Batman is one of the most iconic characters in pop culture history. Over the decades, the Dark Knight’s story has been told through a dizzying mix of movies, TV shows, animated specials, and spin-offs. Whether you love the gritty realism of The Dark Knight, the stylized action of The Batman (2022), or the animated brilliance of Batman: The Animated Series, there’s a version of Gotham for everyone.
But if you’re trying to dive into Batman’s world today, it can feel overwhelming. Between reboots, alternate universes, and upcoming 2025 releases like The Batman – Part II, even longtime fans sometimes get confused about where to start.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re a new fan, a casual movie lover, or a die-hard completionist, we’ll walk you through the batman watch order — covering movies, series, specials, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to experience Gotham’s best stories, without getting lost in the Batcave. Let’s get started!
Quick Answer: Recommended Watch Order (Best for Most Viewers)
If you just want the best flow without worrying too much about timelines, here’s the cleanest watch order:
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- The Batman (2022)
- The Batman – Part II (upcoming, 2026)
Best for:
- Beginners
- Returning fans who want the strongest stories
- Viewers short on time
Pro Tip: Watch Batman Begins before The Batman if you prefer a deep origin story first!
Why It’s Confusing to Watch This in Order
Batman’s cinematic history isn’t linear. Here’s why:
- Multiple Universes: Tim Burton’s, Nolan’s, DCEU’s, and Matt Reeves’ versions all exist separately.
- Reboots and Recasts: New Batmen (and new Gothams) pop up every few years.
- Standalone Stories: Films like Joker (2019) and The Batman (2022) don’t connect to earlier movies.
- Director Visions: Each trilogy or film series has its own tone, from gothic fantasy to grounded realism.
Franchise Overview: What’s Included?
Here’s what’s part of the Batman screen universe:
- Live-action films
(Batman (1989), Batman Returns, Batman Begins, The Batman, etc.) - Animated films
(Mask of the Phantasm, Under the Red Hood, etc.) - Television series
(Batman: The Animated Series, Gotham, Pennyworth) - Spin-offs and specials
(Catwoman (2004), Birds of Prey, Joker (2019))
Note: Most animated movies and series are optional for beginners but are gold for completionists.
All Watch Orders Explained
Chronological Order
For the “timeline nerds,” here’s Batman’s story as it happens in-universe:
- Batman (1943 serial)
- Batman and Robin (1949 serial)
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Justice League (2017) / Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- The Batman (2022)
- The Flash (2023) – Multiple Batmans!
- The Batman – Part II (2026, upcoming)
Who should follow this:
- Hardcore fans who want maximum context.
Release Order
If you prefer watching things as the world experienced them:
- Batman (1943 serial)
- Batman and Robin (1949 serial)
- Batman: The Movie (1966)
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Justice League (2017)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- The Batman (2022)
- The Flash (2023)
- The Batman – Part II (2026)
Who should follow this:
- Casual viewers who want the clearest progression.
Creator’s Preferred Order
Following director-specific trilogies:
- Burton/Schumacher Series:
Batman (1989) → Batman Returns → Batman Forever → Batman & Robin - Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy:
Batman Begins → The Dark Knight → The Dark Knight Rises - Matt Reeves’ Universe:
The Batman (2022) → The Batman – Part II (2026 upcoming)
Who should follow this:
- Viewers who want a consistent style and tone.
Skip or Optional Content
Here’s what’s fun but not necessary:
- Catwoman (2004) – Not tied to any main Batman continuity.
- Gotham (TV) – Focuses on young Bruce Wayne and Jim Gordon.
- Pennyworth – Alfred’s origin story.
- Birds of Prey (2020) – Fun but Harley Quinn-focused.
You can skip these if you’re just focused on Batman’s core story.
Where to Watch in 2025
Here’s where you can find the Batman movies and shows today:
- Max – Huge Batman collection, including The Batman (2022) (Max)
- Netflix – Streaming The Dark Knight Trilogy (Netflix)
- Hulu – Some movies available (Hulu)
- Amazon Prime Video – Rent or buy most titles.
- Apple TV – Purchase or rent.
Note: Streaming availability might differ by country!
Pro Tips for First-Time Viewer
- Start with Nolan’s Trilogy: It’s the clearest entry point with universal praise.
- Don’t worry about animated series unless you want bonus lore.
- Space out viewings: Batman movies are dark and dense — give yourself time to enjoy each.
- Essential Starter Pack:
- Batman Begins
- The Dark Knight
- The Batman (2022)
FAQs
Can I skip Batman & Robin (1997)?
Yes. Unless you enjoy campy, neon-heavy Batman with pun-loving villains, you can safely skip it.
Do I need to watch the animated shows?
Not for the live-action storylines. Batman: The Animated Series is incredible, but optional for film fans.
What’s the best starting point if I don’t want to watch everything?
Begin with Batman Begins (2005) or The Batman (2022) — both work perfectly on their own.
Are all Batman movies connected?
No. Different movies belong to different universes. Nolan’s trilogy, DCEU, and Reeves’ series are all separate.
Will The Batman series continue after 2026?
Yes! Matt Reeves is developing a Batman universe that includes spinoffs like The Penguin TV series.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just getting into Gotham’s shadows, the best batman watch order for most people is the Release Order. It gives you the clearest, most enjoyable journey through Batman’s many faces, without getting bogged down by timelines.
For serious fans, diving into the Chronological Order or Nolan’s Trilogy will give you even more depth and satisfaction.
Either way, there’s a Batman story waiting for you — bookmark this guide, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride through Gotham!
