Here’s How to Watch All the Batman Movies in Order
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Do you think Bob Kane and Bill Finger knew they struck gold when they created Batman? The brooding superhero made his DC Comics debut in 1939—and since then, Batman has grown into something far bigger than himself. He’s a legendary comic book character, the face of a popular film franchise, and, for many, a true hero.
Over the past 85 years, we’ve seen Batman's story told, revamped, and then told again. As the saga evolves, Batman’s world expands, introducing us to charming characters like his sidekick, Robin, and love interest, Selina Kyle (otherwise known as Catwoman). Not to mention his enemies, The Riddler, Joker, and Penguin.
The last time we saw Bruce Wayne was in 2022, when he put on his Batsuit to fight The Riddler. That showdown took place in Matt Reeves' The Batman, which introduced a a new generation to the Caped Crusader. The sequel will premiere in 2026, while HBO's The Penguin series—following Collin Farrell's Oswald Cobblepot—will debut in September.
Below, we’ve crafted a streaming guide so you can watch the Batman series in chronological order. There are eighteen films, so grab a snack and get comfortable. It’s time to take a stroll through Gotham City.
ADAM WEST ERA
Batman: The Movie (1966)
If you’re familiar with anything to do with Batman, then you’ve definitely heard the name Adam West. A complete 180 from the superhero we’re all familiar with, West’s version of the character is goofy, fun, and aimed at kids with his toy-like gadgets and cars. Just for nostalgia’s sake, take a look at this film—you won’t regret it.
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MICHAEL KEATON ERA
Batman (1989)
With Tim Burton taking the reins as director, we’re getting a first look at how truly weird Batman’s world is here. Michael Keaton’s version is the epitome of smooth yet quietly serious, all wrapped in one. Plus, we get Jack Nicholson’s rendition of the Joker.
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Batman Returns (1992)
It’s the movie that really gave promise to Batman being a movie franchise. With Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito giving iconic performances as Catwoman and the Penguin, it’s easy to understand why Keaton’s version of Batman quickly became loved by those who went to see it in theaters.
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VAL KILMER ERA
Batman Forever (1995)
It’s now Val Kilmer’s turn to take center stage as Batman. This time around, Bruce is trying to stop Two-Face and the Riddler from extracting sensitive information from the minds of literally everyone in Gotham City. Why are they doing this exactly? Well, they need to know who’s the man behind Batman, so why not go through the whole town to try and find him? Plus, despite the mixed reviews, the movie quickly became a box-office success. But maybe that’s because Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose” was featured on the soundtrack…
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GEORGE CLOONEY ERA
Batman & Robin (1997)
In a very odd choice of actors, we now witness George Clooney don the black cape. His standalone movie features Batman and Robin (Chris O’Donnell) as they go off and battle Mr. Freeze (aka Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). From the overly-cheesy catchphrases to a suit that prominently displayed some of Batman’s more private appendage, this movie has "camp" written all over it.
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CHRISTIAN BALE ERA
Batman Begins (2005)
It only took eight years, but we finally made it to the era that features the Batman millennials know and love. Christian Bale’s version of Bruce Wayne is a young Casanova until he must become the savior dressed in black. His reason: a truly terrifying Cillian Murphy terrorizing the citizens of Gotham City. We all know the next movie in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy would be the real highlight, but this is a very good set-up.
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The Dark Knight (2008)
The best Batman movie to ever be made. Is it Christian Bale’s performance that makes it so notable? Not only. We also need to acknowledge just how incredible Heath Ledger’s version of the Joker is. But more, how clever this movie truly is, with its intertwining twists, brilliant special effects, and, yes, equally brilliant performances throughout.
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The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Despite Heath Ledger’s untimely death, the trilogy somehow must go on. In this finale to the Christian Bale era, Bruce is trying to save the citizens of Gotham as they are held hostage by the masked villain Bane (given the Covid-19 pandemic, he may have been onto something). Many didn’t feel this was the best way to end the trilogy, but it did wrap up all the loose ends left by The Dark Knight…
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JASON O’MARA ERA (animated)
Son of Batman (2014)
Maybe you weren’t aware these animated movies even existed. But let’s introduce you to Irish actor Jason O’Mara, who takes his turn in playing the masked crusader. In this animated movie, Bruce must fight the evil Deathstroke (and the League of Assassins) when he suddenly learns something that will change his life: he has a son, Damian, with the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul. Talk about a twist.
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Batman vs. Robin (2015)
Set just after the events of Son of Batman, we’re now getting a better glimpse of Batman’s son, Damian, who may not be so into his dad's no-killing rule. Instead, he now believes his destiny lies in a secret society, meant to do everything his dad told him not to do.
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Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
While it doesn’t necessarily follow the events of Batman vs. Robin, here, we do see all the main players returning as Damian (or, *spoiler alert,* Robin) takes over for his missing father. Lots of responsibility here for the young superhero…
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Batman: Hush (2019)
If there’s a movie out right now that feels similar to the tone of this, it’s probably Spider-Man: No Way Home. Featuring a mysterious stalker out to get Batman, we see the appearance of other Batman villains, as well as surprising allies.
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BEN AFFLECK ERA
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
It’s time to introduce our most mercurial Batman: Ben Affleck. Was he the most hated of all the versions we’re seeing here? Maybe! He certainly didn't seem to enjoy the role. But it doesn’t really matter since he’s now a part of the Batman-verse for life. This movie, set after the events of 2013’s Man of Steel, follows Bruce as he tries to convince the general public that Superman isn’t exactly, well, super.
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Suicide Squad (2016)
With just how famous Batman is, it’s surprising to hear that Bruce Wayne can be whittled down to just an uncredited cameo. But Suicide Squad does just that, with Affleck making an appearance in a mid-credits scene.
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Justice League (2017)
Now we’re getting somewhere with Affleck’s performance of Batman! Set after the events of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Batman’s assembling his own group of superheroes to fill Superman’s void, now that he’s dead. Between you and us, just replace Superman with Tony Stark, and you’ve got a lesser version of another Avengers movie on your hands.
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WILL ARNETT ERA
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
As a spin-off of 2014’s wildly successful Lego Movie, it’s unexpected that we’re seeing the superhero in toy form. But with its love of referencing nearly all the other films on this list, it's a must-watch.
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ROBERT PATTINSON ERA
The Batman (2022)
We've officially entered a new era of Batman, led by former Twilight star-turned-weirdo-favorite Robert Pattinson. Is he the right person for the role? We certainly think so.
The Batman Part II (In Theaters October 2, 2026)
We don't know much about Matt Reeves' forthcoming sequel to The Batman, but it should take us back to Gotham City, which was left in shambles after Batman's showdown with The Riddler. Maybe we'll have a better idea of what we'll see in The Batman II, following the conclusion of The Penguin.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Joker (2019)
Technically this isn’t a movie about Batman and instead about one of his most famous foes. But it does feature actor Date Pereira-Olson as a young Bruce Wayne, so we have to give the Oscar winner an honorable mention on this list.
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