Batman Films Ranked Following the Release of Matt Reeves’ The Batman

Matt Reeves’ The Batman finally hit theaters after what felt like years of delays and the movie was more than worth the wait. Even after seeing it twice, I’m still processing the experience, especially how the movie delves deeper into Batman lore than any film prior and really sinks its teeth into the psychology of the Dark Knight.

Christopher Nolan and Tim Burton tackled elements of the character’s psyche but remixed them into films that were wholly accessible to general audiences. Reeves goes the opposite direction and presents what amounts to a live-action graphic novel, ala The Long Halloween, that will please die-hard fans of the Caped Crusader and may leave casual fans a little overwhelmed or (based on some social media reaction) bored.

I loved the movie to the point where making this particular list was rather difficult. Every character is perfectly developed, every nuance of Gotham City beautifully photographed. And while The Batman is perhaps the most grounded version of the character to date, surprisingly, it’s also the closest to Rocksteady’s astounding Arkham Knight video game trilogy I’ve seen — visually, narratively, and spiritually.

Robert Pattinson is the Batman. His suit, gadgets, fighting style, and demeanor are quite literally ripped straight from the comics, and the detached manner the actor employs to portray our tormented hero is spot on. I really liked Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman as well; while not quite as memorable as Michelle Pfeiffer’s take on the classic antagonist, Kravitz’s performance is much closer to the comic book iteration of the character. Jeffrey Wright is terrific as James Gordon, though he doesn’t get much to do other than serve as Batman’s chaperone, while John Turturro oozes villainy as Carmine Falcone. Even with limited screen time, Andy Serkis imbues Alfred with a sense of humanity.

The best of the supporting lot, however, are Paul Dano’s Riddler and Colin Farrell’s Penguin. The former goes for broke with a wild performance that gets better as the film progresses, while Farrell (completely unrecognizable) channels his inner Al Capone to give us an Oswald Cobblepot for the ages. I can’t wait to see his HBO Max series.

While Reeves’ film does meander on occasion, it’s certainly never dull. In fact, this is one of those rare films where I checked my watch to see how much time was left because I didn’t want it to end! Seriously, hats off to all involved, especially composer Michael Giacchino whose mesmerizing score deserves a place alongside Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer. It’s so good.

With all that said, I don’t want to crown The Batman as the best Batman film ever made until I’ve seen it a few more times, though I would place it right up there alongside The Dark Knight as my favorite take on the character. The Batman hits all the right notes and sets up a dazzling world I can’t wait to explore in later films and TV spin-offs. Honestly, I was quite skeptical about this movie when it was first announced — and even balked at Pattinson’s casting — but am happy to have been proved wrong.

RANKING THE BATMAN FILMS

This is how I currently rank the numerous Batman films we’ve received over the years. As stated, The Dark Knight is still at the top of my list, but that could change over the next few years once I’ve had more time to digest Reeves’ entry — and that’s not something I never expected. Others are a little more difficult to rank. I go back and forth on my appreciation of The Dark Knight Rises. I absolutely love two-thirds of that movie, but always feel underwhelmed by its third act. Ditto for Burton’s pair of films, which I admire more than love.

Below is my official Batman movie ranking from favorite to least favorite. Share your own list in the comments section!