Batman has been a cornerstone of pop culture for nearly a century, and with so many movies, shows, and animated features, it’s no wonder fans often get confused about where to start. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard Bat-fan, figuring out how to watch Batman in order can feel like navigating a maze, especially with so many timelines, reboots, and alternate universes floating around.

From the 1940s serials to the gritty Nolan trilogy and the latest 2022 reboot, the Caped Crusader has been reimagined time and time again. This guide breaks everything down so you can follow Bruce Wayne’s journey the way it was meant to be seen—chronologically.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I watch Batman in order?” or “Where does The Batman (2022) fit in the lineup?”—you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into Gotham and piece together the full cinematic saga of Batman.

• Susan Fallender

Table of Contents

1. Batman Biography
2. How to Watch Batman Movies in Chronological Order
3. Animated Batman Movies to Add to Your List
4. Batman TV Shows and Series Worth Watching
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Batman Biography

Let’s start at the beginning—Bruce Wayne’s origin story. Batman isn’t just a superhero; he’s a symbol of vengeance, justice, and resilience.

Bruce Wayne’s life changed forever when he witnessed the murder of his parents as a child. That trauma drove him to become Batman, a vigilante who operates outside the law to bring criminals to justice. Over the decades, this character has evolved across comics, animated series, live-action films, and even video games.

How to Watch Batman Movies in Chronological Order

So you want to watch Batman in order? Here’s the full list of theatrical releases, organized by the in-universe timeline. Keep in mind, some adaptations are standalone, while others are part of connected universes.

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1. Batman (1966) – A campy, colorful version of the Caped Crusader based on the TV series.
2. Batman: The Movie (1989) – Tim Burton’s dark and gothic take starring Michael Keaton.
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) – Often criticized for its campy tone and performances.
6. Batman Begins (2005) – Christopher Nolan’s reboot starring Christian Bale as a younger, more grounded Bruce Wayne.
7. The Dark Knight (2008) – Arguably the best Batman film ever made, featuring Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker.
8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – The final installment in Nolan’s trilogy, wrapping up Bruce’s journey.
9. The Batman (2022) – A fresh, noir-inspired take with Robert Pattinson as a younger Batman.

This list follows the in-universe chronology rather than release order. However, if you're looking for a more thematic approach, you can also watch them in the order they were released. The Nolan trilogy, for instance, tells a complete story arc and can be watched as a standalone set.

So if you're wondering where The Batman (2022) fits in, it’s actually a bit of a soft reboot. It doesn’t connect to the Nolan films but builds a new version of Gotham. So you can watch it after or even before the others, depending on how you want to experience the character.

Animated Batman Movies to Add to Your List

Batman isn’t just about live-action films. The animated universe has some of the darkest, most complex takes on the hero. These films are worth adding to your list if you’re serious about watching Batman in order.

• Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) – Often considered the best Batman animated film, this one ties into the original animated series.
• Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) – A gritty animated film featuring Jason Todd’s return as the Red Hood.
• Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012) – A two-part animated adaptation of Frank Miller’s comic.
• Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019) – A fun crossover that’s more for fans of both universes.
• Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021) – A martial arts-inspired Batman film set in the 1970s.

Some of these animated films take place in their own universes, so you can watch them separately or in the order they were released. For a complete Batman marathon, include these in your lineup—they add depth and variety to the overall story.

Batman TV Shows and Series Worth Watching

TV has played a big role in shaping Batman over the years. Some of the best takes on the character have come from animated series and live-action shows.

• Batman (1966–1968) – The classic, campy Adam West version that defined Batman for a generation.
• Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995) – The definitive Batman show for many fans, with a noir style and deep storytelling.
• Batman Beyond (1999–2001) – A futuristic take where an elderly Bruce Wayne mentors a new Batman.
• Gotham (2014–2019) – A prequel series that follows Commissioner Gordon as he builds a relationship with the young Bruce Wayne.

Gotham is especially useful if you’re trying to watch Batman in order, as it shows the early days of Gotham’s corruption and how Bruce Wayne became the man he is. It’s a great companion to the films, especially the Nolan trilogy and The Batman (2022).

So if you're watching Batman in order, the TV shows can either be viewed alongside the films or as background material to better understand the world of Gotham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order to watch Batman movies?

For chronological order based on in-universe timeline, watch: Batman (1966), Batman (1989), Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, The Batman (2022). Alternatively, you can watch them in release order for a different experience.

Where does The Batman (2022) fit in the timeline?

The Batman (2022) is a soft reboot and doesn’t tie into the Nolan films. It introduces a younger Bruce Wayne, so you can watch it either before or after the Nolan trilogy, depending on your preference.

Are animated Batman movies part of the main timeline?

Most animated Batman films exist in their own universes. However, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and some episodes of Batman: The Animated Series are considered part of a connected universe that many fans enjoy as a continuation of the 1990s era.

Can I skip some Batman movies?

It really depends on your interest level. If you’re a casual viewer, you might skip the 1990s films and jump straight into the Nolan trilogy. However, for a complete experience, especially if you’re watching Batman in order, it's best to include all major films to understand the evolution of the character.

Is Gotham TV show part of the main Batman storyline?

Gotham is a prequel, showing the rise of villains and the early days of Bruce Wayne. It’s not essential, but it adds a lot of depth to the Batman mythos and is highly recommended if you're a fan of the character.

For more on Batman and his many adaptations, Learn more about Batman on our site.