@@gimmeaford9454 Hahah, right? Nolan's Batman films all have actively incomprehensible action geography which just happen to sometimes include stunning establishing IMAX shots. Blatantly poor fundamental filmmaking craft held together and saved by the seeming orientation of Hans Zimmer's confidently bombastic assurance to barrel straight through the discombobulating inconsistencies and convolutions. Facts over feelings now.
Batman Mask of the Phantasm should have been it's own choice on this list. I know you listed the series, but that film is a great representation of the character, and why the Batman does what he does. Someone could tell me they think that's the best adaptation of Batman, and I wouldn't think less of them for it. It's not mine, but it's certainly worthy of the title. That tombstone scene in the rain where he is speaking to his parents is pretty haunting and shows you how this guy just can't let it go and move on with his life. Why he needs to just keep putting the cape and cowl back on.
I love that movie but I do actually like Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero more. That and The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition are my favourite Batman movies, period. As for theatrical release, it's Batman Begins.
Kevin conroy did the best voice acting for Batman ever. His vocals are better than Bale’s by far. And Bale was overall great, but his bat voice was atrocious. Keaton’s was good. But Conroy is the GOAT
I would addend this by saying that the Arkham games for PS/ PC voiced by kevin conroy are the best iterations of batman in modern day (or all day, any day etc).
The Lego Batman Movie should have been #1, even with the parody aspect it's still the most accurate movie depiction of the Batman imo. I mean, if you really want the real Batman, play the Arkham games or read the comics.
The one thing I didn't understand is how he said in Marvel movie's they don't look at the consequences of actions. Even though that was the entire plot of Captain America Civil War.
@@yourbestfriend5455 yeah that's true but I think he was mainly saying that in general most of the DC films, especially Nolan's Batmans and the Snyder films are a lot darker and "realistic," whereas marvel films have a lot more jokes and don't really take themselves super seriously.
I agree with most everything here but Danny Elfman. How can you not like his stuff?!? Even if you don't like the Batman theme he made, he has made some of the most iconic themes. Spider-Man, mission impossible, men in black, and more
And many of the voice actors were people who auditioned to play characters in the live action like John Glover (originally was offered to play Joker for 1989 Batman) and Mark Hamill (was offered Riddler in Batman Forever).
i hate the burton movies too, but love the animated series. i would say the production and animators took more inspiration from the comics than the 1989 film as they were mostly all fans of the character since their youth.
Jack Nicholson as the Joker was a great casting choice. He's a natural when it comes to sinister & creepy. "You ever dance with the Devil in the pale moonlight?" "I just like the sound of it." Keaton did a great job as Batman also.
@@Mythos1981 Same here, I was 5 when I saw it on VHS and I would watch it over and over and over again. I remember being scared of the joker the first few times too, that's how good Jack was...or maybe I was just a wimp lol
@@Ervinabrahamian different times and let's also not forget that it was a VERY low budget movie....That being said i still love the batmobile and still recall the days playing that game on my Amiga 500 :)
What does he not get? I thought it was a good ranking. I disagree with his M. Keaton take, as I believe Keaton was the best Batman. Also, I would say Begins is the second best Batman. Other than that very solid list
@@whynot1548 You must be a fool. BTAS is constantly on the top when it comes to most people's lists. Either you must be another one of those "Animation is for kids" idiots or don't understand what impact BTAS had on not only TV but the Batman mythos itself. BTAS changed Batman, it reinvented terribly written characters like Mr. Freeze, and is the reason why Batman fucking SPEAKS the way that he does. The "Batman Voice" was a fucking product of BTAS, Dude. Fucking millennials these days.
It’s the best. I think the dark knight trilogy had deeper themes and by being live action has certain benefits. Though animated series is the most overall faithful adaptation of the character.
@@grantm6133 I think people misconstrued "being live action" and "being serious". This has been proven the case many times actually. Anime for example has tons of series that completely break that stereotype. Not an Anime fan? BTAS: Robin's Reckoning Part I, when Bruce Wayne approaches a young Dick Grayson who has lost his parents, and has to console him. What deeper themes are people actually talking about? What about "It's Never Too Late"? Two mob bosses at war with one another, one has to come to grips with the damage he's done not only to his city but his own family, Batman finds a way to bring him back from the edge. For fucks sake, the drugs he peddled got his own son addicted, and is shown to be in rehab. What's more "DEEP" than that? Not DEEP enough for you? How about "Appointment in Crime Alley"? It's revealed that Batman visits Crime Alley every year on the anniversary of his parent's death. Meanwhile a business man plans to destroy crime alley to pave over it with new Condos. In one scene a woman's house in broken into as men try to get her out of the house, he crying daughter runs out into the street as Batman arrives. Do I honestly HAVE to keep going? Both mediums have their merits but one isn't topic related nor tonal. With the right people, an animated film can be as dark, brooding, gritty, or as emotional as a Live Action film can be. It's all in the eyes of the beholder, in Japan, Anime is taken incredibly seriously and regularly takes the spotlight over live action films, there is no bias there. So what's the issue? It's called "disassociation", some people can't associate animated entertainment with live action entertainment. That's why some say "Live Action is always better", it's because in their minds, they don't associate something that is animated with something that is real, they can't take it seriously, because they can't comprehend what is happening. "This isn't real enough, ergo the acting isn't real, so I can't empathize."
There's something so wholesome about taking a bit of time away from the crazy world we live in and looking at heroes who can stop this evil with just a mask and a few gadgets. Why can't more billionaires be like Bruce Wayne?
More? Name one... Just one! I mean Bruce Wayne is a fictional character. If you want more, than there must be some to start with. So name one Billionaire running around in disguise at night stopping crime....
@@secretsix43 which makes that line he s Peter in homecoming more funny. About if you're nothing without your suit, you should have it or something like that.
I like Tim Burton’s Batman exactly for the reason that Ben hates it. It has style; the classic 1930’s attire and the gothic cathedral give it so much character and identity, whereas The Dark Knight takes place in present day Chicago.
A lot of people complain about the Nolan films taking place in Chicago, saying that Gotham should be a stylised, nightmarish city. Batman Begins' slums had this aesthetic. However, I think it's a great choice because the sheer, natural, awe-inspiring scale achieved when viewing the sprawling skyscrapers in real-life Chicago is not a sensation that can be achieved via sets, and the realism just suits the movies' tone perfectly, I think.
@@tornadochaser2457 When sets are at its best, they're way more effective in transporting me into the setting, but when they're at their worst, it can take me out of it. Tim Burton's Batman is a combination of this. The best scene for me is the opening scene, where we see this decripit, dirty city bustling with people with gothic architecture.
I think The Batman had the perfect balance of grounded realism and stylized gothic Gotham. Nolans Gotham was too bland and Burton seemed a little too over the top I guess for some though I still love anything Burton.
I don't think you can compare the two. Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker in the Batman world was phenomenal. The best ever! Now, Joaquin's performance as a man beaten down and his slow spiral into insanity was also phenomenal. But they were two very different portrayals of The Joker.
@@robatkinson2125 if you really watch tim burton batman movies it doesn't focus on batman and is not given character depth, fight scene might have been good then but it is boting compared to now. Keaton did great tho, he was one of the few things i liked from those 2 movies
Batman Begins has always been my personal favorite. The others are just as awesome but something about Batman Begins building up story and plot twist makes it a absolute masterpiece to me.
I totally agree. The other two films are fantastic, but Batman Begins just has something about it. The way the story is told is just so damn good and I always thought it had the perfect ending with the music and the scene of Batman and Gordon on the rooftop. "I never said thank you."........."And you'll never have to." Then he flies off into the night. Just an outstanding film.
I love Batman Begins. To see Bruce who was unable to make sense of the world and himself transform to a man who had found himself and something worth fighting for is inspirational. I personally think of that movie when I feel utterly defeated.
The one thing in Nolan's versions that worked and really stood out for me, was that he gave each Villain their own musical theme, and not just the hero. Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, Ra's Al Ghul etc. Ra's Al Ghul's is hands down the best one. Can't remember if Two-Face had one.
Two-Face did have one. It was Dent's theme from earlier in the film(you can hear it when he's meeting with Gordon in his office), but with a darker twist. Go back and watch the scene with Maroni in his car and it can be heard then. BTW, Catwoman and Talia al-Ghul got their own themes too.
I am genuinely shocked at Ben's knowledge of Batman and his general appreciation of both the character and new takes. Shapiro's always well-spoken so his analysis of Ben's Bruce and Batman is really nice to hear.
Batfleck's entire character arc in BVS is about him becoming a hero again. He was introduced as a monster, a demon in the shadows. Taking down criminals not to save those trafficked women, but for a lead on Kryptonite so he can destroy Superman. The murder of Robin by The Joker and watching Superman's battle with Zod destroy Metropolis has broken him. He feels powerless against a cruel world he can't control any longer, and that rage has turned a good man cruel. He now kills to defend himself and other people, and brands the most heinous criminals to condemn them. Cold-blooded murder will be his final step. When he hears Superman use (what he thinks is) his dying breath to beg him to save his mother, he finally sees that he has become the villain. It's not about their mothers having the same name. It's about Batman realizing that he is no different than the monster who killed his parents and created him; the expression on his face after realizing superman's mom has the same name as his mom wasn't coincidence, but a sense of realization, In throwing down the spear and saving Super man's mother, he also saves himself. Overall it was actually a very compelling character moment, and I actually liked it (I was 13 when I 1st watched it, now I'm 19 I'm much more critical when it comes to film review) it was just executed WAY too poorly and rushed.
My very first comic book experience ever was the Death of Superman arc with Doomsday, so my biggest issue was how they butchered that whole story. No justice!
@Joke Reviewer you must be mentally challenged, I just said it wasn't a joke, it's a fact, whatever reviews you do, regardless of what they're on, are a joke
Yeah the animated series is really good and I’m not even really a comic book movie fan I remember I found an old VHS tape at a thrift store of an animated Batman movie and I was surprised how gritty it was I lost it and I don’t remember the name I always try to look for it online though but haven’t had any luck.
At 6’ 4”, with very broad shoulders, a square chin and the ability to get very jacked, Ben Affleck is definitely the most physically accurate Batman and, in my opinion, the most menacing / scary.
@@theriddler482 I couldn’t agree more. It’s like he was always Batman and had to tolerate being Bruce Wayne vs in the Nolan films there was the real Bruce, the Bruce acting like a d bag billionaire and then Batman. They all seemed separate from each other where as with Affleck, you could tell he was always Batman, always filled with rage and had to tone it down to be Bruce.
Technically Marvel has acknowledged the consequences of their actions. That's literally what Captain America Civil War was all about. But I see what you're saying. At the end of the day, both DC and Marvel fans have to swallow their pride and accept plot holes like that, because like you said Mr. Shapiro... "Alien with every power"..."billionaire who dresses up to fight criminals".... If we as fans want to pull the thread on that type of logic, we shouldn't be fans at all because It's fucking science fiction
Yet if you removed civil war the plot for the rest of the movies would be the same. Iron man and captain America meet again in avengers endgame but it comes off as a usual spat. Marvel has consequential movies, but they don’t translate that much further into the other movies.
@@thefilmrookie3099 That's not true in the case of Civil War cause the incident of Lagos at the beginning of the movie still effects what happens in The Falcon and the Winter Solider and Wandavision. Heck, the Hydra uprising in Winter Solider has more effects still happening than most of Phase 3 movies. I could name other movies that still plays a big or somewhat still part in the mcu
@@thefilmrookie3099 Also Ben is ignorant to what he says that there films doesn't have consequences showing the 1st Avengers movie. Since almost every movie minus the Guardians, Shang Chi, BP, Eternals and a few others are effected by that movie. Heck, Civil War even happens cause of the effects of that movie due to Avengers mistakes
@@saqibsheikh2790 To be fair he has been very hit or miss as of late especially with his Justice League score. His Batman theme is iconic and his Spiderman theme is one of the best superhero themes of all time. Hoping for a return to form for Doc Strange.
If you think about it, Ben is the Daily Wire's Batman. If Knowles, Walsh, or even Klavan becomes a Villain and uses their powers for evil, Ben Knows exactly how to counteract them
The Tim Burton Batman movies are the best with the best actor playing Batman and the best Joker played by Jack Nicholson and the best penguin played by Danny Devito. Perfect casting.
Batman: Mask of The Phantasm, Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker and Batman: Under The Red Hood are better films than most of the live action Batman films. I am with Ben on Batman V Superman: The Ultimate Cut. Once you see the full rated R version of that film you will love it.
You aren’t alone with BVS love, Ben. The extended cut of BvS is one of the most legit DC movies ever. ZSJL is a very very very close second. I love those films!
@@Zaloomination Once you see Snyder cut of Justice League you'll see why it's actually pretty good and you want to forget that you ever saw Whedon cut.
I'm not big on Superman, but Ben Affleck is an amazing Batman. My friends think I'm nuts but at least I'm not alone... I watched the scene of batman saving superman mom like a dozen times
@@Zaloomination well once you see it you'll know why instead of being a sheep and taking every idiots word who thinks its cool to hate every single new movie these days MAYBE you should check it out for your self instead of listening to morons. Bvs is overhated cause superman fan boys were pissed about the ending when that's litterly how it happens in the comics.
@@rustyshackleford8370 I never liked superman either I always thought he was a stupid overrated insufferably boring superhero and up until Robert Pattinson Ben Affleck was my fave batman. I can just tell Robert Pattinson will be the best one though.
I have mixed feelings about it. I liked Nicholson as the Joker, but I didn’t like Keaton as Batman. When I first saw it I was actually angry that the Joker died & that Vicki Vale slept with Bruce Wayne on the first date, instead of hooking up with the reporter who actually supported her.
@@tcgtpl Nicholson stole the show and I think Keaton was a great Batman. He just had a stiff neck. The Vicki Vale part I didn’t mind, I just didn’t like when Alfred took her to the Batcave. That was bullshit.
The only problem I have with Batman 89 is that joker Batman’s biggest villain dies I always wanted a Batman movie series that had joker as a re-appearing character like the scarecrow in the Nolan movies
Aquaman and Shazam nailed their respective corners of the DCU. Wonder Woman was a good movie but as a period piece it didn’t feel as much like DC. Birds of Prey was unbearably woke but so was the Harley Quinn series it was based on. The movie did replicate the vibe of new 52/rebirth Harley quite faithfully.
he nails Neal Adam's Batman but Burton could be closer to the Batmite Batman days. I like the Batmite days more actually. I think they should do that era
Oh, Ben. Don't like the Elfman score? That's THE Batman score. His music went to the animated series as well, which I would put as the #1 Batman representation, followed immediately by the Justice League animated series (they're the same character, but obviously solo vs. team). That is the true Batman, and the true Batman music.
@@crobeastness Never said there was anything wrong with them. The Elfman score is just better, in my opinion. The music is certainly elevated by the quality of the rest of the representation as well. If Zimmer or Giacchino scored the animated series, I'd probably like his the best. Not that Elfman scored the series, but the music was based on his motifs and themes, and fits Batman so dang well. Also, Kevin Conroy is Batman. Mark Hamill is the Joker. I can't see anyone replacing them in my mind. When I read comics, I hear their voices - not West or Bale or Affleck or Keaton, nor Nicholson or Ledger or Phoenix or Leto. Hopefully I'm wrong, and new definitive versions of the characters will exist, but I don't think they will.
@@hinney827 yes, I agree. Kevin Conroy is batman and mark hamill is joker. Except for old husky batman which is Peter Weller for me. Michael Emerson is also a really good joker in TDK returns. I'm not a fan of joker that much but hamill, Emerson and phoenix I really love. Ledger is cool too but overrated. People saying it's the best acting performance of all time need to cool off a bit.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the greatest theatrically released BATMAN movie of all time. The Dark Knight is a great movie, but it’s just an action movie featuring Batman and none of the larger than life world that is Gotham City and it’s inhabitants. Batman the animated series is the closest thing we have ever gotten to the true Batman in the comic books. It’s a crime that it’s not on the list.
So all that destruction resolved in one movie? What about the other consequences? Don't get it wrong, Marvel is great but DC has nailed its movies in cinematic aspect. DC has taken everything seriously and has great humanity quotes rooted into it's scripts.
There’s also a big difference between the destruction in Man of Steel and Avengers. Superman was directly responsible for throwing Zod through buildings for basically no reason, and basically disregarding civilian casualties to a ridiculous degree. The Avengers movies specifically show them trying to save civilians.
@@dranomohak Clearly you haven’t seen peace maker, birds of prey, Wonder Woman 1984, aquaman, shzaam, or the new suicide squad. All of which are very similar to the marvel tone.
As a fan of The Dark Knight Returns graphic novels I really enjoyed Ben Afflecks Batman, he really looked the part and he gives off that "middle aged bodybuilder" powerhouse look that he has in the book. Batman is like this in the Arkham games as well, its great.
Ben was definitely the most intimidating Batman. The scene where he's hiding in the ceiling waiting to attack was seriously unsettling. He's built like a brick shithouse.
No matter how dated some of the effects seem nowadays, the first Batman movie with Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton will always have a special place in my dvd collection
I liked the moment where the woman tried to thank her for saving her from the muggers and Pfeiffer slams her up against the wall for being an easy victim that needs a hero to rescue her. Unfortunantly I feel that ultimately lead to the Force being female crap.
@@skylx0812 Back then, when there was no wokeness, it was perfectly fine. Just swapping Glorfindel for Arwen in Lord of the Rings worked fine. Or when Eowyn killed the Witchking saying she was no man. Now such lines would be massive cringe. Let's not do what the woke do and judge the past by the standards of today. Michelle looked absolutely yummy in that movie. Forever my Catwoman!
I can agree with you about most of this list. However I could never put Ben Afleck ahead of Batman the Animated Series. Afleck is only an okay actor who always dreamed of playing a Super Hero. He finally got his wish but not because he is an outstanding actor.
Ben Affleck is the only actor I can think of who has played both Batman and Superman. Well... he played George Reeves playing Superman. Does that count? 🤔
It's the last line that reveals his bias. Ben is a serious guy and he prefers his superhero movies to be serious, which is code for dark and gritty. He even stated that he's onboard with Batman killing people if the system can't keep people locked up. He doesn't like the playfulness of the MCU (which he forgot about Sokovia and the Snap and the consequences of that, as well as Stark's PTSD). So of course he would prefer the grittier versions, no matter how out of character they might be.
He was way too normal as Bruce Wayne. I mean, can you even imagine that guy deciding to become Batman? Keaton Batman looks goofy when he can’t move his head. He also kills people and wants to kill the Joker because of revenge. Christian Bale was easily better although Kevin Conroy will always be the best.
@@nuckygulliver9607 Batman Begins is my favorite. I quit Batman Returns halfway in the movie because it was so bad. The 1989 film is a masterpiece but Tim Burton really lost his touch with the second film.
For me batman 89 was just a masterpiece and still is. Michael's Batman and Bruce Wayne are just perfect, his Batman acting like he doesn't care about other peoples opinions and acts like he knows what he is doing. As Bruce Wayne acts like he has money and doesn't care for and completely different to his Batman personality. And Jack's Joker performance is just spot on. Always laughing, messing about, just does stuff for no reason and used silly gadgets just like in the comic's. And the animated Batman took inspiration from the characters.
Does Ben realize that Tim Burton's Batman is way closer to the comic book Batman than Nolan's is. Also Batman the Animated Series is easily number one.
He never said it wasn’t closer, but they were very cringe movies and so were the acting. Nolan’s take on Batman was supposed to be as realistic as it could be on the real world and more serious
Not sure I agree. Nolan’s Batman is the most grounded I would say, and while Keaton does a great job as Batman, its too stylized, the score is too whimsical for a dark crime fighting vigilante(Danny Elfman is better when he’s making shit like the Simpsons theme) and the performances aren’t the best. Christian Bale is batman. He looks and acts the part, he plans his moves, he trains, he’s got gadgets and he makes mistakes. I know people always bring up his voice, but he has a gruff voice in the comics and he would want to disguise his voice in public anyways. That’s just my opinion, but I definitely think the Dark Knight trilogy is the greatest.
My opinion: 9th place- Batman & Robin 8th place- Batman Forever 7th place- Batman 1966 6th place- Batman 1989 5th place- The Dark Knight Rises 4th place- Batman Returns 🥉3rd place- Batman Begins 🥈2nd place- The Batman 🥇1st place- The Dark Knight
9:26 How could you be mad at that ending? It’s open for interpretation. Plus, this is the exact scenario of the conversation Alfred and Bruce had in the beginning of the movie. It comes full circle. Loved the ending. I’m on par with your opinion, the Christopher Nolan trilogy is an absolute masterpiece.
@@jeffcunningham0389 Holy fuck here’s an expert if I’ve ever seen one. Alrighty bud, so do Bruce and Catwoman stay together? Or does Catwoman go back to being a thief? What about Alfred and Bruce’s relationship? Will the world ever figure out the Batman’s identity? Will they need him ever again? Nah, all of those possible questions are answered right?
@@daledoback9566 what a dumb f*ck response lol u can literally ask those similar questions about any movie ever made. Some questions don’t require answers. Bruce retired and went on to live a life with selena. End of story. You wanted a there to be text at the end to describe in detail what else happened? Lmaoq
I'm happy that the dark Knight Rises was higher on your list. Most people don't like it idk why but it's my 2nd most favorite Batman film. Plus Tom Hardy was badass as Bane
People don't like it because it's absolutely full to the brim of Anti-Marxist themes and the universities have done such a good job indoctrinating people into seeing the world through a Marxist lens they feel uncomfortable when they watch a movie like TDKR that depicts Marxism for what it really is.
@@JadeRunner its not about that, im centre left and i love TDKR, yes the movie has a right wing idealogy which works great, Batman is supposed to be right wing, not far right but just right, he liked order and not being taxed, a lot think that few people love it, actually no, its critically acclaimed and loved just not as much as TDK, TDKR suffered from the greateness of TDK, some people expected to be TDK level, but still the majority i know loves it, my favorite of the trilogy of course is Batman Begins
It has several plot holes that I'd normally excuse, but the Nolan trilogy was built on trying to be as realistic as possible. It is okay for batman to suddenly return out of no where in a comic book, but not in this nolan universe that has drawn clear lines on realism.
@@JadeRunner I mean, each to their own and all that, but that's definitely not why "people" in general had issues with the movie lol. It's just not as tightly written as the first two (for the record, I still think it's a damn good movie in spite of that)
According to Ben: 12. Batman and Robin 11. Batman Forever 10. Batman TV series (Adam West) 9. Batman Returns 8. The Lego Batman Movie 7. Batman (1989) 6. Batman Animated series 5. Zack Snyder's Justice League 4. Zack Snyder's Batman v. Superman 3. Batman Begins 2. The Dark Knight Rises 1. The Dark Knight
@@Dinguskhan5003worst Batman movie? Ben afleck had the most bad ass Batman fight scene, give me fight scene that beats his fight scene live action of course
Adam West's Batman was like Caesar Romero's Joker. They weren't "bad" because of the lack of talent of the actors; they were bad because of the limitations that the Silver Era of comics & television's standards & practices had placed on them, making the series, both TV & comics, more comedic than action.
I dunno if calling them bad is fair. Its a product of its time. Has some charm. Its not trying to be more than it is. Calling it a crap adaptation is fair though
@@ergob3907 Ben is right in his placement of them above the Schumacher Batman films (which actually deserve a spot on the list so low they're unseen), but yeah the cheese of the Silver Era really ruins the attraction of Batman. "Campy?" Yes, but, sadly I would call it bad enough to say it's bad.
I still watch The Dark Knight about once a month. It’s my favorite movie of all time and arguably one of the greatest films ever made. People always say they don’t love Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, but to me, he’s the only person that’s ever played Batman that was a perfect Batman AND Bruce Wayne. Usually we get someone that’s good at one or the other.
I agree with your interpretation of BVS. However if you watch the extended cut that adds almost 30 minutes to the movie makes it INFINITELY more watchable. It makes so much more sense when those 30 minutes are added on
i agree with both you and Shapiro on this one, i enjoyed BvSEC and JLSC. I think Affleck (and Bale) did a great Job as both Bats and Wayne. I like Keaton as Batman but not so much as Wayne. I think Kilmer did great as Wayne but not so much as Bats. I would have loved to see them let Snyder do 1 more movie, I think it was rumored to be Final Crisis.
@@ShadowCthulhu i loved ZSJL very much. top 10 superhero/comic book movie of all time. but i would not be looking forward to another one. i didnt like that epilogue at all. the post apocalyptical stuff with joker was very cringe. it looked like a mix of final crisis and injustice. but i just wasnt feeling it. im over joker too. i would like a 100 year ban on joker in everything please.
That's not a relevant comment to anything Shapiro said about BvS. Don't crow bar irrelevant things into conversations just to because you want to contribute.
@@ajb7786 hrs raising awareness to the ultimate edition. A lot of people still don't even know it exists and it is significantly better than the theatrical cut.
@@ajb7786 I had no idea that all replies to thoughts had to be a direct response to the statement and could not be a thought that was added on in a more general sense complimentary of the topic at large. It’s really great that we have communications expertise like yourself to critique such things. I’m sure it pays wel
Imagine if Ben Affleck had his own Batman movies, directed by Nolan? His fight choreography was by far the best. Would've loved to see his gritty portrayal of the Bat with a good storyline
Nolans actions scenes is known to be bad bruh. Snyder would be great for a batman movie set after BvS. Batman is back to the 'classic' batman going down a dark path in BvS so that would be amazing.
Wish the animated series made it higher on the list. Kevin Conroy as Batman is the iconic representation of the tortured split character of Bruce Wayne. RIP Kevin Conroy
To be fair, “Captain America: Civil War” did address the issue of collateral damage. And I believe most would agree that it had a more coherent plot than BVS even if it was lacking in the visuals department.
Spot on. They are also dealing with the ramifications of the blip too. Ben isnt a huge Marvel guy but I've been enjoying phase 4. Eternals is one of the weakest movies of the entire run but I still found some of it decent. Wandavision Loki What If and Spidey setting up Dr. Strange 2 which looks crazy. That said The Batman is most my anticipated movie of the year. Finnaly a worlds greatest detective batman. Hope it delivers
@@sarairuiz2369 Well, at least the two main heroes were more likable and true to their source material. Not just half-baked “deconstructions” that desecrated the essence of the characters.
@@osogitzgraymane72 Very true, I have not seen the extended cut and it has been around five years since I viewed the original but I doubt more footage could justify the fact that Batman kills his enemies. Call me crazy, but I think that his rule is integral to his character and if he intentionally breaks it, he is no longer the hero that he is meant to be. If you would like further elaboration on that topic, go view any one of Hitop Films’ videos on the subject.
I’ve one of the few people I personally know that think that Heath Ledger’s Joker is a better performance than Joaquin Phoenix’s. I feel like Ledger encapsulates the uneasy, uncomfortable and unpredictable qualities that is the Joker.
Not only that, but Heath's performance is the definition of transformation. Even under all of that makeup, I could tell it was Joaquin. Even his mannerisms and the way he spoke. In Dark Knight, there is only one shot in the film where you can tell it's Ledger and it's when he is hanging upside down off the building. Outside of that, couldn't tell it was him. He was just the Joker.
I can say they both are a very interesting different perspectives of the joker. I do prefer Heath's performance but I highly appreciate Joaquin's performance as well. Heath ledger's performance is brilliant because he has the mysterious, uneasy, and dark manipulative energy that makes up his character. Joaquin Phoenix's joker is amazing and likable because his joker has a more personal story and descending into dark madness while being dangerous too.
@@ajb7786 I do. It's definitely a relevant take. Phoenix was amazing. I much prefer his take with the dancing than ledger with the lip licking. Ledger was still great though, just not the best performance of all time like some say.
I agree with the top 3. I really liked "Begins" and swap it with "Rises" depending on my mood. It was pivotal and the launch point for Nolan's series so I give it a tiny bit of extra credit.
The Dark Knight is the only superhero film that actually transcends the genre and reaches the heights of cinematic greatness. It's truly one of the best films to come out post 2000.
I agree - Batman v. Superman is my favorite of DC’s recent films. I find it quite enjoyable and rewatchable. I must say that Marvel did have a film that grappled with the issue of consequences though. Captain America: Civil War did a wonderful job of that, and I find it to be an even better movie than BvS. Also, I have to diverge on your Danny Elfman take. That one hurt. Elfman may not be John Williams, but his work is some of the best.
The animated series that came out in the 90s was probably the #1 slot for me. Not only was it entertaining but it was so good it even birthed a new character in the Batman universe, some crazy person named Quin or something like that. #2 would be Batman Begins followed by the rest of the Nolan films. If it wasn't good then I wouldn't have been interested in the others. At 5 would be the 90s Batman movie with Keaton.
Ben, you should give Batman Beyond a chance. It wrestles with so many themes that are prevalent in today’s society - AI, Genetic Engineering, Corporate Espionage, Crooked Politicians, Expanding Surveillance…. it is gripping to watch.
It's better than the Dark Knight Rises for sure. At least it was a fantastical and corny entertainment value instead of a movie full of a guy with a speech impediment doing nothing the whole movie while batman whines and moans the whole time.
Exactly , I enjoyed it as well. Very fun and great campy Batman movie. the whole point of batman forever was to be a tribute to campy comedy action batman. It was funny, entertaining and was serious when needed.
I also genuinely like Batman vs. Superman, I think Snyder gives a physicality and almost demigod-like strength to Batman that is seen in his animated appearances but dulled in his life action movies Also the “you’re not brave. Men are brave” is probably a top 3 Batman quote of the last decade
It’s always heartening to see these videos and to know that even if Ben might hate me just for being more liberal than conservative, that we could still break bread and nerd out about Batman. I mostly agree w/this list, maybe swap BvS with Snyder Cut.
@@Joe_Karably the left, generally speaking, ARE destroying America. That doesn’t mean he automatically hates anyone who is traditionally more left leaning. There are sane liberals out there, like Dave Rubin for example.
@@Joe_Karably I think you will find that Ben, like a lot of people today, separate liberals and leftists. Liberals traditionally believe in individual freedom and choice, which a majority of Shapiro followers support, whereas leftists tend to be the opposite and push for collectivist ideals.
@@bromsherwood7739 I assume it’s because there’s a billion animated Batman films. Sure, it’s not like you’d count super friends, but what about under the red hood? Bad blood? Batman vs robin? Son of batman? Flashpoint paradox?
@@BeskarDevil oh I absolutely get the appeal of everything else and I get that it does get buried under a lot of material. I just think it's odd since its a near exact adaptation of one of the most popular batman comics, that in batman savy circles it almost never gets brought up. I think it might be because its too accurate to the point of being boring or needless. I would say the same thing about the year one adaptation. I think the under the red hood and the killing joke adaptations get more attention because they vary from the source to different results
I definitely agree with the whole ranking but I gotta disagree with his statement that there are no consequences in the MCU. The entire plot of Civil War was all about the heroes dealing with the consequences of collateral damage from the previous movies. Age of Ultron was all about the consequences of Tony Stark playing with technology he didn’t understand and his past as an arms dealer coming back to bite him in the ass with Wanda and Pietro becoming radicalized. Spider-Man No Way home was all about the consequences of Peter Parker’s identity being reveal in Far From Home and losing Aunt May because he went against Dr Strange’s advice. Falcon and the Winter Soldier was about the aftermath of the blip. And it appears that Wanda is going to face the consequences of WandaVision in the upcoming Multiverse of Madness.
Amen, Griz. I posted a similar comment before I saw yours. I believe Ben is simply a DC fanboy and struggles to accept the overall excellence of the MCU; therefore, he finds any window he can to downplay how thoroughly Marvel has destroyed DC in cinema.
@@TonyStark-rn7tw i wouldn't say destroy. DC has low lows and high highs. Like WW84, Suicide Squad, Justice League, Birds of Prey are all worse than the worst MCU movie. They're on the same level as the venom movies. But then you have things like Zack Snyder's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Joker, The LEGO Batman Movie, that are better than any thing most, if not all marvel has done. Even when comparing the MCU to the DCEU, the former has consistent samey tone, whereas the the DCEUs tone is always shifting, always unpredictable. Some prefer one, other prefer the other.
I would definitely rate the Tim Burton Batman movies higher. In fact, despite some campiness, I'd rate the first Burton movie much higher than Batman v Superman's Batman. Thing about Batman movies is they build on the legacy of previous Batman movies. Tim Burton's batman followed on the weird campiness of the older TV batman, but made it much darker. And Keaton was, IMO, much better than Affleck's Batman ... and I didn't dislike Affleck's Batman. But Affleck's Batman is just angry. He doesn't have a personality other than angry. Like you're just waiting for him to snap and beat up his loved ones. For me, the debate will always be between Keaton and Bale. Everyone else is just worse in every way. As for Elfman, his musical style is strange and gothy. Which worked really well for the Burton movies. But pretty much everyone, or at least the vast majority, agrees that Elfman's Batman theme is THE Batman theme. Not saying the others are bad (Zimmer is, after all, a musical genius), but Elfman's theme really grabs you and doesn't let go.
Hey Ben. My opinion. ADAM WEST series 10/10 Loved it. BATMAN (1989) 6/10 Adapting to a new audience. ...... RETURNS ✝ 10/10 ✝ Works by not being too extreme in any direction. ✝ ...... FOREVER 5/10 Well, it could have been worse! ...... & ROBIN 3/10 Oh! I shouldn't have said that! BATMAN & SUPERMAN (1997) 8/10 Mr. J. and HQ forever! RETURN OF THE JOKER 9/10 It's ok to shed some tears for HQ and Mr. J. RETURN TO THE BATCAVE 10/10 Damn straight I'm counting this! BATMAN BEGINS 8/10 Not what I was expecting. But still liked it. DARK KNIGHT 7/10 Watchable, yes. Pleasant experience, no. ROTCC (2016) 10/10 Welcome back AW, BW, & JN. BATMAN VS TWO FACE 10/10 I wore my Batman shirt to church that day. JOKER 9/10 Not perfect. But damn close! THE BATMAN Don't care. The film does NOT like Batman.
Anybody who had a problem with the Martha thing simply didn't understand it. He didn't stop entirely because their moms had the same name. The name is what gave him pause. This is when Batman realized that Superman really was good. He was about to die and all he cared about was his mother. It was actually an awesome moment!
Exactly! His mother's name gave him pause; but it showed Superman's humanity! So Batman actually saw him as human and not an alien. I couldn't believe everyone was missing that, I thought it was obvious.
I agree with everything you said except Batman Begins. The first Christopher Nolan batman movie is so underrated. It's better than the dark night rises (which I also love) and would publicly say Batman Begins is a tie with the Dark Night, but personally, I think I still would put it before the Dark Night which is hard for me to say because I love what Heath Ledger did with the Joker. Batman Begins has the best origin story, best character development, original music. Period. Great writing like the Dark Night. The whole classic Hero arc story is very prevalent in Batman Begins which is probably why I like it. Anyhoo, love when you do movie reviews. Keep em coming!
How can you can call Danny Elfman scores trash?????? Raimi Spider-Man, Mission Impossible? Also love how he says Marvel films don't care about the consequences, what was the plot of Civil War?
@@terrygallo8999 yes because it pretty much covers all the prior films in terms of that issue. Plus Homecoming addressed it as well. What sense does it make to keep revisiting that topic, you don't watch superhero movies because they're realistic. Part of the fun and entertainment is in scene destruction
Speaking of movies...check out the Daily Wire's latest movie, SHUT IN: www.dailywire.com/videos/shut-in
Watch BATMAN 89 in black and white takes on a whole new tone
Do you like spongebob
Please review the new woke texas chain saw on Netflix the whole movie is woke bull shit cancel culture 😤
Texas chain saw 2022 please review 🙏 I was so excited for it but it's liberal bs 😑
Well, if you don't like being reminded that these are comic book movies, then stop say things to the contrary then.
The Dark Knight is the one of the greatest movies of all time, easily.
Agreed! Easily one of the best comic book films and movies period
soundtracks alone win over other Batman movies.
It easily is NOT.
@@gimmeaford9454
Hahah, right? Nolan's Batman films all have actively incomprehensible action geography which just happen to sometimes include stunning establishing IMAX shots. Blatantly poor fundamental filmmaking craft held together and saved by the seeming orientation of Hans Zimmer's confidently bombastic assurance to barrel straight through the discombobulating inconsistencies and convolutions.
Facts over feelings now.
fax,keep it one huned
Batman Mask of the Phantasm should have been it's own choice on this list. I know you listed the series, but that film is a great representation of the character, and why the Batman does what he does. Someone could tell me they think that's the best adaptation of Batman, and I wouldn't think less of them for it. It's not mine, but it's certainly worthy of the title. That tombstone scene in the rain where he is speaking to his parents is pretty haunting and shows you how this guy just can't let it go and move on with his life. Why he needs to just keep putting the cape and cowl back on.
The Red Hood and Year One are great as well.
I love that movie but I do actually like Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero more. That and The Dark Knight Returns Deluxe Edition are my favourite Batman movies, period. As for theatrical release, it's Batman Begins.
Facts!! The 90's gave such great animated comicbook cinema. Especially DC, which always puts out great animated movies.
@@crobeastness Just watched the Dark Knight Returns last night. I loved it!
also Batman and Mr. Freeze: Subzero
"Danny Elfman makes garbage scores"
One of worse takes in history.
Prince soundtrack made that movie.
And I'll happily go to the "Electric Chair" for merely thinking that (and all my future crimes, uhh!).
@@darrengordon-hill Well played, sir... Well played indeed.
@@bellboyted2 By Prince? Damn straight - had it on wax brand new, THAT'S MY JAM!!!
"Party (on) Man"!! 🎸😁🎤🍻
@@darrengordon-hill Again, well played!! I love that soundtrack!
I hate to say it, because I do love the Batman 84 theme, but Danny Elfman is a hack
The animated series is by far the best incarnation. Kevin Conroy is the voice many people hear in their head when they read a Batman comic.
And also.. commissioner Gordon...just a straight fucking beast!!!!
Kevin conroy did the best voice acting for Batman ever. His vocals are better than Bale’s by far. And Bale was overall great, but his bat voice was atrocious. Keaton’s was good. But Conroy is the GOAT
I would addend this by saying that the Arkham games for PS/ PC voiced by kevin conroy are the best iterations of batman in modern day (or all day, any day etc).
by far is a stretch
@martinlatour9311 No it's not. It is the definitive Batman portrayal, and arguably the greatest cartoon of all time. At worst it's top 3.
The only thing seriously wrong with this list is having the Animated Series anything below fourth place.
Irrevocable proof that Ben is a monster.
Animated should be third. Dark Knight Rises should be dead last. Dumbest script ever.
@@moxavenger i agree - none of it makes any sense
@@moxavenger their is no way dark knight rises is below forever or Batman & Robin.
@@moxavenger its a dumber script batman returns and batman & robin? also the dark knight has plot holes too.
Gotta disagree with Elfman, his Finale used in the movie 'The Kingdom' is sublime. An incredibly simple yet moving piece
Yeah, does Ben not even like the Raimi Spiderman score?!
@@nathanemslie9972 I think Ben needs true intellectuals like us to own him with FACTS and LOGIC.
Sorry. Can’t have Burton without Elfman. Like peanut butter without jelly.
@@MeanBeanComedy Lol
Once he said TDKR is better than Batman Begins just because "Batman=Right Wing" I checked out.
Dumbest critique ever.
I love the fact that Shapiro is such an unashamedly contrarian. Do not agree with a lot of things here, but stilla laughed a lot.
Bruh ... that's because Batman brings democrats and republicans together. I'm apolitical myself, but comic books bring people of all kinds together
@@danielolortegui1139 I know a lot of people who are pretty far left, but we still geek out when we get to talk movies together.
The Lego Batman Movie should have been #1, even with the parody aspect it's still the most accurate movie depiction of the Batman imo. I mean, if you really want the real Batman, play the Arkham games or read the comics.
The one thing I didn't understand is how he said in Marvel movie's they don't look at the consequences of actions. Even though that was the entire plot of Captain America Civil War.
@@yourbestfriend5455 yeah that's true but I think he was mainly saying that in general most of the DC films, especially Nolan's Batmans and the Snyder films are a lot darker and "realistic," whereas marvel films have a lot more jokes and don't really take themselves super seriously.
"So... hypothetically, imagine yourself in a situation where there's an orphan... and there's a clown who claims to be...the joker"
"now in the scenario... i would of course be vengence"
I agree with most everything here but Danny Elfman. How can you not like his stuff?!? Even if you don't like the Batman theme he made, he has made some of the most iconic themes. Spider-Man, mission impossible, men in black, and more
Edward Scissorhands is an awesome winter snowstorm soundtrack.
Dont forget he also did Pee Wees Big Adventure
Oingo Boingo
Elfman is a legend! Nightmare before Christmas alone is iconic
i like spider-man but batman theme only the opening the rest To me is boring 😴
Ironically, Batman: The Animated Series was mostly based (or perhaps we should say extrapolated from) on the Tim Burton Batman films.
Best batman ever
I'd argue that it took more from the comics than any film, but in terms of which film it is closest to, you are correct.
Yep and that's why I think burtons are better then his ranking.
And many of the voice actors were people who auditioned to play characters in the live action like John Glover (originally was offered to play Joker for 1989 Batman) and Mark Hamill (was offered Riddler in Batman Forever).
i hate the burton movies too, but love the animated series. i would say the production and animators took more inspiration from the comics than the 1989 film as they were mostly all fans of the character since their youth.
Jack Nicholson as the Joker was a great casting choice. He's a natural when it comes to sinister & creepy.
"You ever dance with the Devil in the pale moonlight?" "I just like the sound of it."
Keaton did a great job as Batman also.
The 1st Batman with Keaton is the best for me, then come the Nolan ones.
@@Mythos1981 Same here, I was 5 when I saw it on VHS and I would watch it over and over and over again. I remember being scared of the joker the first few times too, that's how good Jack was...or maybe I was just a wimp lol
@@Ervinabrahamian different times and let's also not forget that it was a VERY low budget movie....That being said i still love the batmobile and still recall the days playing that game on my Amiga 500 :)
@@Mythos1981 shout out to OG Amiga users!
God I wish they'd play the 89 Batman in a theater around me. Love that movie. Sooo many quotable lines from it and Returns.
That guy doesn’t understand the character of Batman and it makes his ranking so funny
What does he not get? I thought it was a good ranking. I disagree with his M. Keaton take, as I believe Keaton was the best Batman. Also, I would say Begins is the second best Batman. Other than that very solid list
Batman the animated series is the best version of the bat by a wide margin. There's finally something we strongly disagree about.
Ur talking about a cartoon tailored for Kids, Dude.
he said he liked it
@@whynot1548 You must be a fool. BTAS is constantly on the top when it comes to most people's lists. Either you must be another one of those "Animation is for kids" idiots or don't understand what impact BTAS had on not only TV but the Batman mythos itself. BTAS changed Batman, it reinvented terribly written characters like Mr. Freeze, and is the reason why Batman fucking SPEAKS the way that he does. The "Batman Voice" was a fucking product of BTAS, Dude. Fucking millennials these days.
It’s the best. I think the dark knight trilogy had deeper themes and by being live action has certain benefits. Though animated series is the most overall faithful adaptation of the character.
@@grantm6133 I think people misconstrued "being live action" and "being serious". This has been proven the case many times actually. Anime for example has tons of series that completely break that stereotype. Not an Anime fan? BTAS: Robin's Reckoning Part I, when Bruce Wayne approaches a young Dick Grayson who has lost his parents, and has to console him.
What deeper themes are people actually talking about? What about "It's Never Too Late"? Two mob bosses at war with one another, one has to come to grips with the damage he's done not only to his city but his own family, Batman finds a way to bring him back from the edge. For fucks sake, the drugs he peddled got his own son addicted, and is shown to be in rehab. What's more "DEEP" than that?
Not DEEP enough for you? How about "Appointment in Crime Alley"? It's revealed that Batman visits Crime Alley every year on the anniversary of his parent's death. Meanwhile a business man plans to destroy crime alley to pave over it with new Condos. In one scene a woman's house in broken into as men try to get her out of the house, he crying daughter runs out into the street as Batman arrives.
Do I honestly HAVE to keep going? Both mediums have their merits but one isn't topic related nor tonal. With the right people, an animated film can be as dark, brooding, gritty, or as emotional as a Live Action film can be. It's all in the eyes of the beholder, in Japan, Anime is taken incredibly seriously and regularly takes the spotlight over live action films, there is no bias there.
So what's the issue? It's called "disassociation", some people can't associate animated entertainment with live action entertainment. That's why some say "Live Action is always better", it's because in their minds, they don't associate something that is animated with something that is real, they can't take it seriously, because they can't comprehend what is happening. "This isn't real enough, ergo the acting isn't real, so I can't empathize."
Tim Burton was the first guy to make Batman black instead of blue . He deserves some credit for taking Batman in a new direction .
no he was not 💀
Batman was black in his appearance
I think he means movies. But even then the original Batman shows that were in black and white
Lol… Turning Batmans suit to black from blue was one of the biggest mistakes
@@swfte7890Really?
There's something so wholesome about taking a bit of time away from the crazy world we live in and looking at heroes who can stop this evil with just a mask and a few gadgets.
Why can't more billionaires be like Bruce Wayne?
More? Name one... Just one! I mean Bruce Wayne is a fictional character. If you want more, than there must be some to start with. So name one Billionaire running around in disguise at night stopping crime....
@@Pendragon501 more can be from zero to one. one would be more than zero.
Well, Batman is far more dangerous stark naked than most men would be with his gadgets.
@@secretsix43 which makes that line he s Peter in homecoming more funny. About if you're nothing without your suit, you should have it or something like that.
I mean the irony is he could do a lot more for the city and its citizens with his billions than dressing up as a bat and hitting people.
“The Snyder Cut is 1000 hour long…”
Died at that part😂
That dark knight movie is just unmatchable. Insanely good in every category
@@jonnyo.p.1773 I disagree , Heaths acting decent? It was cool as heck for me , the facial expressions and the voice were perfect
It was one for the ages. Holds up well after near 15 years.
@@jonnyo.p.1773 You are a hater I have watched a lot of those and many other top movies and nothing comes close to the Dark Knight for me
@@jonnyo.p.1773 You had me at decent.
Dunno, Bale's Batman voice still makes me laugh
I like Tim Burton’s Batman exactly for the reason that Ben hates it. It has style; the classic 1930’s attire and the gothic cathedral give it so much character and identity, whereas The Dark Knight takes place in present day Chicago.
I think it's style whereas Nolan's is current
A lot of people complain about the Nolan films taking place in Chicago, saying that Gotham should be a stylised, nightmarish city. Batman Begins' slums had this aesthetic. However, I think it's a great choice because the sheer, natural, awe-inspiring scale achieved when viewing the sprawling skyscrapers in real-life Chicago is not a sensation that can be achieved via sets, and the realism just suits the movies' tone perfectly, I think.
@@tornadochaser2457 When sets are at its best, they're way more effective in transporting me into the setting, but when they're at their worst, it can take me out of it. Tim Burton's Batman is a combination of this. The best scene for me is the opening scene, where we see this decripit, dirty city bustling with people with gothic architecture.
@@budmb2 Interesting. Thanks for the reply.
I think The Batman had the perfect balance of grounded realism and stylized gothic Gotham.
Nolans Gotham was too bland and Burton seemed a little too over the top I guess for some though I still love anything Burton.
As a 28 year old, the Animated Series is my definitive representation of Batman and will always be my #1.
As a 40 year old I agree.
As a 20 year old I also agree
As another 40 year old. Agreed.
My 12 year olds agree
31, it is easily the best. Batman Beyond was a good sequel series.
I equally enjoyed both Joaquin Phoenix's Joker and Heath Legder's Joker. But Heath Ledger's joker will always be my favourite!
Mark Hammil for me
It’s completely destroys the competition
Then you didn't enjoy them equally
@@_scabs6669 applause 👏
I don't think you can compare the two. Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker in the Batman world was phenomenal. The best ever! Now, Joaquin's performance as a man beaten down and his slow spiral into insanity was also phenomenal. But they were two very different portrayals of The Joker.
Heath ledgers joker SHITS on phoenix’s. Joker 2019 is literally a carbon copy of Taxi Driver.
“I don’t like Tim Burton Batman….”
My mind: OK I’m done here nothing more to see.
yep lmao
Easily the best Batman is 1989 film
@@robatkinson2125 if you really watch tim burton batman movies it doesn't focus on batman and is not given character depth, fight scene might have been good then but it is boting compared to now.
Keaton did great tho, he was one of the few things i liked from those 2 movies
Thanks now I don't have to watch a blatantly offensive list lol
Easily the most overrated Batman. Tim completely got the character wrong.
Batman Begins has always been my personal favorite. The others are just as awesome but something about Batman Begins building up story and plot twist makes it a absolute masterpiece to me.
Batman Begins suffers from really bad fight scenes. The camera is way to close and you can barely make out what’s happening.
What do you mean "you don't know why" because its adamn good film. I think a shit tone of people would definitely agree with you.
I totally agree. The other two films are fantastic, but Batman Begins just has something about it. The way the story is told is just so damn good and I always thought it had the perfect ending with the music and the scene of Batman and Gordon on the rooftop. "I never said thank you."........."And you'll never have to." Then he flies off into the night. Just an outstanding film.
That's my #2
I love Batman Begins. To see Bruce who was unable to make sense of the world and himself transform to a man who had found himself and something worth fighting for is inspirational. I personally think of that movie when I feel utterly defeated.
The one thing in Nolan's versions that worked and really stood out for me, was that he gave each Villain their own musical theme, and not just the hero. Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, Ra's Al Ghul etc. Ra's Al Ghul's is hands down the best one. Can't remember if Two-Face had one.
No way! Seriously?? I never noticed that. Not being a troll... lol I really didn't. Gonna have to rewatch them now. 😊
I never noticed that's awesome
Two face had a good one, it had a tragic tone to it
What?! Yes Two-Face had a theme and it was GORGEOUS!
Two-Face did have one. It was Dent's theme from earlier in the film(you can hear it when he's meeting with Gordon in his office), but with a darker twist. Go back and watch the scene with Maroni in his car and it can be heard then.
BTW, Catwoman and Talia al-Ghul got their own themes too.
I am genuinely shocked at Ben's knowledge of Batman and his general appreciation of both the character and new takes. Shapiro's always well-spoken so his analysis of Ben's Bruce and Batman is really nice to hear.
Yet he doesn't bother mentioning the animated adaptations of Frank Miller's work.
More like his writers did a bit of research and he's just reading what they wrote. I imagine Batman would be just too scary for the poor lil' guy.
@truefanforum3273 Be quiet. You don't know anything about him.
@@truefanforum3273And how would you know? Or are you as always talking out of your ass?
Batfleck's entire character arc in BVS is about him becoming a hero again. He was introduced as a monster, a demon in the shadows. Taking down criminals not to save those trafficked women, but for a lead on Kryptonite so he can destroy Superman. The murder of Robin by The Joker and watching Superman's battle with Zod destroy Metropolis has broken him. He feels powerless against a cruel world he can't control any longer, and that rage has turned a good man cruel. He now kills to defend himself and other people, and brands the most heinous criminals to condemn them. Cold-blooded murder will be his final step. When he hears Superman use (what he thinks is) his dying breath to beg him to save his mother, he finally sees that he has become the villain. It's not about their mothers having the same name. It's about Batman realizing that he is no different than the monster who killed his parents and created him; the expression on his face after realizing superman's mom has the same name as his mom wasn't coincidence, but a sense of realization, In throwing down the spear and saving Super
man's mother, he also saves himself. Overall it was actually a very compelling character moment, and I actually liked it (I was 13 when I 1st watched it, now I'm 19 I'm much more critical when it comes to film review) it was just executed WAY too poorly and rushed.
he has always killed, when he first started in comics he had the "Bat-Gun"
Glad you added that ending. It was a great concept, with truly horrible execution in a horrible film.
Yes agree man with his arc, he became more hopeful and the Batman we know in Zack Snyders Justice league.
My very first comic book experience ever was the Death of Superman arc with Doomsday, so my biggest issue was how they butchered that whole story. No justice!
@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 BVS was an amazing film IDK what you on about.
If you take a shot every time Ben Shapiro says “Batman”…you’ll probably be dead. Love the content as always.
I mean... it *is* a batman video hahaha
@Joke Reviewer nice username, it's very true
@Joke Reviewer it's not a joke, it's a fact
@Joke Reviewer you must be mentally challenged, I just said it wasn't a joke, it's a fact, whatever reviews you do, regardless of what they're on, are a joke
The Animated Series should be ranked way higher. Christian Bale was copying Kevin Conroys Batman voice. It was extremely influential.
I agree. TAS made Batman cool again. Everyone was sick of the camp in the movies.
Kevin Conroy is top tier Batman
Yeah the animated series is really good and I’m not even really a comic book movie fan I remember I found an old VHS tape at a thrift store of an animated Batman movie and I was surprised how gritty it was I lost it and I don’t remember the name I always try to look for it online though but haven’t had any luck.
You lost me at Bale copying Kwvin Conroy. As great of an actor as Bale is, he wasn't channeling the brilliance of Conroy's Batman at all.
He might have been trying to copy Conroy's voice, but he clearly was not much of an impressionist.
Danny Elfman’s Batman theme is iconic. How can Ben hate it?
Because he's a major doofus?
@@truefanforum3273 true
@@truefanforum3273100% correct
So was that Flock of Seagulls song. Doesn't mean it's any good.
Because he’s an oxymoron just like he is in his politics.
“What kind of a world do we live where a man dressed as a BAT, steals my press?!?”
“This town needs an enema!”
Jesus Christ is Lord. It is all True. Please take your salvation seriously. Read the Bible and do what it says. It is more important than you know,
At 6’ 4”, with very broad shoulders, a square chin and the ability to get very jacked, Ben Affleck is definitely the most physically accurate Batman and, in my opinion, the most menacing / scary.
Jesus Christ is Lord. It is all True. Please take your salvation seriously. Read the Bible and do what it says. It is more important than you know,
Too bad he was just straight the stiffest, most lifeless god awful batman we've had. BA is garbage in these.
I loved his cynicism and dirty rage
@@theriddler482 I couldn’t agree more. It’s like he was always Batman and had to tolerate being Bruce Wayne vs in the Nolan films there was the real Bruce, the Bruce acting like a d bag billionaire and then Batman. They all seemed separate from each other where as with Affleck, you could tell he was always Batman, always filled with rage and had to tone it down to be Bruce.
Technically Marvel has acknowledged the consequences of their actions. That's literally what Captain America Civil War was all about. But I see what you're saying. At the end of the day, both DC and Marvel fans have to swallow their pride and accept plot holes like that, because like you said Mr. Shapiro... "Alien with every power"..."billionaire who dresses up to fight criminals".... If we as fans want to pull the thread on that type of logic, we shouldn't be fans at all because It's fucking science fiction
Facts. Which is why we shouldn't be upset about corny little plot holes in the movies when it's all made up in the first place.
Yet if you removed civil war the plot for the rest of the movies would be the same. Iron man and captain America meet again in avengers endgame but it comes off as a usual spat. Marvel has consequential movies, but they don’t translate that much further into the other movies.
They only reason I don't like batman vs superman because it so boring
@@thefilmrookie3099 That's not true in the case of Civil War cause the incident of Lagos at the beginning of the movie still effects what happens in The Falcon and the Winter Solider and Wandavision. Heck, the Hydra uprising in Winter Solider has more effects still happening than most of Phase 3 movies.
I could name other movies that still plays a big or somewhat still part in the mcu
@@thefilmrookie3099 Also Ben is ignorant to what he says that there films doesn't have consequences showing the 1st Avengers movie. Since almost every movie minus the Guardians, Shang Chi, BP, Eternals and a few others are effected by that movie. Heck, Civil War even happens cause of the effects of that movie due to Avengers mistakes
I respectfully disagree with what you said about keaton, he is the best live action batman in my opinion
I actually gasped out loud when Ben said he doesn’t like Danny Elfman scores, first person I’ve ever heard say that. I absolutely love his scores.
Yeah not liking Elfmans score is a legendary bad take.
@@saqibsheikh2790 To be fair he has been very hit or miss as of late especially with his Justice League score. His Batman theme is iconic and his Spiderman theme is one of the best superhero themes of all time. Hoping for a return to form for Doc Strange.
I quite literally had the same reaction
He just loves to be a contrarian asshole. This video has the most horrible takes ever. He even defended Martha moment. Lmao
@@MrMetalhorse He didn't defend it. He said people are making a big deal out of it. The movie was quite good regardless of the Martha scene.
That’s honestly criminal Ben.
You don’t like Danny Elfman’s scores?
There’s actually something wrong with you, because they are objectively amazing.
Not everyone has to like his score.
@@NekroQueenX7448 Not everyone is very bright.
@@NinjaRunningWild cool 😎
Nothing beats Hans! Hans down the best :) ha
I Second that.
If you think about it, Ben is the Daily Wire's Batman.
If Knowles, Walsh, or even Klavan becomes a Villain and uses their powers for evil, Ben Knows exactly how to counteract them
Right. Just like the Rothschilds and.... ahhh shut up, me.
It's cause he's the richest lol
Yeah, but he'd lose to Candice.
She can emasculate anyone with a flick of her tongue from 50 yards away.
The Tim Burton Batman movies are the best with the best actor playing Batman and the best Joker played by Jack Nicholson and the best penguin played by Danny Devito. Perfect casting.
Batman: Mask of The Phantasm, Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker and Batman: Under The Red Hood are better films than most of the live action Batman films. I am with Ben on Batman V Superman: The Ultimate Cut. Once you see the full rated R version of that film you will love it.
No. Its still hot garbage, its just R rated hot garbage.
The dark knight returns part 1 and 2 make one of my favorite movies let alone Batman movies of all time.
Batman Beyond was my favorite as a kid
You aren’t alone with BVS love, Ben. The extended cut of BvS is one of the most legit DC movies ever. ZSJL is a very very very close second. I love those films!
Never saw either. What makes snyder so much better?
@@Zaloomination Once you see Snyder cut of Justice League you'll see why it's actually pretty good and you want to forget that you ever saw Whedon cut.
I'm not big on Superman, but Ben Affleck is an amazing Batman. My friends think I'm nuts but at least I'm not alone... I watched the scene of batman saving superman mom like a dozen times
@@Zaloomination well once you see it you'll know why instead of being a sheep and taking every idiots word who thinks its cool to hate every single new movie these days MAYBE you should check it out for your self instead of listening to morons. Bvs is overhated cause superman fan boys were pissed about the ending when that's litterly how it happens in the comics.
@@rustyshackleford8370 I never liked superman either I always thought he was a stupid overrated insufferably boring superhero and up until Robert Pattinson Ben Affleck was my fave batman. I can just tell Robert Pattinson will be the best one though.
Ben Shapiro not liking Batman 1989 is proof that he’s not always right.
I have mixed feelings about it. I liked Nicholson as the Joker, but I didn’t like Keaton as Batman. When I first saw it I was actually angry that the Joker died & that Vicki Vale slept with Bruce Wayne on the first date, instead of hooking up with the reporter who actually supported her.
@@tcgtpl Nicholson stole the show and I think Keaton was a great Batman. He just had a stiff neck. The Vicki Vale part I didn’t mind, I just didn’t like when Alfred took her to the Batcave. That was bullshit.
The only problem I have with Batman 89 is that joker Batman’s biggest villain dies I always wanted a Batman movie series that had joker as a re-appearing character like the scarecrow in the Nolan movies
Keaton simply looked like a moron in most of the scenes. The set pieces were good but I always had mixed feelings for the film.
Facts
“Batman And Robin is exactly what the democrats want America to be like”
With Batgirl making Batman and Robin both look stupid. I'm glad the BATGIRL film was cancelled. Or written off if you prefer.
I’ve always been a DC guy but Nolan is the only one who has really nailed their atmosphere
Burton world feels more Batman comic like but his Michael Keaton Batman is not up to the comic book Batman.
Aquaman and Shazam nailed their respective corners of the DCU.
Wonder Woman was a good movie but as a period piece it didn’t feel as much like DC.
Birds of Prey was unbearably woke but so was the Harley Quinn series it was based on. The movie did replicate the vibe of new 52/rebirth Harley quite faithfully.
@@tek3311 U right I loved aquaman actually. Haven’t seen Shazam but heard it was good
Not true.
he nails Neal Adam's Batman but Burton could be closer to the Batmite Batman days. I like the Batmite days more actually. I think they should do that era
I really needed a break from my country descending into a communist dictatorship. Thanks Ben. 🇨🇦 🇺🇸
Oh, Ben. Don't like the Elfman score? That's THE Batman score. His music went to the animated series as well, which I would put as the #1 Batman representation, followed immediately by the Justice League animated series (they're the same character, but obviously solo vs. team). That is the true Batman, and the true Batman music.
Yeah no other Batman theme compares to Elfman's iconic theme. No other theme fits Batman so perfectly and it will never ever be matched.
its a good score, but the hans zimmer one is equally amazing. so is the michael gianchino score.
Junkie XL and Shirley Walker are looking at you guys and laughing.
@@crobeastness Never said there was anything wrong with them. The Elfman score is just better, in my opinion. The music is certainly elevated by the quality of the rest of the representation as well. If Zimmer or Giacchino scored the animated series, I'd probably like his the best. Not that Elfman scored the series, but the music was based on his motifs and themes, and fits Batman so dang well.
Also, Kevin Conroy is Batman. Mark Hamill is the Joker. I can't see anyone replacing them in my mind. When I read comics, I hear their voices - not West or Bale or Affleck or Keaton, nor Nicholson or Ledger or Phoenix or Leto. Hopefully I'm wrong, and new definitive versions of the characters will exist, but I don't think they will.
@@hinney827 yes, I agree. Kevin Conroy is batman and mark hamill is joker. Except for old husky batman which is Peter Weller for me. Michael Emerson is also a really good joker in TDK returns. I'm not a fan of joker that much but hamill, Emerson and phoenix I really love. Ledger is cool too but overrated. People saying it's the best acting performance of all time need to cool off a bit.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the greatest theatrically released BATMAN movie of all time. The Dark Knight is a great movie, but it’s just an action movie featuring Batman and none of the larger than life world that is Gotham City and it’s inhabitants. Batman the animated series is the closest thing we have ever gotten to the true Batman in the comic books. It’s a crime that it’s not on the list.
It's up there
I want Ben to play as Batman. Wouldn’t even be too crazy at this point.
Sus?
I was just typing that he would make an excellent Batman or riddler lol why has no one snatched him up lol
"My fists don't care about your feelings"
I think Ben would work better as Joker :)
That makes no since at all! Batman refuses to kill, Ben murders people with facts every day.
"you can't have beings this powerful running around" that's literally what captain America civil war was about.
Marvel is soft and you know it.
So all that destruction resolved in one movie? What about the other consequences? Don't get it wrong, Marvel is great but DC has nailed its movies in cinematic aspect. DC has taken everything seriously and has great humanity quotes rooted into it's scripts.
There’s also a big difference between the destruction in Man of Steel and Avengers. Superman was directly responsible for throwing Zod through buildings for basically no reason, and basically disregarding civilian casualties to a ridiculous degree. The Avengers movies specifically show them trying to save civilians.
@@dranomohak It wasn’t lol the Avengers broke up that’s why they’re all separated at the beginning of Infinity War which is a phenomenal movie.
@@dranomohak Clearly you haven’t seen peace maker, birds of prey, Wonder Woman 1984, aquaman, shzaam, or the new suicide squad. All of which are very similar to the marvel tone.
I also really enjoyed Batman V Superman, especially the extended cut. Afleck is indeed an underrated Batman.
Wouldn't say he's underrated, he has a massive fanbase. I think thats part in parcel because of the Snyder fans though.
As a fan of The Dark Knight Returns graphic novels I really enjoyed Ben Afflecks Batman, he really looked the part and he gives off that "middle aged bodybuilder" powerhouse look that he has in the book. Batman is like this in the Arkham games as well, its great.
for me, batfleck may have been the best batman. he's big and intimidating.
One of my favorite films. It has its flaws but I enjoy it. Especially looking back at how much potential it had.
Ben was definitely the most intimidating Batman. The scene where he's hiding in the ceiling waiting to attack was seriously unsettling. He's built like a brick shithouse.
No matter how dated some of the effects seem nowadays, the first Batman movie with Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton will always have a special place in my dvd collection
It may not have been the best Batman movie, but in my opinion Michelle Pfeiffer is unsurpassed at Catwoman.
I liked the moment where the woman tried to thank her for saving her from the muggers and Pfeiffer slams her up against the wall for being an easy victim that needs a hero to rescue her.
Unfortunantly I feel that ultimately lead to the Force being female crap.
@@skylx0812 Back then, when there was no wokeness, it was perfectly fine. Just swapping Glorfindel for Arwen in Lord of the Rings worked fine. Or when Eowyn killed the Witchking saying she was no man. Now such lines would be massive cringe. Let's not do what the woke do and judge the past by the standards of today. Michelle looked absolutely yummy in that movie. Forever my Catwoman!
I can agree with you about most of this list. However I could never put Ben Afleck ahead of Batman the Animated Series. Afleck is only an okay actor who always dreamed of playing a Super Hero. He finally got his wish but not because he is an outstanding actor.
He got that earlier with Daredevil.
Ben Affleck is the only actor I can think of who has played both Batman and Superman. Well... he played George Reeves playing Superman. Does that count? 🤔
@@gregorymoore2877 wnd Superman?
His acting in the Bruce and Alfred Batcave scene was splendid.
Never thought I'd have so many disagreements with Ben. I am really glad he put batman begins up top thought.
Though*
same
Yeah this list actually sucks. Ben's should stick to politics.
It's the last line that reveals his bias. Ben is a serious guy and he prefers his superhero movies to be serious, which is code for dark and gritty. He even stated that he's onboard with Batman killing people if the system can't keep people locked up. He doesn't like the playfulness of the MCU (which he forgot about Sokovia and the Snap and the consequences of that, as well as Stark's PTSD). So of course he would prefer the grittier versions, no matter how out of character they might be.
Same here, I tuned out after he said Danny Elfman’s scores are garbage, I’ve never disagreed harder with Ben!
BTAS Number SIX. Ben.....BEN NO! Also the Keaton Disrespect smh
Batman Vs Superman extended cut is totally underrated. It's a really good film. Very gritty.
Should have included Mask of the Phantasm . Its a masterpiece .
Also has the best score for a Batman film. Shirley Walker was a mastermind with composing
Best Batman movie in my opinion
yep, that movie is 100% better than all Zack´s movies for Dc.
And also 2008 Batman: Gotham Knight. I can't be the only one who liked this one
I loved Batman Returns. Catwoman and Penguin were perfectly cast.
whats not to love
And Batman lights a guy on fire.
I prefer the Burton Batman movies from a visionary and stylistic standpoint, but I like weird things so....
I was batman 3 times for Halloween because of this movie. May not be the best batman movie but is certainly the one I enjoy the most to this day!
Imagine not liking Michael Keaton as Batman. Easily a top two Batman near Kevin Conroy
He was way too normal as Bruce Wayne. I mean, can you even imagine that guy deciding to become Batman? Keaton Batman looks goofy when he can’t move his head. He also kills people and wants to kill the Joker because of revenge. Christian Bale was easily better although Kevin Conroy will always be the best.
Exactly, Michael Keaton was the start of it all, brining back the gravitas to the character in the last 3 decades
I’m worried about Ben, I think he’s on the dope. Michael Keaton was an amazing Batman/Bruce Wayne
Batman Returns was the best Batman movie
@@nuckygulliver9607 Batman Begins is my favorite. I quit Batman Returns halfway in the movie because it was so bad. The 1989 film is a masterpiece but Tim Burton really lost his touch with the second film.
I disagree with that. I just don't feel like he was a great batman. He didn't have hardly any character development
For me batman 89 was just a masterpiece and still is. Michael's Batman and Bruce Wayne are just perfect, his Batman acting like he doesn't care about other peoples opinions and acts like he knows what he is doing. As Bruce Wayne acts like he has money and doesn't care for and completely different to his Batman personality.
And Jack's Joker performance is just spot on. Always laughing, messing about, just does stuff for no reason and used silly gadgets just like in the comic's.
And the animated Batman took inspiration from the characters.
Yes. This list is from a critic that doesn't know what he's saying.
Michael Keaton is great as Bruce Wayne. Jack Nicholson was a terrible choice for joker and ruins the film for me.
@@cosmic_tkb How
@@cosmic_tkb bruh what
@@cosmic_tkb u need therapy
Does Ben realize that Tim Burton's Batman is way closer to the comic book Batman than Nolan's is. Also Batman the Animated Series is easily number one.
I love the Burton movies. I don't know how Ben can say the acting in them is poor.
He never said it wasn’t closer, but they were very cringe movies and so were the acting. Nolan’s take on Batman was supposed to be as realistic as it could be on the real world and more serious
Keaton is too short to be a good dark knight. Not scary at all
@@JayR607that’s the only thing that really hurt his portrayal of Batman. Otherwise he was good
Not sure I agree. Nolan’s Batman is the most grounded I would say, and while Keaton does a great job as Batman, its too stylized, the score is too whimsical for a dark crime fighting vigilante(Danny Elfman is better when he’s making shit like the Simpsons theme) and the performances aren’t the best. Christian Bale is batman. He looks and acts the part, he plans his moves, he trains, he’s got gadgets and he makes mistakes. I know people always bring up his voice, but he has a gruff voice in the comics and he would want to disguise his voice in public anyways. That’s just my opinion, but I definitely think the Dark Knight trilogy is the greatest.
My opinion:
9th place- Batman & Robin
8th place- Batman Forever
7th place- Batman 1966
6th place- Batman 1989
5th place- The Dark Knight Rises
4th place- Batman Returns
🥉3rd place- Batman Begins
🥈2nd place- The Batman
🥇1st place- The Dark Knight
9:26 How could you be mad at that ending? It’s open for interpretation. Plus, this is the exact scenario of the conversation Alfred and Bruce had in the beginning of the movie. It comes full circle. Loved the ending. I’m on par with your opinion, the Christopher Nolan trilogy is an absolute masterpiece.
Open for what interpretation? Its pretty clear cut as an ending
@@jeffcunningham0389 Holy fuck here’s an expert if I’ve ever seen one. Alrighty bud, so do Bruce and Catwoman stay together? Or does Catwoman go back to being a thief? What about Alfred and Bruce’s relationship? Will the world ever figure out the Batman’s identity? Will they need him ever again? Nah, all of those possible questions are answered right?
@@daledoback9566 what a dumb f*ck response lol u can literally ask those similar questions about any movie ever made. Some questions don’t require answers. Bruce retired and went on to live a life with selena. End of story. You wanted a there to be text at the end to describe in detail what else happened? Lmaoq
@@jeffcunningham0389 Jesus Christ, I didn’t know I was talking to Christopher Nolan! Nice!
@@jeffcunningham0389 So you seriously think Selina Kyle stayed good and just retired with Bruce? And I’m the dumbfuck? Wow
I'm happy that the dark Knight Rises was higher on your list. Most people don't like it idk why but it's my 2nd most favorite Batman film. Plus Tom Hardy was badass as Bane
YES THANK YOU
People don't like it because it's absolutely full to the brim of Anti-Marxist themes and the universities have done such a good job indoctrinating people into seeing the world through a Marxist lens they feel uncomfortable when they watch a movie like TDKR that depicts Marxism for what it really is.
@@JadeRunner its not about that, im centre left and i love TDKR, yes the movie has a right wing idealogy which works great, Batman is supposed to be right wing, not far right but just right, he liked order and not being taxed, a lot think that few people love it, actually no, its critically acclaimed and loved just not as much as TDK, TDKR suffered from the greateness of TDK, some people expected to be TDK level, but still the majority i know loves it, my favorite of the trilogy of course is Batman Begins
It has several plot holes that I'd normally excuse, but the Nolan trilogy was built on trying to be as realistic as possible. It is okay for batman to suddenly return out of no where in a comic book, but not in this nolan universe that has drawn clear lines on realism.
@@JadeRunner
I mean, each to their own and all that, but that's definitely not why "people" in general had issues with the movie lol. It's just not as tightly written as the first two (for the record, I still think it's a damn good movie in spite of that)
According to Ben:
12. Batman and Robin
11. Batman Forever
10. Batman TV series (Adam West)
9. Batman Returns
8. The Lego Batman Movie
7. Batman (1989)
6. Batman Animated series
5. Zack Snyder's Justice League
4. Zack Snyder's Batman v. Superman
3. Batman Begins
2. The Dark Knight Rises
1. The Dark Knight
I agree, Superman v Batman is one of my favorite and I share everything you said about it. Ben Affleck is a real good actor especially in Batman.
People were terrified of batman in that universe. He was like a ghost who haunts at night. The first batman scene sums it all up.
That is like the worst Batman movie
And the amazing intro for WW that still hits hard
@@Dinguskhan5003worst Batman movie? Ben afleck had the most bad ass Batman fight scene, give me fight scene that beats his fight scene live action of course
@@123bboymeandyou yes there was 1 count 1 cool scene in that movie and he still shot people with guns
Adam West's Batman was like Caesar Romero's Joker. They weren't "bad" because of the lack of talent of the actors; they were bad because of the limitations that the Silver Era of comics & television's standards & practices had placed on them, making the series, both TV & comics, more comedic than action.
I dunno if calling them bad is fair. Its a product of its time. Has some charm. Its not trying to be more than it is. Calling it a crap adaptation is fair though
Are you kidding? Adam West was a comedy master for the "Theater of the Bazaar" which the Batman Adam West movie was suppose to be.
@@ergob3907 Ben is right in his placement of them above the Schumacher Batman films (which actually deserve a spot on the list so low they're unseen), but yeah the cheese of the Silver Era really ruins the attraction of Batman. "Campy?" Yes, but, sadly I would call it bad enough to say it's bad.
They were not bad. Just ask Julie Newmar!
Jesus Christ is Lord. It is all True. Please take your salvation seriously. Read the Bible and do what it says. It is more important than you know,
ben is actually cool when he's not talking about political stuff
yeah because hes probably hurting your feelings with facts
@@BanjoManco and logic
@@emperorsponge9208 and coolness.
he literally fit in politics in the video smh.
@@theONE-mb1wy i mean u dont gotta be really smart to understand specifically what topics my comment is aiming for
7:00
Captain America Civil war, “Am i a joke to you?”
I still watch The Dark Knight about once a month. It’s my favorite movie of all time and arguably one of the greatest films ever made. People always say they don’t love Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, but to me, he’s the only person that’s ever played Batman that was a perfect Batman AND Bruce Wayne. Usually we get someone that’s good at one or the other.
I feel bad for you
The dark knight crumbles in the last 30 minutes
@@ansem383 agreed it peters out at the the end but the opening scene with the bank heist is one of the best in all of movies.
It’s overrated as hell. I feel like the obsession with that movie is mass delusion.
@@ansem383 you have to remember it was supposed to have a follow up with heath ledger but he died before that could happen.
@@Mr.Honest247 how?
The fact that Ben also enjoys Will Arnett makes me grin uncontrollably
His Batman itself is great...
but The Lego Batman Movie was *cringe*
I agree with your interpretation of BVS. However if you watch the extended cut that adds almost 30 minutes to the movie makes it INFINITELY more watchable. It makes so much more sense when those 30 minutes are added on
i agree with both you and Shapiro on this one, i enjoyed BvSEC and JLSC. I think Affleck (and Bale) did a great Job as both Bats and Wayne. I like Keaton as Batman but not so much as Wayne. I think Kilmer did great as Wayne but not so much as Bats.
I would have loved to see them let Snyder do 1 more movie, I think it was rumored to be Final Crisis.
@@ShadowCthulhu i loved ZSJL very much. top 10 superhero/comic book movie of all time. but i would not be looking forward to another one. i didnt like that epilogue at all. the post apocalyptical stuff with joker was very cringe. it looked like a mix of final crisis and injustice. but i just wasnt feeling it. im over joker too. i would like a 100 year ban on joker in everything please.
That's not a relevant comment to anything Shapiro said about BvS. Don't crow bar irrelevant things into conversations just to because you want to contribute.
@@ajb7786 hrs raising awareness to the ultimate edition. A lot of people still don't even know it exists and it is significantly better than the theatrical cut.
@@ajb7786 I had no idea that all replies to thoughts had to be a direct response to the statement and could not be a thought that was added on in a more general sense complimentary of the topic at large. It’s really great that we have communications expertise like yourself to critique such things. I’m sure it pays wel
Imagine if Ben Affleck had his own Batman movies, directed by Nolan? His fight choreography was by far the best. Would've loved to see his gritty portrayal of the Bat with a good storyline
Nolans actions scenes is known to be bad bruh. Snyder would be great for a batman movie set after BvS. Batman is back to the 'classic' batman going down a dark path in BvS so that would be amazing.
Nolan were horrible fighting wise, but if Affleck had the same take on fighting like BVS with the mind of Nolan then boom
If we had a Batfleck movie with the mind of Nolan and the visual style of Snyder. I would be happy indeed!
Completely AGREE!
Nah just let Snyder do Ben Affleck solo film his fight scene in the BVS is the best batman scene I've seen so far
Wish the animated series made it higher on the list. Kevin Conroy as Batman is the iconic representation of the tortured split character of Bruce Wayne. RIP Kevin Conroy
To be fair, “Captain America: Civil War” did address the issue of collateral damage. And I believe most would agree that it had a more coherent plot than BVS even if it was lacking in the visuals department.
Spot on. They are also dealing with the ramifications of the blip too. Ben isnt a huge Marvel guy but I've been enjoying phase 4. Eternals is one of the weakest movies of the entire run but I still found some of it decent. Wandavision Loki What If and Spidey setting up Dr. Strange 2 which looks crazy. That said The Batman is most my anticipated movie of the year. Finnaly a worlds greatest detective batman. Hope it delivers
lmao Zemo might be the worst "villan" of Marvel, his whole plan was based on the events of mere coincidences
@@sarairuiz2369 Well, at least the two main heroes were more likable and true to their source material. Not just half-baked “deconstructions” that desecrated the essence of the characters.
BVS had alot of the context removed for it's theatrical release. So if you only ever saw the theatrical cut of the movie, It won't be as coherent.
@@osogitzgraymane72 Very true, I have not seen the extended cut and it has been around five years since I viewed the original but I doubt more footage could justify the fact that Batman kills his enemies. Call me crazy, but I think that his rule is integral to his character and if he intentionally breaks it, he is no longer the hero that he is meant to be. If you would like further elaboration on that topic, go view any one of Hitop Films’ videos on the subject.
I’ve one of the few people I personally know that think that Heath Ledger’s Joker is a better performance than Joaquin Phoenix’s. I feel like Ledger encapsulates the uneasy, uncomfortable and unpredictable qualities that is the Joker.
Not only that, but Heath's performance is the definition of transformation. Even under all of that makeup, I could tell it was Joaquin. Even his mannerisms and the way he spoke. In Dark Knight, there is only one shot in the film where you can tell it's Ledger and it's when he is hanging upside down off the building. Outside of that, couldn't tell it was him. He was just the Joker.
i think hamill is better than both
I can say they both are a very interesting different perspectives of the joker. I do prefer Heath's performance but I highly appreciate Joaquin's performance as well.
Heath ledger's performance is brilliant because he has the mysterious, uneasy, and dark manipulative energy that makes up his character. Joaquin Phoenix's joker is amazing and likable because his joker has a more personal story and descending into dark madness while being dangerous too.
Almost nobody thinks Phoenix's portrayal was better than Ledger's. Stop making up narratives and look around at reality.
@@ajb7786 I do. It's definitely a relevant take. Phoenix was amazing. I much prefer his take with the dancing than ledger with the lip licking. Ledger was still great though, just not the best performance of all time like some say.
I agree with the top 3. I really liked "Begins" and swap it with "Rises" depending on my mood. It was pivotal and the launch point for Nolan's series so I give it a tiny bit of extra credit.
Yes, I thought the same thing.
Totally agree! Christopher Nolan's trilogy is a masterpiece.
Nope
It’s not. Incredibly overrated
Nobody’s commenting about Ben’s comment about Christopher Nolan making Katie Holmes likable, is 100 percent on point.
I am just wandering if he put Batman beyond or did I miss it
@@Miguel_Joset He just reviewed all the big budget big screen movies
Gotta give an Honorable Mention to Batman Beyond.
Thats what I thought, he left out an extremely notable mention
Just watched BB: Return of the Joker Friday!
The Dark Knight is the only superhero film that actually transcends the genre and reaches the heights of cinematic greatness. It's truly one of the best films to come out post 2000.
@Gurt logan movies is not that good, hugh hackman himself is too high
@Gurt what u dont undestand?
Logan is the only Marvel movie in which I actually cried .
@Gurt than what is? dark knight movies vs logan movies really?? i mean hugh jackman himself is great not movies
joker 2019???
I agree - Batman v. Superman is my favorite of DC’s recent films. I find it quite enjoyable and rewatchable. I must say that Marvel did have a film that grappled with the issue of consequences though. Captain America: Civil War did a wonderful job of that, and I find it to be an even better movie than BvS.
Also, I have to diverge on your Danny Elfman take. That one hurt. Elfman may not be John Williams, but his work is some of the best.
The animated series that came out in the 90s was probably the #1 slot for me. Not only was it entertaining but it was so good it even birthed a new character in the Batman universe, some crazy person named Quin or something like that. #2 would be Batman Begins followed by the rest of the Nolan films. If it wasn't good then I wouldn't have been interested in the others. At 5 would be the 90s Batman movie with Keaton.
Jesus Christ is Lord. It is all True. Please take your salvation seriously. Read the Bible and do what it says. It is more important than you know,
It's a pity that that character has completely morphed into the annoying little shrike she is today though.
@@pablotescobar5956 I blame the weirdos who turned her into a feminist icon. Also the ones who decided to just make her a girl clown Deadpool.
Ben, you should give Batman Beyond a chance. It wrestles with so many themes that are prevalent in today’s society - AI, Genetic Engineering, Corporate Espionage, Crooked Politicians, Expanding Surveillance…. it is gripping to watch.
People like to hate on Batman Forever, but I loved that one. It's corny and fantastical just like the comics were at the time.
It's better than the Dark Knight Rises for sure. At least it was a fantastical and corny entertainment value instead of a movie full of a guy with a speech impediment doing nothing the whole movie while batman whines and moans the whole time.
Jesus Christ is Lord. It is all True. Please take your salvation seriously. Read the Bible and do what it says. It is more important than you know,
Exactly , I enjoyed it as well. Very fun and great campy Batman movie. the whole point of batman forever was to be a tribute to campy comedy action batman. It was funny, entertaining and was serious when needed.
ever heard of #Releasetheschumachercut
I also genuinely like Batman vs. Superman, I think Snyder gives a physicality and almost demigod-like strength to Batman that is seen in his animated appearances but dulled in his life action movies
Also the “you’re not brave. Men are brave” is probably a top 3 Batman quote of the last decade
The Animated Series was one of the best things on TV as a kid. Great stuff.
Agreed!👍😊
Clooney is the worst. Kilmer is my favorite. His movie was the most fun.
It’s always heartening to see these videos and to know that even if Ben might hate me just for being more liberal than conservative, that we could still break bread and nerd out about Batman. I mostly agree w/this list, maybe swap BvS with Snyder Cut.
Why on earth would you think Ben Shapiro would _hate_ you for being more Liberal than Conservative? That's some straight up projection right there. 🤨
@@JadeRunner Lol maybe something to do with the last 10+ years of him publicly lamenting about how the left is destroying America.
@@Joe_Karably the left, generally speaking, ARE destroying America. That doesn’t mean he automatically hates anyone who is traditionally more left leaning. There are sane liberals out there, like Dave Rubin for example.
@@Joe_Karably I think you will find that Ben, like a lot of people today, separate liberals and leftists. Liberals traditionally believe in individual freedom and choice, which a majority of Shapiro followers support, whereas leftists tend to be the opposite and push for collectivist ideals.
The Christopher Nolan Batman movies are way overrated, and the Michael Keaton Batman movies are the best.
Mask of the Phantasm and The Dark Knight Returns should both be considered for a definitive Batman list, they’re both excellent
Yeah I get that it's a graphic novel first but it's unfortunate that the dark knight returns animated movie gets forgotten about a lot.
@@bromsherwood7739 I assume it’s because there’s a billion animated Batman films. Sure, it’s not like you’d count super friends, but what about under the red hood? Bad blood? Batman vs robin? Son of batman? Flashpoint paradox?
@@BeskarDevil oh I absolutely get the appeal of everything else and I get that it does get buried under a lot of material. I just think it's odd since its a near exact adaptation of one of the most popular batman comics, that in batman savy circles it almost never gets brought up. I think it might be because its too accurate to the point of being boring or needless. I would say the same thing about the year one adaptation. I think the under the red hood and the killing joke adaptations get more attention because they vary from the source to different results
I have never disagreed with you until now. Keaton was the best of all time. And the car!!! The score!!?
"I don't like Danny Elfman scores..."
.....and that's where you lost me, Ben!
Batman Returns is the GOAT and it’s not even close.
I definitely agree with the whole ranking but I gotta disagree with his statement that there are no consequences in the MCU. The entire plot of Civil War was all about the heroes dealing with the consequences of collateral damage from the previous movies. Age of Ultron was all about the consequences of Tony Stark playing with technology he didn’t understand and his past as an arms dealer coming back to bite him in the ass with Wanda and Pietro becoming radicalized. Spider-Man No Way home was all about the consequences of Peter Parker’s identity being reveal in Far From Home and losing Aunt May because he went against Dr Strange’s advice. Falcon and the Winter Soldier was about the aftermath of the blip. And it appears that Wanda is going to face the consequences of WandaVision in the upcoming Multiverse of Madness.
right, but the tone is still the same in those. like why are there jokes in endgame? i wish i knew.
@@crobeastness yea that’s my biggest problem with MCU, a tone made inconsistent by an excess of humour rather than moving the plot
Amen, Griz. I posted a similar comment before I saw yours. I believe Ben is simply a DC fanboy and struggles to accept the overall excellence of the MCU; therefore, he finds any window he can to downplay how thoroughly Marvel has destroyed DC in cinema.
@@TonyStark-rn7tw i wouldn't say destroy. DC has low lows and high highs. Like WW84, Suicide Squad, Justice League, Birds of Prey are all worse than the worst MCU movie. They're on the same level as the venom movies. But then you have things like Zack Snyder's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Joker, The LEGO Batman Movie, that are better than any thing most, if not all marvel has done. Even when comparing the MCU to the DCEU, the former has consistent samey tone, whereas the the DCEUs tone is always shifting, always unpredictable. Some prefer one, other prefer the other.
Adam West will always be my favorite Batman. “Somedays, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!”
Best movie scene ever! I can watch it over and over and die laughing!
I would definitely rate the Tim Burton Batman movies higher. In fact, despite some campiness, I'd rate the first Burton movie much higher than Batman v Superman's Batman. Thing about Batman movies is they build on the legacy of previous Batman movies. Tim Burton's batman followed on the weird campiness of the older TV batman, but made it much darker. And Keaton was, IMO, much better than Affleck's Batman ... and I didn't dislike Affleck's Batman. But Affleck's Batman is just angry. He doesn't have a personality other than angry. Like you're just waiting for him to snap and beat up his loved ones. For me, the debate will always be between Keaton and Bale. Everyone else is just worse in every way. As for Elfman, his musical style is strange and gothy. Which worked really well for the Burton movies. But pretty much everyone, or at least the vast majority, agrees that Elfman's Batman theme is THE Batman theme. Not saying the others are bad (Zimmer is, after all, a musical genius), but Elfman's theme really grabs you and doesn't let go.
Tim Burton movies are not comic accurate, and are boring
And Keaton’s Batman is just monotone and has no other expression lol
I agree
@@JoaoPedro-hb3ms That is patently false.
@@maxplaysgamesmore8552 not at all
Hey Ben. My opinion.
ADAM WEST series 10/10 Loved it.
BATMAN (1989) 6/10 Adapting to a new audience.
...... RETURNS ✝ 10/10 ✝ Works by not being too extreme in any direction. ✝
...... FOREVER 5/10 Well, it could have been worse!
...... & ROBIN 3/10 Oh! I shouldn't have said that!
BATMAN & SUPERMAN (1997) 8/10 Mr. J. and HQ forever!
RETURN OF THE JOKER 9/10 It's ok to shed some tears for HQ and Mr. J.
RETURN TO THE BATCAVE 10/10 Damn straight I'm counting this!
BATMAN BEGINS 8/10 Not what I was expecting. But still liked it.
DARK KNIGHT 7/10 Watchable, yes. Pleasant experience, no.
ROTCC (2016) 10/10 Welcome back AW, BW, & JN.
BATMAN VS TWO FACE 10/10 I wore my Batman shirt to church that day.
JOKER 9/10 Not perfect. But damn close!
THE BATMAN Don't care. The film does NOT like Batman.
Anybody who had a problem with the Martha thing simply didn't understand it.
He didn't stop entirely because their moms had the same name.
The name is what gave him pause.
This is when Batman realized that Superman really was good.
He was about to die and all he cared about was his mother.
It was actually an awesome moment!
Exactly! His mother's name gave him pause; but it showed Superman's humanity! So Batman actually saw him as human and not an alien. I couldn't believe everyone was missing that, I thought it was obvious.
I agree with everything you said except Batman Begins. The first Christopher Nolan batman movie is so underrated. It's better than the dark night rises (which I also love) and would publicly say Batman Begins is a tie with the Dark Night, but personally, I think I still would put it before the Dark Night which is hard for me to say because I love what Heath Ledger did with the Joker. Batman Begins has the best origin story, best character development, original music. Period. Great writing like the Dark Night. The whole classic Hero arc story is very prevalent in Batman Begins which is probably why I like it. Anyhoo, love when you do movie reviews. Keep em coming!
How can you can call Danny Elfman scores trash?????? Raimi Spider-Man, Mission Impossible? Also love how he says Marvel films don't care about the consequences, what was the plot of Civil War?
You mean the plot of one out of 36 movies which hasn’t been revisited or mentioned again since?
@@terrygallo8999 yes because it pretty much covers all the prior films in terms of that issue. Plus Homecoming addressed it as well. What sense does it make to keep revisiting that topic, you don't watch superhero movies because they're realistic. Part of the fun and entertainment is in scene destruction