What Batman movie should I watch next?

Batman has become the focus of an ever-expanding collection of movies, from live-action features to animated adventures. As such, it can often be difficult to keep track of what movies he is in and which movies you might like to watch.

Ever found yourself asking the question: What Batman movie should I watch next? Well, don’t worry, you are not alone.

It can be difficult to decide what Batman film should be next on your ‘must-watch’ list, which is why a guide to the Batman films can help. But sometimes, just being pointed in the right direction is enough to solve the problem.

In this post I am providing some movie suggestions to help navigate you through the films. It doesn’t matter if you like fun Batman movies or unusual Batman movies, this post can steer you towards a picture that is right for you!

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Fun Batman

Do you like light Batman movies? The kind where the action is just as important as the laughs? Then you need a fun Batman film!

A top suggestion for a fun Batman movie would be Batman: The Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016). Featuring the vocal talents of Adam West and Burt Ward, this animated feature is a return to the entertaining, and often amusing stories of a more innocent era.

And if you want further fun Batman movies, then why not try:

• Batman: The Movie (1966)
• Batman vs Two-Face (2017)
• Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2018)

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Dark Batman

So, you like your Batman all dark and brooding, do you? OK, then you need a movie that matches your Dark Knight of choice and that means Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) is the perfect movie for you. It is dark, moody, and it features a Caped Crusader who takes no prisoners.

And if you want to explore dark Batman stories, then try:

• The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1 (2012) & Part 2 (2013)
• Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
• The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

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Action adventure Batman

Not too dark, not too light? Ah, you are a Batman movie fan who likes to meet the Caped Crusader somewhere in the middle. And this means you most likely favour a more action orientated Batman! The film you should be watching is Batman Forever (1995) – an action-packed Batman movie which is loaded with stunts and adventure.

If this sounds like the Batman film for you, then you should also watch:

• Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
• The Batman vs Dracula (2005)
• Son of Batman (2014)

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Less Batman more Bat-villains

Like Batman, but prefer his villains? OK, then you need a film that favours foes over friends. The best choice for you is Batman: Hush (2019) – a Batman movie loaded with bad guys and gals.

Poison Ivy, Joker, Harley Quinn, Clayface, Riddler – they are all here and they all have one target on their mind – Batman!

And if you want to explore more Batman movies featuring villains, then watch:

• Justice League: Doom (2012)
• Suicide Squad (2016)
• Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)

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Animated Batman

Ah, so you only like animated Batman movies. I see – then you need to be watching the best animated Batman movies possible. I suggest you begin with the critically acclaimed Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) – the first (and best) feature-length spin-off from Batman: The Animated Series.

You want more? Fair enough. Then try out these:

• Batman: Subzero (1998)
• Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
• Batman: Gotham Knight (2008)

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Live-action Batman

If you only want to watch live-action Batman movies, then you have a number to choose from. A top suggestion here would be Batman Begins (2005) – the first entry in Christopher Nolan’s run of Batman films.

In Batman Begins, Christian Bale takes on the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman for a thrilling tale that takes the Caped Crusader back to basics.

And if you like Batman Begins, you might also like:

• Batman (1989)
• Batman Returns (1992)
• The Dark Knight (2008)

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Unusual Batman

None of the above quite what you are after? OK, then you perhaps prefer something a little more… unusual. How about a Batman story that takes place in an alternate reality? Or maybe a Batman tale told in the past? What about a crossover with some mutant turtles?

Well, if any of this sounds up your street then you should begin with Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) – a tale set during the era of Jack the Ripper. This is an intriguing Batman movie, unlike any other.

And if you want to continue down the path of unusual Batman stories try:

• Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
• Batman Ninja (2018)
• Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)

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Family Batman

And finally, if all you want are stories that focus on the Batman family, then you need to watch The Lego Batman Movie (2017). This animated adventure puts the focus firmly on team work, friendship and the importance of family.

You might also like:

• Batman & Robin (1997)
• Justice League (2017)
• Teen Titans GO! to the Movies (2018)

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I hope this guide has proved useful. Should you want to know more about the Batman films, click on the links to read my posts: ‘What are the Batman movies?’ and ‘The best order to watch animated Batman films’. You can also try out any of the recommended reads below.

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