Batman Movies: Release Order
The complete Batman film saga spans over three decades of superhero cinema, beginning with Tim Burton's dark, gothic vision that launched the modern era of comic book adaptations. This comprehensive watch order includes every major Batman theatrical film from Michael Keaton's brooding Dark Knight through Robert Pattinson's detective-focused interpretation.
The release order showcases Batman's cinematic evolution across multiple creative visions, where each era brings its own interpretation of Gotham City and the Dark Knight, creating a fascinating study of how different filmmakers have reimagined this famous character.
There are 5 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
Batman Returns
Batman faces off against The Penguin, a deformed crime boss seeking acceptance in Gotham society, while a mysterious Catwoman emerges with her own vengeful agenda.
Batman Forever
Batman faces off against Two-Face and the Riddler, who plot to control the minds of Gotham's citizens while seeking revenge against the Dark Knight and Bruce Wayne. With a new partner Robin by his side, Batman must confront his own past and decide his future as Gotham's protector.
Batman & Robin
Batman and Robin must work together to stop the villainous Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from destroying Gotham City with their deadly schemes.
Batman Begins
After witnessing his parents' murder as a child, billionaire Bruce Wayne transforms himself into Batman, a masked vigilante dedicated to fighting crime and corruption in Gotham City. This origin story explores how Wayne overcomes his fears and creates the iconic symbol that would strike terror into the hearts of criminals.
The Dark Knight
Batman teams up with Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent to dismantle Gotham's criminal organizations, but they face their greatest challenge when the chaotic Joker emerges as a criminal mastermind threatening the city.
The Dark Knight Rises
Eight years after taking the blame for Harvey Dent's crimes, Batman emerges from hiding to face a new terrorist threat in the form of the ruthless Bane who seeks to destroy Gotham City. The final chapter in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy follows the Dark Knight's ultimate test as he must overcome both physical and psychological challenges to save his city.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Fearing Superman's unchecked power, Batman confronts the Man of Steel in an epic clash while the world debates what kind of hero it truly needs. As the two icons battle, a new threat emerges that puts all of mankind in unprecedented danger.
Justice League
Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans including The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons who seek to conquer Earth.
Zack Snyder's Justice League
Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching catastrophic threat, honoring Superman's sacrifice in this director's cut of the superhero epic.
The Batman
In his second year as Batman, Bruce Wayne investigates a series of murders by the Riddler while uncovering deep corruption within Gotham City that hits close to home.
The Flash
When Barry Allen attempts to save his family by traveling back in time, he inadvertently creates an alternate reality where General Zod threatens Earth and no superheroes exist to stop him. Now trapped in this dangerous timeline, Barry must find a way to restore the universe while racing against time itself.
Related Film Series
DC Extended Universe
DC's shared cinematic universe spanning a decade of interconnected superhero stories from Man of Steel to Aquaman.
Superman
The cinematic adventures of the Man of Steel spanning multiple decades, actors, and universes from the classic Christopher Reeve era to the modern DCEU.
The Joker
A collection of major live-action Joker portrayals across different Batman film universes.
Other Film Series
Ghostbusters
A supernatural comedy franchise about paranormal investigators who capture ghosts in New York City, spanning multiple decades and timelines.
In the Line of Duty
A landmark Hong Kong action franchise featuring female police officers in intense martial arts and stunt-heavy adventures.
Mortal Kombat
A martial arts fantasy franchise based on the popular video game series about interdimensional fighting tournaments.
Smokey and the Bandit
A classic action-comedy trilogy following the legendary Bandit and his high-speed adventures while being relentlessly pursued by Sheriff Buford T. Justice.
Swordsman
A celebrated wuxia trilogy based on Louis Cha's novel, featuring legendary martial arts action and evolving from faithful adaptation to fantastical spectacle.
Taxi
French action-comedy franchise about a taxi driver and a clumsy cop fighting crime in Marseille, plus an unconnected American remake set in New York.