Michael Keaton Vs Ben Affleck: Who is the Better Batman?

Are you team OG or team Newbie? For this list, we’ll be looking at everything from performances to gadgets to see which actor’s gave us the best overall representation of the Caped Crusader. We'll be looking at fight scenes, intimidation factor, bat gear and more! Which of these crime fighting heroes would you put the Bat Signal up for? Let us know in the comments.
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#batman #michaelkeaton #benaffleck #dceu #dccomics #batmobile #gothamcity

[@WatchMojo]

For more batman content, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIrTgaKdfM50Y8U Which of these crime fighting heroes would you put the Bat Signal up for? Let us know in the comments. Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm and 8pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!

[@hunterrousseau3770]

Whoever will be cast to play the new "Bruce Wayne/Batman" in Peter Safran and James Gunn's new DC Universe 🦇

[@user-dr2sm7wu5o]

For me there are some pros, and cons for both capped crusaders, I don't think a would put the Bat Signal up for Miachel Keatan's Batman, because of his comedian side, I would put the Bat Signal up for Ben Aflac though, because of his more serious side, but if we're talking about suits I would put Miachel Keatan first, because his is less bulky, so I would put the Bat Signal up for Ben Aflac for his serious side.

[@hunterrousseau3770]

Whoever will be cast to play the new "Bruce Wayne/Batman" in Peter Safran and James Gunn's new DC Universe 🦇

[@michaelmonthey5974]

I am waiting patiently for the Top 10 Batman portrayals.

[@hunterrousseau3770]

Whoever will be cast to play the new "Bruce Wayne/Batman" in Peter Safran and James Gunn's new DC Universe 🦇

[@aidanhever3369]

I always voted for Michael Keaton. In fact, he was the main inspiration for the late great Kevin Conroy to voice the Caped Crusader.

[@chantayb86]

Facts

[@chantayb86]

As a Millennial who grew up watching Batman, Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman will always be iconic and timeless. He’s the reason why I watched the cartoon with Kevin Conroy as Batman when it first premiered on Fox Kids in 1992 as an elementary schooler.

[@JreamBeatz]

Conroy is Batman.

[@chantayb86]

@@JreamBeatzhe’s for animation. Be smart commenting on my section.

[@JreamBeatz]

@@chantayb86 sorry, didn’t mean to post my comment on yours. Deep breaths

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

1989’s ‘Batman’ is literally part of my childhood and also one of my top 5 most favorite non-DCEU movies of all time.

[@elusivent]

Afflecks version of Bruce is underrated in BvS. Personally i loved the party scene at lex luthors house! His interaction with Clark. "Maybe its just the Gotham city in me, we have a bad history with freaks dressed like clowns." I thought that was such a great line. Sounds like something snarky bruce would say especially in his older age

[@kingrobert7246]

late Kevin Conroy said Affleck had the perfect Bruce Wayne and Batman, I completely agree he gave a brilliant performance

[@missyj4439]

Michael Keaton everytime.

[@JamestheXennial]

Keaton by light years. But Kevin Conroy is my generation's definitive Batman.

[@rosellasolorzano878]

Kevin Conroy is a caricature. Yesterday I watched the movie.

[@ghostdragon4164]

I prefer Kevin Conroy. RIP

[@boy2savege17]

Same here, bro

[@Ah-ed6ie]

Conroy from games genre to animation all the way he was epic.

[@brycecarroll9665]

He was legendary.

[@chronolynx360]

Kevin FTW! Hands down!

[@deftrick]

Bingo, bro. Just bingo.

[@jeuryrabassa4724]

Michael Keaton has always been one my favorite live action Batmen. Adam West and Christian Bale are also my favorites as well. But when it comes to voice and animation, Kevin Conroy is the best and most legendary Batman. R.I.P Mr.Conroy.

[@Doyoueverwonderwhywerehere]

You do know that Keaton is why they chose Conroy right that should be even more of a reason to put keaton on top

[@victorsahni2071]

Between Ben Affleck as Batman vs Michael Keaton as Batman. I love both Ben and Michael as Batman but I choose Ben Affleck as the winner for how Batfleck has good martial arts fighting skills, Batfleck has a good voice and Batfleck has more DC movies.

[@AirbenderHawk]

Michael Keaton's the shit till this day, period!!!!

[@marval9119]

Keaton is the reason why I became a batman fan, however, Ben Affleck is the closest to batman phisically (taking into account the comics). Ben is the best one imo.

[@TheGlobalfrog12]

I think Afleck's portrayal is under appreciated..

[@darkseidwavyy]

Agreed. People keep hating it due to the flaw that he killed and used guns. Only flaw with Afflecks Batman but his portrayal overall wasn’t too campy and bland, it had some great moments to it. At least Snyder tried to give Affleck a character arc.

[@Doyoueverwonderwhywerehere]

It just felt like the punisher wearing a Batman suit to me

[@user-qq4ii3xl4k]

For me it is definitely Michael Keaton.His perfomance as Batman is iconic.

[@ooo00OOQ]

LOL! Leaton, what about Ben Maffleck

[@BeegYoshi24]

WHAT ARE YOU??!! I'm Leaton.

[@LEONFENG134]

George Clooney

[@dannytooley7530]

Micheal Keaton

[@AriffRed01]

Yup, Michael Leaton, the alternate universe ver of Michael Keaton

[@kzarkage]

Live action portrayals come and go and everyone has their particular version that they like best but there will only ever be one vocal talent that everyone can agree *is* the caped crusader

[@morimo11]

At the time the choice of Keaton seemed ridiculous. He was primarily known for comedies. He’s also my favorite Batman.

[@wendyodell356]

Michael Keaton is my favorite. I haven't even been to see any others since his Batman presents. I'm so glad he's back. The world is right again.

[@jayday5149]

Michael Keaton , no watch, no explanations. ✌️

[@TheMoonRabbit27]

I can’t believe this is even a question. Of course Michael Keaton will always be superior. 🤷‍♀️

[@jamesauber8622]

Michael Keaton was and always will be the best Batman. All time Batman returns will always be my favorite Batman film. Ever

[@boy2savege17]

Keaton is still the most popular actor to play Batman in live-action, winning 23 States and comfortably beating Christian Bale in second place with 18.

[@jambudvipi]

Michael Keaton ✊

[@GamerFunOriginallyAarush]

Micheal Keaton will always be my favorite!

[@trexadvent4726]

What would have happened if we saw Ben Affleck Batman somehow meeting Michael Keaton Batman? Would that still happen since the Flash movie introduced the Multiverse?

[@TheBroncoley]

Despite how underwhelming The Flash was, Keaton was still amazing in it. His fight at the Russian base was on-par with Affleck's warehouse scene, & taking on Nam-Ek without Kryptonite or Armor & still knocking him down is insane for a Batman in his 70s.

[@collegebro85]

“Underwhelming” Flash…far from it, it was the best DCEU movie next to Snyder’s JL, and while Keaton remains my fave Batman as well and I agree how awesome his scenes were in this, even without him the movie was truly amazing…$155mil is not a failure.

[@TheBroncoley]

@@collegebro85 That is certainly an opinion, but the majority of fans do not share it. But what is a fact is that the movie is a box office bomb, since that $130M is for worldwide gross, which is pitiful given the movie's insane budget & marketing costs. Domestically it made a meager $55M, which is even lower than Black Adam, a movie that bombed hard. So all facts point to The Flash being an absolute failure, but if you enjoyed it, good for you, just don't hold your breath expecting to see any of these actors reprising their roles ever again (in as much as it hurts to say because I would have loved a Batman Beyond film with Keaton).

[@amberjohnson4820]

No question, Michael Keaton’s Batman is the winner. Legendary. 😎

[@brentm8863]

Keaton is my favorite Batman, but affleck is a very very strong second. I was very impressed with his portrayal of Bruce/Batman.

[@michaelpaulsministry]

I always will vote for Keaton because the movie of Batman with Michael Keaton came out when I was a boy. I also went to the Autorama in Michigan and I got to see Michael Keaton's Batmobile with my Best Friend Tommy Bradner. That was an experience I would never forget because I had a Polaroid picture taken of me and my Best Friend with the Batmobile. 😎💖

[@chrisandre1315]

I'd LOVE to see Watchmojo try Grant Gustin's Flash vs. Ezra Miller's Flash next time 😂

[@charlyblack587]

This is an easy one grant gustin for sure he is not annoying at all .

[@David-kn2il]

@@charlyblack587 Yep

[@BigTymerz2009]

First time someone will get a 5-0 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@owie4070]

​@charlene clouthier Glad to know I'm not the only one who finds Miller annoying.

[@boy2savege17]

Despite both films being huge commercial success, it's an exciting time for Batman in live-action since there will be more versions than ever before hitting theaters over the next few years.

[@xyzz8722]

Would love to keep Keaton and Affleck alongside Pattison and the Gunn Batman.

[@californiaman4000]

For me.. Adam West, Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and Kevin Conroy are my favorite Batman.

[@aidanscarletwolf]

I couldn't agree with you more. Those were the definitive batmen!

[@hawkzulu5671]

Keaton for sure.

[@joshuablakely4068]

I love both Keaton and Affleck versions of Batman… If I put my top 3 batman of all time. Animation ( Kevin Conroy) BEST. Animated Batman. 1. Keaton 2. Bale 3.Affleck And also a lot of people to me don’t understand the perspective of Ben Affleck’s Batman. He played a more brawler, broken, older batman actually Frank Millers batman. And I actually think he did a Great Job !!!!!!

[@BeardoFett]

I think Christian Bale vs Michael Keaton would have been a better question. I would say Keaton, all day. Followed by Kevin Conroy, Adam West..... and at the bottom, Ben Affleck. 😅

[@Kiahnajade]

Michael Keaton. Hands down.

[@Rao_Rolland]

Batman is not an American Psycho. He's a guy with one hell of a Night Shift. 😉

[@timothymorris157]

Michael Keaton’s Batman will always be my favorite and is undeniably the best incarnation of the Caped Crusader because if it wasn’t for Keaton and Tim Burton, we never would’ve had Ben Affleck perhaps even any other successful or popular actor as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the movies after the original 1989 box office hit. #BobKane #TimBurton #MichaelKeaton #Batman1989 🦇

[@trexadvent4726]

Who has the best Alfred Pennyworth between these two Batman? What do you think these two Batman would be like if we saw them fighting alongside Robin and Batgirl?

[@ill-nois2282]

One of my favorite attributes of Michael Keaton’s Batman was his intimidation factor. Although he wasn’t as aggressively intimidating as Bale or had that brute force like Affleck, Keaton had that stoic demeanor where he didn’t have to say much

[@JustAcommenter29]

Hands down, NO competition, Michael Keaton IS Batman!!

[@collegebro85]

I grew up with Keaton as Batman, so of course there is a slight bias there, but really these two men are phenomenal and basically the same person, in a way. Keaton plays Bats at his peak, while Affleck portrays him as a gruff and grizzled vet affected by decades of evil in this world. Bring in Pattinson as the perfect prelude to Keaton and Affleck, and they really do compare quite well!

[@Rain0327]

After watching The Flash, I would honestly give the action scenes point to Keaton. Dude was giving people Arkham style beatdowns and I loved every second of it.

[@user-dp4kb9up2t]

Nah . they were great but bens warehouse scene still at the top. Plus his fight vs sups was good to. That last battle in zsjl was good to . not gonna lie tho I can see why you like them better . it is a close call for me . oh and his flash scene with the bike was also good

[@lfgubrs]

Michael Keaton - > Christian Bale -> Ben Affleck. With that said Ben Affleck was a great Batman aswell just Keaton and Bale set the bar high.

[@celiabrown153]

I would have to agree. 😂

[@eddierosario1537]

Val Kilmer was better then afflick

[@rogerwhittaker4189]

No Val Kilmer wasn't a better batman than ben affleck ,because he wasn't convincing enough and too skinny back then he would've made a better aquaman ,because he had blonde hair.

[@Deathstroke4200]

Batman "89" is the first real film I watched as a kid. I grew up watching BTAS. Kevin Conroy is hand's down the voice I hear. But out of live action I have to go with Affleck and I hated when he was announced for the role. Affleck completely owned the role. Such a shame we never got a solo film for his Batman.

[@mattmadden3013]

Wasn't happy to hear either of these guys answering the BAT SIGNAL, but was pleasantly surprised by both of their performances. I'm a big Keaton fan, but not so much a fan of Affleck, however I think Affleck was the better BATMAN.

[@jaredquinney204]

What an awesome video

[@UmeshSagarOfficial]

Ben Affleck is my absolute favourite by far

[@chidieberenwadike4165]

I love both of them. Don't care who's the strongest or the better. Both actors were badass in the roles.

[@DanFarrell98]

Damn if only there was a film with both of these actors playing Batman and having badass and heroic action scenes! That film would be amazing

[@mambamentalitymyers_1786]

Cough..flash

[@lexazazel7522]

Michael Keaton👌

[@boy2savege17]

Definitely Michael Keaton

[@carlminorsr2634]

Without even watching the video Michael Keaton.

[@Unwindfilms]

Keaton had me when he Said "I'm Batman" the first time from there I just enjoyed the ride 😎

[@artwerksentertainment8958]

Don't get me wrong, I love Michael Keaton, and he did give us a great cinematic Batman, b to really kick things off, but in the fight department, he's just not the cape-clad wrecking ball Ben Affleck was! The warehouse fight in BVS was hands down the most iconic Batman fight even filmed...I'm a little kid every time I watch it!!

[@micjoseph6250]

Keaton is.

[@boy2savege17]

🐐

[@waheedabdullah6371]

Still wish we got a Bat Affleck solo movie about being hunted by Deathstroke

[@silverstrike5904]

Me too

[@pjpatron]

Hell Yes!

[@electroCon5445]

Yeah he needed his own film

[@Daniel-cd1dj]

Exactly !

[@kevinlee5753]

Without Keaton reviving an almost dead franchise back in the 90s you probably wouldn't even have had a Bale or an Affleck Batman so for me Keaton all the way. Plus an old Keaton took on a kryptonian without anything special while Bale lost to Bane round 1 and Affleck used kryptonite. If an old Keaton could do that imagine what a younger one could do I'm just saying 🤷

[@dhenderson1810]

So, would you say without Christopher Reeve as Superman, you wouldn't have got Henry Cavill?

[@kevinlee5753]

@@dhenderson1810 not necessarily considering Reeves still had a campy appearance to his films. Keaton introduced a darker tone that was pretty much normalized later on even though the film Batman and Robin tried to go the opposite direction it didn't stop future films from having a darker tone. Before Keaton's Batman came out it was considered a dead franchise that took about 10 years before the approval of his movie could've even been made but once made it sparked Batmania and essentially revived the franchise. Reeves' Superman perhaps did provide some influence though so I wouldn't count his films out I'm just not into Superman that much so I wouldn't know for certain about his influence. I just know going from West to Keaton caused a huge revival in hero movies in general.

[@dhenderson1810]

@@kevinlee5753 Superman should never have a darker tone. Batman is about darkness and vengeance, Superman is light and hope.

[@sabrinayoungwolfemyers9796]

Michael Keaton, hands down, no questions asked!!

[@donathanrogers2341]

I got be honest here: I just can’t compare the awesomeness of these two!😎

[@JessicaChastainFan]

Keaton by far. The warehouse fight is all Batfleck has. BatKeaton has the alley fight, the cathedral fight, both fights with the Red Triangle Gang, the fight against the Russians and then the Kryptonians. He's THE goddamn Batman. And that's not even including all of the chases, villain kills and more

[@mike91mdk45]

Definitely keaton. Batfleck's got the size, but keaton's got more of a presence about him. There's an intensity and demeanor that he needs no gravelly or altered voice to augment. I just look at his face and believe he's not intimidated by psychopaths

[@eragonmarkmc]

Keaton

[@Baja_Karate93]

I will choose these two versions along with val kilmer and george clooney adam west included as my live action batmen along with the great voice of Kevin conroy when he voiced the batman may that man rest in peace

[@BUDOKAIultimate3]

After seeing The Flash(underwhelming film) Keaton was definitely the Standout. So much so, that I really want to see him suit up as Batman on more time in a sequel to 'Returns'. Lets forget about 'Forever' and '& Robin'.

[@google_was_my_idea_first]

They really need to make a true The Dark Knight Returns with Affleck. As he has gotten older, he has become the angry, grovely Bruce Wayne perfectly.

[@trexadvent4726]

Just like the Dark Knight returns Armor, Do you think we could have seen Ben Affleck Batman in Armors like the Element-X Batsuit, Hellbat suit and the Justice Buster Armor? What do you think Michael Keaton Batman would be like if he put on those suits?

[@jonathandelacruz8358]

Michael is the greatest Batman hands down

[@cheatcodecharlie]

Michael and Christian Bale.....

[@michaelmonthey5974]

Michael, Christian Bale, Kevin Conroy and Robert Pattinson

[@kadencastro8168]

@@michaelmonthey5974 No Ben? That’s disrespectful

[@Irishdude85]

Keaton hands down. It's not even a contest.

[@conniewest3413]

I am and always will be a Michael Keaton Batman lover!

[@atmakasuma123]

I love both of them.both of them are lagend on their time

[@Jubilee3011]

you should do a vs of all the batmans from movies

[@PetaHatingChris42]

Michael Keaton for the win! He IS Batman!

[@mlggamer5296]

Also Michael Keaton's version is the first Version I ever knew. Long before Justice League unlimited and any other version

[@Alex-ng6hc]

I honestly don't know whom I prefer. Michael Keaton's Batman was brilliant because it showed how adaptable an actor he is. Ben Affleck's Batman captured the rigged middle-aged Frank Miller's Batman, and his redemption story in Justice League was beautiful

[@shanonsara2180]

Keaton, no question.

[@jasonburke8657]

Michael Keaton is the best live action Batman, and Kevin Conroy as the Voice of Batman.

[@garveyneal1672]

If you combined Ben Affleck's fight scenes and intimidation factor with Michael Keaton's Civilian identity, Bat gear and performance what kind of Batman would you get?

[@TheBroncoley]

If you do that, & add Kevin Conroy's voice, you'd get perfection.

[@garveyneal1672]

@@TheBroncoley Unfortunetly Kevin Conroy's dead now but what about Roger Craig Smith

[@TheBroncoley]

@@garveyneal1672 Almost perfection then.

[@ilyab4803]

You would get Arkham batman

[@jonathanbhatty8592]

@@ilyab4803 True Arkham or Telltale Batman.

[@jermainemorton5635]

Michael Keaton and Kevin Conroy are the best two Batman

[@RandomRoss]

If it was West VS Conroy that will be a tough one both part of my childhood both great Batmen.

[@bbonds7849]

Two words: "I'm Batman." Discussion over.

[@lewiscook4167]

Think u will give Keaton the fighting category after you see him in this film

[@engagewgage3811]

It even finna watch full video. Cause. Christian Bale Best Batman of all time.

[@tastebudswithtariq2330]

Michael Keaton's batman performance is one of the best portayals of the caped crusader. He has a better batsuit and batmobile than Afflecks', has a few detective skills and despite his stature, when he puts on the suit, he's oddly intimidating. Kind of like Joe Pesci is intimidating in the movies he stars in.

[@danielau7365]

About the batmobile: Affleck’s batmobile is trying to emulate two different batmobiles and one of them was Keaton’s batmobile which says a lot if you ask me

[@floydmills8963]

Honestly, all the live action Batmen' had something to offer. But seeing's how I watched BATMAN 1989 in the theater when I was 10 years old. Nobody brought all of it together the way Michael Keaton did. Just my thoughts on it y'all, peace and love 🤟

[@samuraicowboy805]

Still remember “same bat time, same bat channel” RIP Adam West

[@cindyerickson339]

I wish we can see both Affleck and Keaton either fighting each other or just meeting each other in general.

[@dasher920]

You forgot about the bat cd mixer from Batman returns

[@andriyanto-wl3no]

Michael Keaton the Nostalgia year 1989-1992 and 2023.Amezing!😍👍😀

[@mrmattes]

Michael Keaton of course, we dont even need to talk about it

[@rosellasolorzano878]

Michael Keaton is First live action. He gave life to the bat in the movie theater. With his own style, gadget, . Affleck appeared a few years ago.

[@michaelmonthey5974]

Suggestion. Top 20 Batman Actors. Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, Robert Pattinson, Kevin Conroy, Jason O’ Mara, Rino Romano, Roger Craig Smith, Keanu Reeves, Adam West, Val Kilmer, Peter Weller, William Baldwin, Bruce Greenwood, Will Arnett, Kevin Porter, Diedrich Bader, Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowrey, Jensen Ackles, Ben McKenzie, Wilson Duke, Will Fridell.

[@marcgonzalez9126]

I like Ben Affleck batman & Michael Keaton batman also.

[@tylerlarson7263]

Affleck's Batman was dark like that because I'd bet he'd just lost Jason Todd not to long ago before the events of Dawn of Justice. It would so much sense because Jason was Bruce's adopted son and protege and losing him broke Bruce's heart and he's trying to hide that pain inside. Had Ben gotten his own Batman movie I bet it would've been great.

[@TheBlond49]

Batffleck: Better performance Best Bruce Wayne, Best Batman, best Gadgets, best action, best feats.

[@denisef2845]

Michael Keaton is MY Batman.

[@donkalina1543]

I grew up with Keaton's Batman so there's probably a lot of bias here but he is my definitive Batman!! They did him SO MUCH justice with his fight scenes in the Flash!! Like he KICKED ASS in that movie!! He tore rite through that Russian facility!!

[@Quincy82AAC]

Michael Keaton is my favourite Batman. 🦇🦇🦇🦇

[@thomasgoree7976]

Right on!! Keaton is and always will be The God Damn Batman!

[@juancabardo21]

Both are awesome. Keaton’s mask is better with the longer ears imo, but Affleck’s is more physically intimidating

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Batkeaton had a lot of disadvantages because the movie needs to be PG back in '89 unlike Batfleck that didn't pull the punches.

[@benmunn7593]

I'd love to see a VS episode on The Dark Knight, the movie The Dark Knight or the trilogy, vs The Batman