Top 10 Best Batman Actors
Who was the best actor to play Batman? Do you prefer a campy or dark portrayal? Animated or live-action? Make your choice here!
Christian Bale portrayed Batman in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy from 2005 to 2012, starting with Batman Begins*. His portrayal was widely acclaimed for its intense and grounded approach to the character. Great performance. For the first time, someone made that psychodrama story about his parents more plausible. Greatest Alfred ever, Michael Caine, also a very interesting interaction. I am glad the plain Katie Holmes character was replaced with a much better Catwoman version for our time.
On the low side, a few things could have been better defined in the screenplay. That prison/hole, honestly, what was that? Batman's voice would have been the best ever had they not overdone it. The villain's voice, well, was it really necessary to have it in a way that we cannot understand most of what he says? We all know the guy was an animal, but seriously?!
Michael Keaton starred as Batman in Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). His performance redefined the character for a darker, more serious tone on the big screen. Michael Keaton, hands down, is the best Batman ever! Keaton's eyes are intense in Batman/Batman Returns. I didn't get that from Christian Bale. When you're an actor and your face is covered by a mask with only your eyes and mouth showing, it's difficult to show the character's emotions.
But Keaton blows all other Batman actors out of the water with his impressive acting skills! He has the best Batman voice, very believable. So yeah, for me, it's Michael Keaton all the way, with C. Bale second, and Clooney as Bruce Wayne (Wayne only, not as Batman).
Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in Batman: The Animated Series*, which aired from 1992 to 1995, and continued to voice the character in numerous animated films and video games. His voice became iconic for Batman, defining the character for a generation of fans. He is the definitive Batman voice. He is in nearly every Batman animated film and game. He also starred in one of the best cartoons ever, Batman: The Animated Series. When I read a comic, I hear the intimidating and legendary voice of Kevin Conroy.
He has also been Batman for over two decades. This is why Kevin Conroy is the best Batman that ever was and ever will be.
Bale is the best live-action Batman (in my opinion), but nowhere near Conroy in the voice department. Probably because with animation (and video games) they just need the voice, whereas for a film they need someone who not only sounds like Batman but looks and acts like him too.
Ben Affleck played Batman in the DC Extended Universe, appearing in films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). His portrayal presented an older, battle-worn version of the character. SPOILER ALERT
I don't get why everyone thought BvS was terrible. I saw the movie with low expectations but ended up astounded at the end, mostly because I was cheering for Batman.
SPOILER ALERT: Batman wins the fight with Superman. Well, kind of, but Ben Affleck was AMAZING, like my favorite Batman ever.
Before the movie, I liked Bale, but I just forgot him and went to every toy store to buy a Ben Affleck Batman action figure. Mine is really cool, by the way. I think he's the best because he's really, really big and strong. Ben Affleck actually looked like Batman from the comics, with that square chin and the grey suit with the bat sign on it. Best Batman ever.
Adam West portrayed a campy, lighthearted version of Batman in the 1960s Batman TV series, which ran from 1966 to 1968. His portrayal became a cultural phenomenon and was known for its colorful, comedic tone. Adam West didn't use rubber padding, and he threw his Batrope by hand. He didn't need to shoot it out of a gun, which proves he is the toughest of Batmans. Plus, his fights look best because you can see what's going on in full view. His Bruce Wayne is very convincing as a very generous philanthropist. There's just way too many good things to say about Adam West.
He was suave and serious, both as Batman and as Bruce Wayne. He didn't wear a stupid rubber/plastic suit (no stupid bat nipples!). He was pure West! I loved the campy world he was in, and that he took himself so seriously throughout the show. He was the genuine article.
Val Kilmer took on the role of Batman in Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever (1995). His performance showed a more introspective and conflicted Bruce Wayne compared to earlier depictions. In my opinion, as a big fan of Batman, this must be my favorite actor. I mean, he's got everything you need for a Batman. The beard, the hair, the shape. He's just perfect.
Kilmer had the voice and he's a good actor, but the script and director ruined any chance he had of succeeding in the role.
Batman Forever was a bad movie, but Val Kilmer looked and acted like the Bruce Wayne I think of.
Rino Romano voiced Batman in the animated series The Batman*, which aired from 2004 to 2008. His version of the character was a younger, more inexperienced Batman in a modern setting. It's too bad that this is a more forgettable performance. I thought it was alright.
Diedrich Bader voiced Batman in the animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold*, which ran from 2008 to 2011. His version was more lighthearted, echoing the Silver Age of comics, while still remaining heroic.
Peter Weller voiced an older, battle-hardened Batman in the animated adaptations of The Dark Knight Returns (2012-2013), based on Frank Miller's graphic novel. His performance captured the gritty, uncompromising nature of the character. He has that unique, rough, deep voice that makes him sound like a war veteran. His voice perfectly matches the older, brutal Batman which the creators of The Dark Knight Returns were aiming for.
Olan Soule voiced Batman in the 1968 animated series The Batman/Superman Hour and continued in the role throughout various animated shows in the 1970s. He was one of the first actors to bring Batman to life in animation. I agree that the best Batman is Christian Bale, but Olan Soule is better than Val Kilmer at least. Batman Forever was the worst of Batman. I hate that movie.
Very underrated. He did a great job of voicing a wholesome Batman.
The Newcomers
Robert Pattinson took on the role of Batman in The Batman (2022), directed by Matt Reeves. His portrayal highlighted a more emotionally complex and early-in-his-career version of the character. Best Batman sweetheart of all time. Awesome!
Will Friedle voiced Terry McGinnis, the successor to Bruce Wayne, in Batman Beyond*, which aired from 1999 to 2001. His portrayal focused on a younger Batman taking up the mantle in a futuristic Gotham. I really liked Will Friedle's voice portrayal of Terry McGinnis/Batman Beyond. Even though it's not Bruce Wayne/Batman, it's still an amazing portrayal of Batman. Will Friedle brings an element of youth to Batman, which is something fans of Batman haven't seen before Batman Beyond.
Good Batman, but I don't think he should count because he was not Bruce Wayne.
Will Arnett provided the voice of LEGO Batman in The Lego Movie (2014) and its spinoff The Lego Batman Movie (2017). His portrayal was humorous, offering a parody of Batman's dark and brooding personality. The perfect mix between Kevin Conroy and Christian Bale. Mark my words, he will be your kids' favorite.
Come on, nobody can argue with Arnett's portrayal of Lego Batman!
Bruce Greenwood voiced Batman in animated projects like Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) and the series Young Justice*. His portrayal emphasized a serious, experienced Batman in both standalone films and ensemble settings.David Mazouz legitimately is the best Batman I've seen. He is a phenomenal actor for such a role.
Even as a young actor, he had an extremely amazing performance. He deserves top 10.
Bruce Wayne is so brave and nice.
Roger Craig Smith voiced Batman in the video game Batman: Arkham Origins (2013), portraying a younger version of the character. His performance focused on Batman's earlier years of crime-fighting. I thought he did a pretty good job portraying a young Batman/Bruce Wayne.
George Clooney starred as Batman in Batman & Robin (1997), directed by Joel Schumacher. The film was criticized for its campy tone, and Clooney's portrayal has been remembered largely for the comedic aspects of the role. Horrible script, great performance. He was a convincing Batman. The others looked awkward in their costumes. They stood so stiff. Clooney had a confidence to his Batman. He was convincing. He also made a great Bruce Wayne.
Kilmer was boring. Keaton didn't look like he could get any girl he wanted, which was what Bruce Wayne was. There was something off about Bale. You saw less of the public face of Wayne with him. In the scene where he's at the observatory and Ivy goes up to him, he talks to her and invites her to his event with swag, confidence, and charm.
George Clooney should be recast as Batman with a better script. He had the potential to be the greatest Batman EVER.
Joey de Leon portrayed a comedic version of Batman in the Filipino parody film Alyas Batman en Robin (1991). The film was a spoof of the Batman character and played for laughs in a local cultural context.
Jason O'Mara voiced Batman in several animated films in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, starting with Son of Batman (2014). His portrayal contributed to a larger shared universe of animated films. Although he hasn't worn the cape and cowl in real life, he gave his voice in over six animated movies, and for good reason too. He has the voice and suit of Christian Bale's portrayal, but both are much better. He really does have the style and attitude of Batman.
Benjamin McKenzie voiced Batman in the animated film Batman: Year One (2011), based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. His performance focused on a young Bruce Wayne just beginning his career as the Dark Knight.
David Jason is best known for his role as Derek "Del Boy" Trotter in the British sitcom Only Fools and Horses*, which aired from 1981 to 2003. His portrayal of the lovable, scheming market trader became one of the most iconic characters in British television history.
Lewis Wilson was the first actor to portray Batman on screen in the 1943 Batman movie serial. His version of Batman was created during World War II, with strong propaganda themes woven into the story.
Robert Lowery took over the role of Batman in the 1949 movie serial Batman and Robin*. His portrayal continued the character's early on-screen adventures, following the serial format of short episodic films.
Jeremy Sisto voiced Batman in the 2008 animated film Justice League: The New Frontier*, based on Darwyn Cooke's graphic novel. His performance depicted a more serious and seasoned version of Batman during the 1950s.
Seth Green voiced Batman in the satirical stop-motion series Robot Chicken*, which often parodies superheroes, including Batman. His portrayal is comedic, poking fun at the character's serious persona in humorous sketches.