Ranking Our Favorite Batman's of All-Time Movies for Grownups

Holy Rankings Batman

June 20 marks the 20th anniversary of the film that almost killed the entire genre ' Batman & Robin'

Batman

Infamous for its hokey jokes and clichés, Batman & Robin’s a memorable film — but one George Clooney might wish we’d forget. How does his performance as Batman stack up against those of the other caped crusaders in film history?

George Clooney Batman & Robin 1997 Total Disaster

Along with the rest of the cast (including a cringeworthy Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze), George Clooney seems like he’s spoofing his own movie, telling tons of jokes and landing none of them. No wonder Warner Bros. canceled a planned sequel.

Val Kilmer Batman Forever 1995 Loud and Boring

He tries yet can’t bring a convincing performance to the screen, leaving the film’s few exciting moments to Jim Carrey’s Riddler. But Van Kilmer can’t be blamed for the awful costume design that left him with the now-infamous bat nipples on his suit.

Ben Affleck Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice 2016 One-Note Grimness

Ben Affleck meanders through the titanic destruction of Gotham City that transpires in his fight with Henry Cavill’s Superman. We hope Ben shows more enthusiasm in Justice League, out this November.

AARP Offer

to find out about new movies, great games and travel ideas each month. , you can also save on movie tickets, restaurants, airfare, hotels and more and have even more fun!

Christian Bale The Dark Knight Trilogy 2005–12 Gritty and Thrilling

His showdowns with villains (such as Heath Ledger’s Joker) are riveting and memorable in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. But we’re docking some points for Christian Bale’s in-suit speaking voice: a piercing, awful growl.

Adam West Batman The Movie 1966 Bat-Tastic

Continuing his role from the TV series, Adam West brings healthy campiness — plus a plethora of onomatopoeia and bat-related puns — to this wholly enjoyable film. His chemistry with Burt Ward as Robin is the best of all the dynamic duos.

Michael Keaton Batman 1989 and Batman Returns 1992 Tough and Relentless

His valiant, resolute Bruce Wayne ably matches up with Jack Nicholson’s crazed and chaotic Joker. Michael Keaton’s performance is well-rounded and gives an emotional weight to the two best Batman films of them all.

More Entertainment Slideshows

Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.