Can the Caped Crusader top the Man of Steel?
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Batman versus Superman?
Even cooler with Gotham across the river from Metropolis, suggesting cultural divides between super-cities.
‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice’ (2016).Warner Bros.
The ultimate battle suffers from CGI sludge, an obvious eventual alliance, and “Martha!”
If onlyWarner Bros.had just let Snyder make hisKiller Superman vs. Machine Gun Batmanmovie.
No question, the star’s final superfilm exemplifies diminishing returns.Peacebegins topically with Kal-El eradicating all nukes.
‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987).Everett Collection
Scholars can debate whether the long-haired blond anti-Superman is dumber thanBvS' digital sewer monster Doomsday.
We choose the mullet.
Meanwhile, Pryor’s Gus Gorman is so good at embezzling money that he somehow becomes a corporate cyberterrorist.
‘Superman III’ (1983).Warner Bros.
Viewed just as aBatmanmovie, Snyder’sHBO Maxexpansion lets Batfleck plasma-rifle a crapload of parademons.
15.Batman Forever(1995)
Jim Carreywas on top of the world in 1995. especially sinceTommy Lee Jonesis bringing the exact same manic energy.
You’d think that a movie featuring Two-Face would have more time for differentiation and tonal surprise.
‘Justice League’ (2017).Clay Enos/DC Comics/Warner Bros.
Ah well, we got one eventually.
Amidst our modern deluge of completely sexless superhero fare, that’s one element that actually has aged well.C.H.
(“Oh, you liked a grittier, darker Batman?
‘Batman Forever’ (1995).Everett Collection
Well, we’re going to do the same thing now forDC’s beacon of hope.")
Despite what you think about the still-ongoing debates about Superman killing Zod, the joyless factor deserves its critiques.
It also takes some of the intrigue away from what this film is setting up.
‘Man of Steel’ (2013).Warner Bros.
)Henry Cavill, though… ), but at least Hardy is having fun.
It could’ve been a superpoweredBefore Sunset except the baby-faced leads are way too young.
It’s camp, which means it has achieved immortality.
‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012).Ron Phillips
A cult hit may be too strong of a phrase, but its appreciation has only grown.
A Batsuit with nipples!
Flashing close-up shots of Clooney andChris O’Donnell’s rubber-clad bubble butts!
‘Superman Returns’ (2006).Warner Bros.
Freeze’s legion of evil hockey players!CluelessstarAlicia Silverstone!
One could even call the film timely again.
She walked soGreta Thunbergcould run.N.R.
‘Batman & Robin’ (1997).Everett Collection
Freeze, while Nolan’s portrayal of Gotham City clearly owes more toBlade RunnerthanTaxi Driver.
Like, name one other Batman who fought bad guys on a submarine while holding a kitty cat.D.F.
C’mon, let’s get nuts.“D.C.
‘Batman Begins’ (2005).Warner Bros.
The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
IsLEGO Batmanthe movie that best understands Batman?
The result is a film that’s clever, heartfelt, and very,veryfunny.
(Both Ledger andJoaquin Phoenixhave now wonAcademy Awardsfor playing Joker.)
‘Batman: The Movie’ (1966).ABC Television Group
3.Superman II(1980)
Fans of this1980 classicgenerally fall into two camps.
Either way, there’s one thing we all can agree on: Christopher Reeve has never been better.
You really will believe a man can fly especially if that man is Christopher Reeve.D.C.
Robert Pattinson in ‘The Batman’ (2022).Jonathan Olley/DC Comics/Warner Bros.
Are we really arguing that the genre hasn’t improved at all since 1978?
1.Batman Returns(1992)
Glorious cinematic mania.
Keaton isn’t sidelined, though.
‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ (1993).Warner Bros.
He’s more bemused here than inBatman ‘89, and the baddies offer psychological challenges to his caped crusading.
Sparks fly between Bruce, Selina, and their costumed selves.
is still the sharpest Batman take in any Batman screenplay).
‘Batman’ (1989).Everett Collection
while giving every character a playful sense of humor.
‘The LEGO Batman Movie’.Warner Bros. Pictures
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008).Warner Bros.
‘Superman II’ (1980).Warner Bros.
‘Superman’ (1978).Everett Collection
‘Batman Returns’ (1992).Warner Bros.
