What Is The Best BATMAN Film?

[@Pingaheimer]

Batman Begins without a doubt.

[@TheWaynos73]

im not gonna kill you. but i dont have to save you.

[@eazymethod01]

BB is the only film that inspires. Despite great sequences like the car chase, The Batman doesn't inspire at all.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

The only Batman movie that resonates with me completely and utterly is Batman Returns. Not only do I love the gothic absurdity of Burton's world, but I love, above all, how lively the characters are. The world is completely absurd and the characters are just so relaxed in it. Christopher Walkens was my favorite character: ''Selina Kyle? You're fired!'' lol

[@Hernal03]

And it also contains the single most awesome goose-bump inducing 30 seconds of _any_ Batman movie --- watch that half minute here kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3yYdp6oq7J_gaM

[@83aber1]

I like The Batman. Batman Returns has a special place in my heart.

[@TheWaynos73]

When i was on the Gold Coast i went to Movie World and got my photo taken with the Batman Returns Catwoman. Having her with my arms around me was pretty damn great for like five seconds. holy crap you have to be hot to wear that suit 😝

[@TheWaynos73]

Batman Returns is my favourite of the live action films. I love the Christmas setting and the exploration of Bruce and Selena and their alter egos. i love how they both show up at the masquerade ball and they’re the only two people not wearing masks but they’re really wearing theirs. its such a beautifully written scene. I love the animated films too, Mask of The Phantasm and Under The Red Hood are such great stories. I never understood why the big studios have never embraced the writers of the Arkham Asylum games as they truly nailed the characters and the world.

[@chevexx1111]

Me too. It was the most effective with back stories and all around film. Nice to see some else feels the same. Not to take away from the good things in the Nolan films.

[@Sude1089]

"Works better as an animation." Thank you so much for saying this. So over the live action superhero or hero films and will continue to champion Mask of the Phantasm as one of, if not the best Batman film.

[@achepe9978]

As recency biased as it may seem, The Batman is my absolute favorite. It’s a very imperfect movie, but I feel it’s the only live action film so far that has made me look into the nature of Batman’s existence and how he grows to be the “hero” he didn’t realize he needed to be. Batman Begins is my second choice, and tbh I never really cared for TDK.

[@crobeastness]

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm does that too. And The Batman has the best first 2 hours ever. It comes crashing down in the last hour. It's too rushed, the riddler thought batman was working with him, his final plan was ridiculous and batman solved zero things except for the easiest riddles on earth. This batman also puts in no effect to distinguish batman and Bruce Wayne. How does no one know who he is? Especially Tweedledee and Tweedledum. He goes up to them in the exact same way as both personas and they still have no clue. And true. Begins is better than TDK. I'm not sure why people say otherwise.

[@nerychristian]

The Batman would have been perfect if they end the movie when they arrest Riddler. They could have saved the other part for the sequel. I actually think that the part where Batman cuts the power cable would have been best for a final movie. He should have died then.

[@crobeastness]

@@nerychristian why didn't he just cut the cable under him though?

[@nerychristian]

@@crobeastness Because you can't get momentum in the arm by doing that. And either way he was going to get shocked.

[@nerychristian]

I think the new trilogy should have revolved around the elections in Gotham. First movie could have been about the killing of the mayor. The second movie could have been about rebuilding in the aftermath of the flood. With the penguin trying to take over Gotham by supporting another political candidate. And then part 3 could have been about the actual election night, and joker and riddler gathering an army of thugs to sabotage the election.

[@TheVanmanderpootz]

Batman: The Movie (1966) But then I grew up with 1980's repeats of the 1960's tv series.

[@enikthealtrusian-7754]

"Sometimes You Just Can't Get Rid of a Bomb !"

[@YoursAnonymously]

It's The Dark Knight for me. Much of its success comes from The Joker, yes, but it's still an extremely well made film and so structurally sound. Batman Begins is right behind it.

[@ThousandairesClub]

*the best thing about TDK is that Harvey Dent is actually the main protagonist. you could remove Batman from the movie completely and it would be just as good, if not better.*

[@nerychristian]

The dark knight is good. But it also suffers from an overly long, and overly complicated third act.

[@VastoFlo13]

We talking about Batman not joker buddy this is why no one takes your opinion into consideration since you basically just stated that the success comes from joker 😂

[@eazymethod01]

@@nerychristian Yea BB has a better third act than TDK.

[@123rockfan]

Kind of a shame Batman Begins wasn’t discussed in this video. I think it’s the most cohesive Batman film

[@mrcori2649]

Batman Begins was criminally underrated.

[@FriendlyBatDoom]

@@mrcori2649it is absolutely underrated. It's a shame that it came before the Dark Knight. Because it's brilliance is overshadowed by The Dark Knight.

[@PeeWeeHermitGames]

@@FriendlyBatDoomwouldn’t it be cool if they were released in reverse?

[@Barbies_Angel]

Batman: Under The Red Hood is my favorite Batman movie. Even better than mask of the phantasm imo. It’s flawed, but it’s a great adaptation of a great story (a death in the family/red hood). I can only imagine what it would’ve been with a longer length + higher budget.

[@dompuma9620]

Imagine Christian Bale's Batman rocking shark-repellant batspray and surfing-off against the Joker Adam West-style.

[@unmixedunmastered2810]

This idea gave me aneurysm

[@bryansoto6355]

No Batman 1989? The progenitor of modern Batman with the greatest Joker? C’mon now! Lol.

[@thecandyman9308]

Stallone was quoted as saying that he felt it killed the 80s macho ultra violence films since they could put any actor w/o physicality into a suit like that and rely on the budget to carry the film

[@mynameisjefferson3771]

@@thecandyman9308sly was just jelly

[@mynameisjefferson3771]

Totally the best Joker.

[@Geekofriendly]

Haven't yet seen "The Batman", but my benchmark was set with "Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm". Because that movie is practically pitch-perfect (great Batman story, great Bruce Wayne story, great origin story, the entire spectrum of emotions, great characters, great villain(s), great score, editing and cinematography, perfect melancholic ending), no feature film will probably ever be able to hold a candle to it.

[@frozen1762]

Batman Returns. Because its not a movie about Batman, even a superhero movie. And because of it is the best superhero movie.

[@spacepope87]

All the massive flaws in The Batman kept it from being great for me. Also that third act was a whole different film that somewhat felt like Reeves trying to please the studio heads.

[@ArthurAugustyn]

Thanks for taking my comment. To elaborate on the "action sequence are bad." There are better are worse ones, but in the third act especially I think about how Batman attacking people in that construction site is so dull compared to the psychological tension just a few minutes prior with the city residents on the boats debating to blow each other up. The highest highs of The Dark Knight are psychological tension and the action sequences are just kind of there.

[@agitatedmongoose]

Didn't see the newest one yet (but looking forward to it) and not a huge Superhero movie guy in general and I don't think Nolan should ever be discussed in the same breath as other great directors, but I did like Batman Begins way better than the Dark Knight. From a filmmaking perspective, shot for shot, it is far superior and pretty damn good in its own way.

[@crobeastness]

He is a great director though. Dunkirk at least puts him in talks and yes begins is better. I can't roll my eyes fast enough when hear people say "like begins more but TDK is "objectively" better". Those people clearly don't know much about film.

[@nerychristian]

I think Batman Begins is the superior film. It just feels like the screen play is tighter. TDK is a very interesting film with many memorable moments. But it also seems like it relies on too many coincidences in order to move the plot along.

[@crobeastness]

@The Knight Watcher you do if you think TDK is better than Begins, which is false.

[@android131c]

Batman Begins, then Zack Snyder’s Justice League…. then Batman Red Hood / Justice League: Doom / Batman Mask Of Phantasm

[@sunsetman22]

great list!

[@taliamason7986]

Love Under the Red Hood. Its the one film that highlights his killing rule better than other.

[@eazymethod01]

Everyone that says BB is their fav is a champ!

[@billypowermax2264]

BvS is my favorite. It's my favorite comic book movie of all time. It questions what a hero is supposed to do and be. Batman comes full circle from villain back to hero when he saves Clark's mother, Bruce couldn't save his mother, he was just a kid. The metaphors on how society has turned it's back on Christ, and how they treat Superman when all he does is save them, that really touched me. The ending, "if seek his monument look around you". I don't understand how people don't like this film. In my opinion it's a masterpiece

[@virgogaming6488]

BvS has interesting ideas that are executed poorly.

[@billypowermax2264]

@@virgogaming6488 I disagree 100 percent. Let some time go by and see how well it ages.

[@rezai7]

The Batman film nailed the gritty Fincher tone that I like, and I was actually a fan of Zach Snyder’s ultra cynical Batman. Snyder does the finale climax action better than anyone else. I was also a huge fan of the animated The Dark Knight Returns, because it took the concept to a full conclusion and feels like the right ending to the saga. And of course, Mask of the Phantasm is objectively great, better than all the other early animations in my opinion. That intro visualization sequence in Mask of the Phantasm is perfect.

[@jainee4507]

Batman Returns. The whimsical fairytale world that Tim Burton creates for that film was perfect for Batman.

[@hcaz5818]

Too goofy

[@travishill3256]

@@hcaz5818 it was actually very dark for its time. And still somewhat today in my opinion. It was so “not for kids” studios wouldn’t let Tim burton return for a third film.

[@Starkardur]

the problem I have with Batman Returns is really kind of lack of good story and plot. It's all style. Michelle Pfieffer who I was absolutely amazing in it but aside from that, there was something lacking, where the Batman 1989 had a much more solid script but wasn't as dark or as high brown as Batman Returns.

[@TheWaynos73]

@@travishill3256 its one of the few films where Batman literally kills people.

[@hcaz5818]

@The Knight Watcher well aware... he also did those things with circus music playing 🎪

[@rorrt]

I watched the Tim Burton films back to back just recently.. Last time I watched them was maybe 15 years ago. I have to say... And as a Batman fan, I will get pilloried! I kind of prefer the Schumacher films. AND not in a "so bad they're good" kind of way. Plus, the sets and architecture and aesthetics of the Schumacher's films! People will say "ohh but Batnips!" while i'm staring at the Terry English armour for Mr Freeze. One of the most beautiful suits of armour i've ever seen.. It's amazing. Also my opinion is skewed with the same reason for Batman Forever, I got Batman and Robin for Christmas. I watched it at least 10 times from then to New Years.

[@sunsetman22]

Val Kilmer was a better Batman than Keaton. I know Burton has this knack for making weird worlds with weird characters come to life, and Bruce Wayne/Batman is most definitely one of the biggest weirdos out there. but there's so much more to him than just that one aspect. Kilmer tried to explore the duality of Batman, but sadly his performance was buried beneath one of the worst Batman movies (at least in the cut Warner released). also the aesthetics alone do not a great movie make! same goes for the Burton films. overall they're not as great as most remember. I still love them all the same.

[@bencarlson4300]

I love The Dark Knight trilogy, I love The Batman, I love the animated series, The Dark Knight Returns is fantastic. We have a lot of great Batman adaptations. That all being said, it’s The LEGO Batman Movie. One of the funniest comedies I’ve ever seen, really clever visuals and humor, maybe the best parody of a property that still clearly loves the source material, and a pretty decent message that is executed well. One of my favorite movies of all time. Seriously.

[@keithmacintyre1889]

BATMAN: THE MOVIE (1966), along with BATMAN: The TV Series (1966-1968), starring Adam West... This is the only GREAT Batman... No other incarnation could even HOPE to come close. Superhero films should be fun, colorful, outlandish, and light-hearted... you know... like a comic book! Not overly-serious, dreary, downbeat, and grim... like most Batman films are... I can't get into those. Watching 60's Batman is like watching the images of a comic book leap off the page and come to life! Outrageous plots, whacky action, campy performances... AND IT'S FUN... SO MUCH FUN! The most successful cinematic & TV superhero interpretations are: Adam West's Batman ('66-'68), Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman ('76-'79), and... of course... Christopher Reeve's Superman ('78-'87). I believe that Richard Donner's 1978 Superman: The Movie is the best comic book movie ever made... with 1966's Batman: The Movie running a close 2nd... (Too bad Lynda Carter never made a WW film!) And no version of Batman made to date has been able to match the PERFECT casting of: Adam West, Burt Ward, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin, and Julie Newmar! These actors were BORN to play these roles... And West's stoic, deadpan performance is spot on. The only other Batman films that "could" have been "passable fair" are the two made by Tim Burton,, but the asinine miscasting of Michael Keaton totally sunk that possibility. Terrible casting of the lead character is an impossible thing for a film to overcome, even if the rest of the film(s) is competent... A real shame...They could have been a couple of decent films... What the "bleep" were they thinking? Side note: I had the honor of meeting Adam West in back in 1995... He was a very nice man... and very generous to his fans... It was a thrill to meet him. So, to wrap up, I will hand it over to the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder...... "Holy OBVIOUS, Batman... The Adam West 1966 film & 1966-1968 TV series is the best Batman!" "Correct, Robin... And now... To the Batmobile!" Lastly, I will leave you with a few onomatopoeias... POWIE! BONK! WHACK! AWKKKKKK! Z-ZWAP! ARRRGH! CRUNCH! BOFF! KAPOW! (Webster's definition: Onomatopoeia (noun): Formation of a word from a sound associated with it).

[@mrcori2649]

Please. Not only was Heath Ledger's performance incredible but so were Aaron Eckhart's, and Gary Oldham's. A masterpiece and the best comic book movie ever.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

My girl and I laughed at The Batman. We watched it for my birthday and were surprised no one else saw how corny it was. Anyway, not only did I think it was corny but the stakes didn't feel very high and heavy either, which is amazing considering the Riddler flooded the city when all the Joker did in TDK was tear Batman down psychologically. The Batman 2022 takes a pitiful take on the world and characters which automatically puts him below Fincher, the guy he was obviously trying to emulate. My favorite part was when Batman confronted Riddler in Arkham Asylum and flipping out as he sang Ave Maria LOL

[@ganganthefatman1382]

The Batman 2022 feels like a discount Fincher film.

[@aidangreen7006]

Ehh… it doesn’t feel like a *Fincher* film, it’s just SE7EN. One Fincher film. Fincher of course has a pretty consistent tone and aesthetic through all his films, being the “seedy neo-noir serial killer guy,” but THE BATMAN is more of a copy+paste of SE7EN than THE DARK KNIGHT even is of HEAT.

[@stuartmorris6299]

The funniest defence of that new Batman film I've heard, "it only felt like 2hours". Wow.

[@ventriloquistvance2388]

It's nice to see another Batman fan. Batman was and will always be my hero. The Batman movies I love are the movies that came out in the 80s and 90s (Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin). I also love Batman The Animated Series.

[@jakecorenthose2901]

Mask of the Phantasm is still the best Batman film. Batman Returns is the most visually stunning though. Aesthetically, it's as good as it gets. While I dislike Burton's approach to the story in both of his films, he absolutely nailed the art decko-meets-gothic approach to Gotham.

[@TheWaynos73]

Bo Welch’s design is off the chain in that movie. love his work.

[@denniszenanywhere]

Dark Knight is my choice for best Batman movie. It's a messy movie but I find the moral dilemmas of Dark Knight were more explicitly told. Remember that quick scene where Joker says he will make the pencil disappear? That was a violent millisecond that was not easy to forget. In The Batman, there's not one scene where you felt genuinely scared for a character. Heath's Joker remains as the best villain in this genre. Granted the movie is about the Batman but how Heath's Joker carries this movie is unforgettable. In The Batman, Dano's Riddler doesn't have the menace of Heath's Joker, nor Kevin Spacey's character in Seven. The movie certainly borrowed from Seven but much as I admire Paul Dano, his character here was not given anything to chew on. The reveleation of his character was anti-climactic. This movie also felt like it was emulating Fincher's Seven too much with all the clues sprrinked by the Riddler throughout the movie and its noirish quality. I could guess the scenes coming to me. I'd give The Batman props though for coming up with a movie that is unlike any other superhero movie -- and how it takes inspiration from the comic strip. In the Dark Knight, there's a scene of two ferries -- one with prisoners, the others your usual NY ferry passengers -- and the moral dilemma of choosing either to stay alive or kill. In The Batman, it's hard to accept the Riddler getting some minions to do the dirty deed for him, in an organized manner, without him at that. Granted that's possible but there was no buildup to it; one doesn't see how he gets followers. I'd say if The Riddler had Joker's "pencil" moment or Spacey's bloody grand entrance at a police station in Seven, The Batman would be my no. 1 Batman movie. Still, I think I would only be choosing it to rank on top for the world-builidng of this movie. Pattinson's Batman is great but he doesn't get to do too much anyway. Neither Batman nor the Riddler seemed larger than life unlike Heath's Joker, or even to some extent Harry Dent's character. Even Gary Oldman's Commission Gordon had something more to do than Jeffrey Wright's Gordon.

[@rae-everything]

Well said. Though, I personally didn't have a problem with Riddler incurring an angry online cult. And, I enjoyed Wright's Gordan as much as Oldman's. Other than that, definitely agree. Health's Joker was a constant, looming threat. And, Dark Knight more carefully earns its thematic tension.

[@2301WAYNE]

I think seven is mostly inspired from The Gotham And The Batman Comic Books the villain would have certainly loosed and gave up if he was in The Batman World and come on dude you wanted The Riddler to copy joker or somthing, In The Batman Comic Books The Riddler has one of the most tragic backstories way more than joker I would even say it's damn close to mr.freeze(when I think about it Nora Suffered than Mr.freeze though) and the movie was trying to be accurate to The Batman Comic Books not trying to be scary but you felt there were scary moments just shows How Much The Batman Comic Books are mature and can be enjoyed by everyone at the same, The Movie is the journey To Become the future The Dark Knight Movie came after The Batman Begins it had to be build something, The Batman have started it's first move and still becomes my most favourite and so do all of The Batman fans it means if it even got more closer to The Batman Comic Books it would be greatest movie ever made in the history for sure!

[@sup3414]

Except that the villain is NOT meant to be the center of a Batman movie; it's Batman himself. Also, how the hell is Dano's Riddler not scary? Dude is a serial killer who sneaks into his victim's places and literally weaponizes social media.

[@Ale-mv3gr]

Adam West!, the Bright Knight!

[@enikthealtrusian-7754]

"To The Batcave, Robin ! We Haven't A Moment To Lose !!"

[@derekfnord]

There is a tension in good Batman stories between whimsy and darkness. On one hand, he's in costume against costumed adversaries that commit themed crimes. On the other, he is a violent vigilante facing off against murderers. Mask of the Phantasm (1993) captures this tension better than any other Batman film to date. It walks that line between silly and serious perfectly, never the goofy 60s TV show, but also never the almost military feel of the Christopher Nolan trilogy. Importantly, Batman keeps his idealistic code against killing that the live-action movies typically omit. The voice acting -- especially Mark Hamill's Joker -- is also top-notch. Although it might not be the best film in which Batman appears, I think it's the best Batman film.

[@kevinsmith7-7-7]

The one with Jack Nicholson and Heath Leader as Joker are my 2

[@mykhedelic6471]

Burton/Keaton/Nicholson/Basinger Admittedly, this was my childhood Batman but the whole paramilitary thing in the other movies wasn't my bag. Did enjoy the Pat/Krav/Dano/Farrell flick, though. But yes, those animated Bat shows and movies are beautiful and such a great balance.

[@rnilu86]

Nothing beats the Batman Animation series, at least for me.

[@OirichEntertainment]

The Batman was a perfect film adaptation in my opinion. I do love the golden age of Batman a lot though.

[@nerychristian]

It would be a dream come true to see a live action Batman who wears the golden age suit. I love the grey and blue colors. With the yellow emblem on the chest.

[@OirichEntertainment]

@@nerychristian I would love that too. Obviously with a more lighthearted and wacky tone.

[@charliemoll5435]

Batman and Robin. No Batman movie had provided more pleasure/hours of entertainment

[@ed1rko17]

I always love when people say "If you took Heath Ledger's Joker out of The Dark Knight it wouldn't be that great" Ah yes, if you remove the good elements from a movie it would be bad, great observations.

[@spacepope87]

Exactly.

[@starwarsroo2448]

If you took Vader out of Star Wars it wouldn't be that great. I agree it's a daft statement

[@spearheadbt9601]

So you're saying that one element that is probably not in half of the movie is what makes the entire movie great? Come on, this is disingenuous here. Of course, you are right. The key point here, is how many elements are you talking about. You write elementS. She only mentioned the Joker. Her point is that the Joker disproportionately impacts the movie, and that most of the stuff besides him is not that great. In a way, that he makes the movie (if I'm understanding her correctly). Clearly there's an issue if a single character that doesn't appear that often makes the entire movie...

[@spacepope87]

@@spearheadbt9601 The other stuff is great too. It's just the Joker stands out.

[@spearheadbt9601]

@@spacepope87 But that's her point, that the other stuff is not nearly as good (according to her). That's what the OP missed out. According to her, you take out the Joker, and the movie is not so great. What OP says, is that if you take everything that is great about a movie, well it is not great anymore. Of course. But her point, is that the Joker is basically the ONLY great thing about the movie, when he's not even that often on screen. You can see this the other way around. You take a bad movie, but add a very good scene. Does that make the movie good? Probably not, but it would still significantly elevate it. So if you take that sole great scene, then is it nonsense to claim that the movie would be way worse without it? You might think the other stuff is great, that's your opinion, but that's not hers. Which is why she says that taking out the Joker really, really hurts the movie. Because she doesn't find the rest all that great.

[@ggfffgggds]

Batman Begins. The only origin film that also pulls off three villains

[@Chrissurfs]

Val Kilmer and Christian bale are hard to beat at their game. Its a tough question to answer. I dont even remember Cloonies and Afflects. The best joker by far has to be Ledger as a whole, Phoenix performance the best but not for everyone. Pattison has done an excellent job as Batman because there was nothing much left to come up with and hes taken his pain a step father, which for someone who lost his parents like that, makes much more sense. But maybe that made this movie drag a tad. I guess one is free to portray Bruce as someones whos dealt or not with his childhood issues. Strangely, I recall Kilmers Jag xk120 and Pattisons early black Corvette. I loved that. Both cars we could only dream off but discreet. What is there not to love about the action scenes. ?

[@michaeldezess7607]

The Batman 2020. It's the best Neo-Nour aesthetic with done tones like a Fincher film. It's dark and beautiful all the way around. The acting is amazing, as well as the sets. The story is perfect for me as it elevates the tension of the who-do-it with the Riddler. Patterson was great as well as the rest of the cast, especially Collin Ferrill. It's no wonder they are making a show based on his character. The only thing I don't like is the Title. The Batman to me should be a different title and it's too long.

[@bijibadness]

the best movie - hands down - is _Dark Knight._ no contest. it's not aged as well as I'd have liked for me, but nothing's got that villain, that momentum, that scale. as far as the best BATMAN movie? I guess that'd be up to the viewer, as Batman means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. I'm certain there are some people who truly think the '60s _Batman_ movie is the best Batman movie. and they'd be right, since it's the best Batman movie for _them._ _The Batman_ was an absolute chore for me, I just gave up after awhile. _Batman_ is definitely a product of its time . . . _Batman Forever_ famously blows. haven't seen the animated one, I can't get past that block. I just don't feel it, that animated show. though I did watch it as a kid. if I'm being honest (and I am), I'd totally watch _Batman & Robin_ over that new self-important, depressingly dour reboot. DARK doesn't equal DEEP for me. at least _Batman & Robin_ is watchable in its terrible fury of excess. _The Batman_ had all the pieces, but it played for me like a flat, grey stew. but that's me. I hope you all loved it and hope the sequels are everything you hope for.

[@michaelcox8820]

I loved the Raz Al Ghul character played by Liam Neeson in Batman Begins; a Nietzschian figure whose League of Shadows is essentially a cult which attracts in a psychologically damaged and lost soul Bruce Wayne. Al Ghul is his mentor essentially and it’s fascinating to see how B Wayne soon realises the horrors behind certain utopian desires

[@silas1414]

You may as well complete your Batman run with a review of the LEGO Batman movie. My experience was basically “wtf is this actually funny and actually great?”

[@walterpayton2120]

The best joker of all was the one by Cesar Romero

[@filmlover1349]

Maggie quick question, could you review the popular anime Attack on Titan? Have you seen it?

[@bennyl.5]

Nice. Hey your artwork is really impressive

[@HEAVYDIAPER]

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

[@SathishKumar-sk8fe]

That think is there is numerous amount of Batman movies both animated and live action. And most of them are actually good. Because of that each person have different opinion on what the Batman movie should be. For every lego Batman there is The Batman. For every Batman 66 there is Batman 89. It is actually very difficult to pinpoint what is really best Batman movie at this point. Batman is most adaptable character of comic book characters. His world can be reinterpreted in numerous ways.

[@crobeastness]

Top 5: 1. Batman Begins 2. The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition 3. The Dark Knight 4. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero 5. Zack Snyder's Justice League If you don't count that last one then replace it with Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker or Batman: Mask of the Phantasm depending on the day.

[@MIKEXCER]

I think you got Mr Freeze mixed up with Phantasm

[@crobeastness]

@@MIKEXCER no, but that one is a close 7th. Interchangeable with return if the joker actually.

[@carl_anderson9315]

Despite its flaws I still consider The Dark Knight an amazing film, and as you mentioned, the main reason is The Joker and the mastery of tension by Nolan, although it does never grasp the utter complexities of Bruce’s characters as well as it does with the Joker. Aesthetically speaking, Tim Burton’s Batman Returns is the closest to the comic, the setting, the lighting, the production design is top notch. Unfortunately the script has many holes (The Penguin and Catwoman are present but the main villain is Christopher Walken?). Visual masterpiece, flawed narrative. Regarding the actual dark tone of the comic, Joker (by Todd Phillips) and 2022’s The Batman share my first place. Devastatingly depressing worlds.

[@KingSNAFU]

Mask of the Phantasm or Return of the Joker are both excellent, but I'd nominate Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. While I'm not big fan of the art style, the story more than makes up for it. It really cements what Batman is and his value to Gotham and what separates him from other superheros like Superman.

[@jose9593]

Batman Returns is easily the best one, love that gothic satirical movie.

[@GrandSlamSilver]

3:06 - Not me. I've been saying for 14 years that the best part of this film is the *script*, not Heath Ledger. I found Ledger to be slightly overacting and, and he sometimes took me out of the movie. I also love the script for Dark Knight Rises, despite its many flaws.

[@GrandSlamSilver]

@The Knight Watcher Dialog is only one component. There's also the plotting of the film. The villain getting intentionally captured so he can spring his secret plan; the confrontation in the jail cell, etc.

[@pointysidedown]

Batman year one will always be the best batman movie to me. Love the style, story and characters. Bryan Cranston plays an excellent but flawed commissioner Gordon. There were some cheesy parts, but overall it is the most realistic and best story for me.

[@haydengarinduchesne9269]

Lego Batman 😍 if you want a complete deconstruction of the dark knight look no further

[@vincentdelmas2792]

Curious to see what's your ranking on that !, have to come back later, just took the time to give a thumb up.

[@edwardmckenzie6988]

The Dark Knight Returns directed by Jay Oliva. Def my favorite Batman story brought to life, happens to be animation.

[@techpsy]

Never watched "Batman Mask of the Phantasm", thank you for the recommendation. Have you watched "The Platform" (El Hoyo), maybe it would be a good film to review?

[@jwnj9716]

Batman Returns

[@jainee4507]

This is the correct answer.

[@BadGuyRants]

I was much more into Batman stuff as a teenager but I do feel like at this point there’s nothing special about the property anymore. Every new Batman is the best according to people & then we move on to the next one. The animated series and it’s movie is the only time the character was ever that interesting.

[@rae-everything]

Who was saying Batman V. Superman was the best?

[@taddy_mason4197]

The animated movie "The Dark Night Returns" is my favorite Batman movie.

[@CarolinaCharles777]

I think this really comes down to if you liked the comics or not. With all due respect, if one prefers the Schumacher films over Nolan films...well, you don't care about the comics.

[@ShaneThompson-jv4vp]

I think it's the Best Batman hands down, but everything you say is correct. It's all about the Joker performance. Which is awesome because in the Comics he is force, and in that aspect it is spot on; but it looses batman a bit.. It is true though the Joker catches him kind of off guard and unprepared, so it's a good movie. I have read almost all of these comics, and still Batman has not been perfected, the joker was though! RIP Heath! Not including cartoons of course.

[@steverok67]

A fun and endless debate / discussion. In live action, I would say at least four or five good ones have been made, none directed by Joel Schumacher.

[@nathancoffman3025]

I think we can all agree that The LEGO Batman Movie is peak Batman. Can’t believe you didn’t mention it.

[@scarystorycory]

1. The Batman 2. Batman 1989 3. Batman Begins 4. The Dark Knight 5. Batman Returns Every Batman film has a special place in my ❤️. But that is my top 5 films in order.

[@basehead617]

Batman Returns is the best.

[@impulsive1252]

I've seen so many people say something along the lines of "The Batman ruined the Nolan trilogy for me" and it just seems like such a childish take akin to the mentality of "either something is the best of all time or worst of all time". If one liked the Nolan trilogy before, why does the fact that the new film is better make them suddenly dislike the previous ones? The Batman is my favorite Batman flick but that doesn't mean i can't enjoy the previous ones.

[@C.G.Jr.]

The answer is the Adam West film, every time. I also felt very similarly with the endings to both The Dark Knight & The Batman, in that the scenes they chose to end on feel very abrupt and clunky.

[@sunsetman22]

in The Dark Knight at least it makes sense because he was escaping the police. in The Batman he just escorts Catwoman out of the city, makes a left and accelerates and CUT TO BLACK.

[@C.G.Jr.]

@@sunsetman22 they both make sense in theory, the only difference is that in The Batman, Bruce isn't being chased away by police, but rather called to by them. He chooses the "pursuit of justice" instead of a simpler life. These aren't necessarily bad endings, they both just feel a bit rushed to me. Each of the endings could've had a bit more impact in my opinion if Nolan & Reeves had held out the scenes a bit longer, or something like that at least. Feels like they're both running through the moment rather than sitting with them. They're both movies on the longer end already, so I don't think it would be a weight on the pacing for them to have just given the final moments of their films a bit more time to breathe.

[@philiparmstrong2815]

The Lego movie was and is in my top 10 movies.

[@nathanmarmaduke3270]

I like Batman Returns best but that might be nostalgia talking

[@OGPimpin]

For me it's: Batman Returns Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Dark Knight The Batman

[@michaeldonovan4793]

Hands down, The Dark Knight, and it's not even close...

[@PsychoticSmith]

I think Batman Begins is a better movie than The Dark Knight. It’s just tighter and has a better ending.

[@vtrip_]

Batman 1989 then everything else.

[@mynameisjefferson3771]

The first one with Keaton. Hands. Fucking. Down. Second is The Dark Knight.

[@mynameisjefferson3771]

Jack’s Joker is way scarier to me than Heath’s. In a way, grounding Joker made him less scary to me. It made him more BADASS, which I love too; but the scarier Joker wins by my lights.

[@JohnSmith-gh3kp]

Batman begins.

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

The budget we waanted, the budget we neeeded, but not receeieved. (Said in a gravelly voice)

[@virgogaming6488]

Batman Returns is the best movie and The Batman is the best Batman movie.

[@Sachin_C10]

Maggie absolutely hated The Dark Knight Rises, if I recall.

[@drdavid1963]

For me, The Dark Knight is the only batman film apart from the original in 1966 (which was fun but just an extension of the TV series, so not a very good film, per se). Nolan the director and the writer are the only ones to really get to grips with something more interesting or substantial or relevant an inteerpretation of not just Batman himself but the whole city of Gotham. Other wise, it's just a one-dimensional cartoon character. You mention how us Dark Knight fans always mention The Joker. Well yes, he is utterly brilliant. But he represents the world that Nolan has created, a relevant post- 9/11 world where darkness has invaded the comic strip realm anad there is no clear happy ending. That is really subversive to me. And you mention it yourself about what Nolan is good at - creating a momentum that is very powerful. Yes, indeed! That's why I rate it so highly.

[@nerychristian]

I'm sorry. But the movies haven't aged well. Bale's Batman voice is so ridiculous, I can't take him seriously.

[@drdavid1963]

@@nerychristian 14 years? That's not very long

[@nerychristian]

@@drdavid1963 It's the first solo Batman movie since then.

[@drdavid1963]

@@nerychristian The whole Batman thing is dated to me

[@nerychristian]

@@drdavid1963 The same can be said of most superhero franchises.

[@geddyleesquire]

The Batman Mask of the Phantasm Under the Red Hood

[@Outcast66666]

You should watch under the red hood

[@Apjooz]

Batman and Robin would be the best if they went all in and utilized Schwarzenegger better.

[@jackdaniels2905]

DKR. To me, Bane is the most quotable character ever.

[@realDialFforFilm]

Not a big deal or anything, but are you doing away with your logo in the beginning?

[@deepfocuslens]

I'm having technical computer issues, so it's in the shop. I'm using a different one until I can get my stuff back. It's temporary.

[@realDialFforFilm]

@@deepfocuslens No problem at all. I just thought I'd ask. Keep up the great content.

[@bio1656]

Good commentary .

[@peterpellechia5985]

Nolan has no peer!!!

[@DaveMiller2]

I didn't care for The Batman. And for the most part Nolan's films are just OK. They're overrated. Ledger's Joker was outstanding though. Keaton was good, but Burton's film world was a bit too campy for me. Batman v Superman I really like. Ben Affleck did the best job playing Batman and playing Bruce Wayne. I don't watch the cartoons.

[@greydecaire8]

What I appreciate about Nolan's The Dark Knight is it's real world tie-ins thematically. In a post Bush-Cheney era Patriot Act society the notion of heros and villians became obscured and moral ambiguity ran rampant. One look at Jokers face hanging upside down, cast in shadow, calls to mind the breakdown of government and society. Batman after all chose to utilize cell phone data (unethical) to supposedly heroic ends, just like America did. It does ask the right questions for the time.

[@raymondascencio4379]

Rank all the Batman movies

[@joelwoods7149]

My tier ranking; The Batman, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises and then the others don't rate and TDKR barely does.

[@seanmiles6991]

Matt Reeves The Batman

[@michaeleberl2222]

1. Mask of The Phantasm 2. The Batman 3. Batman Returns 4. The Dark Knight 5. Batman 1989

[@android131c]

Batman Vs Swamp Thing would be the best Batman movie ever.

[@candysroom]

Yes

[@nerychristian]

I would love that. Or Clayface.

[@trydowave]

Batman. 1989

[@jermainehaslam5634]

The Batman is my favourite so far, really love Robert Pattinson's performance and the tone and different origin story of Batman was genius!

[@whereeaglesdare9584]

Hans Zimmer is the best Batman.