‘Superman’ Sets Streaming Premiere Date on HBO Max

Superman is speeding onto streaming faster than … however that goes.

The new DC Universe, which recently made a strong debut in theaters, is now expanding to HBO Max. James Gunn’s *Superman* movie, which has received positive reviews, will be available to stream very soon.

The film also premieres on HBO the linear channel on Saturday, September 20 at 8 PM ET.

The new film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The story takes place a few years after Superman begins his career as a superhero, and he quickly becomes entangled in a political crisis when he tries to stop a war between two nations. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is plotting to imprison Superman in a secret facility he controls. The film also includes Krypto, Superman’s mischievous but devoted dog, who was modeled after director James Gunn’s own pet, Ozu.

Gunn’s *Superman* is a vibrant and intelligent take on the classic superhero, and remains one of the best versions we’ve seen – as I noted in my original review when the movie first came out.

Krypto’s mischievous behavior is funny, but it also cleverly highlights James Gunn’s take on Superman: he’s a remarkably ordinary guy, even struggling to control his dog! Some fans who expect a perfect, all-powerful Superman might not like this. However, I found myself surprisingly invested in the story – something I haven’t felt with a superhero movie in a long time. This Superman achieves something truly special: he makes the audience connect with the person *behind* the hero, not just the amazing feats he performs.

Superman will start streaming on HBO Max starting on September 19.

Every DC Comics Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

46. Catwoman (2004)

I have to admit, I’m strangely fascinated by *Catwoman*. The story is wild – Halle Berry plays a beauty executive who uncovers a dangerous secret about her company’s product and, well, things go terribly wrong. Then, get this, she’s resurrected by cats and becomes the newest Catwoman, part of a long legacy! Patience Phillips is everything you’d expect – incredibly agile, always landing on her feet, a surprisingly good basketball player, and with a definite fondness for shiny things and leather. It’s hilariously over-the-top! The director clearly had a visual effects background, which means it *could* have been much worse as far as DC movies go. But the editing…oh, the editing! It’s a mess. You’ll notice the same outfits for days because they literally chopped the movie around without reshooting anything. It’s a truly bizarre combination of weird choices and just plain incompetence, but honestly? That’s what makes *Catwoman* so enjoyable for those of us who love a really bad movie. It’s pure catnip!

45. Jonah Hex (2010)

The movie *Jonah Hex* really missed the mark. The character, a tough Western hero with a scarred face, seemed perfect for a straightforward, classic gunslinger story – especially with an actor like Josh Brolin. Instead, the film added unnecessary supernatural elements, giving Jonah the ability to talk to ghosts, and filled it with over-the-top action. It’s a short movie, thankfully, but that’s only because it was heavily cut and edited into a confusing mess. *Jonah Hex* is such a uniquely bad film that it actually makes the already-criticized *Wild Wild West* look good by comparison.

44. Suicide Squad (2016)

The central conflict of this movie wouldn’t exist without the Suicide Squad itself. The villain is a member of the team who turns against them, and a major part of the story revolves around rescuing a mysterious figure who is ultimately revealed to be the Suicide Squad’s creator and leader. Essentially, the team both creates and resolves the film’s problems – it’s a self-contained cycle. While director David Ayer may have originally envisioned a cohesive story, the final cut feels heavily edited and disjointed. And despite the existence of an “Extended Cut,” the film doesn’t benefit from the added length; it actually needs to be more concise.

43. Steel (1997)

Okay, let me tell you about *Steel*. It stars Shaquille O’Neal, and while it’s clearly made with good intentions, it’s… well, pretty goofy. It’s based on a Superman character who briefly took over for the Man of Steel in the comics, which means they had to really rework the backstory. Shaq definitely *looks* like a superhero, and he seems to be enjoying himself, but the movie is just packed with these inside jokes that don’t land – Shaq keeps missing basketball shots and just shrugs it off, and there’s even a joke about the ‘shaft’ of Steel’s hammer! Honestly, the costume is awful, and the whole thing feels less like a real movie and more like a really long, painfully unfunny *Saturday Night Live* sketch. It’s… a choice, let’s put it that way.

42. Supergirl (1984)

Before Superman’s popularity waned in the 1980s, producers created *Supergirl*, a spinoff focusing on Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El (Helen Slater). The story involves Kara escaping Argo City – a strange, pocket dimension accessible at the bottom of a lake on Earth – to find an object that powers her home. Superman is mentioned as being away in another galaxy, with Christopher Reeve only appearing in a poster. The connection to the *Superman* films is further hinted at by a brief and unnecessary cameo from Jimmy Olsen (Marc McClure). While Helen Slater looks the part, *Supergirl* isn’t particularly memorable unless you’re entertained by Faye Dunaway’s over-the-top performance as a mystical villain. And there’s *plenty* of that.

41. Green Lantern (2011)

Comic book fans often get upset when movies or shows change things from the original stories. A good example of why sticking *too* closely to the source material doesn’t always work is the *Green Lantern* movie. It tries to fit a huge amount of backstory – about DC’s space police and their powerful rings – into just over an hour and a half, but ends up feeling rushed. While we see many characters like Tomar-Re, Kilowog, and Sinestro, we don’t learn much about them, and it leaves little time to develop Ryan Reynolds’ character, Hal Jordan, and his life before and during his transformation. Peter Sarsgaard is convincing as the villain Hector Hammond, who has a bizarre appearance, but the casting feels off – he’s noticeably older than Blake Lively, who plays his childhood friend Carol Ferris.

40. Justice League (2017)

The movie *Justice League* had the potential to be a fantastic finale to a connected series of films, but unfortunately, it marked a low point for the DC cinematic universe. Director Zack Snyder had to leave the project during filming, and when Joss Whedon took over, the final product didn’t really reflect either of their styles. The editing felt rushed, the movie’s overall tone was inconsistent, and the villain was a forgettable, computer-generated character with no compelling reason for wanting to take over the world. While Zack Snyder’s original vision is now available on HBO Max, the theatrical cut of *Justice League* remains one of the weakest entries in the DC film series.

39. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)

Despite its reputation, this Superman film isn’t terrible. By this point, the franchise was owned by Cannon Films, who had a very limited budget-only $17 million, compared to $55 million for the first movie. You can definitely see the lower budget on screen. However, Gene Hackman is great as Lex Luthor, there are some enjoyable action scenes, and Christopher Reeve gives a strong performance as Superman faces a new, serious threat: the danger of nuclear war.

38. Superman Returns (2006)

The scene of Superman rescuing a crashing plane is one of the most impressive in any superhero film. However, the rest of *Superman Returns* spends too much time trying to feel like the original *Superman* movies directed by Richard Donner, despite being made years later with a completely new cast. This makes the film feel a bit like a museum piece – respectful of the past, but lacking energy. The movie also introduces a compelling storyline element only to abandon it unexpectedly near the end. Had the film focused on *that* plotline, it could have been truly great.

37. Batman and Robin (1997)

Though often blamed for ending the 1990s *Batman* movies, *Batman and Robin* has a certain appeal. It’s a classic example of a movie that’s so bad, it’s actually enjoyable. Sure, Arnold Schwarzenegger makes a ton of ice-related jokes, and Uma Thurman plays a very over-the-top Poison Ivy, but those things are part of the fun! George Clooney is surprisingly relaxed as Bruce Wayne, and who doesn’t love seeing a superhero enjoy life, even while dressed as a bat? You can criticize it all you want, but I never tire of watching it. And despite all the jokes about the costumes from that era – especially those very noticeable nipples – Chris O’Donnell’s Nightwing suit is actually one of the best designs in any DC movie.

36. Batman Forever (1995)

Sandwiched between the dark style of Tim Burton’s Batman films and the over-the-top visuals of *Batman & Robin* comes *Batman Forever*. This movie takes everything up a notch – the Batmobile is flashier, Batman’s suit is more exaggerated – and features Batman battling both Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey). However, the real competition seems to be between Jones and Carrey themselves, each trying to deliver the most wildly flamboyant performance ever. (Jim Carrey wins that one.) Val Kilmer offers a unique take on Batman, portraying him as colder and more composed than Michael Keaton or George Clooney. You wish the movie had explored his version of the character further, even if this particular film doesn’t quite do it justice.

35. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

This sequel doesn’t quite live up to the first *Wonder Woman*, but it’s fun to see Gal Gadot and Chris Pine back together, even if it doesn’t entirely make sense. The story brings Diana (Gadot) into the 1980s to fight a greedy businessman (Pedro Pascal) and the villainous Cheetah (Kristen Wiig). While there are some exciting moments, like a chase through the desert, much of the movie feels slow and aimless.

34. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

This sequel doesn’t live up to the charm of the first *Shazam!* The original movie was fun because it showed a teenager discovering his superpowers. Now that he’s experienced, *Fury of the Gods* feels unnecessary, relying too much on special effects and missing the mark with its comedy. However, Helen Mirren seems to be enjoying her role as one of the Daughters of Atlas.

33. The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)

Ever wonder why Swamp Thing, a creature made of plants, has teeth? That’s the kind of question this knowingly silly sequel to Wes Craven’s original brings up. With Louis Jourdan and Dick Durock returning as Arcane and Swamp Thing, the movie has a unique feel – imagine if Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton starred in *Batman and Robin* and really leaned into the camp. It’s consistently funny, and often intentionally so!

32. Constantine (2005)

This movie is a stylish and darkly humorous supernatural thriller, but it’s quite different from the original *Hellblazer* comics and its cynical main character. If you’re a fan of the source material, that might be a drawback. However, what the film *does* offer is genuinely entertaining, and it has a unique, twisted sense of humor. Keanu Reeves is adequate in the role, but the movie would have benefited from more of Tilda Swinton as the angel Gabriel.

31. Joker (2019)

Despite any awards it receives, this dark backstory for Batman’s enemy feels like a Martin Scorsese imitation gone wrong. Joaquin Phoenix is certainly intense and frightening as Arthur Fleck, the troubled clown, but he’s delivered equally strong performances in similar roles about isolated, mentally ill characters who become violent. Honestly, there are at least two other movie Jokers that I find more compelling. I’ll pass on this one.

30. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

It’s difficult not to acknowledge, even if you dislike it, how intentionally this film challenges viewers who enjoyed watching Arthur Fleck become a hero in Gotham. Instead of continuing his chaotic journey, the film focuses on courtroom scenes and elaborate musical numbers. While the idea of putting the first film ‘on trial’ and featuring Lady Gaga as an obsessed Joker fan is intriguing, *Folie à Deux* doesn’t really develop these concepts, and the songs, perhaps intentionally, fall flat.

29. Black Adam (2022)

Without the contrast of the cheerful and hopeful Shazam, Black Adam comes across as a gloomy and irritable antihero. Dwayne Johnson spent years wanting to play this role, and he physically embodies the power of the character. However, the movie mostly offers impressive action sequences within a rather depressing superhero origin story, hinting at a weak idea that strength justifies any action.

28. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

As a huge DC fan, I was really excited to finally see Batman and Superman meet on screen, but their first encounter in *Batman v Superman* was…intense, to say the least. Batman immediately goes after Superman, holding him responsible for the damage done in Metropolis during *Man of Steel*, and honestly, he’s not entirely wrong. But their rivalry quickly spirals into this over-the-top, macho showdown that sometimes felt like the movie was poking fun at itself. And let’s just say, after that film, I can’t hear the name ‘Martha’ without a chuckle.

27. Man of Steel (2013)

Young Clark Kent famously laments the world’s vastness, to which his mother replies, “Then make it small.” Director Zack Snyder might have benefitted from that simple wisdom. *Man of Steel* is overwhelmed by too much spectacle – collapsing structures, numerous World Engines, and furious Kryptonians – and loses sight of its central character. Perhaps Snyder intentionally portrayed Superman not as a beacon of hope, but as an alien who could be as dangerous as he is helpful. It’s certainly a different approach to the Superman story.

26. Superman III (1983)

Honestly, in a world of superhero movies constantly trying to save the universe with massive explosions, there’s something really refreshing about how small and silly *Superman III* is. It often feels like a Jacques Tati movie that Superman just happens to wander through – almost like a really oddball issue of a Metropolis newspaper brought to life. And surprisingly, it subtly critiques capitalism, something Superman’s been up against since the beginning. But let’s be real, you can’t totally write off a movie where Superman goes bad and *immediately* decides to straighten the Leaning Tower of Pisa just to mess with a guy selling souvenirs. What a delightfully awful jerk he becomes!

25. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom feels like a disappointing end to the DC Extended Universe. Instead of a grand finale, it’s an uneven sequel that occasionally shines thanks to the dynamic between Arthur (Jason Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson). However, it often feels like two different movies were stitched together. The film also leaves some plot points hanging-like the reduced role of Mera (Amber Heard) and the unexplained absence and sudden reappearance of Atlanna (Nicole Kidman). While not the ending fans hoped for, it’s a strangely appropriate conclusion considering the overall trajectory of the DCEU.

24. Superman II (1980)

Look, everyone loves Terence Stamp as Zod – and who doesn’t love yelling “Kneel before Zod!”? – but let’s be honest, the rest of this *Superman II* is a bit of a disaster. Even the charming dynamic between Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder feels strangely off this time around. It’s baffling! Superman spends so much time showing Lois Lane his Fortress of Solitude that he completely misses the fact that three super-powered Kryptonians are taking over Earth! Seriously, doesn’t he have super-hearing? They piled on the powers – magic kisses, teleportation, even those chest emblems that shoot things – so the lack of super-hearing just feels…weird. I’ve seen both cuts of the film, and unfortunately, neither one really works.

23. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

This early DC Comics movie served as a test run for the popular 1950s *Adventures of Superman* TV show with George Reeves. While the special effects are quite bad – the villains, called “Mole Men,” are simply little people wearing black turtlenecks and bald caps – the film captures the essence of Superman’s strong moral code, showing him defending someone vulnerable against a violent crowd. George Reeves perfectly embodies Clark Kent’s kind and compassionate nature, arguably better than any other actor who has played the role.

22. Birds of Prey (2020)

While *Suicide Squad* seemed like Warner Bros. trying to copy the playful spirit of *Guardians of the Galaxy*, *Birds of Prey* feels like their attempt to create a DC version of *Deadpool*. Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is a delightfully wicked, foul-mouthed, and self-aware antihero who evolves into someone slightly better by protecting a young girl, aided by a quirky team of outcasts. Harley is a fresh take on a hero, and the movie has a lively, punk-rock vibe. However, the film would benefit from a greater focus on its core characters. The constant references to the Joker – a character who isn’t even present – create a strange distraction, making it feel like everyone is talking about someone who isn’t there.

21. Watchmen (2009)

Zack Snyder’s film adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ influential comic *Watchmen* is similar to Gus Van Sant’s remake of *Psycho*: it’s a very faithful, but somewhat lifeless, retelling, though still interesting at times. The opening credits, which cleverly show how the *Watchmen* superheroes might have changed 20th-century history, remain the most impressive part. However, much of the film feels less impactful now, especially compared to the excellent recent HBO series created by Damon Lindelof.

20. The Flash (2023)

Okay, so *The Flash* was supposed to be the end of the DC Extended Universe as we knew it, but honestly, it’s a really fun way to say goodbye! It’s a great nod to everything I loved about that universe, and it was awesome seeing Ben Affleck as Batman again, even if it was a smaller role. There’s so much connection between all the different DC properties – it feels less like a *Flash* movie and more like a huge team-up event across dimensions! Ezra Miller does a good job playing two versions of Barry Allen, but Michael Keaton as Batman? He totally steals the show! Seeing him back as the Dark Knight after 30 years was incredible.

19. Swamp Thing (1982)

Trailers for the movie boldly proclaimed the enduring legacy of the comic book character. Before his iconic horror film *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, Wes Craven brought DC’s swamp-dwelling monster to life. Ray Wise played the scientist who, after a disastrous lab accident, becomes a thinking mass of vegetation. While Craven aimed high-and the film’s budget shows it-*Swamp Thing* manages to be both frightening and funny, with a surprising touch of beauty in its depiction of nature. Interestingly, the monster costume is actually better in the follow-up film.

18. Blue Beetle (2023)

Many of the superhero moments in *Blue Beetle* felt familiar, echoing elements from films like *Shazam!* and the first *Iron Man*. What set it apart – and made it arguably better than some other DC movies – was its emphasis on family. Unlike typical superhero stories where the hero hides their identity from loved ones, *Blue Beetle* showed how Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) discovering a powerful scarab dramatically changed the lives of his entire family, especially his hilarious grandmother (Adriana Barraza). While Maridueña was good as Jaime Reyes, Adriana Barraza was so captivating that many viewers wished *she* could be the superhero in her own movie.

17. Aquaman (2018)

Did James Wan and Jason Momoa manage to make Aquaman, the superhero who talks to fish, into a genuinely enjoyable and visually exciting adventure around the world? Absolutely!

16. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Though not a perfect film, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a significant step up from the original theatrical release. It offers a more understandable plot and develops characters, especially Cyborg, in greater depth. At four hours long, it’s a bit excessive – the original was too short, but this version goes on too long. Nevertheless, this cut is the best DC movie Zack Snyder has directed and will likely be remembered as his defining work for the franchise.

15. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)

If you enjoy comedies that poke fun at themselves, you should check out the movie based on the Cartoon Network series about DC’s teen heroes. It playfully examines the trend of superhero movies, even more so than *The LEGO Batman Movie*. (Will Arnett voices the villain, Slade, again!) The story begins when Robin realizes that everyone in the Justice League gets their own film except him. He and his team decide to go to Hollywood, where they learn the only way to get their own movie is to eliminate all other heroes. Naturally, they travel back in time to stop Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League from becoming superheroes in the first place. And get this – Nicolas Cage plays Superman! It’s a surprisingly good movie that doesn’t get enough credit.

14. Batman (1966)

The 1966 *Batman* movie, released between seasons one and two of the popular Adam West TV show, feels like a collection of the series’ best moments. Adam West and Burt Ward return as Batman and Robin, facing off against iconic villains like Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), the Penguin (Burgess Meredith), the Riddler (Frank Gorshin), and the Joker (Cesar Romero). Some criticize the film’s over-the-top style, but it’s actually a playful parody of earlier, lesser-known *Batman* serials from the 1940s. You either find the humor in things like Batman always having Bat-Shark Repellent on hand, or you’re missing the point.

13. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Marvel really misstepped when they briefly fired James Gunn from *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*. He immediately went to DC and revitalized the struggling *Suicide Squad* franchise, turning it into one of their biggest hits. Instead of trying to fix the previous, flawed movie, Gunn focused on the strongest characters like Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), and replaced the rest. (Sorry, Jared Leto!) He then injected a lot more humor and introduced fantastic new characters, including Idris Elba as Bloodsport and John Cena as Peacemaker – a hilariously twisted take on the all-American hero. *The Suicide Squad* is violent, funny, and surprisingly stylish – it’s the movie everyone hoped the original *Suicide Squad* would be.

12. The Batman (2022)

Matt Reeves’ *The Batman* offers a fresh, gritty take on the iconic hero, focusing on his detective skills. Robert Pattinson stars as Bruce Wayne, two years into his role as Gotham’s Batman, and faces off against Paul Dano’s Riddler, a killer targeting the city’s leaders with a complex, twisted game. While previous Batman films have been serious, *The Batman* uniquely explores the character’s significance – both to his audience and to the people of Gotham. The film’s extended and complex ending rivals the epic conclusion of *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*.

11. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

After being made to watch *The LEGO Batman Movie* countless times by my daughter, I’ve come to think it’s possibly the funniest superhero film ever made. Will Arnett’s Batman is hilariously self-centered, and the movie cleverly pokes fun at-while also honoring-pretty much every Batman story ever told. It has a surprisingly heartfelt message about friendship and family (and an annoyingly catchy song!), plus Batman has a six-pack… times one and a half!

10. Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman successfully blends Gal Gadot’s captivating performance as Princess Diana with director Patty Jenkins’ exciting action. The film follows Diana as she leaves her peaceful island home, Themyscira, and enters the brutal world of World War I Europe. Along the way, she falls in love with a charming spy (Chris Pine) and battles her enemies. It’s a challenging role – Diana needs to be both naive and powerful, courageous but not reckless – and Gadot delivers a fantastic performance.

9. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

It’s amazing to think that the Batman of the 1966 TV show and the one in *The Dark Knight Rises* are essentially the same character, which shows how flexible the Batman idea can be. *The Dark Knight Rises* was a generally exciting, though overlong, ending to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. While it tried to top *The Dark Knight*, it might have aimed too high. Still, we’d all benefit if more superhero movies tried to be more than just simple entertainment.

8. Shazam (2019)

Just as the DC Extended Universe seemed to be struggling, Warner Bros. delivered a fresh and unexpected take on the classic Captain Marvel story (now known as Shazam!). The film cleverly reimagines the superhero origin as a comedic body-swap, similar to the movie *Big*. Asher Angel stars as Billy Batson, an orphan who becomes the powerful, yet often awkward, superhero played by Zachary Levi simply by saying “Shazam!” With strong villains, a playful sense of humor, and an exciting, twist-filled climax, *Shazam!* could be the best DCEU film yet.

7. Superman (2025)

Comparing the two *Superman* movies often feels like sacrilege, but while I still slightly prefer Richard Donner’s 1978 film, James Gunn’s *Superman* is remarkably close in quality. Gunn’s version boasts a superior Lex Luthor – brilliantly played by a self-centered and sensitive Nicholas Hoult – and a fantastic supporting cast, featuring Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific and Krypto the superdog, who steals every scene. David Corenswet delivers a wonderfully endearing and vulnerable Superman, making him easy to root for. The film is genuinely fun, exciting, and romantic, with a touch of social commentary. Importantly, it raises the bar for future DC movies, and as the first installment in a planned universe, that’s a very promising sign.

6. Batman Begins (2005)

With *Batman Begins*, the series received a much-needed reboot. It moved away from the baggage of previous films, focusing on Bruce Wayne’s beginnings and presenting a more grounded story. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne was compelling, and Liam Neeson played a particularly nuanced villain. While director Christopher Nolan would later create an even more acclaimed Batman film, *Batman Begins* remains one of the very best in the franchise.

5. Superman (1978)

Putting aside the iconic performances of Marlon Brando and Glenn Ford, and ignoring the mispronunciation of ‘Krypton,’ this movie would be much better if it started when Clark Kent reaches Metropolis. By 1978, most viewers already knew Superman’s origin story, so that part wasn’t essential. What still makes this film special, even with its aging special effects, is Christopher Reeve. Few comic book movies have ever featured a performance as strong as his – he perfectly embodies both Clark Kent and Superman.

4. Batman (1989)

Even if Tim Burton’s *Batman* hadn’t aged well, it would still be incredibly important for its huge influence on Hollywood and how comic book movies were made. Luckily, the film still looks fantastic. While Jack Nicholson’s Joker initially stole the show – and deservedly so, as he’s captivating in every scene – it’s Michael Keaton’s Batman that resonates more strongly today. Keaton portrays Bruce Wayne as a convincingly eccentric and disturbed individual, and his slightly awkward movements in the challenging Batsuit actually make the character feel more intimidating and otherworldly, heightening the suspense whenever he appears.

3. Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton surprisingly got Warner Bros. to greenlight a sequel to *Batman* that was even more gothic, bizarre, and melancholic than the original. In this installment, Michael Keaton faces off against two iconic Gotham villains: Danny DeVito as the chaotic Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as the sleek and dangerous Catwoman. The biggest disappointment with *Returns* is that it turned out to be the final Tim Burton-directed Batman movie, rather than just the beginning of a five-film series.

2. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Even before *The LEGO Batman Movie*, *Batman: Mask of the Phantasm* proved that animated films were a perfect fit for the Batman story. Made by the creators of the beloved *Batman: The Animated Series*, *Mask of the Phantasm* captured everything that made the show special-stunning visuals, smooth animation, and memorable voice acting-into a fantastic 75-minute movie. Over 25 years later, the film still looks great, thanks to the timeless art style of *The Animated Series*, which combined Art Deco and futuristic designs. And the love story between Bruce Wayne and Andrea Beaumont is arguably better than any romantic subplot in the live-action Batman films.

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight* is still considered the best Batman – and arguably superhero – movie ever made. It was a visually stunning experience, especially in IMAX – a format it popularized – and offered thought-provoking themes. The film also introduced instantly memorable lines into popular culture, like “You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain,” which is remarkable for a 2008 Batman movie. From Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker to Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s incredible score and the sleek Bat-pod, the film is packed with iconic moments. Even after more than ten years, *The Dark Knight* remains unmatched.

2025-09-16 20:38