Who is the Greatest Batman Actor of All Time? Ranking Every Live-Action Batman!

The Caped Crusader has been a fixture of pop culture for over 80 years, and countless actors have donned the cowl to portray Gotham’s Dark Knight.

From the campy fun of the 1960s to the gritty realism of modern-day interpretations, Batman has evolved with the times, leaving fans divided over who wore the cape best.

In this article, we rank every live-action Batman, considering their impact, portrayal, and overall legacy!

8. George Clooney (Batman & Robin, 1997)

While George Clooney is undeniably a talented actor, his turn as Batman is widely considered the weakest. Batman & Robin was plagued by over-the-top performances, excessive camp, and the infamous Bat-nipples, making it the low point of the franchise.

Clooney himself has expressed regret over the role, and while his Bruce Wayne had charm, his Batman lacked the gravitas needed for the role.

7. Val Kilmer (Batman Forever, 1995)

Val Kilmer’s Batman was a step up from Clooney’s, but Batman Forever still leaned into a colorful, campy tone that didn’t quite match the character’s darker roots.

Kilmer’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne was solid, bringing a sense of introspection to the character, but his Batman lacked the intensity of other interpretations.

6. Adam West (Batman, 1966-1968)

Adam West’s portrayal of Batman is a product of its time—intentionally goofy and filled with lighthearted fun.

While it’s far from the brooding, gritty Batman we know today, West’s version remains iconic in its own right.

His campy, straight-laced delivery and classic Pow! Bam! fight sequences make his Batman an endearing piece of DC history.

5. Ben Affleck (DCEU, 2016-2023)

Ben Affleck’s Batman, introduced in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, was a divisive take on the Dark Knight.

His older, battle-worn version of Bruce Wayne, inspired by The Dark Knight Returns, was brutal, heavily armed, and willing to cross moral lines.

Affleck’s performance was solid, and his physicality was impressive, but the inconsistent writing of the DCEU hindered his full potential.

4. Robert Pattinson (The Batman, 2022-present)

Robert Pattinson’s Batman is still fresh, but he has already made a significant impact. The Batman emphasized the detective aspect of the character, giving fans a moody, noir-driven take on Gotham’s vigilante.

Pattinson’s brooding and introspective portrayal captures a younger, more vulnerable Bruce Wayne who is still growing into his role. With sequels on the horizon, his legacy is still being written.

3. Michael Keaton (Batman, 1989 & Batman Returns, 1992)

Michael Keaton’s Batman was a game-changer. Tim Burton’s gothic take on Gotham City, paired with Keaton’s intense, whispery portrayal, cemented him as one of the greatest Caped Crusaders.

His iconic “I’m Batman” line remains legendary, and his balance between a detached Bruce Wayne and a terrifying Batman set the gold standard for future portrayals.

2. Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy, 2005-2012)

Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy reshaped superhero cinema, and Christian Bale’s Batman was at the center of it.

Bale’s commitment to the role, from his physical transformation to his intense performance, made him a definitive Dark Knight.

His Bruce Wayne was charismatic and layered, while his Batman exuded both fear and heroism. Bale’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest to ever wear the cowl.

1. Kevin Conroy (Live-Action Cameo & Voice Actor, 1992-2022)

Though best known for voicing Batman in Batman: The Animated Series, Kevin Conroy’s impact on the character is undeniable. His voice became synonymous with Batman, influencing every portrayal that followed.

He even played a live-action version of Bruce Wayne in Crisis on Infinite Earths (2019), proving his ability to embody the Dark Knight beyond just voice work.

Conroy’s decades-long tenure as Batman makes him the definitive version in the eyes of many fans.