When it comes to DC Comics, there are many recognizable characters that have gone on to have their own films, such as Superman and Wonder Woman. However, nobody has more films that are recognizable in DC Comics than the detective himself, Batman. Going through numerous reboots, television shows, and more, the character has been played by many actors. This also means that the character has worn different suits. Some being far better than others.
Here is every suit from all the live-action Batman movies. Certain films have a variety of Batsuits for the Caped Crusader to wear. While some of the hero's most legendary outfits are from the animated shows and films, the best Batsuits from the live-action Batman movies can stand toe-to-toe with most other variants.
Updated March 10 2022 by Jason Van Duine: As Batman continues to get rebooted and reimagined, his iconic Batsuit must also be redesigned. The challenge for new filmmakers is to make a Batsuit that rivals all other Batman costumes in his other movies. Having all of the Batsuits ranked, it's inevitable that what's considered to be the best costume of all the movies may change over time. What won't change, however, is the distinct look and feel each Batsuit brought to their own unique take on the character to life on the big screen. These Batsuits represent the history of the Dark Knight, showcasing how Batman has evolved throughout the decades.
10 Serial Batsuits
By far the oldest bat suits in all of Batman media, it is also the worst one on the list. While it is respectable that the serials helped kickstart Batman's beginning on the big screen, that doesn't mean that the quality of the suits is anything exceptional. Although two actors portrayed the serial Batman, the suits were so similar that they are paired together.
Based on the characters design during the golden age, the suits are designed with tights and a heavier fabric for things like the cape. The belt is also quite large and for the most part, the Batsuit has done its job. Unfortunately, compared to the other suits, it isn't nearly as impressive. But it nonetheless paved the way for what's to come.
9 Batman & Robin Batsuit
The last film of Joel Schumacher's Batman franchise possesses one of the weaker outfits that the caped crusader has worn. Although unlike the serial outfits which were forgiven due to its time period, one of the main problems with Clooney's bat suit is how bland it is. Because it is all black, there is nothing to really allow it stand out. With the second suit he has worn, it is somewhat better, although the white elements really made the suit look too busy instead.
8 Batman Forever Batsuit
The suits from Batman Forever are like a transition between the films of Tim Burton to the design philosophy of Batman & Robin. The suits maintain some elements from the previous iteration, but the body sculpturing details initiated the beginning of the bat nipples. Nonetheless, the solid sheen on the black allows it to have a nice presence overall. Contrasted with that is the sonar suit in which the design is fairly decent and the silver sheen is nice. However, it is not exactly remarkable either.
7 Batman Returns Batsuit
The second suit that is worn by Michael Keaton, this had plenty of things going for it that helped it to stay memorable. Maintaining what people loved about the original. From the bold yellow symbol to the domineering performance of the actor. However, what holds it back is the more armored design and how it doesn't hold as much protection as his previous suit. Nonetheless, it is still a good suit for any Batman fan.
6 Batman Begins Batsuit
When Batman was fully rebooted with Christopher Nolan's interpretation, they tried to maintain something that was present from previous iterations while making it clear that this was a new fresh take. Enter the Batman Begins' design, which really did look like the modern interpretation of the previous designs.
Although it kept the cowl which gave him a strong presence, the suit was very flexible with the cape having a flowing texture. Really making this Batman seem more mysterious and like a ninja.
5 Batman (1966) Batsuit
Adam West's Batman is an entirely different beast from the likes performed by Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and Robert Pattinson, and the actor's Batsuit reflects that pointy. Boasting a campy suit inspired by the Silver Age of comics, this Batman's look does not necessarily strike fear in the hearts of villains, but it is still iconic and fantastic in its own right.
Ultimately, West's costume is perfect for the tone the 1966 movie sets, and it is also comic-accurate for the era. While it would look out of place in any other live-action Batman film, this is the best Batsuit for this Batman film.
4 Batman V. Superman And Justice League Batsuit
One of the most recent iterations of Batman, the suits worn by Affleck is a clear reference to the depiction of the characters during Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. From the bulkier frame to the shorter ears. Not only are they incredibly high quality, but the suit also has a strong weave which indicates how it's a strong suit of armor. It really illustrates the more comic-accurate interpretation of the character up to now.
3 The Batman Batsuit
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The most recent reimagining of the classic hero, the suit donned by Robert Pattinson in The Batman had a tough job to do. It had to fit the dark and somber tone of the film while also making itself distinct from other, similar iterations of Batman. Fortunately, the suit in Matt Reeves' The Batman clearly delivers.
The armored padding makes Batman a clear force to be reckoned with, yet the suit is also small enough to not only fit Pattinson's physique but to also make the suit easy to move around in. There's still the classic Batman look, with the pointed-eared mask, bat symbol, and cape. At the same time, the suit also feels grounded and never out-of-place in the movie, which is difficult in a superhero movie grounded in reality. It adds to the moody tone of the movie while still being distinctly Batman.
2 The Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises Batsuit
The second suit worn by Christian Bale, this is the suit that pretty much made his Batman come to life. Although Batman Begins was a Batsuit that showed a rebirth, this one really feels like his character is coming to his own.
It also has the most tactical design compared to the other Batsuits that came before it, as it doesn't hide from the fact that it is a man-made suit. It really looks like a suit that would be designed by a multi-billion dollar company.
1 Batman Batsuit
When Batman first came out back in 1989, it was quite a bombshell. Unlike the campier versions that some other fans were familiar with, this was a strong and somber hero. All of this was matched with a suit that was nothing short of iconic.
The Batsuit had sculpted muscles but it didn't have the bat nipples that his later iterations had. Nor did he have the more armored look from the sequel or from Batman Begins. Instead, this Batsuit was simple but incredibly bold. Simple classic perfection.