As a fan of the Caped Crusader, one may wonder how to watch the Batman movies in order. With over 10 live-action films released across several decades and many more planned for future release, deciding which movie to see first can be quite daunting. In this article, we will discuss not only the correct chronological order but also some tips on what canon to follow for an ultimate viewing experience.
The Batman franchise has been around since 1943 when its first ever film “Batman” was released as a serial. However, our discussion would mainly focus on the modern era movies that have been produced since 1989.
Chronologically speaking, it is best to start with “Batman Begins” (2005), followed by “The Dark Knight” (2008) and then end with “The Dark Knight Rises”(2012). This trilogy directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan explores Bruce Wayne/Batman’s early years as he develops his arsenal against villainy before facing off against some of his most iconic foes like The Joker and Bane in later installments.
However, if you’re looking for something more traditional starting from Tim Burton’s directorial turn in 1989 let me introduce you to two important concept of canon – DCEU/DC Comics Universe & Elseworlds
DCEU or DC Extended Universe comprises of all recent superhero films beginning with Man of Steel (2013), followed by Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Suicide Squad (2016), Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017) Aquaman(2018), Shazam! (2019 ) , Birds Of Prey And the Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn(2020)with upcoming films The Suicide Squad(2021)(a sequel/reimagining rather than continuation ), Black Adam(2022); The Flash(another dc reimagining whose release date has been pushed to 2023) among others.
In terms of the Batman films, we have his cameo in “Suicide Squad,” and then Justice League where he teams up with other superheroes to tackle world threats. However, given that DC universe introduced a completely different version of Joker played by Jared Leto rather than the iconic portrayal by Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” it is also considered as an Elseworlds concept- a one-off reimagining instead of its official DCEU counterpart.
It can get even more complicated than this since there’s also Zack Snyder’s three-film HBO Max series known as “Snyderverse” taking place before the main events of DCEU.It begins with Man Of Steel followed by Batman vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice and most recently released -Zack Snyder’s Justice League or The Snyder Cut .
This alternate reality has parts similar to but ultimately diverges from DCEU canon like giving us Affleck’s older batman (instead of a younger one working towards understanding his role like in Nolan’s trilogy) ,introducing James Gordon and Nightwing as well amidst various nods at lesser-known comics storylines so it depends on your interest level into seeing more trippy apocalyptic moments being explored for movies building upto what ultimately changed everything (Justice League).
However, if you wish to go down strictly chronological route while considering only live-action feature films using Tim Burton’s Batman(1989) starring Michael Keaton alongside Jack Nicholson portraying The Joker, Johnny Depp-starrer Charlie And The Chocolate Factory-director Tim Burton simultaneously brought together another ambitious endeavor introducing wider audiences to Gotham city alongside the characters related to its biggest icon’s origin story.Batman Returns(1992), starring Danny DeVito as Penguin and Michelle Pfeifferas Catwoman caught up next adding more layers along grimy neighbourhoods leading towards larger-than-life villains defining gruesome murder sprees paving the way for Batman Forever(1995).
Batman Forever took more of a campy approach with Jim Carrey’s portrayal as Riddler alongside Tommy Lee Jones effort as Harvey Dent (later becomes Two-Face) Anthony Hopkins sharing a brief cameo.Although initially directed by Tim Burton it moved away from his visually and narratively dark vision; adopted more colours with neon acid-tints establishing its own separate identity.
Val Kilmer replaced Keaton in this chapter providing us a younger Bruce Wayne when compared to previous iterations yet possessing enough swag to convince even the Joker that he was Bruce Wayne attending an over-the-top circus show.Formerly associated director Joel Schumacher produced his magnum-opus in “Batman & Robin” (1997) which has recently gained notoriety due to production decisions made hammering puns every few minutes, scripting unsatisfactory intimate scenes between Batgirl & both Robin and Batman while simultaneously making him dress up in multiple eccentric bat-suits defaming character’s established iconic image.With characters like George Clooney playing both Dark Knight/ Batmanand Arnold Schwarzenegger portraying Mr. Freeze giving audiences barely any time to recover from one cringefest before being bombarded by another one seriously challenging the sensibilities of comic book fans.
In conclusion venturing into “Hollywood-ised version”of Gotham introduced by Nolan could provide better story arcs grounded deeply towards real-world events providing us several moments deserving spots on numerous greatest superhero movies lists.However, exploring through individual Elseworlds canon like The Snyderverse finding Zack’s signature grotesque storytelling overlaps happening at various points across DC comics coupled with further understanding Tim Burton’s direction including spin-offs clearly inspired other recent adaptations.Ultimately adopting all these alternative takes can help viewers form their own interpretations on how would they want the embodiment of this crusader against crime presented meanwhile setting high-bar expectations for future release.