone of the film. The conflict between Batman and Superman, along with the introduction of Wonder Woman, made it an exciting film for fans of the DC Universe. The Ultimate Edition of the film received better reviews from fans, who felt it gave more depth to the story and characters.
9. The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
- Why Fans Love It: Fans of all ages love The Lego Batman Movie for its humor, self-awareness, and clever parody of the Batman franchise. Will Arnett’s performance as the Lego Batman is a comedic delight, and the movie balances jokes with heartfelt moments. While a more lighthearted entry, it’s well-loved for how it lovingly pokes fun at Batman’s legacy while celebrating it.
10. Batman Forever (1995)
- Why Fans Love It: Batman Forever is a divisive entry in the franchise, but many fans have a soft spot for it due to its campy tone, Jim Carrey’s zany performance as the Riddler, and Tommy Lee Jones’ over-the-top portrayal of Two-Face. Fans appreciate the film’s more colorful, less grim take on Batman compared to the previous two Burton films, though many recognize its flaws.
11. Justice League (2017)
- Why Fans Love It: While Justice League was a box-office disappointment and received mixed reviews, some fans appreciate its efforts to bring the team together and showcase Batman (Ben Affleck) in a more heroic, collaborative light. However, many feel that the film’s rushed production and inconsistent tone hurt its potential. The Snyder Cut (released in 2021) received far more praise from fans, with a darker, more cohesive vision that gave Batman’s character more depth.
12. Batman and Robin (1997)
- Why Fans Love It: Though widely considered one of the worst superhero movies ever made, Batman and Robin has achieved a level of campy, “so bad it’s good” appeal for some fans. The film’s over-the-top performances, ridiculous dialogue, and neon-infused visuals make it a guilty pleasure for certain fans who appreciate its unintentional humor. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Mr. Freeze and George Clooney’s portrayal of Batman have become iconic for all the wrong reasons.
Summary of Batman Movies Based on Fan Reviews (From Best to Least Favorite):
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Batman (2022)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Batman (1989)
- Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- Justice League (2017)
- Batman and Robin (1997)
Notes:
- The Dark Knight consistently ranks as the fan favorite due to its flawless combination of action, character depth, and memorable villain performance.
- The Batman (2022) has earned a solid place among fans who enjoy a darker, more detective-centric take on Batman.
- Batman v Superman and Justice League are polarizing, but both have found loyal fanbases.
- Batman and Robin, despite its critical failure, has found an ironic charm in its over-the-top campiness, making it a cult favorite for some.
This ranking reflects a combination of overall fan feedback from across various platforms, but each film has its specific fanbase, so opinions can vary!