# Who Is the Best Batman? 16 Caped Crusader Actors, Ranked

From left: Christian Bale in _The Dark Knight_ (2008), Batman (voice of Kevin Conroy) as seen in _Justice League: Unlimited_ and Michael Keaton in _Batman_ (1989). Background: Robert Pattinson in _The Batman_ (2022). All Photos Courtesy: Warner Bros.

As we’ve previously discussed, superhero movies and TV shows are seemingly churned out every other day. Only a handful of characters from Marvel and DC Comics properties really live up to the silver screen expectations, though. And Batman — a.k.a. Bruce Wayne — is one of them. At least most of the time. While it’s difficult to say who the best Batman of all time is, we can all agree that there are many interesting interpretations of Gotham’s beloved vigilante. 

## Batman’s Origins

Created by DC Comics’ artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, Batman made his first appearance in _Detective Comics #27_ , which came out on March 30, 1939. This was just a year after the debut of _Action Comics #1_ , the comic book series that starred DC’s other soon-to-be-titan, Superman. Together, the superheroes helped usher in what’s known as the Golden Age of Comic Books, alongside characters from rival publishers. 

Much like the Caped Crusader, Batman’s alias, Bruce Wayne, has taken on different traits over the years. Still, he’s most often depicted as a wealthy playboy and philanthropist — the head of Wayne Enterprises who moonlights as a Gotham City vigilante to seek vengeance against criminals after, at 8 years old, he witnessed the murder of his parents. 

### The Many Faces of Batman

Artwork from the opening sequence of _Batman: The Animated Series_ from the ’90s. Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

Batman is unique among superheroes in a lot of ways. For starters, he has the whole noir thing going on. But, unlike Superman, he isn’t an alien being with superpowers. Instead, he’s a smart, tech-savvy guy who’s done some training and whipped up an appropriately glum bat persona. And, maybe, that’s why he’s endured through the decades. The Dark Knight isn’t god-like — he’s a guy with a vendetta, a penchant for solving crimes and a drive to make justice happen. 

Across numerous comic and graphic novel series, TV shows, cartoons, movies and video games, Batman has been reinterpreted time and again. Some of those interpretations are better than others — though it is hard to compare the campy Adam West Batman to a more brooding take, as portrayed by Robert Pattinson in the latest live-action film adaptation, _The Batman_. 

While every generation has gotten the Bruce Wayne they need, they may not have experienced the Bruce Wayne they deserve. Here, we’re ranking the various Caped Crusaders, from both live-action and animated offerings, to determine the best Batman actor of all time. 

## Who’s the Best Batman? Ranking Actors from Worst to Best

### 16\. George Clooney 

What else can we say about Joel Schumacher’s 1997 flop, _Batman & Robin_? In our first-ever _Bad Movie Club_ , we revisited this much-hated film, and, despite the camp lens we want to put on it to make it a little more fun and a little less awful, there’s no denying that this is easily one of the worst Batman movies to date. 

From left: Chris O’Donnell and George Clooney in _Batman & Robin_ (1997). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros./Everett Collection

Clooney is about as stiff as his nippled Batsuit. While following up Val Kilmer, who followed up Michael Keaton, is kind of a hard ask, it’s clear that the casting choice hinged on getting a big-name star. Clooney has acting chops, of course, but he just didn’t play a convincing Batman — or Bruce Wayne. 

As a result, the film’s planned sequel was axed, and Batman didn’t return to the big screen until Christopher Nolan’s _Batman Begins_ (2005) rebooted things. 

### 15\. David Mazouz 

David Mazouz played Bruce Wayne in the five-season TV series _Gotham_ , which aired from 2014 to 2019. Let’s get this out of the way: Mazouz isn’t a bad actor. In fact, his performance on _Gotham_ was impressive. 

David Mazouz in the “Wrath of the Villains: This Ball of Mud and Meanness” (Season 2, Episode 14) episode of TV’s _Gotham_. Photo Courtesy: Jessica Miglio/Fox/Everett Collection

Really, Mazouz is just at the bottom of the pack because he never really got to _be_ Batman. Instead, he played a young Bruce Wayne who was trying to find his footing. As the title suggests, the series is really about the city of Gotham — not the beloved superhero — so it makes sense that this unofficial Batman outing ranks low. 

### 14\. Lewis G. Wilson 

In the 1943 movie serial _Batman_ , Lewis G. Wilson played the first-ever on-screen version of the character. While Wilson might’ve been a great actor in general, his performance doesn’t quite hit. 

Lewis Wilson (front) and Douglas Croft in the _Batman_ (1943) movie serial.

It’s hard when material doesn’t age well, but the fact remains that Wilson was the first actor to put on the Bat-suit. While he may not be the best Batman, he certainly deserves a shoutout. 

### 13\. Robert Lowery

The second-ever live-action Bat-adventure dropped in 1949 with the 15-chapter _New Adventures of Batman and Robin_ — often just shortened to _Batman and Robin_. The multipart serial was technically a sequel to the 1943 _Batman_ , but the production featured an all-new Bruce Wayne — Robert Lowery. Johnny Duncan, meanwhile, joined in the fun as Batman’s sidekick, Robin, replacing Douglas Croft. 

Robert Lowery (right) in _New Adventures of Batman and Robin_ (1949). Photo Courtesy: Everett Collection

A more veteran actor, Lowery had featured in popular films of the time, including _Tarzan’s Desert Mystery_ (1943) and _The Mummy’s Ghost_(1944). There’s no doubt that Lowery had more of the Batman-from-the-comics physique. Not to mention, the serial featured more exciting fight scenes. Still, this is another case of something not aging all that well — though, in its day, _Batman and Robin_ marked a big moment. 

### 12\. Val Kilmer 

When Michael Keaton didn’t return for the third Batman film in the series Tim Burton began, Val Kilmer took over. In Kilmer’s words, 1995’s _Batman Forever_ is “so bad it’s almost good”, or so he says in his memoir. 

Val Kilmer and Chris O’Donnell in _Batman Forever_ (1995). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros./Everett Collection

It’s no secret that Joel Schumacher’s first stab at the Bat-films marked the beginning of the end. Honestly, the villains in the film, like Jim Carrey’s Riddler, are way more memorable than Kilmer’s underwhelming and forgettable Batman. 

### 11\. Ben Affleck 

Unlike Wilson and Lowery, Ben Affleck doesn’t have the excuse of his Batman outings not living up to contemporary movie standards. After all, he first put on the suit — more on that in a minute — in 2016 for Zack Snyder’s _Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice_. The real hype here? The Caped Crusader and Superman (the _very_ well-cast Henry Cavill) were finally going to duke it out in a live-action film. 

_Dawn of Justice_ was a pretty bad movie, full of muddled CGI action sequences that squander a story that is incredibly powerful (and cool) in the comics. So, that doesn’t help Affleck’s case much. While Affleck might play a decent Bruce Wayne, he just isn’t a convincing Batman. 

Ben Affleck in _Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice_ (2016). Photo Courtesy: Clay Enos/Warner Bros./Everett Collection

Sure, it’s hard to follow up Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan’s _Dark Knight_ trilogy, but… we were right to be skeptical of this casting move, which favored star-power over everything else. That Bat-suit here is also pretty lackluster. Yes, he has to have something that’ll withstand Superman’s might, but he’s more mecha-Batman than the stealthy vigilante we know and love. 

The over-reliance on tech goes hand-in-hand with the overuse of CGI, of course. When Affleck reprised his role in _Justice League_ (2017) — another terrible, though marginally better, film — his characterization was just as thin. Maybe it makes sense that his suit is more _Pacific Rim_ than Batman — it would explain the empty, stiff performance on display here.

### 10\. Iain Glen

Okay, so Iain Glen hasn’t played Bruce Wayne in a feature film, or even his own series, but he does give us a pretty convincing Batman in Titans. The series centers on Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) — the first Robin, who later takes on the mantle of Nightwing and leads the Teen Titans. (The young Justice League, if you will.)

Iain Glen as an older Bruce Wayne in _Titans_. Photo Courtesy: HBO Max

You’ll probably recognize Glen from _Game of Thrones_ ; he played Ser Jorah Mormont in the HBO’s hit series. Titans explores the trauma Dick Grayson has as a result of his time with Bruce Wayne. Sure, Bruce took Dick, an orphan, in when he was young and aimless, but it was always more about what Bruce needed Dick for than anything else. Or that’s what Dick believes, anyway. It’s also one of the reasons he leaves Gotham to do his own thing. 

Needless to say, Glen’s aged-up Batman is a fresh look at the character, even if it is a more minor role.

### 9\. Adam West 

For many fans and casual viewers alike, Adam West is the quintessential Caped Crusader. West helped make the comic book character one of the biggest superheroes in the 1960s, in part thanks to all of his fun gadgets — the Bat Cycle, Bat-Copter, shark repellent, and so on. 

From left: Adam West and Burt Ward in _Batman: The Movie_ (1966). Photo Courtesy: 20th Century Fox Film Corporation/Everett Collection

Most importantly, West wore the Bat-suit with pride. So, why doesn’t he rank higher? Well, there’s something to be said for the purposefully campy approach here. After all, comics are fun and over-the-top a lot of the time, and this was pre-gritty reinventions. 

With upbeat music and some (unintentionally, at times) hilarious moments, the Batman of the 1960s just isn’t something you’d see today — and it just isn’t our favorite interpretation of the character. 

### 8\. Peter Weller 

In the critically acclaimed _Batman: The Dark Knight Returns_ (2013), Peter Weller got the chance to voice Bruce Wayne. This two-part animated adaptation focuses on a 55-year-old Bruce, on a man who’s a retired vigilante. The films are based on Frank Miller’s (_Sin City_) gritty graphic novel take on the Caped Crusader. 

Batman (voice of Peter Weller) in _Batman: The Dark Knight Returns_ (2013). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

Beyond the source material giving Batman a darker feel, it’s beloved because it told a different kind of story. “Miller’s biggest — and most overlooked — triumph wasn’t the tone of his book. It was the story he told,” Peter Suderman writes for _Vox_. “ _The Dark Knight Returns_ is a true classic because it makes an argument about Batman’s essential nature, and because it does something that traditional superhero comics can almost never do: It brings Batman’s story to a fitting close.” 

While a great story goes a long way, we have to give Weller all the kudos for selling the whole thing and giving a voice to one of Bruce’s most compelling stories. 

### 7\. Jason O’Mara 

Jason O’Mara took over Batman voice acting duties from Kevin Conroy — more on him later — and, because he was following a bona fide legend, he was met with resistance from fans. But O’Mara proved his critics wrong. Since embracing the role, he’s voiced Bruce Wayne in more than 10 instances, becoming an instant classic in the pantheon of Bat-actors.

Robin/Damien Wayne (voice of Stuart Allen) and Batman (voice of Jason O’Mara) in _Batman: Bad Blood_ (2016). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

The actor has lent his voice talents to lauded animated features, including _Batman: Hush_ (2019), _Batman vs. Robin_ (2015), _Batman: Bad Blood_ (2016) and several _Justice League_ films. Aside from voicing the Caped Crusader, O’Mara has appeared in live-action roles for major properties, most notably Marvel’s _Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D._

### 6\. Will Arnett 

Listen, _The LEGO Batman Movie_ (2017) is awesome. “Everything is awesome!!!”, you could say. _The LEGO Movie_ (2014) really blew viewers — including us — away, thanks to its brilliant animation, surprisingly heartfelt story, endless inventiveness and, of course, laugh-a-minute humor. But the Batman spin-off might be the best in the LEGO series, and a lot of that hinges on Will Arnett (_Arrested Development_). 

From left: Robin (voice of Michael Cera) and Batman (voice of Will Arnett) in _The LEGO Batman Movie_ (2017). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros. Pictures/Everett Collection

A lot of Arnett’s success boils down to his take on the voice — it’s kind of a send-up of Christian Bale’s growl, but it’s also unmistakably Batman, especially the self-serious kind of Dark Knight who’d show up in the LEGO universe. Plus, the self-aware humor and willingness to be self-deprecating when it comes to these beloved characters is welcome. We’ll never forget Arnett’s Batman — or his microwave struggles. 

### 5\. Diedrich Bader 

It’s no secret that we love _Harley Quinn_ — especially because of the show’s sharp, self-referential and often-crass humor. In the very first episode, Harley can’t help but feel like Joker (voice of Alan Tudyk) doesn’t care about her. (She’s right.) And she also can’t help but feel like he loves someone more than her. (She’s also right.) That someone? Batman. 

The Clown Prince of Crime loves his cat-and-mouse game more than anything, after all. While Batman isn’t really a main character here, he does show up a lot. In the third season especially, a lot of time is spent on the Bat-family — and revisiting the murder of Bruce’s parents (again and again and again). 

Harley Quinn (voice of Kaley Cuoco) and Batman (voice of Diedrich Bader) in _Harley Quinn_. Photo Courtesy: HBO Max/Warner Bros. Pictures

Whether he’s dealing with Harley’s antics, the washed-up Commissioner Jim Gordon’s (voice of Christopher Meloni) ravings or trying to give Selena Kyle/Catwoman (voice of Sanaa Lathan) a foot massage, Diedrich Bader’s Batman is the perfect fit. There’s a warmth to his self-deprecating humor, and the character feels live-in. Sure, the show is about Harley, but Bruce is a strong side character — not because of our history with him, but because of Bader’s performance. 

### 4\. Michael Keaton 

For many Batman fans, Michael Keaton would take the top spot. When he was cast as the Caped Crusader in Tim Burton’s reimagining of the character and series, it was a big gamble. Keaton was known for his comedic work, and Burton was looking to make a more serious (though still fun) Bat-film. Needless to say, there was some fan backlash in the late ‘80s — but those skeptics were resoundingly silenced once the film hit screens. 

Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman in _Batman_ (1989). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros./Everett Collection

The last live-action version of the character had been Adam West’s campy take. But Keaton changed all of that. He helped make Batman a legitimate superhero again — a vigilante we had no choice but to take seriously thanks to his dark, mysterious persona. Of course, Keaton’s Batman (the character and the movie) were still fun; the film’s weren’t so dark as to not throw us some humor, too. 

Without a doubt, Keaton laid the foundation upon which the character would be built for decades to come. 

### 3\. Robert Pattinson 

When Ben Affleck stepped down from the role, there was a lot of clamor around who would take up the Bat-suit. Fans were still eager for a suitable Christian Bale follow-up, after all. Robert Pattinson, who’s starred in everything from artsy A24 films like _The Lighthouse_ (2019) to Hollywood popcorn fare like _Twilight_(2008), perhaps wasn’t the first pick among fanboys. However, he more than delivered, giving us one of the best Batman performances of all time. 

_The Batman_ (2022) was the Caped Crusader’s first successful film — and first successful solo film — since the Christopher Nolan era. Not only did it kill at the box office, but critics and fans alike praised the film for going back to the character’s detective, noir roots and pulling inspiration from the beloved _Batman: The Animated Serie_ s. 

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman in _The Batman_ (2022). Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Olley/Warner Bros./Everett Collection

It’s clear that Pattinson is committed to the role. His Bruce Wayne, more of a brooding, Nirvana-loving, wealthy sad boy take, is wholly convincing. But he’s also a convincing Batman, someone who’s obsessive and aimless — and who eventually arrives at the conclusion that he just has the drive to make Gotham a better place. It’s hard to capture both facets of the character, but Pattinson soars. 

Instead of relying on Bat-gadgets or mountains of CGI, _The Batman_ gives us a gritty, hollow and authentic-feeling Gotham as well as thrilling fight scenes and chases that rely on practical effects and stunts. It’s a very welcome return to form, and we can’t wait to see Pattinson reprise the role in the greenlit sequel film. 

### 2\. Kevin Conroy 

If you’re not a diehard fan, Kevin Conroy’s name might not ring a bell. But there’s no doubt you’ve heard his voice. In fact, when you imagine Batman speaking, you probably hear Conroy’s take on him, especially if you grew up loving comic book-based cartoons in the ‘90s. 

Conroy is a legendary name in voice acting. In fact, he’s probably portrayed Batman and Bruce Wayne in more instances than anyone else on this list. In fact, he even got the chance to portray a jaded Bruce Wayne in live-action form courtesy the _Batwoman_ episode of The CW’s Arrowverse crossover event _Crisis on Infinite Earths_ (2019). (Though it wasn’t necessarily a fan favorite moment…) 

Batman (voice of Kevin Conroy) in the opening credits of _Batman: The Animated Series_. Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

Still, from the beloved _Batman: The Animated Series_ from the ‘90s — a show that defined Batman for a generation — to the _Batman Beyond_ and _Justice League_ shows from the late ‘90s and early 2000s to the critically acclaimed game _Arkham Asylum_ (2009), Conroy has brought the Caped Crusader to life in some of his most quintessential appearances. 

### 1\. Christian Bale

It’s difficult to put anyone else in the top spot, especially given the ardent fan support for Christian Bale’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader. According to director Christopher Nolan, Bale was cast because “he has exactly the balance of darkness and lightness that we were looking for”, and he’s not wrong. The actor absolutely kills it, both as the brooding Bruce and the out-for-justice Batman. 

Christian Bale in _The Dark Knight_ (2008). Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros./Everett Collection

Bale also gets points for giving us a complete trilogy — sorry, Keaton — from _Batman Begins_ (2005) to _The Dark Knight Rises_ (2012). The full arc of Nolan’s films let us see Bale’s character through several life-altering moments, from his face-off with Heath Ledger’s Joker to his back-breaking fight with Bane (Tom Hardy). Plus, _The Dark Knight_ (2008) is one of the best superhero films ever made — if not _the_ best, by some critics’ standards. 

That said, Christian Bale earns the top spot on our list of best Batman actors for giving us one of the most definitive Batman performances to date — and for setting a new standard for the Bat voice.