Batman is one of the most iconic and beloved superheroes of all time, becoming the central figure of pop culture for more than 80 years. It was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in 1939 for DC Comics, but this character has evolved through comics, television series, video games and, of course cinema.
The wide collection of Batman films have offered different visions of the dark gentleman, from the darkest and dramatic versions to others lighter and full of action. His success throughout the decades has been unwavering, and each version has left a unique brand in fans. But, with so many films about the dark gentleman, it is complicated to know where to start.
From Geek we offer you a guide on the chronological order to watch Batman's films, exploring the plots and characteristics of each one, so that you can immerse yourself in the Gotham world in the best possible way.
1. Batman: The film (1966)
We begin with a film that reflects a very different version than the one we know today of Batman, that of Adam West, which gave life to the dark gentleman in the 60s in a television series. The film is a clear tribute to the series, it can be seen in the colorful, light tone and Campy that is reflected in the series. In addition, Batman and Robin will face a group the most typical villains such as the Joker, the Riddler or Catwoman.
We also see Batman's most cheerful and comical side in a film full of action and fun of all time.
2. Batman (1989)
Years later, Tim Burton brought us a darker and darker vision of the dark gentleman by Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson who performed the Batman and the Joker roles respectively.
With this film it was possible to redefine Batman's character for a new generation of fans, all of them thanks to the unique aesthetics that characterizes Tim Burton's films, along with a gloomy atmosphere of Gotham.
In this new installment the conflict revolves around Bruce Wayne and Joker, the latter will threaten to bring absolute chaos to Gotham. This makes this film an excellent way to start exploring a much more serious and complex version of Batman.
3. Batman Returns (1992)
After the great success, Tim Burtons's sequel was swift. In this sequel we continue with that dark atmosphere that we saw in the first film, but the tone is even more chilling. The dark gentleman will face new villains such as Ponguïno and Catwoman.
Highlights the way he delves into the psychology of the villains and how Bruce Wayne questions his role as Gotham's protector.
4. Batman Forever (1995)
After two Tim Burton films, in 1995 it was decided to take a radical turn to the saga by Joel Schumacher, who moved away from Burton's Gothic style to opt for a more colorful and exaggerated approach.
This turn was accompanied by a new Batman played by Val Kilmer, which had to face new Riddler and Two-Face vineyards, played by Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones.
The new film was a commercial success, but the change in tone and in the characters were not well received by fans of previous deliveries.
5. Batman & Robin (1997)
Two years later, Schumacher continued in command of Batman films with a new installment with an exaggerated, nostalgic and extravagant approach from the hand of new protagonists, George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenene as Batman and Mr. Freeze, which contributed an excessively comic tone, bright suits and situations that touch the absurd.
Despite the large number of criticisms that he received for the style, Batman has become an example for being an example for being Batman.
6. Batman Begins (2005)
The little success of the 19997 delivery caused the entrance of Christopher Nolan, which completely reinvented Batman. He redefined the origin of the character and immersed him in a more realistic sphere. Bruce Wayne's role was assumed by Christian Bale and the main villain of this Ra’s al Ghul delivery by Liam Neeson. This character challenged Batman's morals and pushed him to become the symbol that Gotham needed. Here Nolan managed to establish a more serious approach and laid the foundations with which he could change the perception of superheroes in the cinema.
7. The Dark Knight (2008)
Many consider this film as one of the best of all time, this is because Batamn faces Joker, a role played by Health Ledger, this offers a more intense and scary representation of the villain, never before seen in previous deliveries. Here the chaos, morality and nature of the heroes and villains are explored. Not only do we talk about an action movie but also treat issues such as sacrifice, leadership and the consequences that decisions have in your life and in the rest.
8- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
To close Nolan's era as director of Batman, he decided to show a Bruce Wayne broken by the events that occurred in the previous delivery and the appearance of a new villain: Bane, which has a single objective, to bring Gotham to the most absolute destruction.
Bruce will be forced to rediscover his mission and role as Batman facing both physical and personal challenges. With this installment the most fans find the perfect closure for one of the most acclaimed visions of the dark gentleman.
9. Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
After the end of the Nolan era, Zack Snyder arrives, and a Batman played by Ben Affleck that meets Superman (Henry Cavill), a hero that has achieved a great impact on the world.
The confrontation of both heroes and the differences in justice, leads them to reflect on power, revenge and sacrifice.
In this new installment we see a new perspective of Batman as a more mature person, which caused a division between the Fandom.
10. Justice League (2017) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
If we get strict Justice League (2017) we cannot consider it a Batman film, the role played by Ben Aflleck has a crucial role when joining the superheroes. Later, in 2021 Zack Snyder’s Justice League was released, a more extensive and faithful version to the vision of this director who showed Batman's personalized more depth and his participation in the team.
11. The Batman (2022)
The last installment was directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson. A character's restart is carried out, showing a younger Bruce Wayne. In addition, we see a blacker approach pointing towards a mystery trhiller in a city of Gotham that stands out for its realism. All this, to explore Batman's beginnings in captivatively as Justiciero.
In summary, the Batman saga allows us to make an extraordinary trip through different eras, styles and visions of The Dark Knight. In each film we see a unique perspective of Gotham's iconic hero. Whether you prefer the extravagance of the 90s, the complexity of the nolan trilogy or the mystery and suspense of the most recent proposals, there is a Batman film for each type of fanatic.
So prepare the popcorn package to immerse yourself in Gotham's darkness and enjoy each of the versions that have given life to the dark gentleman. The adventure is about to start!
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