Each main Batman and Superman film, ranked from worst to greatest

Batman and Superman are two of the preferred heroes in film historical past, and whereas they share a typical objective of combating crime and corruption, their backgrounds couldn't be extra completely different. As has been explored in quite a few movies, Bruce Wayne comes from a spot of nice wealth and privilege, which he makes use of to obtain the instruments to battle as his alter ego, Batman. In the meantime Kal-El, an alien from the planet Krypton who embraces a brand new identification on Earth as Superman, comes well-equipped with superhuman skills.

Their respective movies are sometimes pitched fairly in a different way, too, with Batman's darker aesthetic complementing Superman's brighter, hopeful tone. Typically, the caped heroes seem collectively in a crossover occasion, although such movies have assorted in high quality.

Forward, we're rating each Batman and Superman film launched in cinemas, from 1966's Batman: The Film to 2025's Superman, to search out out who actually comes out on prime.

20. Batman v Superman: Daybreak of Justice (2016)

Batman versus Superman? Cool! Even cooler with Gotham throughout the river from Metropolis, suggesting cultural divides between super-cities. Too unhealthy 2016's epic nonstarter bungles its smash-up with spinoff teases, Iron Man 2's government-oversight plot, and no matter Lois Lane (Amy Adams) is doing with that bullet. Director Zack Snyder had a giant concept pairing Ben Affleck's seasoned Bruce in opposition to Henry Cavill's rookie Clark, however they're an identical monoliths of brute-force melancholy. The final word battle suffers from CGI sludge, an apparent eventual alliance, and "Martha!" If solely Warner Bros. had simply let Snyder make his Killer Superman vs. Machine Gun Batman film. —Darren Franich

19. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

This notorious cheese-fest is healthier than Batman v Superman for 2 causes: It's one hour shorter, and Christopher Reeve. No query, the star's remaining superfilm exemplifies diminishing returns. Peace begins topically with Kal-El eradicating all nukes. That plan requires hurling missiles into the solar, which — due to Lex Luthor (check-cashing Gene Hackman) and his nephew, Lenny (oh, Jon Cryer) — creates evil charisma void Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow). Students can debate whether or not the long-haired blond anti-Superman is sillier than BvS' digital sewer monster Doomsday. We select the mullet. —D.F.

18. Superman III (1983)

Anybody who turns this on anticipating to see a buddy comedy between Superman and Richard Pryor (already an odd proposition) is sure to be dissatisfied, as a result of they spend many of the runtime separated into two completely different motion pictures. Christopher Reeve's Clark Kent embarks on a comedic homecoming journey to Smallville (which doesn't actually make sense as a result of the bumbling "Clark" persona was invented for his double life in Metropolis and could be unrecognizable to highschool classmates, however no matter). In the meantime, Pryor's Gus Gorman is so good at embezzling cash that he by some means turns into a company cyberterrorist. Annette O'Toole makes a brilliant cute Lana Lang (which led to her even higher Superman-adjacent efficiency as Ma Kent on Smallville), drunk naughty Superman is a reasonably enjoyable sight, and the evil pc climax resonates a bit now that we're all freaking out about A.I. once more — even when it makes you marvel why they received't simply do Brainiac in certainly one of these motion pictures already. —Christian Holub

17. Justice League (2017)

Look — this superteam bonanza stays a mulch of career-ending controversy, paradoxical company missions, and the questionable want for one other gigantic movie about teasing Darkseid for later. Considered simply as a Superman film, Joss Whedon's rewrites give Cavill his greatest materials, reimagining Man of Steel's moody messiah as an old school pose-for-the-kids champion (with, sure, a visual non-mustache). Considered simply as a Batman film, Snyder's HBO Max enlargement lets Batfleck plasma-rifle a crapload of parademons. Any Justice League lower stitches one unhealthy comedian saga (the '90s Dying of Superman) into an alien invasion commanded by the unbelievably lame Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). —D.F.

16. Batman Perpetually (1995)

Jim Carrey was on prime of the world in 1995. Having simply starred in The Mask, Dumb and Dumber,and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective within the earlier yr alone, Carrey's over-the-top efficiency because the Riddler should have appeared recent and zeitgeist-y to these seeing Batman Forever in theaters. Absent that context, it's nonsensical and cringe-inducing (his grasp plan entails terrorizing Gotham residents with a…mind field?) particularly since Tommy Lee Jones is bringing the very same manic vitality. You'd assume {that a} film that includes Two-Face would have extra time for differentiation and tonal shock. Ah effectively, we bought one ultimately.

Val Kilmer makes for a reasonably middle-of-the-road Batman — not as painfully miscast as George Clooney, however not as delightfully kinky as Michael Keaton. Talking of kink, the movie's true spotlight is Nicole Kidman's efficiency as Dr. Chase Meridian, the world's worst felony psychologist, however extra importantly, a ravishing lady who’s unapologetically attractive for Batman. Amidst our fashionable deluge of fully sexless superhero fare, that's one component that has really aged effectively. —C.H.

15. Man of Metal (2013)

Nothing has been extra polarizing in fashionable superhero film discourse than the Snyder-verse, which started with a 2013 movie that looks like a direct response to Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. ("Oh, you appreciated a grittier, darker Batman? Properly, we're going to do the identical factor now for DC's beacon of hope.") Nolan produced the flick, and with Zack Snyder on the helm, Man of Steel introduced us a extra brooding, haunted Kryptonian strongman seemingly destined to wander the world a shell of himself. He's trapped in limitless philosophical and ethical debates with the ghostly reminiscence of his lifeless father whereas struggling to combine into his adopted residence world of Earth. Regardless of what you consider the still-ongoing debates about Superman killing Zod, the joyless issue deserves its critiques. It additionally takes among the intrigue away from what this movie is organising. (When you're going to pit Batman in opposition to Superman, however each of them are emotional cutters, the place precisely is the nuance?) Henry Cavill, although…I imply…the hunk of man-meat made chest hair nice once more in popular culture. —Nick Romano

14. The Darkish Knight Rises (2012)

The final and least of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies, The Dark Knight Rises additionally made minimal impression on popular culture — exterior, that’s, of Tom Hardy's still-baffling efficiency as Bane. Everybody who's seen this film most likely has their very own impression of the guttural guerrilla chief, although none is healthier than James Adomian's incredible work on the Harley Quinn animated series. The remainder of the film is stuffed with equally indecipherable selections (Anne Hathaway has many abilities, however Catwoman she just isn’t) and head-scratching questions (how does Batman make it from a pit within the Center Japanese desert to a sealed-off Pittsburgh Gotham in such a brief period of time, anyway?), however at the least Hardy is having enjoyable. As ridiculous as both of the Joel Schumacher Bat-films with out the self-awareness to understand it, The Darkish Knight Rises does deserve credit score for giving its hero a correct finale in an age of unending zombie franchises. —C.H.

13. Superman Returns (2006)

Arguably the primary main legacy sequel, this 2006 curio embeds newcomer Brandon Routh in Christopher Reeve's film world, borrowing John Williams' rating, Marlon Brando's face, and so many Kryptonian crystals. This Superman returns after 5 years in deep area, discovering Lois (Kate Bosworth) a mother to younger Jason (Tristan Lake Leabu) and engaged to good-looking Richard White (James Marsden). Jason is secretly Superman's youngster, a plot twist that focalizes the bizarre lost-love temper of this Lois and Clark relationship. It might've been a superpowered Before Sunset — besides the baby-faced leads are manner too younger. These days, Kevin Spacey costarring in a Bryan Singer flick makes Returns a movie with out many loud defenders, although it's an endearing labor-of-love try and honor the Richard Donner movies' hovering sincerity. —D.F.

12. Batman & Robin (1997)

We've reached the purpose the place Batman & Robin is so unhealthy it's now good. No. It's camp, which suggests it has achieved immortality. George Clooney could not soar to the highest of the charts when rating Hollywood's greatest Batmen, however the 1997 movie has taken up area within the minds of queer film lovers. A cult hit could also be too sturdy of a phrase, however its appreciation has solely grown. A Batsuit with nipples! Flashing close-up pictures of Clooney and Chris O'Donnell's rubber-clad bubble butts! Mr. Freeze's legion of evil hockey gamers! Clueless star Alicia Silverstone! It's like Uma Thurman is declaring from inside her horny pink gorilla go well with, "I'm going to offer the gays every part they need." One might even name the movie well timed once more. Earlier than the Poison Ivy of HBO Max's Harley Quinn got here alongside, right here was a climate-conscious villain whose solely mission was to avoid wasting Mom Gaia. She walked so Greta Thunberg might run. —N.R.

11. Batman Begins (2005)

It feels proper to put this movie so near Batman & Robin, since Christopher Nolan's supposedly "gritty" tackle the Bat-mythos was a direct response to the candy-colored campiness of Joel Schumacher. Batman Begins efficiently revitalized the Darkish Knight as a movie franchise, however, practically 20 years later, Liam Neeson's Ra's al Ghul doesn't essentially appear any much less outsized than Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mr. Freeze, whereas Nolan's portrayal of Gotham Metropolis clearly owes extra to Blade Runner (1982) than Taxi Driver (1976).

Nonetheless, Batman Begins powerfully expressed the aspirational nature of its central hero: "When you make your self greater than only a man, when you dedicate your self to a great, you then grow to be one thing else totally: A legend, Mr. Wayne." It additionally had an undeniably seismic affect on subsequent franchise reboots — which, relying in your opinion of the present Hollywood panorama, is both superior or horrible. —C.H.

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10. Batman: The Film (1966)

Like a sparrow with a machine gun, this ecstatic spandex caper makes candy, loud music. Between TV seasons, Adam West and Burt Ward headlined a big-screen Bat-venture filled with extra: extra villains, extra automobiles, extra brassy surf-jazz melodies. The shark punch is one sight gag amongst many, and Lorenzo Semple Jr.'s daffy script makes room for a delirious double-crossing romance, with Lee Meriwether's Catwoman undercover as a Wayne-attracting Soviet. Batman '66 seems extra unconventional with each passing decade of by-the-numbers Gotham grimness. Like, title one different Batman who fought unhealthy guys on a submarine whereas holding a kitty cat. —D.F.

9. The Batman (2022)

Gotham's broodiest vigilante has gotten darker and grittier with each iteration, so it was solely a matter of time earlier than he went full emo. Matt Reeves' formidable 2022 noir tries to place the "detective" again in World's Biggest Detective, following a brand new millennial Bat (Robert Pattinson) as he hunts the murderous Riddler (Paul Dano). The result’s a darkish thriller with even darker coloration grading — extra hard-boiled whodunnit than smash-'em-up superhero blockbuster.

Not every part right here works: The indulgent, 167-minute runtime (!) ought to have been slashed in half, but by some means we nonetheless want extra time was dedicated to Batman's budding romance with Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz). However even amidst all of the doom and gloom, Pattinson shines, slathering on the black eyeliner and moping round to Nirvana. Gotham has by no means appeared so…goth. —Devan Coggan

8. Superman (2025)

Following the grim tones of Snyder/Cavill's Superman, writer-director James Gunn provided a pleasant throwback to the character's extra hopeful, humble beginnings on this well-received reboot. Skipping previous the well-trod Kal-El origin story in favor of skillfully dropping us three years into his position as Superman, the movie facilities on the superhero's public picture points after interfering in a world battle.

David Corenswet proves why he was the correct selection for the title position, along with his character-appropriate beauty and straightforward appeal serving the motion and his romance with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) effectively. Gunn finds the correct tone of unabashed earnestness and crowd-pleasing thrills, delivering the uncommon fashionable superhero film that works as a standalone characteristic moderately than a franchise entry. —Kevin Jacobsen

7. Batman: Masks of the Illusion (1993)

Kevin Conroy is commonly ignored by the mainstream when debating the most effective Batman portrayers of all time, however the actor undoubtedly gave a definitive efficiency, and Illusion is his tour de power. Paired with impressed Joker voice work from Mark Hamill, a hero-villain dynamic that has echoed all through the animated area, the movie is an efficient Batman story.

Bruce Wayne is torn between his two lives as a rich businessman and a masked vigilante, and there are two brand-new characters we hadn't but met in any type to facilitate that battle. Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany), a lady Bruce first meets whereas the 2 are visiting their lifeless dad and mom' gravesites, might've been his shot at a traditional routine if she hadn't Expensive John-ed him. And simply as Bruce worries Gotham's criminals have stopped fearing Batman, in comes the Illusion, a determine instantly linked to Bruce's previous, whose crimes (e.g., killing town's mob bosses) get blamed on the Darkish Knight. Masks of the Illusion proves that a few of DC's greatest motion pictures have already been taking place for years in animation. —N.R.

6. Batman (1989)

Technically, the 1989 film is the primary "severe" Batman movie, a far cry from Adam West cavorting in a cape. However there's a delightfully zany vitality to Tim Burton's first superhero flick, which reimagines Gotham as a noirish playground of darkish alleys and over-the-top parade floats. Michael Keaton is healthier within the later Batman Returns (extra on that one in a minute), however he brings a glowering appeal to his first outing because the Caped Crusader. In the meantime, Jack Nicholson oscillates between campy and menacing: One minute, his sinister Joker is pontificating in regards to the satan within the pale moonlight, and the subsequent, he's boogieing to Prince.

In actual fact, all the movie can't resolve whether or not to embrace the foolish or the intense — and but by some means, that atonal stability works. It's the cinematic equal of Burton turning to the viewers and saying, "You wanna get nuts? C'mon, let's get nuts." —D.C.

5. The LEGO Batman Film (2017)

Is LEGO Batman the film that greatest understands Batman? It may be! In an onscreen canon affected by campy vigilantes, broody emo children, and gun-toting psychopaths, Will Arnett's tiny toy hero may be Batman in his purest type. Underneath all of the self-referential jokes and sight gags, 2017's LEGO spinoff understands who Bruce Wayne is: a troubled, barely narcissistic man-child who'd moderately placed on a cape than confront previous traumas.

The result’s a movie that's intelligent, heartfelt, and really, very humorous. It's definitely the one Batman film the place Jemaine Clement's Sauron groups up with Eddie Izzard's Voldemort, and all the factor has a kind of ramshackle, kids-in-the-sandbox appeal. (It's additionally the uncommon instance of IP crossover achieved proper, and it's manner higher than Warner Bros.' different braggy crossover movies, just like the extraordinarily subpar Ready Player One and the even subpar-er Space Jam reboot.) The LEGO Batman Film is proof that typically, the most important heroes are solely 3 inches tall and made from plastic. —D.C.

4. The Darkish Knight (2008)

Batman Begins launched audiences to a starkly completely different Batman than they’d seen earlier than, but it surely wasn't taken so significantly till 2008's The Darkish Knight. That's largely resulting from Heath Ledger's method to Joker, a job the late actor reshaped into the brand new Macbeth — the sort of "status" character that may earn the star connected to it Oscars love. (Each Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix have now received Academy Awards for enjoying Joker.) We are able to discuss endlessly about this complicated villain and the ethical conversations the movie has in actual time with its viewers — which critics and followers have already got had — but it surely's additionally only a blast.

It's the sort of superhero film that may be each gritty and enjoyable: a riveting cat-and-mouse recreation bolstered by a Hans Zimmer rating that slaps, dynamic digicam pictures from cinematographer Wally Pfister, layered supporting gamers like Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent and Maggie Gyllenhaal's Rachel Dawes, and iconic strains we're all nonetheless quoting to at the present time. Some males simply wish to watch the world burn, and a few audiences wish to watch these males watch the world burn. —N.R.

3. Superman II (1980)

Followers of this 1980 basic usually fall into two camps. Perhaps you're Staff Richard Donner, the unique director who was fired midway by means of and handled Superman with a sort of solemn awe. Or perhaps you favor the Richard Lester lower, the Exhausting Day's Night time director who infused the sequel with goofy slapstick. Both manner, there's one factor all of us can agree on: Christopher Reeve has by no means been higher. Reeve is Superman, whether or not he's dealing with off in opposition to a glowering Zod (Terence Stamp) or getting overwhelmed up in a diner.

It's lengthy been stated that Reeve is the best particular impact in superhero movie historical past, and that's by no means been more true right here: Nerdy Clark Kent and noble Supes have by no means felt so actual, and the actor switches effortlessly between the 2, simply by elevating an eyebrow or enjoyable his shoulders. The love affair between Clark and Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) is each swoon-worthy and heartbreaking (though the much less stated about that amnesia kiss, the higher). You actually will imagine a person can fly — particularly if that man is Christopher Reeve. —D.C.

2. Superman (1978)

From one viewpoint, it might sound odd to say that the primary fashionable superhero movie remains to be the most effective. Are we actually arguing that the style hasn't improved in any respect since 1978? Not precisely. It's simply that superhero motion pictures have modified a lot since Richard Donner's pioneering effort that watching the unique Superman in 2025 now looks like opening a mysterious alien object that traveled throughout numerous glowing galaxies in a spiky spinning starship to remind the human race of magnificence and marvel. None of our fashionable inexperienced screens and quantity know-how can compete with the straightforward magic of watching Christopher Reeve fly by means of the sky on these invisible wires — or change effortlessly between Clark Kent and Superman simply by means of posture and syntax.

Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor has the best supervillain lair this facet of Watchmen's Ozymandias — wouldn't you additionally wish to hang around together with your henchmen in a bachelor pad beneath Grand Central Station, full with indoor pool and Belle-worthy library? Though Superman II makes a convincing case for the worth of pitting the Man of Metal in opposition to equally highly effective enemies, the climax of the primary Superman is a testomony to the true worth of superhero tales. In spite of everything, what’s the level of this fantasy if not imagining a job mannequin so highly effective and so good they’re keen and capable of save us from something — even time itself? —C.H.

1. Batman Returns (1992)

Wonderful cinematic mania. Burton made a 1992 Bat-sequel that's part-fairy story, part-satire, nonstop horror present, and nonetheless the best superhero display screen romance. Michelle Pfeiffer is past legendary as Selina Kyle, lonely everygal–turned–sadomasochistic feline avenger. She's a mad lady in each sense, well-matched by Oswald Cobblepot (Danny DeVito) as a ravenous fish-manstrosity. A humiliation of riches provides Returns a 3rd antagonist, the vampiric tycoon Max Shreck, performed with most weirdosity by Christopher Walken. Keaton isn't sidelined, although. He's extra bemused right here than in 1989's Batman, and the baddies provide psychological challenges to his caped crusading. Sparks fly between Bruce, Selina, and their costumed selves. A merrily deranged prologue provides Penguin an inverted Darkish Knight origin, making Oswald one other child aristocrat orphaned by dad and mom who didn't need him. ("You're simply jealous as a result of I'm a real freak and it’s a must to put on a masks!" remains to be the sharpest Batman absorb any Batman screenplay).

Famously extra demented than any studio or each guardian anticipated, the movie's remaining act edges into tragedy, even because the missile-armed waterfowl begin marching. Returns tops this record as a result of it is this record, encompassing luscious absurdity and twisted emotional psychology, going absolutely biblical (be careful, firstborns!) whereas giving each character a playful humorousness. It's the transfer equal of a sonnet and a unclean limerick. All that on Christmas? Oh, Holy Knight, Batman! —D.F.

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