Batman Movies in Order: The Ultimate Binge List in New Zealand

I understand the importance of following the Dark Knight through his cinematic journey, and I’m here to guide fans on how to watch Batman Movies in Order. Spanning over 50 years, Batman’s film saga has captured audiences with its storytelling versatility, from the campy ’60s to the gritty realism of modern interpretations.

Gotham’s famous vigilante, Batman, has been brought to life by many talented creators, each giving their unique spin. I’ve watched Batman evolve through different styles and themes, noticing how each director’s vision shaped his world.

It’s interesting to see how each actor takes on the role of Batman, adding to the legacy of this iconic superhero. Fans can enjoy Batman’s confrontations with Gotham’s villains by watching the movies in order on various platforms, making sure they don’t miss any of the action-packed battles for justice.

Understanding the Evolution of Batman Cinema

Through the lens of these films, I’ve witnessed the evolution of Batman from the gothic revival of Tim Burton to the camp spectacle of Joel Schumacher. Each film offers a distinct take on the Dark Knight, contributing to the tapestry of a character that has become an integral part of not just comic book culture but pop culture.

These movies underscore the versatility of Batman as a character, able to be reinterpreted through various lenses while maintaining his essence as Gotham’s protector. Whether he’s a dark vigilante or a more lighthearted hero, Batman remains a staple, and these films are key parts of his movie legacy.

How Many Batman Movies Are There?

When I began exploring the Batman movies in order, I discovered a range of cinematic adventures. I am often asked, “How many Batman movies are there?” To answer this, there are a total of 13 Batman movies that have been released in theaters, ranging from Batman Begins (2005) to The Batman (2022), each with its unique contributions to the Batman legacy.

This includes 11 live-action and 2 animated films, all featuring the Dark Knight as a central character. In this guide, you will learn what are the Batman movies in order.

Quick Overview of Batman Classics

Here is the Batman order of movies with release dates:

Batman (1943)

I recall the 1943 Batman series with a sense of nostalgia, as it marked the first screen appearance of the Caped Crusader. Starring Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin, it was a time when the duo battled the original villain Dr. Daka, a character reflecting the wartime sentiment.

This 15-chapter serial laid the groundwork for all the cinematic adventures that followed. It’s a fascinating look at the early days of Batman, offering a glimpse into the era’s storytelling and production values. Watching these chapters, I witnessed the evolution of Batman’s character from these humble beginnings to the complex figure he is today.

Batman and Robin (1949)

The 1949 Batman and Robin series, featuring Robert Lowery and Johnny Duncan as the iconic duo, saw them confront The Wizard, a villain harnessing technology for his nefarious goals. This series, arriving six years after the original, showcased the evolving narrative and production techniques of the era.

These early representations of Batman and Robin are essential for understanding the character’s development. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of Batman and his fight against crime, serving as an intriguing comparison to today’s high-octane, visually stunning portrayals.

Joker (1981)

When I think about all Batman movies in order, one film that stands out for its unique take on the Batman universe is Joker (1981). This movie isn’t part of the main Batman movies order, but it provides a possible origin story for one of Batman’s most infamous adversaries.

Set in a grungy Gotham City, Joker offers a dark and gritty narrative that deviates from the typical superhero genre, delving into the descent of the troubled Arthur Fleck into the chaotic villain, the Joker. Joaquin Phoenix’s riveting performance made the film a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $1 billion and winning multiple Academy Awards.

Here’s How to Watch All Batman Movies in Order in New Zealand in 2024

When considering the Batman movies in order non animated, it’s important to note that animated features like “Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” can be skipped if one’s focus is solely on live-action films. This curated list ensures a comprehensive viewing experience of all Batman movies in chronological order.

For Batman enthusiasts, watching the Batman movies in order in New Zealand is essential to appreciate the evolution of this iconic character, so get into the depth of the list:

Batman (1966)

Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Writer: Lorenzo Semple Jr. (TV series), William Dozier(based on the series created by), Bob Kane(based upon the characters created by)
Cast: Adam West, Lee Meriwether, Burt Ward
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Runtime: 1h 45m

This is the oldest movie of the Batman movies in order franchise. Catch Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) fight off the sharks, The Riddler, and The Joker to save the world. Wondering if they really get lucky and beat the bad guys. Well, you will have to see for yourself.

The film combines four supervillains as they hold a secret new invention that instantly dehydrates people. Seeing this, Batman plans a workaround with Robin and aims to save the world.

Batman (1989)

Director: Tim Burton
Writer: Sam Hamm (Story), Warren Skaaren (Screenplay), Bob Kane
Cast: Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Jack Nicholson
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Runtime: 2h 6m

The Batman story dates back to the early ’60s, but for the world, it all began in the 1989 version of Tim Burton’s gothic approach towards the proceedings. Bruce Wayne was played by non-other than Michael Keaton while the character of Joker went to Jack Nicholson.

This movie is the one that paved the way for the future renditions of Batman and gave them the courage to explore the story and character and set the mood for future performances of Batman. This movie is the first one directed by Tim Burton in the Batman movies in order series.

Batman Movies By Leading Actor

The 1989 film saw Michael Keaton redefine the role, bringing a darker edge that continued in Batman Returns and will be revisited in The Flash (2023). Val Kilmer took over in Batman Forever (1995), followed by George Clooney in Batman & Robin (1997), with a return in The Flash (2023).

Batman Returns (1992)

Director: Tim Burton
Writer: Daniel Waters & Sam Hamm (Story), Bob Kane (Batman characters)
Cast: Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Keaton
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Runtime: 2h 6m

The Tim Burton Batman movies are back again with this new addition to his franchise. After Joker, I saw the emergence of a new villain in Gotham, Danny DeVito, aka the Penguin, who was ready to ruin the lives of newborn infants to avenge the misconduct he faced in his own life.

Also making an uncanny resemblance to the role of Cat Woman is Michelle Pfeiffer, who teams up with Batman (Michael Keaton) to diminish the evil that resided in the Penguin.

Batman Forever (1995)

Director: Joel Schumacher
Writer: Bob Kane, Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, Akiva Goldsman
Cast: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
Runtime: 2h 2m

The third Batman chronological order movie saw significant changes concerning the directorial team and the actors. Joel Schumacher replaced Tim Burton; meanwhile, Michael Keaton also gave himself an exit, leaving Val Kilmer to become the new Batman.

Jim Carrey took the role of The Riddler, the new evil spirit of the story, and Two-Faced. Chris O’Donnell became the new Robin and continued his role in the next and final movie of the era, Batman and Robin.

Batman & Robin (1997)

Director: Joel Schumacher
Writer: Bob Kane, Akiva Goldsman
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, Uma Thurman
IMDb Rating: 3.7/10
Runtime: 2h 5m

The last one from the Batman series was in the 90s. Despite the star-studded cast and talented Goerge Clooney playing Batman with Chris O’Donnell as his aiding partner Robin.

Nothing could have saved the film from its ill fate. It might have been a good movie if only Schumacher didn’t go overboard with the inclusion to make it relevant enough for the audience. Nonetheless, it was a reasonable effort on their part.

The Enduring Legacy of Batman Films

It’s fascinating to reflect on how each Batman film, from Batman (1989) to Batman & Robin (1997), has contributed uniquely to the character’s legacy. These movies have shaped the superhero genre and impacted how the fans view cinematic adaptations of comic book characters.

They’ve set benchmarks for visual storytelling and character development and have become cultural landmarks that continue to influence filmmakers and audiences alike. As I look back, I see a rich history that informs where the franchise can go next, with the bat signal shining bright, calling for the next chapter in the Batman saga.

Nolan’s Batman Trilogy

Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy is one of the best-directed superhero movies ever. Bruce Wayne’s portrayal as a vigilante with a genuine cause draws viewers in, making them feel a personal connection to his journey.

The films present a realistic storyline and a perfectly depicted Gotham City, mirroring the corruption all often see in the world today.

Batman Begins (2005)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: David S. Goyer, Bob Kane, Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Ken Watanabe, Michael Kale
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Runtime: 2h 20m

If you’re looking for Christian Bale Batman movies in order in New Zealand, then Batman Begins will delight you. First from Nolan’s trilogy for the Batman storyline, Christian Bale plays the dark, nocturnal vigilante and sways the audience with his no-nonsensical acting.

Ready to dive in and save the plague-ridden Gotham trying to survive under the hands of the mentally manipulative Dr. Cillian Murphy, also known as The Scarecrow, whose aim is to corrupt the residents’ minds and establish his regime based on fear.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer, Bob Kane
Cast: Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Christian Bale
IMDb Rating: 9/10
Runtime: 2h 32m

Released 3 years after the first installment of Christopher Nolan’s Trilogy of Batman. The Dark Knight was one of the best movies in this franchise and the first Batman movie to cross the billion-dollar mark on the Box Office.

The amplified storyline made it successful, including one of the best and most memorable villains in all the superhero movies, Joker.

Ranking the Batman Movies

As a Batman aficionado, I’ve spent countless hours discussing and debating the best Batman films with fellow enthusiasts. Ranking the Batman movies is no easy feat, given the diverse interpretations and styles each film presents. From the gothic atmosphere of Tim Burton’s “Batman (1989)” to the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight (2008),” each movie offers a unique take on the Dark Knight’s saga.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Jonathan Nolan, David S. Goyer, Christopher Nolan
Cast: Tom Hardy, Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway
IMDb Rating: 9/10
Runtime: 2h 45m

The third and sadly the last franchise of the Nolan Trilogy came in 2012, which was an emotional ride and a star-studded affair all in one. Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, and the introduction of Cat Woman, played by Anne Hathaway, and the final masked villain of the franchise, Bane, played by Tom Hardy.

The cast list is enough to encourage people to roll in the cinemas, but the fact that this was the end of it all made it even more worthy. The story had a satisfactory conclusion as it was the final take, but The Dark Knight set a high standard that remained unmatchable for even its own sequel.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Director: Zack Snyder
Writer: Chris Terrio, Bob Kane, David S. Goyer
Cast: Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Henry Cavill
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 2h 31m

In 2016, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice marked a new chapter in the Batman cinematic universe. It introduced Ben Affleck as an older, more jaded Batman who faces off against Henry Cavill’s Superman.

The film is noteworthy for portraying Batman as a seasoned crime fighter who comes into conflict with Superman and for introducing Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. Despite its challenges, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice remains a pivotal film in the DCEU and continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and critics.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Director: David Ayer
Writer: John Ostrander, David Ayer
Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Runtime: 2h 10m

An anti-hero movie with a small cameo from Ben Affleck, aka The Batman. The actual start of Suicide Squad was Jared Leto, who has huge shoes to fill in as the Joker after Heath Ledger’s legendary performance.

Margot Robbie as Harly Quinn with her evil yet happy-go-lucky aura. Suicide Squad was a miss from the critics. Still, it did huge business on the Box Office and amongst the audience, leading to Harley Quinn’s own cameo in Bird’s of Prey and the upcoming sequel, The Suicide Squad, this year.

I can’t help but acknowledge how Suicide Squad (2016) brought a fresh angle to the Batman movies in order, albeit in a smaller dose. Batman’s presence, though brief, was a reminder of how his world intertwines with a broader universe of characters.

Justice League (2017)

Director: Zack Snyder
Writer: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Chris Terrio
Cast: Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ben Affleck
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Runtime: 2h

In Justice League (2017), the ensemble spectacle where Batman joins forces with other iconic superheroes, it’s intriguing to see the dynamics of Batman’s leadership.

But due to personal tragedy, he had to quit, replaced by MCU’s Joss Whedon, who tried his best to create a masterpiece but failed to do so. As Ben Affleck returned to his role as Batman, so did the audience’s demand for Snyder’s version of the film, which did eventually made a comeback on HBO Max in 2021.

The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

Director: Chris McKay
Writer: Erik Sommers, Seth Grahame-Smith, Chris McKenna
Cast: Will Arnett, Rosario Dawson, Michael Sera
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Runtime: 1h 44m

The Lego Batman Movie revolves around the Gotham City and how Batman saves it from Joker. Considering the hostile takeover and the disastrous changes, Batman must learn to work in a team and maybe loosen up a bit in the process.

See how Robin, the sidekick, and Alfred, his loyal butler, teach him a trick or two for giving up the nocturnal vigilante look and just embracing the present. You’ll have to watch the Batman movies in order in New Zealand to really enjoy this one.

Joker (2019)

Director: Todd Phillips
Writer: Scott Silver, Todd Phillips, Bob Kane
Cast: Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Joaquin Phoenix
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Runtime: 2h 2m

Joker (2019) is a possible origin story for the character. Directed by Todd Phillips and co-written with Scott Silver and Bob Kane, this American psychological thriller will get you hooked.

It’s the story of a troubled comedian who doesn’t fall within societal norms and keeps spiraling downwards to become the Joker eventually. If you’re looking for Batman films in order, I recommend hitting play on this 2-hour movie because it’s worth it.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Director: Zack Snyder
Writer: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Zack Snyder
Cast: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Runtime: 4h 2m

The extended cut, known as Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), is a redemption that fans clamored for, providing a richer narrative and deeper character exploration. It’s fascinating to see Batman’s character arc given more depth and context.

Strong-willed to ensure that Superman’s sacrifice doesn’t go in vain, Bruce Wayne joins forces with Diana Prince and works to recruit metahumans that will protect the world from an approaching threat.

As Batman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Wonder Woman, and The Flash unite to save the planet from the ominous intentions of Darkseid, DeSaad, and Steppenwolf – you’ll have to see what happens next in the movie. Are they too late, or do they crack a solution in time?

The Batman (2022)

Director: Matt Reeves
Writer: Matt Reeves, Peter Craig, Bob Kane
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Runtime: 2h 56m

As for Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), the latest entry in the Batman movies order, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the dark and rain-soaked streets of Gotham City. It spotlights a younger, more raw version of the vigilante.

While investigating and unraveling the city’s corrupted government, Batman is shocked to find his family involved. This movie is dark and very, very twisted; take my word. If you’re a Robert Pattinson fan, you deserve to see him put on the Batman mask this time!

Batman Movies In Order of Release:

Are you wondering what order do the Batman movies go in. Well, they go in both chronological and release. For you, I have given the release order:

4 Films Batman Favorites Collection

For a broader look at the Batman saga that includes the diverse portrayals of the Dark Knight, I often recommend the 4 Films Batman Favorites Collection.

This collection includes Tim Burton’s and Joel Schumacher’s takes on the franchise: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997).

It’s an excellent way for fans to see the evolution of Batman from the gothic atmosphere of Burton’s films to the neon spectacle of Schumacher’s. Each film contributes uniquely to the Batman movies chronological order.

Other Batman Movies and Series

The following movies and series are not directly linked to the Batman movies in chronological order and can be seen at any time without having to follow the trilogies mentioned above.

The list contains Batman animated and non-animated movies and series. The standalone Batman series and movies are as follows:

• Batman: The Movie (1966)
• The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
• Joker (2019)
• The Batman (1943 – theatrical series)
• Batman and Robin (1949 – theatrical series)
• Batman (1966 to 1969 – TV series)
• Gotham (2014 to 2019 – TV series)
• Titans (2018 to present – TV series)
• Pennyworth (2019 to present – TV series)
• Batwoman (2019 to present – TV series)

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FAQs

Wrapping it Up!

You no longer have to experience FOMO because you finally know the chronological order to watch Batman movies in New Zealand. With this being said, get started with watching all the Batman movies in order in New Zealand and keep yourself entertained.

My list has it all and clear instructions about what order to watch Batman movies, the animated and the live-action from all the timelines starting from 1966 and going all the way till 2021. An iconic figure and savior to Gotham City, Batman has multiple moods, and each actor has done an excellent job in portraying the true essence of Batman but in their unique ways.

Now that you have gotten the answer to what order are the Batman movies, sit back and start streaming!