Rank 5: Batman and the Phantom
This is an animated film that originated from the famous animated series. Its great strength is that there is a new antagonist, the Phantom. But the Joker is also involved, voiced by the brilliant Mark Hamill. Kevin Conroy once again lends his voice to Batman, which is a pure delight.
The film is dark and done in the style of the animated series. Batman has to confront himself in it as well. Overall, a great pleasure.
Rank 4: Batman (1989)
Tim Burton’s first Batman film was also the first time a live-action film about Batman was so dark. Although there are, typically for Burton, some absurd elements, Gotham here is a dark, filthy city. The sets are wonderfully dramatic, and the music by Danny Elfman has long become iconic.
Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson do a good job as Batman and Joker. The film is not as serious as the Nolan films, and also more of a comic film than a thriller (like The Dark Knight), but that’s exactly what makes it so good.
Rank 3: Batman Returns
The successor to rank 5 also comes from Tim Burton. Here, the director turns all the knobs up at least one notch. Gotham becomes even crazier, a veritable Gothic city. Danny DeVito makes for a wonderfully nasty Penguin, and Michelle Pfeiffer plays a pretty cool Catwoman.
The film is simultaneously dark, amusing, and thrilling – a very successful Batman package.
Next up are places 2-1 on page 5.
