Batman - Watch Order: Classic Films

1989 - 19974 Films8h 18m3.2 Average

This is the original modern Batman film series that launched superhero cinema into the blockbuster era, featuring a dramatic tonal transformation from Tim Burton's gothic noir to Joel Schumacher's colorful camp spectacle. Beginning with Michael Keaton's intense, psychological portrayal in Burton's haunting Gotham City, the series evolves through Val Kilmer and George Clooney as different directors reshape Batman's world.

While tonally diverse, the films form one continuous storyline that captures both the character's versatility and the changing approaches to superhero filmmaking in the 1990s.

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Batman poster

Batman

19892h 6m4.2
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle

Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis when a deformed madman calling himself "The Joker" seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld.

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2
Batman Returns poster

Batman Returns

19922h 6m4
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Keaton, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough

Batman must face The Penguin, a sewer-dwelling gangleader intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Meanwhile, another Gotham resident finds herself transformed into Catwoman and is out for revenge...

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Batman Forever poster

Batman Forever

19952h 1m2.8
Director: Joel Schumacher
Cast: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell

In the looming shadows of Gotham City, two villainous souls devise twin schemes of revenge against the city's dark guardian. Two-Face, disfigured by chance and fueled by vengeance, is obsessed with destroying Batman, while the Riddler, a disillusioned genius, pursues the destruction of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Together they've hatched a plot to absorb and control the minds of all of Gotham City's residents, and only Batman and his new partner, Robin, can stop them! But the Dark Knight is hindered by a mystery from his own childhood. He must hope that a new found love can help him overcome the incident that made him what he is. In the end, he must decide: will he be Batman—forever?

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4
Batman & Robin poster

Batman & Robin

19972h 5m1.9
Director: Joel Schumacher
Cast: George Clooney, Uma Thurman, Chris O'Donnell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alicia Silverstone

Batman and Robin deal with relationship issues while preventing Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from attacking Gotham City.

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