Many shadows. More than one beginning.
Batman’s theatrical history is a collection of interpretations, not one continuous life. Explore the major Batman-led films and central live-action team-ups, from colorful adventure to noir and animation.
Before you press play
Pick a continuity instead of trying to join every film into one story. Batman Begins starts the Dark Knight trilogy; The Batman (2022) starts a separate interpretation. The 1989–1997 films form another run, while the 1966 film and animated features stand apart.
Films remain in release order within their own groups. Batman v Superman, Justice League, and The Flash occupy the DC shared-universe group. The Flash revisits another screen interpretation but does not turn every Batman film into one consistent timeline. Brief cameos, serials and direct-to-video animations are excluded.
The films / 14 theatrical releases
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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A theatrical feature spun from the colorful television interpretation.
Directed by Leslie H. Martinson
With Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Tim Burton’s first Batman film and the start of this four-film run.
Directed by Tim Burton
With Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Burton and Michael Keaton return for a second Gotham story.
Directed by Tim Burton
With Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
A theatrical animated mystery connected to Batman: The Animated Series.
Directed by Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski
With Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Hart Bochner
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Val Kilmer takes the role as this film run changes tone.
Directed by Joel Schumacher
With Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
George Clooney leads the fourth film in the 1989–1997 run.
Directed by Joel Schumacher
With George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell, Arnold Schwarzenegger
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
The starting point for Christopher Nolan’s separate trilogy.
Directed by Christopher Nolan
With Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
The middle chapter of the Christian Bale-led trilogy.
Directed by Christopher Nolan
With Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
US theatrical release:
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Completes the Nolan trilogy’s central story.
Directed by Christopher Nolan
With Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy
US theatrical release:
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Introduces Ben Affleck’s Batman within a wider superhero world.
Directed by Zack Snyder
With Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg
US theatrical release:
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A self-contained animated comedy drawing on Batman’s many screen versions.
Directed by Chris McKay
With Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
The theatrical ensemble film; distinct from the later streaming director’s version.
Directed by Zack Snyder, Joss Whedon
With Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams
US theatrical release:
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Robert Pattinson’s detective-focused interpretation starts a separate continuity.
Directed by Matt Reeves
With Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright
US theatrical release:
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A major team-up and multiverse story with returning Batman interpretations.
Directed by Andy Muschietti
With Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton
US theatrical release:
Check the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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