Best Theatrically Released Batman Film

[wyokid]

I'm sorry, but what!!?

[Reginleif]

I'm sorry, but what!!?

I have never found Catwoman attractive, in any film or comic (esp N52)

[Shadaloo]

89 remains my favorite. Don't really care that he kills a few thugs; I loved Keaton's Wayne, and they give the best presentation of Gotham City. Nolan's films are great though.

[Patroklos]

The Dark Knight wins it both in terms of personal enjoyment and objective quality, but I do think that it and Batman Begins have put an unfair shadow over the two first Burton films. Yes, Batman kills and the scripts are a bit whimsical (especially 89's last act is a bit of a mess) but in terms of tone and mood they're close to masterpieces.

[dancj]

From best to worst:
The Dark Knight
Batman Begins
Batman 66
Batman Returns
Mask of Phantasm
Batman 89

I haven't seen the rest

[Lord Bravery]

Batman 89. The atmosphere and visuals are perfect. Keaton is the best Batman, who is intimidating with a cold glare and whisper, unlike Bale's super angry and shouty guy. And it is chock full of subtexts and is a great satire of the 80s/90s yuppie era.

[David Walton]

Batman '89.

Burton's Gotham remains the most visually striking, immerseive experience. His characters are larger than life and the screen they inhabit. He relies on acting more than exposition. Check out Bruce's facial expression as he approaches the Joker, for instance, without any regard for his secret identity or his life. Just curiosity and contempt.

Brilliant!

[BlueLily]

I'm sorry, but what!!?

Yes! Batman Returns was absolutely amazing. My favorite Batman film and one of my all-time favorite films. Its atmosphere, production design, costumes, and overall moodiness are unmatched. S&M Catwoman and a Danny Elfman/Siouxsie and the Banshees collaboration on the soundtrack! Amazing.

[Jim Thompson]

For me, in order:

1. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
2. Batman: Under The Red Hood
3. The Dark Knight
4. Batman Begins
5. Batman Returns
6. Batman (89)
7. Batman: Year One
8. Batman Forever
9. Batman (66)
10. Batman: Subzero
11. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
12. Batman and Robin

Not sure if this would have counted or not, so I didn't put it on my list, but I'd rank Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker either number one or two, overall.

EDIT: By the way, I know all those weren't theatrical releases; they're just the Batman movies I've watched.

[David Walton]

For me, in order:

1. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
2. Batman: Under The Red Hood
3. The Dark Knight
4. Batman Begins
5. Batman Returns
6. Batman (89)
7. Batman: Year One
8. Batman Forever
9. Batman (66)
10. Batman: Subzero
11. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
12. Batman and Robin

Not sure if this would have counted or not, so I didn't put it on my list, but I'd rank Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker either number one or two, overall.

EDIT: By the way, I know all those weren't theatrical releases; they're just the Batman movies I've watched.

Every list needs some boundaries, but it only seems right to include DC's direct-to-home features, because there is an inherent bias toward live action and theatrical in our society.

[Mr. Holmes]

Good to see Dark Knight on top, despite how it seems to have become cool to bash it.

[WhitOro]

Tim Burton's Batman still remains my favourite.

I recognize why The Dark Knight is so loved as a movie, but to this day, I'm bafled when people tell me they liked Batman Begins. And here its on par with Burton's one. What do you guys see in that movie?

[Jim Thompson]

Tim Burton's Batman still remains my favorite.

I recognize why The Dark Knight is so loved as a movie, but to this day, I'm baffled when people tell me they liked Batman Begins. And here its on par with Burton's one. What do you guys see in that movie?

Honestly, Batman Begins is one of the strongest entries in the franchise, I think. Excellent cinematography, great score, well cast, and a solid script that incorporated the best of the late 60s/early 70s comics.

[Patroklos]

Tim Burton's Batman still remains my favourite.

I recognize why The Dark Knight is so loved as a movie, but to this day, I'm bafled when people tell me they liked Batman Begins. And here its on par with Burton's one. What do you guys see in that movie?

The pseudo-realism was a breath of ridiculously fresh air after the Schumacher-films, it really re-invented the whole superhero genre. Other than that the script is great, good actors throughout, interesting themes... It's one of the definite takes on Batman's origin and early years IMO, in movies or otherwise. The one thing that doesn't really do it for me are the last 15-20 minutes.

[Lord Bravery]

Great actors? Are we just pretending Katie Holmes doesn't exist now?

That said i prefer Begins to TDK. It's more... Batman...y. The scene at the docks is like a horror movie. Perfect example of Batman doing his thing.