Batman movies in order Batman Marathon
Page Last Modified:
15 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Batman & Robin - 1997
Total Runtime:
498 Minutes
Total Items:
4
Average User Score:
(5.8)Batman movies in order
Ever feel like exploring the hidden streets of Gotham City? There's no better way to satisfy that craving than a Batman movie marathon. Whether you're into Tim Burton's gothic vibe or Joel Schumacher's vibrant style, these movies are a blast from the past. But where to start? And how do all those versions of Bruce Wayne connect? No worries. We've lined up the classic Batman films starring Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney in the perfect order. Grab your popcorn and get comfy with your friends. It's time for that classic Batman theme by Danny Elfman!
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1
Batman Movie 126 min. 1989Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman known as 'The Joker' seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale.USER SCORE 7 -
2
Batman Returns Movie 126 min. 1992The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.USER SCORE 7 -
3
Batman Forever Movie 121 min. 1995Batman faces off against two foes: the schizophrenic, horribly scarred former District Attorney Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face, and the Riddler, a disgruntled ex-Wayne Enterprises inventor seeking revenge against his former employer by unleashing his brain-sucking weapon on Gotham City's residents. As the caped crusader also copes with tortured memories of his parents' murder, he has a new romance, with psychologist Chase Meridian.USER SCORE 5 -
4
Batman & Robin Movie 125 min. 1997Batman and his sidekick Robin attempt to the foil the sinister schemes of a deranged set of new villains, most notably the melancholy Mr. Freeze, who wants to make Gotham City into an arctic region, and the sultry Poison Ivy, a botanical femme fatale. As the Dynamic Duo contend with these bad guys, a third hero, Batgirl, joins the ranks of the city's crime-fighters.USER SCORE 4
Batman (1989)
Director Tim Burton took Gotham City and turned it into a dark, gothic metropolis, completely changing it from the colorful 60s series. Michael Keaton really blew audiences away as the mysterious Bruce Wayne and a totally believable Batman. But it's Jack Nicholson's unforgettable portrayal of the Joker that makes this film legendary. Get ready for a visually unique experience with an iconic Batsuit, an unforgettable Batmobile, and that classic Danny Elfman theme that sets the tone for your entire marathon.
Batman Returns (1992)
Think Gotham was dark in the first film? Then, Batman Returns came out. Tim Burton really went for it with his gothic superhero style in this sequel. Michael Keaton is back as Bruce Wayne, but this time, the spotlight is on Gotham's famous villains. Michelle Pfeiffer is stunning as Catwoman, she's sexy, dangerous, and a bit tragic. And Danny DeVito's Penguin is both terrifying and pitiful. This film feels like a dark Christmas tale set in a crumbling Gotham full of moral ambiguity. This is perfect for a movie night that's got some atmosphere and edge.
Batman Forever (1995)
Then... everything changes. Batman Forever is the start of the neon-style Batman era, directed by Joel Schumacher. Val Kilmer dons the cape, bringing a more glamorous, less brooding Bruce Wayne/Batman. The new villains and sidekicks make the film memorable. Jim Carrey is unstoppable as the Riddler, and Tommy Lee Jones is absolutely amazing as Two-Face. And let's not forget Chris O'Donnell's first time playing Robin. The pace is fast, the colors are bright, and the soundtrack is pure 90s nostalgia.
Batman & Robin (1997)
Let's be honest: Batman & Robin is the most talked-about and often criticized film in this series. That's exactly why it should be part of your Batman movie marathon. George Clooney makes his debut as a charming yet lighthearted Bruce Wayne, with Chris O'Donnell returning as Robin. The villains? It's pure camp. Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze delivers some great ice puns, and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy is a botanical fever dream. Alicia Silverstone also makes her entrance as Batgirl. It's absolutely amazing. It's neon, and it's like a time capsule of 90s blockbuster filmmaking. Set your expectations to fun and enjoy the chaos.
Why This Order Works
These four films create a unique mini-universe within the larger Batman saga, distinct from the later Dark Knight Trilogy or the DC Extended Universe. Even though Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's movies have different tones, they're set in the same world with characters that overlap and storylines that change over time. Watching them in this order shows how Gotham changes and how the Batman movies adapt to the 90s spirit.
Tips for your Batman movie marathon
Get ready for a long day, this marathon is just over 8 hours. Make sure you have plenty of snacks, comfy seating, and a good screen to really enjoy all the Batmobile action. If you want to get it done in one evening, start around noon. If you want to spread it over a weekend, do a double feature each day. Bonus points if you catch a few episodes of Batman: The Animated Series between films. It perfectly bridges the tone between Burton and Schumacher and adds depth to your viewing experience.
After the Marathon: What's Next?
If you're still craving more Batman after this Gotham journey, you can explore other parts of the Batman universe. Check out the Batman comics, modern DC Batman movies, or video games like the Arkham series. Or you could watch a bunch of DC movies where Batman teams up with Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Justice League. But first, congratulate yourself. You just experienced an iconic piece of superhero cinema, from gothic splendor to neon spectacle.
Let the Bat-Signal Shine
This marathon is more than just popcorn and action. It's a journey through film history, a nostalgic trip through the evolution of Bruce Wayne, Batman, and his colorful Gotham villains. Each film has its own charm, style, and zeitgeist. Whether you're here for Michael Keaton's Batman or the guilty pleasure of George Clooney's, this viewing order offers the ultimate experience. And let's be real, you can already hear the Danny Elfman theme in your head, right?