Batman has been around for decades, but watching all the movies in order can be a bit confusing—especially with so many versions, reboots, and timelines. Whether you're a long-time fan or just starting to get into the Dark Knight's world, getting the movies in the right sequence helps you follow the story better and appreciate the evolution of Gotham's brooding protector. So, if you're thinking about a movie marathon or just curious about which ones came first, you're in the right place.

Watching Batman movies in order might seem straightforward, but it's not always as simple as chronological release dates. Some of the films take place in alternate universes or timelines, and others are part of different cinematic universes altogether. For example, the Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan films don't share the same world, and the latest version with Robert Pattinson brings yet another fresh take on the character.

So, whether you're into the campy 60s version, the gritty realism of The Dark Knight trilogy, or the newest gritty reboot, this guide will help you sort through the chaos and get your Batman movie marathon in the right order. Let’s dive into the full list and see how each film fits into the bigger picture.

• Bae Suzy

Table of Contents

• Why Batman Movies in Order Matters
• Batman Movie Timeline: In Order by Release Date
• Different Batman Universes and Reboots
• Best Way to Watch Batman Movies in Order
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

Batman Movie Timeline: In Order by Release Date

Let's start with the most straightforward way to watch all the Batman movies—by release date. This is a great option if you're interested in seeing how the character and style evolved over time. Here’s the list of live-action Batman films in order from oldest to newest:

1. Batman (1966) – Based on the classic TV series with Adam West as the Caped Crusader.
2. Batman (1989) – Tim Burton’s dark and gothic take starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson.
3. Batman Returns (1992) – The sequel to Burton’s original film, featuring the Penguin and Catwoman.
4. Batman Forever (1995) – Directed by Joel Schumacher with Val Kilmer as Batman.
5. Batman & Robin (1997) – The infamous and campy film starring George Clooney.
6. Batman Begins (2005) – Christopher Nolan’s gritty reboot with Christian Bale.
7. The Dark Knight (2008) – Considered by many to be the best Batman movie ever made.
8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – The final film in Nolan’s trilogy.
9. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – Ben Affleck’s first on-screen appearance as Batman in the DC Extended Universe.
10. Justice League (2017) – Batman teams up with other heroes to form the Justice League.
11. The Batman (2022) – A fresh take on the early days of Batman with Robert Pattinson.

So, if you’re just looking to follow the release order and see how each director and actor brought something different to the role, this list is the way to go. However, if you want to follow the internal chronology of each version’s universe, things get a bit more complicated.

Different Batman Universes and Reboots

One of the more confusing aspects of Batman movies in order is that they don’t all take place in the same universe. That means you can’t just watch them from start to finish and expect a consistent storyline. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different universes and reboots:

• Jillian Grace

• 1966 Batman Movie – Part of the campy TV show universe with its own lighthearted tone.
• Tim Burton’s Batman (1989-1992) – A darker, gothic world that helped redefine the character for modern audiences.
• Joel Schumacher’s Batman (1995-1997) – A more colorful and campy take that didn’t resonate as well with fans.
• Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012) – A grounded, realistic version with a strong focus on character development.
• DC Extended Universe (2016-2017) – Batman appears in a shared universe with Superman and other heroes.
• Robert Pattinson’s The Batman (2022) – A new standalone origin story with a noir-inspired tone.

So, if you're watching Batman movies in order, it's important to know which universe you're stepping into. Each version of Batman tells a slightly different story, and mixing them up can be jarring. For example, the tone of The Dark Knight is way more serious than Batman & Robin, so watching them back-to-back might feel a bit off.

Best Way to Watch Batman Movies in Order

Now that you know the different versions of Batman and how they don’t all exist in the same world, let’s talk about the best way to watch all the movies. Here are a few options depending on what you’re looking for:

Option 1: By Release Date

This is the simplest approach and helps you see the evolution of the character over time. It's also a good way to compare how each director and actor interpreted the role differently.

Option 2: By Universe

If you want to follow a specific version of the Batman story, it makes sense to group the movies by universe. For example:

• Tim Burton’s Batman: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)
• Joel Schumacher’s Batman: Batman Forever (1995), Batman & Robin (1997)
• Christopher Nolan’s Batman: Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
• DC Extended Universe: Batman v Superman (2016), Justice League (2017)
• Robert Pattinson’s The Batman: The Batman (2022)

So, if you’re into a specific version of Batman, like Nolan’s trilogy, this is the way to go. You’ll get a more cohesive story and a better sense of character development.

Option 3: Chronological Order Within Each Universe

This is a bit more advanced, but if you're really into Batman lore, you can watch the movies in the order they take place in each universe. For example, in Nolan’s trilogy, you’d start with Batman Begins, then The Dark Knight, and finally The Dark Knight Rises. In the DCEU, you’d watch Batman v Superman first and then Justice League.

So, depending on your interest and how deep you want to go, you can choose the option that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I watch Batman movies in order of release or timeline?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Watching them in release order shows how the character evolved over time, while watching them in timeline order gives a more cohesive story within each universe. If you're new to Batman, starting with the release order is probably easiest.

2. Are all Batman movies connected?

No, they’re not. Each version of Batman exists in its own separate universe, so there’s no single timeline that connects them all. For example, the Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan versions don’t share any characters or events.

3. What’s the best Batman movie to start with?

If you're looking for a modern take, The Dark Knight is often considered the best. If you want a more grounded origin story, Batman Begins is a solid choice. For a fresh and unique take, The Batman (2022) is worth checking out.

Final Thoughts

Watching Batman movies in order can be a fun way to explore the many different versions of the character. Whether you're into the campy 60s vibe, the dark realism of Nolan’s films, or the newer noir-inspired take with Robert Pattinson, there’s a Batman movie out there for everyone.

So, if you’re planning a movie night or just curious about the evolution of the Dark Knight, this guide should help you sort through the chaos and find the right order for your viewing pleasure. And if you want to learn more about how to create your own movie marathon, check out our full guide here.

For more information on Batman lore and the actors who've played the role, you can also check out DC Comics' official site for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.