Every Batman Actor Ranked

I’ve recently been in a Batman mood, and so after ranking the Batman films I now want to rank the men behind the cowl.

The exciting thing about Batman / Bruce Wayne as a character is that I don’t think there’s a definitive way to portray him. Each actor has brought something unique and interesting to the role … but some were far better than others.

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

Every Batman Movie Ranked

EVERY MCU Film Ranked (Up To GOTG: Volume 3)

The Best & Worst Thing About Every MCU Film (Infinity Saga)

Every Christopher Nolan Film Ranked

Bad

9 – George Clooney (Batman & Robin)

I can appreciate the quirks that every actor has brought to their portrayals of both Bruce Wayne and Batman … apart from George Clooney in “Batman & Robin”. I’d even go as far as saying he sucks in that movie.

He sleepwalks through what is admittedly a terrible script, and he clearly doesn’t want to be there. He plays Bruce Wayne as a generic, head-wobbling playboy and he gives Batman the gravitas of a baked potato.

He has since apologized for this movie, though. I have to give Clooney credit in that regard.

Okay

8 – Ben Affleck (The Zack Snyder Films)

I remember at the time of the Snyder-verse people were somewhat critical of Ben Affleck’s version of Batman, but nowadays the consensus seems to be somewhat positive. Either way, he’s a lukewarm take on the character.

He’s very gruff, and he comes across as an unstoppable tank in his action scenes. He’s not really an “embrace the shadows” sort of Batman and is more like an “I’m gonna punch you in the face and make terrible wisecracks while doing it” incarnation.

Affleck was, to be fair, a good Bruce Wayne. He has that charisma and air of affluency that the part demands.

Good

7 – Will Arnett (The LEGO Films)

Should Will Arnett even count as a Batman portrayal? I’d say so. His voice work is undeniably goofy, but he also brings a surprising level of humanity and warmth to the part.

His comedic background helps to make this version of Batman a ludicrous, gruff mess of a superhero. Arnett sounds like he’s having the time of his life in every scene and that enthusiasm is infectious.

Kevin Conroy’s eternal influence and esteem as the voice of Batman will never waver … but I wouldn’t mind Arnett taking on the role for future voice-led projects. That might be a hot take but I think he could pull it off – even the serious stuff.

6 – Val Kilmer (Batman Forever)

Val Kilmer gets ragged on as Batman, and I think that’s unfair. He was in a middling film – but his performance shines above those around him.

My hot take is that he’s one of the best Bruce Waynes we’ve ever seen. He has the charisma in spades, and yet there’s a terrifying austerity behind his scowl – this is a man who’s constantly out for vengeance against Gotham’s underworld. His tragic backstory is etched on his face, but the way he softens as the film goes on (because of his new “adopted son” Robin) is conveyed really well.

His version of Batman, on the other hand … is okay. I don’t know what it is, but once he puts on the cowl he becomes less intimidating. He’s a great Wayne and an okay Batman, so that averages out to a decent overall performance.

5 – Adam West (1960’s Film & TV)

Adam West wasn’t the first Batman – I think there was a film in the 40’s led by a different actor – but he’s undoubtedly the earliest incarnation people think of.

He set the standard for all who came after. He was charming as Bruce Wayne and heroic as Batman … even if his era was bogged down by cheap jokes and an odd, campy tone.

Great

4 – Michael Keaton (Batman ’89 / Batman Returns)

For people of a certain age, Michael Keaton IS Batman. He brought new life to the character for its cinematic adaptation.

He has an old-school Hollywood charisma that makes every scene, Wayne and Batman alike, badass. It also helps that Tim Burton’s dark and comic book-y direction gives Keaton a menacing yet campy aura.

3 – Robert Pattinson (The Batman [2022])

The current Batman at the time of writing, Pattinson has brought something completely different to the Caped Crusader – the crushing sadness of an orphan consumed by vengeance.

His Bruce Wayne is moody, he’s a social introvert, and he comes across as a severe insomniac. This isn’t the peppy playboy we’ve grown to expect – it’s a fundamentally broken man who uses every ounce of his energy to fight the criminals he so loathes.

But all that washes away once he puts on the cowl. I didn’t think Pattinson had it in him, but he becomes an intimidating menace once he’s on the streets of Gotham. He doesn’t kill, but he sure does break a lot of bones.

Amazing

2 – Christian Bale (Batman Begins / The Dark Knight / The Dark Knight Rises)

Everyone’s favourite Batman tends to be the one they grew up with. In my case, that’s Christian Bale in the Nolan trilogy.

This version of Bruce Wayne / Batman has become the pop culture staple. Bale’s gruff and intimidating alter ego is master of the shadows, and his charming, playboy Bruce Wayne is my favourite version of the unmasked superhero.

It also helps that Bale was in three really solid films. The Nolan trilogy is the peak of Batman consistency, and “The Dark Knight” in particular is the greatest outing the Caped Crusader has ever had – in large part thanks to Bale’s central performance.

All-Time Great

1 – Kevin Conroy (The Animated Series / Mask of the Phantasm / The Arkham Games)

I had a tough time picking my favourite between this top two. On the one hand, Christian Bale is the Batman of my childhood … but it’s hard to look past Kevin Conroy’s voice work. In every project he was in, he was perfect.

Whether it was the Animated Series, the Arkham games (my personal favourites) or the underrated “Mask of the Phantasm” movie, Conroy always brought his A-game. He was stern and evocative, and every syllable he uttered always oozed gravitas.

One day someone will inherit the voice-over cowl, but I have a hard time seeing how they’d top – or even match – Conroy. He will always be the voice of Batman.

Aaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: