Batman: Every Michael Keaton DC movie ranked from worst to best
1. Batman
It’s hard to imagine where the comic book movie landscape would be without the impact that Batman made. Released in movie theaters in 1989, it is considered the first real modern day comic book movie because it took an inherently more serious tone than most of its predecessors, showing audiences that superheroes can be a part of both larger-than-life and compelling stories.
Michael Keaton may have been an unlikely casting choice for the Caped Crusader, but he quickly proved why he was the perfect choice in the opening moments of Batman. Approaching the role with the healthy blend of broody, stoic, and seriousness, Keaton’s Dark Knight quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of cinema, and for good reason. He was nothing short of thrilling as Batman and this movie is the perfect example of why.
Like with Burton’s 1992 sequel, Batman‘s other greatest strength is also its villain, as Jack Nicholson’s over-the-top performance as The Joker was both unnerving and hilarious. It was the perfect contrast to Keaton’s restrained hero, and the pair’s war for the future of Gotham was all the more gripping as a result.
Batman is not just an important piece of movie history, it’s a cinematic masterpiece that introduced us to the greatest ever live-action version of the Dark Knight – a sentiment that still rings true to this day.
Next. All 12 Batman actors ranked from worst to best. dark
Which of Michael Keaton’s Batman movies is your favorite? Do you wish we got to see Batgirl?