Batman is a headache. Honestly, trying to watch all Batman films in order isn't like watching Marvel. You can't just start at the beginning and hit "play" until you reach the end. There are reboots, weird "side" movies, and versions of Bruce Wayne that act like the others never existed.
It's a lot.
If you want the real history, you have to look at the different "eras." We’ve had the campy stuff from the 60s, the gothic nightmares of the 90s, and the gritty realism that basically defines the character now. Most people forget the serials from the 1940s, which were basically propaganda films shown in chapters before main features at the cinema. They aren’t great, but they’re where it started.
The Ancient History: 1943 and 1949
Nobody talks about these. Lewis Wilson played Batman in 1943. Then Robert Lowery took over in 1949. These were serials, not full-length features in the way we think of them today. They are relics. If you’re a completionist, sure, watch them. But for most fans, the story starts much later.
The Bright Knight: 1966
Then came Adam West.
Batman: The Movie (1966) is basically a fever dream of bright colors and "Wham!" bubbles. It’s glorious. It’s also the only time we really saw the "United Underworld"—the Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman all teaming up. It was campy because the 60s were campy. It’s the perfect palate cleanser if you’re tired of Batman being depressed.
The Burton and Schumacher Era (1989–1997)
This is where the modern superhero movie was born. Tim Burton took the character and made him weird again.
- Batman (1989): Michael Keaton was a controversial choice back then. People hated it! Then they saw him, and he became the definitive Bruce Wayne for a generation. Jack Nicholson's Joker stole the show, obviously.
- Batman Returns (1992): This movie is dark. Like, surprisingly dark for a "kids" movie. Danny DeVito’s Penguin is a literal monster, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman set a bar that hasn't really been cleared since.
- Batman Forever (1995): Burton left. Joel Schumacher came in. Everything got neon. Val Kilmer took over the cowl. It’s sort of the middle child of the franchise—not as dark as Burton, not as ridiculous as what came next.
- Batman & Robin (1997): The "Bat-nipples" movie. George Clooney played Batman, and even he admits he almost killed the franchise here. It was a neon-soaked toy commercial with Arnold Schwarzenegger dropping ice puns every ten seconds.
The studio panicked after Batman & Robin. They put the character on ice (pun intended) for eight years.
📖 Related: The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry Movie: What Most People Get Wrong
The Nolan Masterpieces (2005–2012)
Christopher Nolan changed everything. He decided Batman should exist in a world that looks like ours. No neon. No ice puns. Just trauma and high-end military gear.
Batman Begins (2005) gave us the origin story we actually needed. Christian Bale’s "Bat-voice" started here. Then came The Dark Knight (2008). You’ve seen it. You know Heath Ledger’s Joker changed cinema. It’s not just a good "Batman movie"; it’s a legendary crime thriller. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) finished the trilogy. Some people think it’s too long or has too many plot holes, but it’s a massive, operatic ending that actually gave Bruce Wayne a conclusion. That almost never happens in comics.
The Snyderverse and The Multiverse (2016–2023)
This is where it gets confusing. Ben Affleck’s Batman was introduced as an older, tired veteran in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). He wasn't getting his own solo movies at first; he was part of the Justice League ensemble.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016) – Just a cameo, really.
- Justice League (2017) – The version Joss Whedon finished.
- Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) – The four-hour "true" version.
Most recently, we saw the "Multiverse" thing happen in The Flash (2023). Keaton came back! Affleck was there! It was a mess, but a nostalgic one.
The New Standard: Matt Reeves
In 2022, we got The Batman. Robert Pattinson proved the doubters wrong. This movie went back to the "World's Greatest Detective" roots. It’s slow, it’s rainy, and it’s basically Se7en but with a guy in a cape.
As of right now, in early 2026, we are all waiting for the sequel. Production updates for The Batman: Part II have been floating around, and while there were some delays, we’re looking at a late 2026 or 2027 release. It’s staying in its own universe, separate from whatever James Gunn is doing with the new DCU.
💡 You might also like: My Date With The Vampire: Why We Can’t Stop Chasing the Gothic Romance
Watching Order Strategy
If you want to watch all Batman films in order, you have two real choices. You can go by release date, which lets you see the technology and tone evolve. Or, you can watch by "Universe."
Personally? Watch the Burton two, then skip to the Nolan trilogy. If you’re still hungry for more, jump into the Pattinson movie. The Schumacher ones are fun for a "bad movie night," but they’ll give you whiplash if you watch them right after The Dark Knight.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your streaming services: Most Batman titles move between Max and Netflix frequently.
- Start with 'Batman Begins': If you’ve never done a deep dive, this is the most accessible entry point for a modern audience.
- Track the 2026 releases: Keep an eye on the production news for Matt Reeves’ sequel, as it’s expected to be the next major cinematic event for the character.