For fans of the Dark Knight, tracking the Batman series in order can feel like navigating Gotham City’s tangled alleyways. So many actors have played Bruce Wayne, so many directors have brought the Caped Crusader to life on screen, and so many versions of the Batman story exist that it's easy to get lost in the chaos. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering Gotham's brooding protector, this article lays out every major film and series in the correct viewing sequence.

From the earliest black-and-white serials to the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy and the stylish darkness of Matt Reeves’ 2022 version, the Batman series in order is a journey through decades of evolving storytelling, visual styles, and interpretations of one of DC Comics’ most enduring characters.

So, if you're wondering where to start, how the movies connect (or don’t), and which version of Batman you should watch next, you're in the right place. We’ve got you covered with a detailed breakdown of all the major Batman films and series, arranged chronologically and by cinematic universe.

• Marjorie Bach Wikipedia

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Batman in Cinema: A Brief Overview
• Batman Series in Order by Cinematic Universe
  • Tim Burton’s Batman Series
  • Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever and Batman and Robin
  • Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy
  • DCEU Batman Movies in Order
  • The Batman (2022) Movie and Possible Sequels
• Batman TV Series in Order
  • Batman (1966 TV Series)
  • Batman: The Animated Series
  • Other TV Adaptations
• How to Watch Batman Series in Order
• Frequently Asked Questions

Batman in Cinema: A Brief Overview

Batman first appeared in the comics back in 1939, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger for DC Comics. His popularity quickly grew, and by the 1940s, he was already making appearances in movie serials. These early adaptations were more about action and adventure, not so much about psychological depth or brooding intensity. Still, they laid the groundwork for what would come next.

Fast forward to the 1980s and Batman was ready for a cinematic comeback. Tim Burton’s 1989 film redefined how audiences saw the character. It brought a darker, more gothic atmosphere to the screen, setting the tone for future adaptations. And from there, the Batman series in order started to branch out in different directions—some more successful than others.

So whether you're curious about the origins of the Batman film franchise, how each director’s vision changed the character, or you're just trying to figure out which version of the Joker was played by Heath Ledger, we’ll walk you through the entire cinematic journey of the Dark Knight.

• Marisa Tomei Sexy

Batman Series in Order by Cinematic Universe

One of the trickier parts of following the Batman series in order is understanding that Batman has existed across multiple cinematic universes. Some of these films share continuity, while others are standalone stories. Here’s a breakdown of the major film series and the order in which you should watch them.

Tim Burton’s Batman Series

Tim Burton’s Batman universe kicked off in 1989 with the release of Batman, starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne. This was a bold move at the time—Keaton was best known for his comedic roles, and many fans were skeptical. But the movie was a hit, and it brought a darker, more stylized version of Gotham City to life.

• Batman (1989) – Directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker.
• Batman Returns (1992) – The sequel, featuring Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.

These two films are often seen as the most cohesive part of Burton’s vision. After that, the studio changed direction, and the next Batman films took on a more colorful and campy tone under a new director.

Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever and Batman and Robin

Joel Schumacher stepped in to direct the next two Batman films, which took a more lighthearted and visually flashy approach. These movies leaned into the campier side of the character and were heavily criticized for their tone and style.

• Batman Forever (1995) – Val Kilmer takes over as Batman, with Jim Carrey as the Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face.
• Batman and Robin (1997) – George Clooney plays Batman, with Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy.

While these films are often looked back on with mixed feelings, they’re still a part of the Batman film legacy and can be fun for fans who enjoy a more stylized and less serious approach to Gotham’s protector.

Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy

Fast forward to 2005, and Christopher Nolan brought a gritty, grounded realism to the Batman series in order with his trilogy. These films are widely regarded as some of the best superhero movies of all time, blending intense action with deep character development and moral complexity.

• Batman Begins (2005) – Christian Bale stars as Bruce Wayne, exploring his origin story and how he becomes Batman.
• The Dark Knight (2008) – Arguably the most iconic Batman film, featuring Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker.
• The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – The final chapter, where Batman faces off against Bane and saves Gotham one last time.

Watching these films in order is key to understanding the evolution of Bruce Wayne’s character and the stakes involved in his war against crime. They’re also a great example of how a superhero story can be both entertaining and emotionally powerful.

DCEU Batman Movies in Order

When the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) started taking shape, Batman returned in the form of Ben Affleck. His version of Bruce Wayne was older, more jaded, and already deeply involved in the superhero world.

• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – Batman makes his DCEU debut, clashing with Superman before realizing they need to team up.
• Justice League (2017, 2021) – Batman helps assemble the team to stop Steppenwolf and later Darkseid.

Ben Affleck’s portrayal was more about the toll of being Batman, showing a character who has been fighting for a long time. While his films didn’t get the best reception, they’re still part of the ongoing Batman film series and offer a different take on the hero.

The Batman (2022) Movie and Possible Sequels

In 2022, Robert Pattinson stepped into the role of a younger, more inexperienced Batman. Directed by Matt Reeves, this film brought a fresh take on the character, focusing on his detective skills and the corrupt underbelly of Gotham City.

• The Batman (2022) – Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, with Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, Colin Farrell as the Penguin, and Paul Dano as the Riddler.

This version of Batman feels like a noir thriller, more in line with classic detective stories. It’s a fresh start for the character and opens the door for future films that could explore more of Gotham’s villains and mysteries.

So far, The Batman is a standalone film, but there are plans for a sequel and potentially a new series of films in this universe. Fans are excited to see where the story goes next.

Batman TV Series in Order

Batman’s adventures aren’t limited to the big screen. Over the decades, the character has also been a staple of television, with animated and live-action series that have shaped how we see the hero. Here’s how to watch the major Batman TV series in order.

Batman (1966 TV Series)

Starring Adam West as Bruce Wayne, the 1966 series was a campy, colorful take on the character. It was wildly popular at the time and has since become a cult classic.

• Batman (1966–1968) – Three seasons of episodic, often comedic adventures featuring a rotating cast of villains and plenty of iconic gadgets.

If you're looking for a lighter, more humorous take on the Batman mythos, this is the place to start. It’s also a great example of how the character was perceived in the 1960s.

Batman: The Animated Series

Airing in the 1990s, Batman: The Animated Series is widely regarded as one of the best superhero cartoons ever made. It brought a dark, noir-inspired aesthetic to the small screen and helped shape how fans saw the character for years to come.

• Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1996) – Kevin Conroy voices Batman, with Mark Hamill as the Joker.

This series has a dedicated fanbase and is often cited as one of the most faithful adaptations of the comics. It’s a must-watch for any Batman enthusiast.

Other TV Adaptations

Other TV shows have featured Batman in various forms, including:

• Batman Beyond (1999–2001) – A futuristic take on the Batman legacy, featuring a new young hero.
• The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999) – A continuation of the animated series with new episodes and storylines.

These shows expand the Batman universe and offer different perspectives on the character, often exploring themes of legacy and identity.

How to Watch Batman Series in Order

If you're diving into the Batman series in order, here’s a suggested viewing sequence that blends cinematic and TV adaptations:

1. Batman (1989)
2. Batman Returns (1992)
3. Batman Forever (1995)
4. Batman and Robin (1997)
5. Batman Begins (2005)
6. The Dark Knight (2008)
7. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
9. Justice League (2017 / 2021)
10. The Batman (2022)

For the animated and TV series, follow this order:

1. Batman (1966 TV Series)
2. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1996)
3. The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999)
4. Batman Beyond (1999–2001)

Watching everything in this order gives you a full picture of how the Batman character has evolved over the decades. It also helps you appreciate the different tones and styles that each version of the Dark Knight brings to the table.

You can find most of these films and shows on streaming platforms like HBO Max, Disney+, or Amazon Prime, depending on your region. For more detailed guides on where to watch, you can visit HBO Max or check your local streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order to watch Batman movies?

The correct order depends on whether you're watching within a specific cinematic universe or across all versions. For Tim Burton’s films, watch Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). For Nolan’s trilogy, start with Batman Begins (2005), then The Dark Knight (2008), followed by The Dark Knight Rises (2012). The DCEU films are Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017 / 2021). Finally, The Batman (2022) starts a new series.

Is The Batman part of the DCEU?

No, The Batman (2022) is not part of the DCEU. It’s a standalone film that exists in its own universe, separate from the films featuring Ben Affleck’s version of Batman.

Who has played Batman in the movies?

Several actors have played Batman in the films, including Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson. Each brings a different interpretation of the character to life.

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