First, here is the chronological list of all the Batman movies (just the ones where he is a focus):
Batman: The Movie (1966)
Batman (1989)
This is a difficult question because Batman is the rather undynamic, surface-level character behind Bruce Wayne. So, frankly, he is...boring. As Batman, all the actors are fairly similar. Michael Keaton's version is fairly quiet, Val Kilmer and George Clooney are both way too talkative and too theatrical, and Christian Bale is more stoic, but generally he is played as all actions and few words. Now, Bruce Wayne...that's a different question.
I have not included the films in the D.C. Extended Universe (Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League) because I haven't seen them and these feel like different films that are equally about Superman or other heroes. I included the 1966 Batman movie but only because it is a stand-alone film. Since it is mostly an extension of the TV show, I've decided not to discuss it in the following sections.
Which actor played Batman best?
Ultimately, I would have to say I like Christian Bale's performances the most. We'll see whether I like Robert Pattinson's version to come in The Batman.
This is a difficult question because Batman is the rather undynamic, surface-level character behind Bruce Wayne. So, frankly, he is...boring. As Batman, all the actors are fairly similar. Michael Keaton's version is fairly quiet, Val Kilmer and George Clooney are both way too talkative and too theatrical, and Christian Bale is more stoic, but generally he is played as all actions and few words. Now, Bruce Wayne...that's a different question.
Which actor played Bruce Wayne best?
Again, I prefer Christian Bale, but mostly because he has far more depth and back-story in Christopher Nolan's trilogy. And Bale is a far better actor, in my opinion. I like to feel connected to characters and so the more I can feel and understand his emotions or drives, the better. Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne is charming, but so little screen time is devoted to him. I don't like Val Kilmer's Bruce Wayne because he is blunt and arrogant. Do you really think that talking to a psychiatrist about your repressed past with a totally expressionless face and voice will make us like you? Umm, no. The whispery, monotone delivery...ugh. And George Clooney is just...cringe-worthy.
Which actor played The Joker best?
This is a good question. While I love Heath Ledger's Joker for all his nuanced insanity, Jack Nicholson's Joker is evil and scary and hilarious. Neither has a lot of depth (compared to Joaquin's later performance in Joker) but that works just fine in a comic book story. Ledger's Joker feels more real and, therefore, more disturbing. Nicholson's Joker is goofy and cartoonish, like the comics, and this can come off as disturbing, too, but in a completely different way. I'm split on this one. I like them both.
Which villain is my favorite?
Joker? Penguin? Two Face? Riddler? Bane? Catwoman? Scarecrow?
Heath Ledger's Joker usually gets the most attention, and it is well-deserved attention. The Joker is the villain of choice for most of the films. Penguin is absurd, gross, and weird. Tommy Lee Jones's Two-Face is really just a stupider version of Joker. Riddler is eccentric and mad but I like him and am excited to see what Paul Dano does with this character in The Batman. I really loved Tom Hardy's portrayal of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. The whole story in that film is intriguing and the mystery weaving throughout the trilogy works well. I don't care for Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer's version irritates me and Anne Hathaway's is OK). Scarecrow is disturbing and fun, but I'm bias because of how much I love Cillian Murphy. Poison Ivy and Bane are totally ridiculous. But even though Dr. Freeze has some seriously terrible lines and bizarre henchmen (the gang, really?), I do like the character. It could have been much better portrayed.
SO, I guess I will pick Tom Hardy's Bane.
Love Interest?
Vicki Vale? Selina (1 and 2)? Dr. Chase? The random Julie? Poison Ivy? Rachel (1 and 2)? Miranda?
I honestly think that the romance and love interests do nothing for the stories. The Rachel Dawes idea that Christopher Nolan added to his trilogy provides some explanations for Bruce Wayne's behaviors and gives him some more depth, but not much. And it isn't important. Bruce's real motivations come from the murder of his parents. I also find Rachel irritating, especially Katie Holmes' version. Marion Cotillard's Miranda is intriguing but that's because she doesn't really want Bruce, she is playing him. Same with Selina. Like I said, I don't care for Catwoman, so the romantic story involving her just doesn't do it for me. Dr. Chase is really just about sex. It will forever bother me that she is supposed to be smart and wise and yet can't figure out that Bruce is Batman. The random Julie? What is the point of her? And Poison Ivy? Ugh. Vicki Vale is the best character and the best played--by Kim Basinger--so I pick her. But I think a Batman story without a love interest would be much better.
Which film is my favorite?
After rating them all and considering the roles, I choose Batman Begins. Since my favorite part of any Batman film is Bruce Wayne, this makes sense, since he has a lot of screen time and there is a lot of character and relationship development. Despite Katie Holmes. If you consider all three of Nolan's films as one film, though, they are by far the best.
