Although Batman may not be the oldest cinematic superhero (that title goes to Superman), Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is probably the most beloved and iconic. In a movie genre that features dozens of superheroes from both Marvel and DC Comic book universes, Batman is still one of the fan favorites. Since Ben Affleck is the latest actor to take on the iconic role,let’s take a look back at caped crusader’s best incarnations on film and in TV.
The general consensus is that Clooney was the worst Batman of all time. His wooden delivery of bad puns and the infamous “nipple suit” essentially killed the Batman franchise of the ’90s. However, for those who love a good pun (or a couple dozen terrible puns), Batman & Robin can still be enjoyable.
As the predecessor to Clooney’s Batman, Kilmer’s wasn’t much better. However, he managed to pull off the humor in Batman Forever a bit better alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Kilmer should also be credited for knowing when to bail on the franchise because at least he jumped off the sinking Batship.
Though most people under the age of 30 probably recognize West from his time voicing cartoon characters on Family Guy and The Fairly Odd Parents, he first became popular by playing Batman in the campy 196’0s television show. Although it’s nothing like the gritty superhero films of today, if you ever catch Batman in reruns, it’s definitely worth a watch.
The Lego Movie should appeal to Batman fans who might think the caped crusader has been taken a bit too seriously in recent years (looking at you Christopher Nolan and Frank Miller). Arnett’s Batman is more of a parody of the famous character, but still just as enjoyable — and probably even more hilarious.
Admittedly we were more than a little apprehensive when Ben Affleck snagged the role of Bruce Wayne in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. But shockingly, he was was one of the best parts about the clunky film. Affleck’s Batman is a bit older, wiser and war weary, and something about that just appeals to us. It also didn’t hurt that the hunky actor had some silver hairs growing from his temples.
After years out of the spotlight, Keaton (along with the help of Tim Burton) brought Batman back to the big screen. Following in West’s footsteps, though, Keaton was the first to emphasize the superhero’s darker side and he will forever hold that accolade within Batman history.
After Clooney and the epic failure that was Batman & Robin, the caped crusader needed a few years off. Then, Bale brought Batman back to life in Nolan’s insanely successful — both commercially and with fans — trilogy. Though the voice was often parodied, Bale totally revitalized Batman and made way for Batfleck!