Over the years, many actors have taken up the mantle of Gotham’s most iconic vigilante. While some performances have soared, others have missed the mark. Today, we’re ranking the actors who played Batman in live-action films, from those who failed to bring justice to the role, to the actors who truly became the Dark Knight.
Actors Who Played Batman (Worst To Best)
9 – George Clooney
Appeared In: Batman & Robin (1997)
George Clooney himself has joked that he almost ruined the Batman franchise with his portrayal. Batman & Robin was widely panned for its campy, over-the-top execution, and Clooney’s Batman was no exception. His Bruce Wayne felt stiff and uncharismatic, and the infamous Batsuit with nipples didn’t help. Clooney, a talented actor in other genres, seemed miscast in the role, and the lacklustre script gave him little room to shine. Despite his natural charm, this version of Batman has become a cautionary tale of what happens when the tone of a film veers too far into the absurd.
8 – Val Kilmer
Appeared In: Batman Forever (1995)
Val Kilmer stepped into the Bat-suit following Michael Keaton’s iconic portrayal, but his performance fell flat in comparison. While Kilmer looked the part of the stoic and brooding Batman, he failed to bring much depth to the character. His Bruce Wayne was forgettable, and Batman Forever struggled to balance the dark, gothic tone established in previous films with a new, more colourful, comic-book style. Kilmer didn’t seem fully invested in the role, which showed in a performance that lacked emotional complexity or grit.
7 – Lewis Wilson
Appeared In: Batman (1943 serial)
As the first-ever live-action Batman, Lewis Wilson holds a unique place in pop culture history. However, his portrayal leaves much to be desired. The 1943 serials were a product of their time, heavily influenced by wartime propaganda, which overshadowed any attempt at genuine character development. Wilson’s Batman was campy and awkward, often more of a bumbling agent than the sleek, powerful detective we now associate with the character. Though he deserves credit for being the original, Wilson’s Batman pales in comparison to the more nuanced portrayals that followed.
6 – Robert Lowery
Appeared In: Batman and Robin (1949 serial)
Like Lewis Wilson before him, Robert Lowery’s Batman was part of a 15-chapter serial that capitalised on the character’s early popularity. Lowery’s take was slightly more polished, and his Bruce Wayne came across as more confident. However, the campy nature of the production and the limitations of 1940s filmmaking meant that Lowery’s Batman remained stuck in a stiff, outdated mold. He improved on some of Wilson’s failings, but the performance still lacked the depth, darkness, and complexity that we’ve come to expect from Batman.
5 – Adam West
Appeared In: Batman (1966)
Adam West’s portrayal of Batman is arguably the most iconic of its time. His campy, bright, and over-the-top Batman became synonymous with the 1960s television show and the subsequent film. West embraced the lighter, more comical side of the Caped Crusader, playing Bruce Wayne as a morally upright, clean-cut hero. While modern audiences often view his performance as outdated, it perfectly captured the comic-book vibe of the era. West’s Batman is a cultural touchstone, a playful, fun version of the character that contrasts sharply with the darker interpretations that followed. For fans of camp, West remains a beloved portrayal, but by today’s standards, it doesn’t rank among the best.
4 – Ben Affleck
Appeared In: Batman v Superman (2016), Justice League (2017)
Ben Affleck’s Batman was divisive, but his portrayal captured the character’s darker, more violent tendencies, especially in Batman v Superman. Affleck’s older, world-weary Bruce Wayne brought a new dimension to the role, showcasing a Batman who had seen years of fighting crime and had grown bitter, bordering on brutal. Affleck nailed the physicality of the character, but the inconsistent writing of the DCEU films often undermined his performance. Though he didn’t get a solo film to truly make his mark, Affleck’s Batman was a gritty, intense version that hinted at the potential for more had the films around him been stronger.
3 – Robert Pattinson
Appeared In: The Batman (2022)
Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman brought a raw, younger take on the character. His Bruce Wayne is emotionally scarred, more reclusive, and far from the playboy image we’re used to. The Batman delves into Bruce’s early years as the Caped Crusader, focusing on his detective skills and the toll his crime-fighting life takes on him. Pattinson’s Batman is unpolished and brutal, with a sense of vulnerability and obsession that sets him apart from previous portrayals. His performance has been praised for its intensity, and while his version of Batman is still evolving, Pattinson has quickly made his mark as one of the more intriguing interpretations of the Dark Knight.
2 – Michael Keaton
Appeared In: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)
Michael Keaton’s Batman was a game-changer, ushering in a new, darker era for the character on-screen. Tim Burton’s gothic vision was a perfect fit for Keaton’s understated yet intense portrayal of Bruce Wayne. Keaton’s Batman was mysterious, brooding, and dangerous, with an edge that hadn’t been seen in previous versions. His performance as Bruce Wayne was equally impressive, playing him as a quiet, almost distant figure who hides behind his public persona. Keaton’s work laid the foundation for future Batman portrayals, proving that the character could be both dark and compelling. His return to the role in The Flash (2023) further cements his legacy as one of the best Batmen.
1 – Christian Bale
Appeared In: Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Christian Bale’s Batman remains the gold standard for many fans. Under the direction of Christopher Nolan, Bale gave a multifaceted performance that explored Bruce Wayne’s psychological trauma, moral dilemmas, and journey from vengeance to heroism. His portrayal of Batman was intense and physically demanding, but it was his Bruce Wayne that truly shone—vulnerable, haunted, and deeply human. The Dark Knight trilogy elevated the superhero genre, and Bale’s work as both Batman and Bruce Wayne created an iconic, fully realised character. From the origin story in Batman Begins to the epic conclusion in The Dark Knight Rises, Bale’s Batman is the most complete and compelling version we’ve seen on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the worst actor to play Batman?
Most fans agree that George Clooney’s portrayal in Batman & Robin was the weakest due to the film’s campy tone and his miscasting in the role.
Why is Christian Bale considered the best Batman?
Bale’s portrayal in The Dark Knight trilogy explored the character’s complexity, giving Batman a rich emotional depth while delivering on action and intensity.
How did Robert Pattinson’s Batman differ from others?
Pattinson’s portrayal focused on a younger, more vulnerable Batman, showcasing his detective skills and inner struggles early in his vigilante career.
Who was the first actor to play Batman?
Lewis Wilson was the first actor to portray Batman on screen in the 1943 serials, though his performance is widely considered outdated by modern standards.
