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!

The Top Ten
  1. Christian Bale (The Dark Knight)

    Christian Charles Philip Bale (born January 30, 1974) is an English actor known for his versatility and physical transformations for roles. He has been a leading man in films across several genres and has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. In 2014, Forbes... read more

    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?!

  2. Michael Keaton (Batman)

    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).

    He isn't a jerk like Christian Bale. As a woman, I naturally gravitate toward Keaton because he just seems like a nicer gentleman, whereas Christian Bale appears to be a douche and his Batman sounds like he has a serious case of throat cancer.

    Keaton is the best and will always have the heart of Catwoman, as well as my own. KEATON FOREVER!

  3. Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series)

    Kevin Conroy (November 30, 1955 - November 10, 2022) was an American actor best known for voicing Batman in Batman: The Animated Series and numerous other DC Comics productions. His portrayal became iconic among fans and helped define the animated version of the character.... read more

    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.

  4. Ben Affleck (DC Extended Universe)

    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.

  5. Adam West (Batman TV Series)

    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.

  6. Val Kilmer (Batman Forever)

    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.

  7. Rino Romano (The Batman)

    It's too bad that this is a more forgettable performance. I thought it was alright.

  8. Diedrich Bader (Batman: The Brave and the Bold)

  9. Peter Weller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns)

    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.

  10. Olan Soule (The Batman/Superman Hour)

    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.

  11. The Newcomers
  12. ?

    Robert Pattinson (The Batman)

    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!

  13. ?

    Bruce Thomas (OnStar Batman Commercials)

    Bruce Thomas portrayed Batman in the OnStar commercials that aired in the early 2000s. These ads were notable for featuring a cinematic version of Batman interacting with OnStar's in-car technology in short vignettes.

  14. The Contenders
  15. Will Arnett (The Lego Batman Movie)

    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!

  16. Will Friedle (Batman Beyond)

    William Alan "Will" Friedle is an American actor, voice actor, and comedian. He gained fame for his role as Eric Matthews, the comedic older brother in the television sitcom Boy Meets World, which aired from 1993 to 2000.

    In addition to live-action roles, Friedle has had a successful voice acting... read more

    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.

  17. Bruce Greenwood (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Young Justice)

  18. David Mazouz (Gotham)

    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.

  19. Roger Craig Smith (Batman: Arkham Origins)

    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.

  20. Joey de Leon (Alyas Batman en Robin)

    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.

  21. George Clooney (Batman & Robin)

    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.

  22. Jason O'Mara (Son of Batman)

    Jason O'Mara voiced Batman in several animated films in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, starting with Justice League: War (2014). His portrayal contributed to a larger shared universe of animated films. He concluded his tenure as the Caped Crusader with the release of Justice League Dark: Apokolips War in 2020.

    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.

  23. Benjamin McKenzie (Batman: Year One)

    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.

  24. Anthony Ruivivar (Beware the Batman)

  25. David Jason (Only Fools and Horses)

  26. Lewis Wilson (Batman Movie Serial)

    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.

  27. Robert Lowery (Batman and Robin Movie Serial)

  28. Iain Glen (Titans)

  29. Jeremy Sisto (Justice League: The New Frontier)

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