One of the most influential superheroes of all time, Batman has been a part of pop culture for nearly 83 years. During this time, the Dark Knight has kept pace with the times to stay current, transforming from a traditional, criminal superhero to a complex and tragic outlaw. His comic book personality may be messy and chaotic, but there’s an inherent sense of loyalty that solidifies him as one of DC’s cornerstone heroes.
This consistency was largely absent from the live-action portrayals. Some have perfectly captured the distinctive Batman duality, with the Bruce Wayne and Batman personalities aptly balanced; others chose to focus too much on one side, which inevitably resulted in a lackluster performance. Still, all these actors add to Batman’s already enduring legacy; secured their place in the ever-growing pantheon of unforgettable comic book movie performances. Here are the best Batman actors of all time…
9. George Clooney
Enough has already been written about Batman and Robin; so much so that the film’s bad reputation far exceeds its actual contribution to the Batman myth. At the center of the neon-colored mess is George Clooney, who is clearly annoyed and wishes he was somewhere else. However, Clooney’s Batman is simply terrifying; because the normally patient hero is very talkative and not scary at all. This situation comes from Akiva Goldsman’s terrible script.
8. Iain Glen
Glen has a somewhat tarnished reputation among the Titans fan base; He worked hard to secure the role. Also, the show has a hard time understanding many of its classic characters and the Batman version; A perfect representation of his haphazard approach. By the way, Iain Glen’s take on the Dark Knight is more Alfred than Batman. It doesn’t look like the character’s physique at all, and Glen’s British accent pops up at the most inopportune times.
7. Adam West
Adam West will always be the Batman of the generation that grew up with him. The 1966 Batman series was a work of comedy that cared little for realism, coherence, or believability. It embraced the craziest aspects of comics and introduced the ludicrousness of a grown man dressed as a bat battling criminals dressed as a clown and cat.
6. Ben Affleck
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was one of the most divisive movies ever. There’s a lot to love and hate, as the movie somehow manages to be overly convoluted and ridiculously simple in some ways. Also, Ben Affleck’s take on the Dark Knight, who lived and died in Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns comic book series; One of the most controversial aspects of the movie.
5. David Mazouz
David Mazouz has an advantage over all other Batman portrayals in that he has time to explore and develop the character. However, he is at a disadvantage in that he is a prequel to Gotham because he only plays Bruce Wayne, he never gets a chance to wear the Batsuit.
4. Val Kilmer
It’s easy to underestimate Val Kilmer’s contributions to the Dark Knight legacy. Indeed, despite having the stage-breaking duo of Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, Batman Forever; Not the most memorable entry in the world of Batman. Still, Kilmer adds a lot to his take on the Caped Crusader, a sense of gravity that’s missing from the movie.
3. Robert Pattinson
Matt Reeves’ long-awaited The Batman could be the best screen adaptation of The Dark Knight. Batman, a detective story rather than a superhero adventure; in fact, it takes an ultra-realistic approach that makes Christopher Nolan’s trilogy pale in comparison. Robert Pattinson puts a lot of emotion into his Batman. It’s imposing without being huge, and daunting without the need for a word. Quiet and watchful, Pattinson’s Batman transforms first into a detective, then into a warrior.
2. Christian Bale
Christian Bale and Nolan have redefined the Dark Knight forever. Also, Nolan’s ultra-realistic approach to the character revolutionized the comic book genre by offering a world in which Batman could reasonably exist and work. In doing so, the director traces all the acting of the genre; abandoned something that future DC projects would emulate. Bale popularized the idea that Batman is the real character, a different take on the context of the trilogy even if it’s a betrayal of the real character.
1. Michael Keaton
Tim Burton’s approach to the surreal is unique but unstable. Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken steal all the attention from The Dark Knight. There’s a lot of good stuff about Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman and Bruce Wayne, though. Because Keaton offers arguably the best Batman/Bruce mix.