When it comes to Batman movies, there have been many over the years. From the campy Adam West version of the 1960s to the gritty and realistic Christopher Nolan trilogy, there’s no shortage of options for fans of the Dark Knight.
But which one is considered the best? Let’s take a closer look.
Tim Burton’s Batman (1989)
The first big-budget Batman movie, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader, was a massive success at the box office. It helped establish Batman as a serious character in Hollywood and paved the way for future superhero films. However, some fans argue that it hasn’t aged well and that its campy tone doesn’t fit with modern versions of Batman.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
This animated film is often overlooked when discussing the best Batman movies, but it shouldn’t be. Directed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, this film tells a dark and complex story about Batman’s past and his relationship with his greatest enemy, the Joker. It also features some stunning animation and voice work from Kevin Conroy as Batman/Bruce Wayne.
The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)
Christopher Nolan’s trilogy starring Christian Bale as Batman is widely regarded as one of the best superhero film series ever made. The films are gritty, realistic, and grounded in real-world issues like terrorism and corruption. The second film in particular, The Dark Knight (2008), is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made regardless of genre.
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
Another animated film that deserves more attention than it gets, Under the Red Hood tells a complex story about Batman’s relationship with his former sidekick Jason Todd (aka Robin) and his new enemy, the Red Hood. It features some great voice work from Bruce Greenwood as Batman and Jensen Ackles as the Red Hood.
Batman Begins (2005)
The first film in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, Batman Begins tells the origin story of Bruce Wayne and how he became Batman. It’s a well-crafted film that sets up the rest of the series nicely, but some fans argue that it’s not as strong as the other two films.
Conclusion
So which Batman movie is considered the best? It’s a tough call, as each film has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Some fans prefer the campy fun of Tim Burton’s original, while others prefer the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. However, if you’re looking for a recommendation, you can’t go wrong with The Dark Knight or Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.