Hey there! If you’ve ever wondered just how many Batman movies there are and in what order you should watch them, you’re not alone. Batman, the caped crusader of Gotham, has been around since 1939, and over the decades, he’s appeared in a whole bunch of films. From the classic black-and-white serials to the latest action-packed blockbusters, the Batman movie universe has grown quite a bit. So, if you're planning a movie night or just brushing up on your superhero trivia, knowing how many Batman movies there are in order is a great place to start.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting into the world of Gotham City, sorting through all the different versions of Batman can be a bit overwhelming. There are multiple actors who've played the role, different timelines, reboots, and even animated films. Each version brings its own style, tone, and take on the Dark Knight, which can make it hard to follow along. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through every official Batman movie, in the right order, so you can enjoy the story the way it was meant to be seen.

From the early days of Lewis Wilson in the 1940s to Robert Pattinson’s latest portrayal, Batman has evolved quite a bit on the big screen. So if you're curious about how many Batman movies there are, which ones are worth your time, and in what sequence you should watch them, keep reading. We’ll break it all down for you, step by step.

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Table of Contents

• How Many Batman Movies Are There?
• Batman Movies in Order
• Actors Who’ve Played Batman
• How to Watch Batman Movies
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Batman Movies Are There?

So, how many Batman movies are there in total? Well, if you include all the live-action, animated, and spin-off films, the number gets a little tricky. But sticking strictly to the main feature films where Batman is the central character, there are currently 10 official live-action Batman movies. Plus, there are a few animated films and some appearances in other superhero crossovers, but those aren’t counted in the main list.

That may not seem like a lot, but each film has its own unique take on the character, so watching them in order can really help you appreciate the evolution of Batman on screen. From Tim Burton’s gothic style to Christopher Nolan’s gritty realism, and Matt Reeves’ more recent cinematic tone, each director and actor has brought something fresh to the table.

Batman Movies in Order

Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. Here’s the full list of Batman movies in the order they were released, along with a quick note about each one:

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1. Batman (1943) – Starring Lewis Wilson as the very first cinematic Batman.
2. Batman and Robin (1949) – The second and final serial featuring Batman on screen.
3. Batman: The Movie (1966) – Based on the popular TV series with Adam West.
4. Batman (1989) – Tim Burton’s dark take with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson as the Joker.
5. Batman Returns (1992) – The sequel, with a darker tone and more complex villains.
6. Batman Forever (1995) – Directed by Joel Schumacher, featuring Val Kilmer as Batman.
7. Batman & Robin (1997) – The infamous movie with George Clooney as Batman.
8. Batman Begins (2005) – The start of Christopher Nolan’s reboot with Christian Bale.
9. The Dark Knight (2008) – Often considered one of the best superhero movies ever made.
10. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – The final film in Nolan’s trilogy.
11. The Batman (2022) – A new take with Robert Pattinson as a younger, brooding Batman.

Keep in mind that some of these films aren’t connected to each other. The 1940s movies are their own thing, the 1960s film ties into the TV show, and the 80s and 90s movies are all part of the same universe but don’t have a clear continuity. Then there’s the Nolan trilogy and the new 2022 movie, which stands on its own as well.

Actors Who’ve Played Batman

Over the years, a number of actors have taken on the role of Batman. Here’s a quick look at who’s played the character on film:

Each of these actors brought their own flavor to the character, and some of them are still remembered fondly by fans today. Michael Keaton surprised a lot of people with his performance in the 80s, and Christian Bale’s version is often cited as one of the best portrayals of the Dark Knight.

How to Watch Batman Movies

Now that you know how many Batman movies there are and who’s played the role, the next question is: how should you watch them? There are a few different ways to go about it, depending on what you're looking for.

By Release Order

This is the easiest and most straightforward way to watch them. Just start from the very first movie and go in the order they came out. That way, you’ll see how the character and the tone of the films evolved over time.

By Timeline or Universe

If you're more into continuity and want to watch films that are actually connected to each other, you might want to group them by universe:

• 1940s Serials: Batman (1943), Batman and Robin (1949)
• 1960s TV Series: Batman: The Movie (1966)
• Tim Burton’s Universe: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)
• Joel Schumacher’s Universe: Batman Forever (1995), Batman & Robin (1997)
• Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy: Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
• Reboot (The Batman): The Batman (2022)

By Best to Worst

If you're short on time or just want to see the best ones first, you can follow a ranking list. Most fans would probably recommend starting with The Dark Knight, then Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight Rises. After that, you can pick and choose based on your own preferences.

For more detailed info on how to watch these movies, check out this guide on watching Batman movies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Batman movies are there in total?

There are currently 10 main live-action Batman movies where he is the central character. Some animated films and crossovers also feature Batman, but they aren’t typically counted in the main list.

What is the correct order to watch Batman movies?

You can watch them in release order, by universe, or by personal ranking. Each approach has its own pros and cons, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Who has played Batman the most times?

Christian Bale is the only actor to play Batman in three main movies. However, Ben Affleck has appeared as Batman in multiple films, though not always as the main character.

Is The Batman part of the same universe as previous films?

No, The Batman (2022) is a standalone film and doesn’t connect to any previous Batman movies. It sets up its own universe for future films.

For more info on the latest Batman news, check out our latest Batman movie updates page.