You can watch Batman films in release order, or follow one connected storyline at a time. They do not all continue the same version of Bruce Wayne. For a straightforward story from beginning to end, the Dark Knight trilogy runs from Batman Begins to The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.
Batman movies in release order
This table covers the main live-action feature films in DC’s Batman viewing guide, including the team-up films and The Flash. The early theatrical serials and animated films are a separate list.
| Year | Film | Main Batman actor or note |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Batman | Adam West |
| 1989 | Batman | Michael Keaton |
| 1992 | Batman Returns | Michael Keaton |
| 1995 | Batman Forever | Val Kilmer |
| 1997 | Batman & Robin | George Clooney |
| 2005 | Batman Begins | Christian Bale |
| 2008 | The Dark Knight | Christian Bale |
| 2012 | The Dark Knight Rises | Christian Bale |
| 2016 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Ben Affleck |
| 2017 | Justice League | Ben Affleck |
| 2021 | Zack Snyder’s Justice League | A different cut, not a sequel to the 2017 film |
| 2022 | The Batman | Robert Pattinson |
| 2023 | The Flash | Batman appearances across its multiverse story |
Watch one Batman storyline at a time
- Adam West: the 1966 film connects to the television series. You do not need the later film series to follow it.
- Burton and Schumacher: watch Batman (1989), Batman Returns, Batman Forever, then Batman & Robin. The change of actor does not automatically start a new story.
- Nolan’s trilogy: watch Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, then The Dark Knight Rises. These films follow Christian Bale’s Batman in their own timeline.
- Affleck’s Batman: start with Batman v Superman, then choose the Justice League cut you want to watch. The Flash is a later film involving this version and other Batman appearances.
- Pattinson’s Batman: The Batman (2022) begins a separate storyline. It is not the next chapter of Nolan’s trilogy or Affleck’s films.
Do you need both versions of Justice League?
Not to understand a simple sequel order. The 2017 film and Zack Snyder’s Justice League are different versions of the same team-up story. Choose the version you want, and check the title and running time before renting or streaming. Playing one after the other does not turn the second into a new chapter.
What about Suicide Squad, Joker and animated films?
Suicide Squad (2016) has a brief Batman appearance and can fit between Batman v Superman and Justice League if you want the cameo. Joker (2019) includes a young Bruce Wayne, but it is not a Batman adventure or a required part of the main film timelines.
The Lego Batman Movie and animated adaptations follow their own stories. Avoid combining every animated film, serial and live-action appearance into one supposed chronological timeline. Also check the year: Batman can mean the 1966 or 1989 film, while The Batman is the 2022 film.
Where should you start?
Choose a storyline whose tone interests you, then keep its films together. Start with Batman Begins for Nolan’s complete trilogy, Batman (1989) for the older connected series, or The Batman for that separate detective story.
Check streaming listings in your country for the exact film and cut. For related reading, see the actors who played Alfred and Superman films and their separate timelines.
Information checked October 13, 2026, using the guides linked above.