Batman: All 10 Bat-Signals ranked from worst to best

3. Batman Returns

Batman Returns might be a sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman, but there are some notable differences. From the redesigned Wayne Manor to the completely different Gotham City, a lot had changed in the three years between movies. One of the more subtle changes, however, was the Bat-Signal.

For the most part, Batman’s iconic calling card remained the same, but there were some minor differences. The bat symbol was chunkier than its predecessor, featuring bigger ears and – for lack of a better term – neck area, while less focus was placed on the wingspan. It was more pointed than the rounded look of the ’89 signal and a little more translucent too.

Batman Returns is notable for trying something different with the Bat-Signal, as the moment that it hit the night sky, two reflective Bat Signal-shaped satellites would reflect the light directly into Wayne Manor, alerting Bruce Wayne that he was needed. The irony is that the signal it shone into the house looked more like the Batman ’89 one.

The changes to the signal may never have been explained but the closing image of it against the Gotham City cityscape as Catwoman stares up at it is equally as iconic as the closing image of Returns‘ predecessor.

Speaking of which…