Batman (1989)

PG-13
126 min
Action
June 23rd, 1989

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Movie Details

Latest 'Batman' News

4 Iconic Batman Movies Return to Theaters for 80th Anniversary

This May, 1989's Batman will return to theaters along with its sequels Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

Apr 23, 2019

Michael Keaton Reminds Everyone He's Still Batman in Commencement Speech

Michael Keaton gave a speech at Kent State University's Commencement Ceremony and reminded us all that he is Batman.

May 17, 2018

Willem Dafoe Lost Out on Joker Role in Tim Burton's Batman

Willem Dafoe reveals that he was being considered for the part of the Joker in 1989's Batman.

Feb 8, 2018

John Lithgow Regrets Saying No to Joker in Tim Burton's Batman

John Lithgow was originally wanted as The Joker in Tim Burton's Batman before Jack Nicholson stepped in.

Jun 14, 2017

Tim Burton Wanted This Horror Icon as the Joker in 1989's Batman

Tim Burton had originally gone after a completely different actor for Jack Nicholson's role as The Joker in Batman but Warner Bros. refused.

Nov 3, 2016

Michael Keaton Is Proud of His Batman and Would Play Him Again

Michael Keaton fondly looks back at his time spent under the cowl on Tim Burton's 1989 Batman and still considered it an interesting movie.

Oct 11, 2014

Tim Burton's Batman 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Debuts November 11th

The two-disc Batman 25th Anniversary Blu-ray set will include a featurette that shows how Tim Burton's movie paved the way for modern blockbusters.

Aug 14, 2014

Batman Actor Michael Gough Passes Away at 94

Best known as Alfred in four previous Batman movies, the Hammer Horror film star succumbs to deteriorating health.

Mar 17, 2011

Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin Come to Blu-ray on May 4th

We have all the details on these Batman films available individually on BD for the first time.

Feb 18, 2010

Batman Comes Back to Blu-ray on May 5th

We have some early details on the 20th anniversary edition of the film.

Feb 23, 2009

2-Disc Special Edition Batman Films Coming to DVD

The four original films are back in a brand new set.

Jul 27, 2005

BATMAN: DEAD END now online!

Watch this amazing short film right now!

Jul 22, 2003

A live action BATMAN being filmed right now?

A 35mm short film being made about the caped crusader...

Jul 21, 2003

Critics Score

72%

Release Date

June 23rd, 1989

Director

Tim Burton

Writers

Bob Kane
Sam Hamm
Warren Skaaren

Cast

Batman Synopsis

Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel "The Dark Knight Returns," is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe Jack Nicholson).

Gotham City is a sunless, ominous haven for criminals, held in the corrupt grip of crime boss Carl Grissom (the ever-magnetic Jack Palance), and terrorized by a sadistic vandal and murderer known as The Joker. But it isn't long before a dark, mysterious caped crusader, who goes by the name of BATMAN, is on their trail and trying to thwart their evil doings. In this darkly entertaining retelling of the DC comic classic, ace photojournalist Vicki Vale (warmly and sympathetically played by Kim Basinger) is also on the trail--she wants to find out who Batman really is. Based on the popular comic book character created by Bob Kane for DC Comics; the story and tone have nothing in common with the popular TV series of the 1960s. Imaginative special effects and imposing, Gothic architectural sets dominate this visually graphic, stylish film. Keaton gives a brooding performance as the Caped Crusader and his interestingly understated alter-ego Bruce Wane. But is it Nicholson's Joker that steals the show, with his unnerving, brilliantly maniacal portrayal, especially in the context of his twisted relationship with Grissom's gal Alicia (a lanky, disquieting Jerry Hall).