Batman, also known as the Dark Knight, has been an iconic figure in the world of comics and popular culture since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. Created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, Batman is a superhero who uses his intelligence, strength, and wealth to fight crime in the city of Gotham.
The character proved to be extremely popular among comic book readers and soon made his way to the small screen with the iconic TV show which ran from 1966 to 1968. The show, which starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, brought the famous character to a wider audience, and since then, Batman has become one of the most popular and recognizable figures in TV and film. The character has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years, including Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight Trilogy, and is widely regarded as an icon of popular culture.
Adam West
Adam West was born on September 19, 1928, in Walla Walla, Washington. He was an American actor known for his portrayal of Batman in the television series that aired in the late 1960s. West’s Batman was a lighthearted, campy version of the character, which made him a cultural icon and endeared him to generations of fans. Despite appearing in a range of television and film roles throughout his career, he will always be synonymous with the role of Batman.
West’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader remains iconic, as he was the first actor to bring the character to life onscreen after popularity soared thanks to the comics. West died in 2017 at the age of 88, but his legacy as a beloved cultural icon continues to live on. In fact, many future Batman stars have commented on how West’s role was inspirational to them.
Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton‘s portrayal of Bruce Wayne in the 1989 film Batman marked an iconic moment in superhero cinema. Keaton became the first actor to carry the torch of the brooding billionaire, captivating audiences with his suave businessman schtick and flawless hidden life as Batman, the masked vigilante by night. Tim Burton‘s direction of Batman and its follow-up, Batman Returns, created a darker and more surreal Gotham universe that was far from the garish and campy tone of the 1960s television series.
Keaton’s nuanced, layered performance as both Wayne and Batman reflected the grittiness and psychological torment of Burton’s unique take on the Caped Crusader. Keaton’s role as Batman remains a significant achievement in superhero films, paving the way for the complex and haunting portrayal of the iconic character. In 2023, Keaton even returned to the role after over three decades away, in The Flash.
Kevin Conroy
Kevin Conroy‘s voice-acting role as Batman is nothing short of iconic. Starting with his performance in the acclaimed Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Conroy has become synonymous with the Dark Knight. He has been the voice of Batman in numerous animated television shows, such as Batman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited.
Additionally, Conroy has lent his voice to various video games, including the popular Batman: Arkham series. Conroy’s ability to convey Batman’s complex, brooding, and dark nature has made him a fan-favorite among fans. Moreover, his distinctive voice has become a staple for the character, making his portrayal of Batman one of the most notable in pop culture history.
Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer took on the iconic role of Batman in the 1995 film, Batman Forever. The movie followed Batman as he battled two villains, the Riddler and Two-Face. Kilmer’s portrayal of the Dark Knight was one that was more brooding and introspective than previous versions of the character. He brought a sense of emotional depth to the character, showcasing the emotional turmoil that Batman experienced as he tried to balance his vigilante responsibilities with his personal life.
Despite Kilmer’s efforts, the movie received harsh criticism from both audiences and critics alike, with many panning it for its lackluster script and over-the-top performances from the supporting cast. As a result, Kilmer did not return for the next installment in the franchise, Batman & Robin. When speaking to The New York Times, Kilmer recalled a time when Warren Buffet and his grandchildren visited the Batman Forever set during filming. He stated how the children were more interested in the sets and props than they were in himself dressed as Batman. This made Kilmer realise that it doesn’t matter who plays the part, which is why it’s “so easy to have five or six Batmans.”
George Clooney
George Clooney is an American actor known for his roles in television and film. When he took on the iconic role of Batman in 1997, Clooney was riding high on his success from ER and the horror comedy, From Dusk Till Dawn. However, despite his global superstar status, Clooney’s star power couldn’t save the disastrous film that was Batman & Robin. Despite featuring a talented cast, including a villainous turn from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie was largely panned by critics and audiences alike. Furthermore, it is widely considered to be the worst Batman movie in the entire series.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale is one of the most renowned actors in Hollywood. After starting his career at young age, forefronting Steven Spielberg‘s Empire of the Sun, he has continued to climb in monumental fashion. His high regard as a notable method actor has seen him garner heaps of praise and he has an Academy Award to show for it. However, despite these dramatic renditions, his role as Batman remains his most venerated effort. Across three films, Bale brought a nuanced portrayal to the table, serving up dazzling fight scenes whilst carrying the weight of Bruce Wayne’s notorious grief with ease.
Bale first starred as Batman in Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan‘s opener to his iconic trilogy. While Batman movies have always faired well at the box office, none have performed as well as Nolan’s trilogy. Furthermore, Nolan’s take on the famed superhero and the world of Gotham City paved the way for many more superhero movies to come, thanks to its unprecedented critical acceptance. In fact, Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his legendary role as The Joker in 2008’s The Dark Knight. On top of this, the movie currently sits at number 3 on IMDB’s 250 top rated movies.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck took on the challenging role of Batman with a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders. There was a significant amount of skepticism around his casting due to the fact that many diehard fans had hailed Christian Bale as the best Batman of all time. However, Affleck certainly held his own as the caped crusader. While he may not have been everyone’s first choice for the role, he managed to deliver an intense and brooding take on the character, while also leaning into the comedic aspects of Batman.
Affleck’s portrayal showcased a more seasoned and experienced Batman, providing a unique perspective on the classic superhero. Overall, despite the initial reservations around his casting, Ben Affleck’s performance as Batman was undoubtedly memorable. Affleck helmed the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in five projects over seven years: Batman v. Superman, Suicide Squad, Justice League, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and The Flash.
Will Arnett
Will Arnett is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, and producer, who has earned a reputation for his hilarious performances on both the big and small screen. He has delivered unforgettable characters such as Gob Bluth on Arrested Development, Devon Banks on 30 Rock, and Chris Brinkley on The Millers. However, one of Arnett’s most remarkable contributions to Hollywood has been his voice acting skills, particularly for his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the Lego Movie franchise. His voice truly brings a powerful and distinct edge to the iconic DC Comics character.
Arnett has put a lot of dedication into his role as Batman. When speaking with Yahoo Movies, Arnett was asked what affects voicing Batman has had on his voice. He divulged: “It doesn’t feel great doing it a lot. And so when we do these sessions that are like four hours long, it would hurt.”
Robert Pattinson
Matt Reeves‘ The Batman is the most recent movie in the Batman franchise, offering a fresh and unique take on the classic character and the city of Gotham. The plot differs as it focuses on a younger Bruce Wayne, played by Robert Pattinson, as he struggles to bring order to the crime-ridden streets of Gotham City. Reeves delves deep into Batman’s roots as a criminal investigator, showcasing the protagonist’s intellect and investigative prowess. Yet, the film still packs a punch with stunning fight scenes, despite its more laid-back thriller tone. Much like with Affleck, there was a lot of doubt regarding the casting of Robert Pattinson. However, he delivers a distinctive take on the character, boasting the classic deep voice whilst also bringing an awkward, angsty energy to the scenes as Bruce Wayne.
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