For decades, Batman has been a staple of superhero storytelling, captivating fans with his brooding demeanor, intense action, and deeply personal mission to fight crime in Gotham City. Yet, with so many versions, reboots, and spin-offs, figuring out the right order to watch the Batman movies can feel like trying to navigate the dark alleys of Gotham without a map. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting into the world of the Caped Crusader, knowing the correct Batman movie order is key to understanding the evolution of this iconic character.

So, you’re not alone if you've ever wondered, “Should I watch them in release order or chronological order?” or “Do the animated ones count?” Batman has gone through multiple phases, each with its own tone, cast, and take on the hero. That’s why we're breaking it all down for you in a way that's simple, fun, and easy to follow. Let's dive into the full list, from the very first flick to the latest release, so you can enjoy the full cinematic journey of the Dark Knight.

Whether you're planning a movie marathon or just curious about where your favorite Batman film fits in the lineup, this guide covers all the must-watch films in the right sequence. Let's start with a quick overview of who Batman really is and why his cinematic legacy continues to thrive.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction to Batman
• Batman Movie Order by Release Date
• Chronological Batman Movie List
• Animated Batman Movies
• Which Batman Movie Should You Watch First?
• FAQ About Batman Movie Order

Introduction to Batman

Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is one of the most enduring characters in the DC Universe. Created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, he made his debut in 1939 in Detective Comics #27. Unlike other superheroes, Batman doesn’t have any superhuman powers—what he does have is immense wealth, sharp intellect, and an unrelenting drive to fight injustice after witnessing the murder of his parents.

Over the years, Batman has appeared in countless comic books, animated series, TV shows, and, of course, movies. Each adaptation has brought a new flavor to the character, showing different sides of the brooding vigilante. From the campy 1960s TV series to the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, Batman’s on-screen journey has been as varied as the villains he faces.

Batman Movie Order by Release Date

If you're the kind of viewer who likes to follow the original timeline, here’s the full list of Batman movies in the order they hit theaters:

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1. Batman (1989) – Directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton
2. Batman Returns (1992) – Also directed by Tim Burton
3. Batman Forever (1995) – Directed by Joel Schumacher
4. Batman & Robin (1997) – Also directed by Joel Schumacher
5. Batman Begins (2005) – Directed by Christopher Nolan
6. The Dark Knight (2008) – Directed by Christopher Nolan
7. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – Directed by Christopher Nolan
8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – Directed by Zack Snyder
9. Justice League (2017) – Directed by Zack Snyder
10. The Batman (2022) – Directed by Matt Reeves

This list includes all live-action theatrical films. Some fans might argue about the inclusion of Batman v Superman and Justice League since Batman appears as part of the larger DC Extended Universe (DCEU), but for continuity’s sake, they’re included here.

Chronological Batman Movie List

If you're more of a story purist and want to follow Batman’s journey in the order the events happen, here’s a rough chronological order:

1. Batman Begins (2005) – The origin story of Bruce Wayne
2. The Dark Knight (2008) – The rise of the Joker and Harvey Dent
3. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – Batman’s final battle in Nolan’s universe
4. The Batman (2022) – A younger, grittier version of the hero
5. Batman (1989) – Batman Returns (1992) – The Burtonverse
6. Batman Forever (1995) – Batman & Robin (1997) – The Schumacher films
7. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – Justice League (2017) – The DCEU timeline

Chronological viewing can be a bit tricky since not all universes connect. For example, the 1989 Tim Burton films and the 2000s Nolan trilogy exist in completely separate worlds. The same goes for the DCEU and the 2022 film The Batman, which is its own standalone story.

Animated Batman Movies

While this article mainly focuses on live-action films, there are also a ton of animated Batman movies that deserve a watch. Some of the most popular include:

• Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
• Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
• Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012–2013)
• Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
• Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)

These animated films often explore deeper, more mature themes and are sometimes considered just as impactful as the live-action ones. If you're a serious fan, definitely give them a shot after the main films.

Which Batman Movie Should You Watch First?

If you're new to Batman, the best place to start is with Batman Begins (2005). It gives you a solid foundation of who Bruce Wayne is, how he became Batman, and what drives him. From there, you can move on to The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises to see his evolution in a more modern and grounded universe.

If you're looking for something different, The Batman (2022) is also a great starting point. It shows a younger, more vulnerable version of the hero and dives into the mystery-driven side of Gotham. It's a fresh take that doesn’t rely too much on previous films, making it very accessible for newcomers.

Once you've gotten into the modern versions, you can explore the older films like the 1989 Batman or even the campy 1960s movie Batman: The Movie for a fun, retro experience.

FAQ About Batman Movie Order

Is The Batman (2022) part of the DCEU?

No, The Batman is not part of the DCEU. It exists in its own universe and is not connected to the films like Batman v Superman or Justice League. This gives it more creative freedom and a unique tone that’s different from the other recent Batman adaptations.

Should I watch the older Batman movies first?

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a modern, realistic take, start with the Nolan trilogy or The Batman. If you're more into the classic vibe and don’t mind a bit of camp, then go ahead and watch the 1989 film or even the 1960s movie. Just be ready for a big shift in tone!

What’s the best Batman movie in terms of story?

Opinions vary, but The Dark Knight (2008) is often considered the best Batman movie ever made. It combines intense storytelling, stellar performances (especially Heath Ledger’s Joker), and emotional depth that few superhero films have matched since.

For more on Batman and other superhero characters, Learn more about the world of DC Comics on our site.