Comic book movies: The top 20 hero performances

10. Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman

This is the man who turned Batman from a goofball into a dark character. Michael Keaton may not have looked like a millionaire or even dressed like it, but he was everything we wanted from Batman as well as Bruce Wayne. As Bruce Wayne, Keaton was a tad bit naive and awkward as a playboy. As Batman, he was vicious and really struck fear into villains. We also never questioned him killing people because, well, the villains and goons deserved it. To this day, Keaton is regarded as one of the best two actors to dawn the cape and cowl. If not for this movie, we wouldn’t have gotten the “I’m Batman.” quote everyone on the internet says. Keaton didn’t use an overly gruff voice or a voice modulator to make himself sound tough as Batman. He did just enough to make it perfect.

In some cases, the first movie is better than the sequel. Michael Keaton not only maintained his brilliance in Batman Returns, he may have been better. Acting with greats like Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer wasn’t an easy task, but Keaton more than held his own. These are two flawless performances from a man who doesn’t look anything like a superhero.