Batman is a timeless hero who has maintained an active fan base for nearly a century. With countless shows, films, comics, and video games in his catalog, there's no shortage of Batman content for fans to enjoy. In particular, Batman films have been an exciting and fun way to bring viewers into the theater to watch Batman save Gotham once again.

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The 1990s provided some of the most interesting Batman films, with three different actors starring in live-action versions and the legendary Kevin Conroy voicing the hero in three animated films. With a variety of unique takes on Batman, the 90s was a fascinating decade for the Batman franchise.

6 Batman And Robin Was A Critical And Commercial Failure

IMDb Rating 3.7

Robin Holds The Diamond In Batman And Robin

Batman and Robin (1997) was the sequel to 1995's Batman Forever, and the only film in the franchise to star George Clooney as Batman. Although it has a star-studded cast that includes Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, the film was a box office and critical failure. It's even considered by some to be one of the worst movies ever made. The film still holds the title of the lowest-grossing live-action Batman film to date.

Batman and Robin's unpopularity is typically credited to its over-the-top, campy, spoof-like energy–a departure from the gloomy, moody vibe Batman comics are known for. Batman and Robin was released following a string of atmospheric Tim Burton adaptations like Batman Forever and Batman Returns, making its outlandish and goofy energy an unpleasant change for fans who enjoyed Burton's vision.

5 Batman Forever Embraces Exuberance

IMDb Rating 5.4

Jim Carrey's Riddler in Batman Forever

Preceding the box-office flop of Batman and Robin was Batman Forever, which placed Val Kilmer in the Batsuit. The film follows Batman as he attempts to thwart The Riddler and Two-Face when they team up to take over Gotham. Jim Carrey provides a memorable performance as The Riddler, and Tommy Lee Jones' Two-Face is also beloved by fans. But the movie itself received mixed reviews.

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Batman Forever is another example of the Batman franchise's careful balancing act between indulging in camp and embracing a darker tone. With a lot of intense sound effects, fast-paced scenes, and eye-catching visuals, the film is remembered by some as an entertaining spectacle. Others find it to be too exuberant and would prefer a moodier tone. Either way, the film is a piece of Batman history and a part of 1990s culture.

4 Batman Returns Takes A Darker Approach

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Michael Keaton doesn't get a break on Christmas Eve in Batman Returns.

Before Batman Forever or Batman and Robin, Warner Brothers gave fans Batman Returns. The highest-rated live-action Batman movie of the decade, Batman Returns featured Micheal Keaton in the titular role and benefited from having Tim Burton as its director. The film focuses on The Penguin and Catwoman, played by Danny DeVito and Michelle Pfeiffer respectively. Both DeVito and Pfeiffer have been praised for their performances in the film and considered iconic contributors to the franchise.

While some praise the Batman Returns's plot and consider it superior to its 1989 predecessor, Batman, others have criticized it for being overly dark and even too sexual. Batman Returns almost features more of Catwoman than it does Batman, as she seeks revenge on Penguin for abuses she suffered as his secretary–and some object to this narrative choice. Whether fans like it or not, it's hard to deny Pfeiffer's brilliant performance as Catwoman and DeVito's commitment to his horrifyingly evil interpretation of Penguin.

3 Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero Is A Chilling Classic

IMDb Rating: 7.1

poster for batman and mr freeze

Although live-action Batman movies were a significant part of 90s culture, the animated interpretations are often considered even more popular and nostalgic. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero is one of three Batman movies within the DC Animated Universe, with many of the same voice actors and creative team as the original Batman: The Animated Series. The film follows Batman and Robin as they foil Mr. Freeze's plan to kill Batgirl and use her organs to bring his cryogenically frozen wife Nora back to health.

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Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero brings viewers into the world of Mr. Freeze, who isn't as popular as villains like Joker or Poison Ivy, but certainly has an interesting backstory. His undying love for his wife makes him sympathetic but also blindly malicious and creates a fascinating foe for Batman. Like most 90s Batman animated media, its art style has been praised and only grows more iconic as decades pass.

2 The Batman And Superman Movie: World's Finest Is A Complex Crossover

IMDb Rating: 7.7

worlds finest Batman and Superman

The Batman and Superman Movie: World's Finest was originally three separate episodes of Superman: The Animated Series, each episode contributing to a three-part narrative. The film follows the Joker as he promises to kill Superman for Lex Luthor, causing calamity in the city of Metropolis.

World's Finest follows intertwining, constantly shifting feuds between Batman, Superman, Lex Luthor and the Joker. Although Batman and Superman are both united in the fight for good, they disagree on crime-fighting styles and even compete for the romantic affections of Lois Lane. While Joker is initially working for Luthor, he struggles to kill Superman and creates even more conflict. The film weaves a complex crossover web between the two franchises, making for a captivating movie that's lovingly remembered by fans both Superman and Batman fans alike.

1 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm Is A Fan-Favorite

IMDb Ranking: 7.8

The Phantasm, Joker, and Batman in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

One of the most beloved pieces of any Batman media, Batman: Mask of The Phantasm is the first film from the DC Animated Universe as well as one of the only DCAU movie to see a theatrical release. Alongside the iconic Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mask of the Phantasm also features Mark Hamill as the Joker in a reprisal of his iconic role from Batman: The Animated Series.

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Although Joker is a part of the film, the movie's main villain is the Phantasm, a mysterious cloaked figure causing trouble in Gotham. This original villain is one of the film's stand-out features, along with the interesting and intricate plot that weaves both Bruce Wayne and Batman into a convoluted, emotional narrative. A stylish, riveting and original Batman story, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm maintains its position as the highest-rated of any 90s Batman film.

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