Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
There is no single live-action Batman timeline. For a complete historical watch, use release order from Batman (1966) through The Flash (2023). For connected stories, watch each continuity separately: the Burton/Schumacher films, Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, the Ben Affleck DCEU sequence, and Matt Reeves’ standalone The Batman. Treat the 2017 theatrical Justice League and 2021 Zack Snyder’s Justice League as alternate cuts of one story slot, not two required chapters.
What counts as a live-action Batman movie here?
This guide follows DC’s practical feature-film scope: live-action movies in which Batman has a major role. It includes ensemble films such as Justice League and The Flash, because Batman materially drives their stories. It does not count a film merely because Bruce Wayne or Batman appears briefly in the background or as a cameo. DC specifically treats Suicide Squad as an optional completist extra rather than a main Batman movie because Batman is not the central subject.
Under that scope, the main list begins with Batman (1966), the feature extension of the classic television continuity. The 1943 and 1949 theatrical serials are a separate historical category; they are not silently mixed into this modern feature-film sequence. If your definition of “every” includes those serial chapters, treat that as an expanded screen-history project rather than as part of the list below.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Live-action Batman movies in release order
Release order is the simplest way to see how the character’s interpretation, filmmaking style and continuity changed over time. The table displays both versions of Justice League, so it has 13 release-year entries. DC’s numbered list has 12 entries because it groups the two cuts together as one story slot.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| # | Release | Film | Batman and director | Continuity and viewing note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1966 | Batman | Adam West; Leslie H. Martinson | Standalone feature connected to the 1966 television series. No episodes are required. |
| 2 | 1989 | Batman | Michael Keaton; Tim Burton | Beginning of the Burton/Schumacher film universe. |
| 3 | 1992 | Batman Returns | Michael Keaton; Tim Burton | Direct follow-up to the 1989 film. |
| 4 | 1995 | Batman Forever | Val Kilmer; Joel Schumacher | Continues the same broad universe with a new Batman and a brighter comic-book style. |
| 5 | 1997 | Batman & Robin | George Clooney; Joel Schumacher | Fourth film in the Burton/Schumacher sequence. |
| 6 | 2005 | Batman Begins | Christian Bale; Christopher Nolan | First chapter of Nolan’s connected trilogy. |
| 7 | 2008 | The Dark Knight | Christian Bale; Christopher Nolan | Second Nolan chapter, escalating Gotham’s organized-crime and Joker crisis. |
| 8 | 2012 | The Dark Knight Rises | Christian Bale; Christopher Nolan | Third and concluding Nolan chapter. |
| 9 | 2016 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Ben Affleck; Zack Snyder | Introduces an older, established Batman in the DCEU continuity. |
| 10 | 2017 | Justice League | Ben Affleck; theatrical release directed by Zack Snyder and completed for release by Joss Whedon | The theatrical cut of the team-up story. Choose this or the 2021 cut for a first watch. |
| 11 | 2021 | Zack Snyder’s Justice League | Ben Affleck; Zack Snyder | Alternate, substantially expanded cut of the same Justice League story slot. |
| 12 | 2022 | The Batman | Robert Pattinson; Matt Reeves | Separate continuity and self-contained noir-oriented interpretation. |
| 13 | 2023 | The Flash | Ezra Miller as the title character; Batman appearances by Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, with a George Clooney cameo | Multiverse crossover. Story-wise, it follows the DCEU branch, not the Nolan or Reeves films. |
How to use the release list
- Watch all 13 displayed entries if you want to compare every major release version, including both Justice League cuts.
- Watch 12 story slots if you want one continuous pass through DC’s practical list: select either the 2017 theatrical film or the 2021 Snyder cut, not both.
- Do not assume the order creates one biography for Bruce Wayne. Each new branch resets the character, cast and rules of the world.
- The years are release years, not a claim that the stories occur in those calendar years. Batman’s fictional chronology is determined by each continuity.
Batman movies in story order by continuity
Story order is more useful than release order when you want a coherent narrative. Because the films split into separate universes, the correct approach is to finish one branch before moving to another.
1. Adam West’s television continuity
- Batman (1966)
Adam West’s film is a standalone feature extension of the 1966 television series. It assumes the show’s playful, brightly colored world, but you do not need to watch television episodes first. Nothing in the later film cycles continues this version of Batman. It is best approached as a complete time capsule: one film, one continuity and no preparation beyond knowing that it comes from the television era.
2. Burton/Schumacher continuity
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
DC treats the 1989–1997 run as one universe even though its tone and visual design change dramatically. Michael Keaton plays Batman in the first two films, Val Kilmer takes over in Batman Forever, and George Clooney plays the role in Batman & Robin. Tim Burton directs the first two entries; Joel Schumacher directs the final two.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Watch these four in release order. The character relationships and Gotham history are easiest to follow sequentially, and skipping directly from Batman Returns to a later branch would make the actor change look like a continuity reset when it is actually a recasting within the same broad film universe. The shift from Burton’s gothic fantasy to Schumacher’s brighter, neon comic-book spectacle is part of the value of watching the complete sequence.
Batman (1989) also has a specific historical distinction: DC identifies Tim Burton’s film as the first live-action depiction of the Wayne murders. That makes it a useful starting point for viewers interested in how later movies reinterpret Bruce Wayne’s defining trauma, even though it is not an origin story in the same format as Nolan’s film.
3. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Saga
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
This is the most straightforward story order in the live-action filmography. Batman Begins establishes Bruce Wayne’s training, his return to Gotham and the principles behind his vigilante identity. The Dark Knight follows with the escalation from organized crime to a city-wide Joker crisis. The Dark Knight Rises is the concluding recovery-and-Bane chapter.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
These three films form Nolan’s connected trilogy. They are not sequels to the 1989 film and do not lead into Batman v Superman. Bale’s Bruce Wayne belongs only to this trilogy’s continuity. Unlike the Burton/Schumacher sequence, the trilogy is designed as one deliberate arc: beginning with the making of Batman, moving through the consequences of his mission, and ending with the final chapter of that interpretation.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFor a viewer who wants one complete modern Batman narrative without committing to every branch, this is the clearest choice. It is three films rather than a single standalone, but no outside DC movie is needed to complete its story.
4. Ben Affleck’s DCEU and multiverse branch
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Justice League (2017) or Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- The Flash (2023)
Batman v Superman introduces Ben Affleck as an older, established Batman rather than retelling his origin. The next story is the superhero team-up in Justice League. For a first viewing, choose one cut:
- 2017 theatrical cut: the original theatrical version and the shorter route through the team-up story.
- 2021 Snyder cut: an alternate, expanded version directed by Zack Snyder.
They occupy the same chronological position. Watching both can be worthwhile if you want to compare the release versions, but counting them as two successive adventures creates a false extra chapter. The 2021 film does not mean that Batman has completed one team mission in 2017 and then repeated it in 2021 inside the fiction.
The Flash comes after the DCEU sequence for story purposes. It is a multiverse crossover in which the title character encounters Batman versions played by Affleck and Keaton, along with a brief George Clooney cameo. Those appearances do not place The Flash after Batman (1989) or after Nolan’s trilogy; its narrative starting point is the DCEU branch. The multiverse device is precisely why several otherwise separate Batmen can appear without merging their original film series into one timeline.
5. Matt Reeves’ standalone continuity
- The Batman (2022)
The Batman stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Matt Reeves as director. It is a self-contained, noir-oriented interpretation separate from Nolan’s trilogy, the Burton/Schumacher films and the DCEU. Its theatrical opening was March 4, 2022. You can watch it before or after every other branch without affecting their stories.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Its placement in a release marathon can be misleading because it arrived before The Flash, but release proximity does not make it part of the DCEU. Treat it as a one-film continuity with its own Gotham, supporting cast and version of Bruce Wayne.
Which Batman movies are actually connected?
| Continuity | Films | Career stage | Core tone | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam West | Batman (1966) | Established television-era hero | Camp television adventure | One film |
| Burton/Schumacher | Batman (1989), Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin | From established hero through changing partnerships and villains | Gothic fantasy evolving into neon comic-book spectacle | Four films |
| Nolan | Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises | Newly trained vigilante to final recovery | Grounded crime saga | Three-film trilogy |
| DCEU/multiverse | Batman v Superman, one Justice League cut, The Flash | Older veteran, then ensemble and multiverse events | Superhero team-up and multiverse crossover | Three story slots |
| Reeves | The Batman (2022) | Early-career detective interpretation | Noir detective story | One self-contained film |
The actor and director changes are the quickest continuity clues. Keaton, Kilmer and Clooney remain inside the same broad 1989–1997 universe; Bale’s three films are Nolan’s separate trilogy; Affleck’s Batman belongs to the DCEU; and Pattinson’s Batman belongs to Reeves’ separate world. Adam West’s 1966 film stands apart with its television continuity.
Should you watch release order or story order?
Choose release order when you want the full historical evolution
Release order shows how each era responded to the one before it: West’s television camp, Burton’s gothic reinvention, Schumacher’s heightened comic-book spectacle, Nolan’s grounded crime approach, the DCEU’s shared-superhero framework and Reeves’ detective noir. It also lets you see the live-action Batman actors in the order audiences encountered them. This route is ideal for a retrospective, because the changes in tone, costume, production design and storytelling become part of the experience.
Choose continuity order when you want the cleanest narratives
Watch the four Burton/Schumacher films together, then Nolan’s three-film trilogy, then the DCEU branch, and finally The Batman as its own film. This avoids repeatedly resetting Bruce Wayne and keeps each universe’s internal references in sequence. You can also watch the five branches in any order, because none of the separate continuities requires another branch for its ending to make sense.
Choose a short introduction when you only want one complete arc
- Most compact connected arc: the Nolan trilogy, beginning with Batman Begins.
- Modern detective entry point: The Batman, which stands alone.
- Classic television-style experience: Batman (1966).
- Shared-universe route: Batman v Superman, one Justice League cut, then The Flash.
- Full franchise history: all 13 displayed release entries, remembering that the two Justice League versions are alternate presentations of one story position.
Do you need to watch anything before The Flash?
For the Batman-related story context, watch Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice first, followed by either version of Justice League. That establishes Affleck’s Batman and the DCEU team-up branch that The Flash revisits. You do not need to watch Nolan’s trilogy, the Burton/Schumacher films or The Batman to place the film’s Batman appearances; those are separate interpretations brought into the multiverse story.
Watching the earlier Keaton films can add context for his return, but it is optional rather than a chronological requirement. The same applies to Batman & Robin if you are interested in the Clooney cameo: it is part of the older Burton/Schumacher continuity, not a prerequisite for understanding the DCEU plot.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which Justice League cut should you choose?
| If you want… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The original theatrical release and a shorter commitment | Justice League (2017) | It is the theatrical version of the team-up story and occupies the required DCEU story slot. |
| The alternate expanded presentation directed by Zack Snyder | Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) | It is a different cut of the same story position, not a sequel that follows the 2017 film. |
| A complete release-version comparison | Both, in 2017-then-2021 order | Watch them as alternate releases, understanding that the second does not add a new chronological adventure. |
For a first pass, one cut is enough. If you later watch the other, return to the same point after Batman v Superman; do not insert it between the two as though Batman has completed two separate team missions. If your goal is simply to understand The Flash, either cut supplies the relevant DCEU position.
Common ordering mistakes
- Treating every film as one timeline: the 1966, 1989–1997, Nolan, DCEU and Reeves films use different continuities.
- Putting The Batman after The Dark Knight Rises: Pattinson’s film is not a sequel to Bale’s trilogy.
- Putting The Flash directly after The Dark Knight Rises: The Flash follows the DCEU branch and uses the multiverse to revisit other Batmen.
- Counting both Justice League cuts as consecutive chapters: they are alternate versions of one story slot.
- Assuming a new actor always means a new universe: Kilmer and Clooney replace Keaton within the broad Burton/Schumacher continuity.
- Assuming a cameo makes a film a Batman movie: the practical list focuses on films where Batman has a major role, which is why Suicide Squad remains an optional extra rather than a main entry.
- Adding the 1943 and 1949 serials without warning: those are separate serial chapters outside the feature-film scope used here.
- Using release order as fictional chronology: a 2022 release date does not place Reeves’ Batman later in the same life story as Bale’s 2012 Bruce Wayne.
Physical-media option for Nolan’s trilogy
If you want one shelf-ready set for the most self-contained Batman arc, look for a release marketed as the “Christopher Nolan 4K Collection.” The identified collection contains Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Check the current edition, region compatibility, stock and price before buying; the collection is not a complete set of every live-action Batman movie. Product contents, availability and pricing can change, so confirm the exact listing before purchase.
Where to watch
Streaming, rental and digital-purchase rights change by country, service and date. This guide does not assert current US availability. Search each exact title in your local services, and verify whether you are selecting the 2017 theatrical Justice League or the 2021 Snyder cut before starting the DCEU branch. A listing that uses only “Justice League” may not make the cut clear, so check the year and director information.
A practical viewing plan
For the least confusing marathon, start with the 1966 standalone film only if you want the full historical sweep. Then watch the four-film Burton/Schumacher run, the three Nolan films, and the DCEU branch in order. Finish with The Batman as a separate noir interpretation. If time is limited, skip directly to the Nolan trilogy for one complete arc, or choose The Batman for a single modern detective story. If you want to compare Batman’s multiverse history, watch the Keaton films before The Flash, but regard that as enrichment rather than required setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I watch all the live-action Batman movies in order?
Use release order for the complete feature-film history: Batman (1966), the 1989–1997 Burton/Schumacher films, Nolan’s 2005–2012 trilogy, the DCEU films beginning with Batman v Superman, both released Justice League cuts, The Batman (2022) and The Flash (2023). For story viewing, split them by continuity instead of treating them as one timeline.
What is the Batman movie release order?
The displayed release order has 13 entries: Batman (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); Justice League (2017); Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021); The Batman (2022); and The Flash (2023). DC groups the two Justice League cuts together, producing 12 numbered story entries.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Which Batman movies are connected?
The 1966 film stands alone. The 1989, 1992, 1995 and 1997 films form the Burton/Schumacher universe. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises are Nolan’s trilogy. Batman v Superman, one Justice League cut and The Flash form the Affleck-led DCEU/multiverse branch. The Batman is a separate Matt Reeves continuity.
Do I need to watch Justice League before The Flash?
For the clearest Batman-related context, yes: watch Batman v Superman and then either the 2017 theatrical Justice League or the 2021 Snyder cut. You do not need both cuts, and you do not need Nolan’s, Burton’s or Reeves’ films to understand the DCEU branch.
Are The Batman and The Dark Knight connected?
No. Robert Pattinson’s The Batman is a separate Matt Reeves continuity, while Christian Bale’s The Dark Knight belongs to Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. They are different versions of Bruce Wayne and Gotham.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Should I watch the theatrical Justice League or Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
Choose the 2017 theatrical cut for the shorter original release, or the 2021 Snyder cut for an alternate, substantially expanded presentation directed by Zack Snyder. Both occupy the same DCEU story slot, so one is sufficient for a first viewing.
Does Suicide Squad count as a Batman movie?
It is an optional DCEU completist extra, not a main Batman entry, because Batman is not the film’s central subject. The main list focuses on live-action films where Batman has a major role.
Are the 1943 and 1949 Batman serials included?
No. This guide uses DC’s practical feature-film scope, which begins with Batman (1966). The earlier theatrical serials should be handled as a separate screen-history expansion rather than mixed into the modern feature list.
The Bottom Line
For the full release history, watch the 13 displayed films and treat the two Justice League versions as alternate cuts. For coherent stories, use the four Burton/Schumacher films, Nolan’s three-film trilogy, the DCEU sequence of Batman v Superman → one Justice League cut → The Flash, and Reeves’ standalone The Batman.
