The definitive ranking of every 'Batman' movie

George Clooney stars as Batman with Chris O'Donnell as his trusty sidekick Robin. Now, Clooney is not all to blame for the fact that this might be the least-liked film within the "Batman" franchise. Joel Schumacher is a fine director, but it seems like he got carried away with aura of these superheroes and tried to do too much with his second crack at a film in this series. Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze? Meh.

Fans who want to go way back into the lives of Batman and Robin get the opportunity through this serial series. There are 15 chapters in all, starring Robert Lowery as Batman and Johnny Duncan as "Boy Wonder" Robin. While these works are obviously not as flashy as what we're accustomed to on the big screen, it's a fun trip in time when seeing these superheroes in live-action was a big deal.

The most recent offering to feature Batman in a significant role . He also has help from the likes of fellow DC Comics staples such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and The Flash. With Ben Affleck in the Batman role, this is not a bad ensemble action film, but the chemistry of the group does not seem as authentic or indirectly charming as, say, those characters from that "other" cinematic universe. 

Batman (voiced brilliantly by Will Arnett) has a supporting role in this computer-animated comedy. This version of the "Bat," is more sarcastic and playfully arrogant. Batman plays the boyfriend of Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks), another Master Builder who also happens to be a DJ. There's enough Batman in this film to fit in with the rest on the list. So much, that he earned his own film — which we'll talk about in a bit. 

Val Kilmer takes over as Batman. However, the real stars of this particular "Batman" film are the bad guys. Jim Carrey as The Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones lending his chops as Two-Face should be what's most memorable about this movie. Otherwise, Kilmer is serviceable, but compared to the others who have donned the famous suit, he's rather forgettable...in a more irrelevant kind of way. 

Part of the DC Extended Universe and a sequel to "Man of Steel" (2013). With Ben Affleck as Batman, our hero is tricked (by Lex Luthor) into fighting Superman (Henry Cavill). The premise of the film is not a poor one, but more often than not, the visual aspect of the project seems to supercede the story. From an entertainment standpoint, it's not a waste of time. Plus, the film-version introduction of "Wonder Woman" (Gal Gadot) is a nice touch. 

Going back in time, once again, to the black-and-white days with Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft playing Robin. Similar to the "Batman and Robin" movie catalog from 1949, this is in serial form. It's also said to be the first time the Batman character was seen on film. This version reportedly inspired the campy, yet beloved, television series starring Adam West. 

This might be one "Batman" film that flies under the radar, especially for the casual fan. Kevin Conroy voices Batman in this animated picture. As a bonus, Mark Hamill does the same for The Joker. The movie has actually built quite the cult following over the years. So if any of the live-action "Batman" films don't cut it, check out this version that's pretty entertaining.

Stars of the popular television series, Adam West and Burt Ward take the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder to the big screen. In addition to West and Ward, most of those favorite villians from the series — Lee Meriwether (Catwoman), Cesar Romero (The Joker) and Burgess Meredith (The Penguin) — are on hand to cause more trouble. Fans of the mannered TV show should get a kick out of this film version.

The second installment of the Tim Burton-directed "Batman" movies . Michael Keaton returns in the Batsuit, and Michelle Pfeiffer takes a run at Catwoman. Danny DeVito is a highlight as The Penguin. As far as sequels go, this is better than most follow-ups, perhaps because Keaton is actually solid in the lead role — and other than Adam West, among the best to play the iconic superhero. 

Thanks to the popularity of "The LEGO Movie," Batman got his own spinoff film. While there are plenty of moments of quality comedy and light action, it's also a tale of family and trust, two things that Batman (Will Arnett) did not have much experience throughout most of his life. It's also a movie that Batman fans of any age can appreciate and feel good about. 

The finale of "The Dark Knight Trilogy" presented by Christopher Nolan. Christian Bale once again reprises his role as Batman (and perhaps the best this side of Adam West). However, Tom Hardy's take on  Bane — the "liberator of pain" — is one of the more underrated villainous roles within the "Batman" franchise. Nolan did a solid job wrapping up this portion of the "Batman" series without getting too caught up in the moment.  

"The Dark Knight Trilogy" opened with this fantastic film starring Christian Bale in the title role. This was a darker look at the Caped Crusader, thanks to director Christopher Nolan. It also might be the most intimate look at Bruce Wayne and his alter ego and a much-needed fresh approach for true Batman fans following the relatively poor response to "Batman Forever" and "Batman and Robin."

Batman made his triumphant return to the big screen for the first time since the 1960s. With Michael Keaton in the starring role, Jack Nicholson as The Joker and the eccentric Tim Burton directing, Batman was back and worth the hype. The film was both a critical and commercial success (grossing $251 million) and spawned three sequels in this version of the series. None was able to compare to this, which introduced the Caped Crusader to a new generation of fans. 

Christian Bale is above average as Batman. However, this film is all about Heath Ledger as The Joker. It was the late Ledger's career-defining role yet one that he immersed himself into so much that some feel he never was able to recover — from a personal and emotional standpoint. The imagery and dark storyline from the mind of Christopher Nolan easily makes this the best of the "Batman" bunch.