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It's hard to imagine where the world of superheroes would be without the classic Batman TV series. Airing on ABC for three seasons between 1966 and 1968, the show starred Adam West and Burt Ward as the Dynamic Duo (adding Yvonne Craig to the line-up as Batgirl in its third season) and it had a meteoric rise to success during a time when superheroes weren't the heavy-hitters that they are now. It's also renowned for introducing the characters of Batman, Robin, and Batgirl to mainstream audiences, helping them transcend the genre of comic books and become pop-culture phenomenons.

West and Ward also exploded onto the big screen at the height of the show's popularity, with Batman: The Movie arriving in movie theaters between the first and second seasons. Although its popularity eventually declined, it kept the Batman franchise in the public eye for many years until its inevitable reinvention in the darker...

When most people think about the Dark Knight's early days in live-action, they think of the Adam West and Burt Ward TV series (and accompanying film) from the 1960s. That's understandable given its cultural impact and lasting legacy, but the West show wasn't the first time that Batman was brought from the comic book page to the screen. In 1943, just four years after the character's comic debut in 1939's "Detective Comics #27," Columbia Pictures produced and released a series of theatrical serials starring Lewis Wilson as the Caped Crusader and Douglas Croft as Robin, with William Austin playing Alfred.

Released in 15 weekly installments, these serials actually contributed what later became key aspects of the franchise, most notably turning the Batcave from a simple tunnel beneath Wayne Manor to a full subterranean hideout. At the same time, though, the '43 adaptation changed a lot from the original comics, turning Batman into...

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When the joyous "Batman" TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward hit airwaves in 1966, Batman comic books had only been published for the past 27 years. Batman is such an omni-presence in our popular culture that a world without him seems foreign, but truth be told, he's not really that old. When the '60s show was on, his creators weren't just a living memory, they were actually still alive — and one of them even wrote for the show.

That would be Bill Finger, the writer who made Batman into the character we all know. Modern consensus is that artist Bob Kane came up with the name "Batman" for a winged pulp hero, but Finger added the defining details: Batman's costume, the name Bruce Wayne, his detective side, his tragic origin story from the murder of his parents, and the comic's major supporting characters.

The world of television is an ever-changing landscape full of potential. You simply never know what is going to happen on your favorite TV shows, or how much they will change over time. From the good old days of procedural television to the juggernaut world of movie-like television on both streaming and cable, TV has evolved a great deal over the years, and it will no doubt continue to do so.

Audiences love drama, but they also love a good old-fashioned format; it's one of the reasons that network/broadcast TV never goes out of style. That's why some of the biggest franchises on TV are the 9-1-1 shows, the One Chicago series, and even The CW's classic Arrowverse (which ran from 2012 until 2024).

Now, one of those legendary TV show franchises is launching a new offshoot, and they've pulled in a classic Batman star to play the main role.

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Burt Ward did everything Adam West did, but backwards and in elf shoes. 

William Dozier's 1966 "Batman" required a lot of stunt work. Every single episode, Batman (West) and Robin (Ward) would get into a full-on fight with a group of henchmen, often landing punches with outsize, on-screen onomatopoeia. Zap! Boff! Pow! Kretch! However, because Batman wore an over-the-head cowl, West could easily be replaced in the fight scenes by a fight double. Ward, who only wore a small Domino mask, had a more visible face, and couldn't be replaced by a stunt worker as often. As such, Ward was required to learn the choreography for almost every single one of the show's many fights. "Batman," by the way, lasted 120 episodes, so that's a lot of choreography. 

Playing Robin, it seems, came with a host of physical challenges, even beyond the extensive fight training.

Let it be stated up front: William Dozier's 1966 TV series "Batman" is not just the finest iteration of Bob Kane's and Bill Finger's superhero character, but it may be one of the best TV shows of all time. Using the outlandish trappings of superhero comics, "Batman" created nothing less than the wildest, most hilarious parody of conservative values in a generation. Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) were heroic, yes, but they were also unbearably square, drinking milk, going birdwatching, and supporting their local police to an unhealthy degree. We admired them and laughed at them at the same time. The show's many villains were free agents, whose villainy offered a refreshing element of chaos to the world. They were sexual, exciting, and had fun.

All of this was wrapped in a stylized, mannered, near-cartoon universe. Reality was tilted. The show purported to support heroism, but somehow,...

Author Alan Dean Foster talks to us about his connections to some of the most important sci-fi films of all time, including Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien and more.

With a career spanning over five decades, dozens of novels and many more short stories, Alan Dean Foster is one of the most prolific genre writers currently working. And whether he’s writing sci-fi or fantasy, novelisations of major films or personal storytelling, Foster’s work has always had a touch of the cinematic about it.

In one of his earliest published stories, a 1971 short called Why Johnny Can’t Speed, Foster imagines a near future in which drivers rumble onto freeways with guns strapped to their vehicles. Published two years before Jg Ballard’s own auto-fetish dystopia, Crash (1973), or in cinema, the petrol-crazed nightmares of Death Race 2000 (1975) or Mad Max (1979), its descriptions of mayhem on America’s roads have...

It's hard to find a studio that isn't dying to get their own hit crossover film nowadays, especially when compared to the likes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its numerous successes. However, it may surprise audiences to know that there have been many proposed crossover films between characters of all different films and genres, and many that were never realized.

Although the world has gotten to see massive crossover films like Freddy vs. Jason and The Avengers, there are many other movies that fans probably would've loved to see as well.

Ash Almost Starred in the Greatest Horror Crossover Evil Dead & A Nightmare on Elm Street & Friday the 13th

After the success of the major horror crossover Freddy vs. Jason in 2003, plans for a bigger sequel were quickly put in motion. Audiences had already seen two of horror's most legendary characters duke it out on the big screen, so...

Academy voters had no love for Joker: Folie à Deux, but Batman leads the pack when it comes to comic book movies at the Oscars.

Many months ago, Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux seemed a likely Oscar contender at this weekend’s Academy Awards ceremony. Breaking the Batman mould, the 2018 original remains the most-nominated comic book movie to date with 11 nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and a Best Actor win for Joaquin Phoenix.

With the addition of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the meta-fictional musical sequel came with more awards hype. This evaporated on contact with the movie’s lacklustre opening weekend, not to mention the disappointed reception from critics and fans.

(Full disclosure – I am blissfully ignorant of Phillips’ Joker movies, so won’t comment on either of them. Wherever you stand on them, it should suit everyone just fine if the worst movie that gets made...

The Joker is one of comics’ most popular villains, appearing in countless Batman pieces of media across mediums. Gotham's Clown Prince of Crime has been blessed with diverse and riveting portrayals by talented actors in both film and television, but he also has a long and storied history in animation.

Many animated portrayals of Batman's greatest nemesis have been just as iconic as their film counterparts, if not more so. Unfortunately, not every animated Joker has lived up to the same standard. Sometimes an animated Joker is only as good or bad as the Batman show he is in. Other times, a cartoon Joker stands out as the best, or worst, member of his cast.

Update: 2025/02/08 19:20 Est By Brian Cronin

I have updated this fun look at the best takes on the Joker in Batman animated shows and featured to add five more notable Joker animated appearances.

RelatedEvery Batman Cartoon,...

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Who's your favorite Batman villain? Most will say the Joker, some might say Catwoman or Bane, but there's options galore. Did you know, though, that within Batman's expansive rogues gallery also lies the original Bat-man? Yes, Count Dracula has appeared in three Batman movies — but you can only watch one of them.

This isn't as out-there a pairing as it looks. Batman mostly fights other freaks in costumes -- from clowns to cats, to scarecrows, to rejected quiz show hosts -- but some of the Dark Knight's nemeses are downright supernatural. Take Ra's al Ghul, the Demon's Head, who has stayed young and fit for 700 years with the help of the magical Lazarus Pit, a functional Fountain of Youth.

A handful of Batman comics — Peter Milligan's "Dark Knight, Dark City," Grant Morrison's "Batman" epic, and...

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Batman has one of the most enviable ensembles of recurring villains in superhero comics. Look back at the 1960s "Batman" TV series starring Adam West, though, and not a lot of those now familiar evildoers are there.

Oh, for sure, the Joker (Cesar Romero), the Riddler, Catwoman, and the Penguin (Burgess Meredith) all frequently guest star. It's because of the West series that this crew was long considered the Big Four of Batman villains; it's no coincidence that they were also the first four villains to star in the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher-directed "Batman" films.

Then you had some other comic villains, like Mr. Freeze and the Mad Hatter, put in a few appearances too. But many episodes of "Batman" instead had West's Caped Crusader and Robin (Burt Ward) face villains created specifically for the show, including wannabe pharoah...

Dick Grayson’s most iconic Robin catchphrase has officially returned to mainstream continuity, and it’s even more ridiculous than ever—in the absolute best way. This return has only deepened my obsession with Dick’s latest Nightwing run, making me truly believe it’s one of his best yet.

..I’m absolutely obsessed that Watters has brought this delightfully ridiculous aspect of Dick’s character back.

Dan Watters and Dexter Soy’s Nightwing #122 is still a few days away from its official release on January 15, 2025, but fans can get an early taste with a five-page preview from DC. This sneak peek picks up the chaos that has become Dick Grayson’s life as he confronts Bludhaven’s commissioner over her decision to arm the city’s police force with military-grade weapons courtesy of Spheric Solutions.

He chastises her for accepting these weapons from Olivia Pearce, the CEO of Spheric Solutions,...

There's no denying that Batman has transcended his original status as a comic book character and is now a cultural icon. Ever since the character first appeared in an issue of Detective Comics in 1939, there have been several adaptations for film and television. When Tim Burton's vision hit theaters in 1989, Batman took on a darker tone. Whether it's The Animated Series, the Dark Night Trilogy, or even the graphic novel and animated adaptation of The Killing Joke, Batman now caters to a more mature audience.

The polar opposite of these modern depictions of Batman can be found in the television series that ran from 1966 to 1968 and featured Adam West in the title role. The show was campy, clever, and colorful, with Batman (West) and Robin (Burt Ward) protecting Gotham City from a rogue's gallery of iconic villains. In 1966, Batman: The Movie saw the series come to life on the big screen,...

Debuting on September 5, 1992, Batman: The Animated Series has garnered significant praise over the decades, celebrated as an innovative "all ages" program that challenged preconceived notions of superhero material on television. Lauded for its often-sophisticated writing, production design, orchestral score, and vocal performances, Batman defined the character and his world for a generation of fans. But the show audiences know today followed other abandoned attempts at a network Batman series. Much still remains unknown, but some of the production work for these nixed attempts has surfaced in recent years.

Tragedy Strikes a Super Friend

Prior to Batman: The Animated Series, the hero's most recent series was 1977's The New Adventures of Batman, produced by budget animation studio Filmation for CBS's Saturday morning line-up. Hanna-Barbera's Super Friends series, airing on ABC, was also in production at the time, creating rights issues that prevented the Riddler and the Scarecrow from making real appearances.

People love to collect things. For some, it’s an affordable hobby, but for serious collectors, it can quickly become a pricey passion. That’s why there are so many types of collectors and collectibles to suit every interest and budget.

Recently, we covered the sale of an original Stormtrooper costume at auction. This time, we’re diving into the world of high-end movie memorabilia to explore some of the most luxurious items ever sold.

Thanks to insights from our friends at Public Desire, we’ve put together a list of the nine most expensive movie memorabilia of all time. Starting from 9th place and counting down to the most expensive piece in 1st place, you’ll get to see these iconic items—and their jaw-dropping price tags.

9. The dancefloor from Saturday Night Fever – $1.7 million (2020)

Saturday Night Fever, the iconic 1977 film, perfectly captured the disco era and became a cult classic.

We know that people like to collect things. Sometimes, it’s not that expensive if your appetites aren’t that big, but at times, being a proper collector can be a real strain on your budget. This is why there are various types of collectors and various types of collectibles to enjoy in that aspect.

We have recently reported about an original Stormtrooper costume set being sold out in an auction, but this time, we while staying on the same topic, we have decided to give you a slightly different perspective on the topic of movie memorabilia, and one that is more luxurious.

Thanks to our friends at Public Desire, whom we can thank for the information provided, we have decided to provide you with a list of the nine most expensive movie memorabilia of all time, starting with 9th place and finishing with the 1st, which is also going...

1989 was the year director J.R. Bookwalter’s debut feature, the zombie epic The Dead Next Door (which Sam Raimi not-so-secretly had a hand in), made its way out into the world – and it also happens be the year when his follow-up feature, the “dark, splatter-drenched” oddball comic book homage Robot Ninja (watch it Here) was released. Thirty-five years later, Robot Ninja has now received the novelization treatment and the result, Robot Ninja: The Official Novelization by Damien Casey, is now available from Encyclopocalypse Publications! Copies can be purchased at This Link.

Shot in Ohio for $15,000, with David DeCoteau credited as an executive producer, Robot Ninja features cameos by Burt Ward (best known for playing Robin in the ’60s Batman TV series) and legendary scream queen Linnea Quigley and has the following synopsis: Leonard Miller (Michael Todd) is a frustrated artist. His publisher (Burt Ward) and his agent (Mike Shea) are...

In the mythology of comic book superheroes, Batman and Superman have been the two most enduring figures on the glossy pages. When it comes to the silver screen, however, the story is entirely different. While some deify the versions portrayed by Zack Snyder, others ridicule them for being darker, more psychologically complex, and morally grey heroes who are otherwise meant to be the beacon of hope and a self-made avenger of the oppressed.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, directed by Zack Snyder [Credit: Warner Bros.]

While the comic book legend Frank Miller particularly associates himself with the darker representation of these pop culture icons, there is no single way of dissecting a creative work that has been reviewed, revisited, and rewritten by hundreds of authors and artists over dozens of decades throughout the last century.

Even still, the DC fans can come together in unity to stand opposed to one...

Ben Affleck donned the grumpy face of Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice alongside Henry Cavill back in 2016. His version was inspired by Christian Bale in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy.

Christian Bale in The Dark Knight. Credits: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Nolan’s version of The Dark Knight was based on the comic books created by veteran comic book artist Frank Miller. To top it all off, Frank Miller’s inspiration for a dark Batman was the goofy TV show Batman from 1966. Yeah… it’s like Inception. Batception, if you will.

How Frank Miller Was Inspired By Adam West For The Dark Knight Returns

Back in 1966, veteran actor Adam West starred in a show titled Batman. The show depicted a goofy Batman and Robin (played by Burt Ward) and received great ratings. However, back then, comedy was selling and fans actually liked it.

Yeah… that...

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Joker: Folie Deux!With a new live-action Batman set to debut in the Dcu's The Brave and the Bold, there could be a new star joining the ranks of actors who've portrayed the Joker. As one of the most iconic Batman villains of all time, there have been multiple actors who have portrayed the Joker in numerous live-action films and TV adaptations. The Clown Prince of Crime remains a DC fan-favorite, regarded as being among the greatest comic book characters of all time. Naturally, he has been re-interpreted by various actors throughout his long history, dating all the way back to 1940.

Every Joker actor has brought something new to the role, and the next one will join a storied legacy. Many actors have embraced the character's humorous tendencies, while others have made him a nightmarish character. In various Batman movies and shows, some...

The original Batman series starring Adam West and Burt Ward playing the Dynamic Duo still dazzles audiences with its colorful landscape, exciting take on Batmans story, funny action and great villains to this day. Some villains got their pop culture phenom start on this show. Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman and more all became household names due to this show, along with the comics.

However, not all of Batmans massive and exciting rogues' gallery could appear on the show. Characters like Bane, Ras Al Ghul, Killer Croc, Scarface, Ventriloquist and Harley Quinn hadnt been created yet, but there were a few that were around that were sadly left out. While some of these foes were understandably forgotten about, its still fun for fans to wonder what couldve been.

Hugo Strange Couldve Introduced Arkham Asylum Debuted in Detective Comics #36 (Feb. 1940)

As the leading doctor at Arkham Asylum, Hugo Strange is directly connected to several,...

Every Batman animated series explores a different side of the character, and some of the best Batman stories have been told in animation form. Over the years, Batman has been front and center in ten solo animated series from 1968 to 2014. This does not include other DC animated shows Batman was part of, such as Justice League or Young Justice. With the release of a new Batman series in 2024, animated productions still represent a huge part of the Dark Knights legacy.

Batman has been DC Comics flagship character for a while now, which is why the Caped Crusader has starred in more animated series than any other DC hero. That is not to mention the several DC Animated Universe movies that have featured Batman in some capacity. Here is every Batman animated show, ranked from worst to best.

The Adventures Of Batman (1968 - 1969) 17 Episodes

The Filmation cartoons are an important part of DCs animation history,...

From Jack Nicholson, to Heath Ledger, to Joaquin Phoenix - there’s something about the Joker that brings out the stars.

With “Joker: Folie à Deux” hitting theaters nationwide Thursday, Oct. 4, there’s no better time than right now to rank the best movies that feature one of Batman’s greatest villains: the Joker. Hollywood stars seem to be endlessly drawn to the role, from Jack Nicholson to the late Heath Ledger to Joaquin Phoenix (Ledger and Phoenix both won an Oscar for their performances). So, without further ado, here are the top 7 live-action movies with appearances from the Joker character ranked!

Top 7 “Joker” Character Movie Appearances

’Suicide Squad’

’Batman’ TV Show

’Zack Snyder’s Justice League’

’The Batman’

’Batman’

’Joker’

’The Dark Knight’

No. 7: ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016) | Max

In “Suicide Squad,” the Joker, played by Jared Leto, is a gangster-psychopath fixated on reuniting with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). While...

Sam Strangis, an Emmy-nominated CSI and CSI: Miami producer and Paramount exec and whose career dates back to classic 1960s and ’70s TV shows including Batman, The Brady Bunch and Happy Days, has died. He was 95.

His family told Deadline that Strangis died July 23 of kidney failure at Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, CA, but the news had not been reported.

Strangis’ TV career spanned six decades, from directing NBC’s 1957-59 antebellum western The Restless Gun through the wildly successful first two seasons of CBS’ Crime Scene Investigation and spinoff CSI: Miami. He racked up dozens of credits along the way, also serving as Paramount’s VP of TV Production in the mid-’70s.

Born on June 19, 1929, in Tacoma, Wa, Strangis began his career as a script supervisor at Revue Studios, leading his directing multiple episodes The Restless Gun. He went on to serve as production...

Les Daniels' 1999 biography "Batman: The Complete History" explains that the idea for a "Batman" TV series in the 1960s came about after a notable (and unnamed) TV executive attended a swanky party at the Playboy Mansion in Chicago. It seems that Hugh Hefner screened the entirety of one of the notable "Batman" adventure serials from the 1940s, and the exec was so struck by the old-timey superhero shenanigans in such a wild party environment that they brought the idea to William Dozier. Dozier extrapolated the concept through the Warhol-like pop art of the day and came out on the other side with an expressionistic version of Batman, complete with bright colors, a camp sensibility, and a wicked sense of humor.

Dozier's subsequent "Batman" TV series may irk Batman purists, as the character is not pained nor brooding. Instead, he is a dutiful deputy of the police who is so...

Spoilers for "The Penguin" follow.

"The Batman" ended by suggesting that Oz Cobb/Penguin (Colin Farrell) would be stepping into the shoes of his late boss, Carmine Falcone. "The Penguin" shows that his ascension won't be that simple.

The series opens on Oz meeting with the Falcone princeling Alberto (Michael Zegen) — and killing him. Now, he has to dispose of the body, or the remaining Falcone forces will kill him. When Oz heads back to his car, he finds some teens trying to tirejack it; he scares most of them off with a gun (hitting his car in the process), then drafts one named Victor Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz) to help him dump Alberto's body.

Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti) instantly pins Oz as her brother's killer, noticing the bullet holes in his car's purple (or "plum") paint job and tracking down one of Victor's friends to disprove Oz's alibi. However, Oz...

The classic Batman TV series inhabits a far larger universe than one might think. Starring Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin, the 1960s Batman TV series is famous for its intentionally campy portrayal of Batmans corner of the DC Universe, yet the show is undeniably a culturally impactful and comic-accurate adaptation of Batman. The series gave numerous Batman comic villains their live-action debuts (and created original ones who eventually made their way into the comics), turning obscure villains like The Riddler into mainstream Batman antagonists overnight.

Although the Batman TV series did not take itself too seriously, it is, ultimately, an authentic representation of the Batman comics of the Silver Age. Fittingly, given the crossover-heavy nature of the superhero genre, the Batman TV series establishes that Batman and Robin are not the only superheroes in their world. Along with their famous team-up with Green Hornet and Kato,...

Several Batman movie scenes have actually improved with age, whether due to their humor, gravitas, or influence on the superhero landscape. Batman movies are an integral part of the DC Universe, appearing prominently throughout the Dceu timeline and in the DCUs future. Though many of these were celebrated upon their release, certain scenes have become more effective in subsequent years.

Batmans journey through cinema has been an ever-evolving experience. From the 1960s camp of Batman: The Movie to the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy and beyond, each iteration of the Caped Crusader has reflected its eras tastes and cinematic trends. Over time, certain scenes from these films, whether initially praised or dismissed, have taken on new life. As the superhero genre has grown and audiences' perspectives have shifted, these moments have gained deeper meaning or newfound appreciation.

Related 20 Best Characters In Every Batman Movie Franchise Ranked...

Adam West has had countless adventures as Batman in live action. He portrayed the Caped Crusader in the legendary ABC TV series, which ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1968, and its live-action spinoff movie. In addition to this spectacular run as one of the most fun portrayals of Batman, he had a wonderful voice acting career. Many may remember him for his voice roles on The Fairly Odd Parents or Family Guy, but his career with DC was a huge part of his animated exploits.

West directly continued his time as Batman in The New Adventures of Batman (1977) all the way through to 1985's Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians. He also played Batman on Robot Chicken's third DC special, with an appearance from Burt Ward as well.

His other TV appearances are nothing short of fantastic. Critically-acclaimed '90s show Batman: The Animated Series featured him in the fan favorite episode,...

Few companies know how to make animated movies quite like DC. The truth is that the DC Comics brand has entertained us all for generations across various mediums, be that live-action movies, TV shows, video games, or the classic comic books. But one area it always succeeds in is animated movies, and it has given us some of the greatest animated movies of all time just to prove that.

One place that you can find plenty of these classics is WarnerMedia streaming service Max. If you're interested in finding out just how good they are, here are five of the absolute best animated DC movies you should watch on the streamer.

1. Batman vs. Two-Face

Released in 2017, Batman Vs. Two Face is the sequel to Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar are back to play their roles from the iconic Batman TV show. William Shatner...

Tim Burton, the acclaimed director who re-invented Bruce Wayne on the big screen in Batman, says that it is unlikely he'll ever return to direct the Caped Crusader again, or any other superhero movie. Burton is reviving one of his classic franchises later this year with the long awaited Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which sees Michael Keaton return to the titular role after 36 years. The original Beetlejuice was one of Keaton's breakout roles, and led him to star in Burton's dark take on Bruce Wayne in Batman in 1989. Burton also directed the sequel, Batman Returns, which gave the world two iconic villain performances from Danny DeVito as Penguin, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.

Batman (1989) PG-13ActionFantasy Where to Watchstreamrentbuy

*Availability in US Release Date June 23, 1989Director Tim BurtonCast Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee WilliamsRuntime 126Main Genre ActionWriters Bob Kane, Sam Hamm, Warren SkaarenTagline Have...

When you think about adrenaline-pumping movies, action, and adventure films are the first that come to mind.

But there is no doubt you can get an adrenaline rush from thrillers, horror, and even some high-stakes drama films as well.

(Paramount Pictures / Screenshot)

When your heart beats faster out of fear because the monster is just behind the door, when you cheer with excitement after an epic fight scene, or when you sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see if the heroes can really outrun the bad guy, it makes for a thrilling movie experience.

Here are some of what I think are the best adrenaline-pumping movies and franchises of all time.

Jurassic Park (1993) (Universal Pictures / Amblin Entertainment / Screenshot)

I’m always surprised when someone I know tells me they’ve never seen the original Jurassic Park. It’s one of the best adrenaline-pumping movies ever.

It’s...

There's no doubt that Batman is DC's most profitable and iconic character. Similarly, it's no coincidence that Detective Comics became the company's name and initials. Batman's popularity transcended the comic book medium, becoming a major part of entertainment for decades and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.

Batman has also been the star of several animated shows, many of which have touched the hearts of multiple generations. By taking a look at each of the Batman animated series in order of release, viewers can explore the Caped Crusader's dynamic history in chronological form, allowing them to understand the character's gradual evolution.

Updated on August 7, 2024, by Benjamin Vieira: With the release of Batman: The Caped Crusader, it continues the long history of animated shows for one of, if not, the most popular characters in all of comic book history. Batman has had and taken part in numerous shows over the years,...

Joan Collins had an eclectic acting career, starring in Dynasty, Batman, and Star Trek: Tos. Collins left her contract with 20th Century Fox to freelance in the 1960s, appearing in hit shows like Mission: Impossible and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Joan Collins' memorable performances as Edith Keeler in Star Trek and The Siren in Batman showcase her versatile talents.

Dynasty's Joan Collins has an eclectic acting career, having played both a Batman villain and a love interest for Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) in Star Trek: The Original Series. Originating from the United Kingdom, Joan Collins moved to Hollywood in the mid-1950s, when 20th Century Fox studio executive Darryl Francis Zanuck offered her a 7-year contract. After she lost the lead role in Fox's epic Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor, Collins demanded to be released from her contract and spent the 1960s as a freelance actress.

The 1966 "Batman" TV series -- one of the best TV shows of all time -- wasn't shy about including shameless cameos. Early in the show's run, the producers invented an organic conceit that would allow famous people to literally poke their heads in for a moment to deliver a few lines of dialogue. While Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) were scaling the side of a building -- something they did often -- a celebrity guest would open a window to see who might be making noise on their outside wall. The series featured peek-ins from Sammy Davis, Jr., Jerry Lewis, Art Linkletter, Don Ho, and Dick Clark. 

Other notable stars also provided peek-ins, but many appeared in character, playing their roles from other hip TV shows at the time. Ted Cassidy, for instance, appeared as Lurch from "The Addams Family." Werner Klemperer had a cameo as Colonel Klink from "Hogan's Heroes.

Deadpool & Wolverine is mere hours away from release, and anticipation for the flick is at an all time high. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman took over Jimmy Kimmel Live as guest hosts, delivering some gut-busting punchlines.

Deadpool & Wolverine | Marvel Studios

As the duo took over the late-night talk show, they introduced a segment called ‘Tot Quiz’, where Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds answered questions from kids on the street, given that a slew of them would be unable to see the film due to its R rating.

When one of the kids asked the duo whether they would be able to beat Batman and Robin in a fight, Reynolds started listing the ones they could take easily. However, when the conversation started going towards one particular Batman actor, Jackman was quick to shut Reynolds down, swiftly moving on to the next question.

As soon as Ryan Reynolds mentioned Adam West,...

Actors from 1960s Batman crossed over into Star Trek. Batman was known for its ridiculous gadgets and comic book elements, contrasting with Star Trek's more serious tone. Actors like Yvonne Craig, Julie Newmar, and Frank Gorshin left memorable marks on both iconic shows.

The actors who portrayed Batgirl, Catwoman, and the Riddler in the 1960s Batman television series also appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series. Batman and Tos both began in 1966 and appealed to similar audiences, so it's not surprising that several actors popped up on these two shows. With its campy, humorous tone, the 1960s Batman was very different from most modern adaptations featuring the Caped Crusader. As Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) defended Gotham City, they used ridiculously named gadgets to take on villains, and comic book words like "Pow!" and "Bam!" popped up on the screen during fight scenes.

Although Star Trek: The Original Series...

The most financially successful Batman movie earned $1,082,228,107 worldwide. Its success is attributed to the popularity of its predecessor and anticipation for the franchise's conclusion. Other Batman movies have been much less profitable.

The Batman movies have varied a lot throughout the years, particularly regarding overall box office performance, which highlights a surprising forerunner as the most profitable Batman movie ever. The first Batman movie appeared in 1966, and DC's Caped Crusader has been a cinematic staple ever since. Following this, Batman movies have varied from the bizarre to the brilliant, often with surprising box office results.

Batman has appeared in a litany of live-action movies, alongside a string of widely acclaimed animated Batman movies and franchises. The most popular of these reign supreme in the Dcu timeline as some of the greatest comic book movies ever made. However, several Batman movies boast shockingly impressive box office results (via The Numbers), despite...

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has addressed – with Spoilers – the ending to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.

Again, spoilers ahead!

If there’s one character in the Batman mythos who’s been a little underserved over the decades, it’s surely Robin. The Dark Knight’s trusty kid sidekick has often found himself sidelined when it comes to cinematic incarnations of the Caped Crusader.

There’s Burt Ward’s classic take which made it into the 1966 movie, although that was really just an extension of the TV show. Then there’s Chris O’ Donnell’s version of the character which appeared in Joel Schumacher’s two Batman films.

Along the way we’ve enjoyed far more appearances by other Gotham City mainstays such as Alfred, Catwoman, The Riddler and what seems like a million versions of The Joker.

We have seen the character teased a few times, though. Zack Snyder did...

Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham series revolutionized superhero games with Arkham Asylum in 2009, but 2015's Arkham Knight finally let players drive the Batmobile. Arkham Knight introduced Batmobile skins that matched iconic Batsuits from film versions. A modder added The Batman's 2022 Batmobile to Arkham Knight, completing the live-action Batmobile collection.

The Batman: Arkham series is often regarded as some of the best superhero games out there, with many praising Batman: Arkham Asylum for revitalizing the superhero genre in gaming upon its release back in 2009. While I enjoyed some other superhero titles of the era, I'll agree there was something special about the Arkham games that set them apart. Having said that, there's one tiny detail that's bugged me in Batman: Arkham Knight for the past few months, and surprisingly, Rocksteady wasn't the one to fix it.

After many requests from fans over the years, especially since the series went open world with Arkham City,...

Batman retired twice in the Dark Knight trilogy due to traumatic events and his own actions. Michael Keaton's Batman retired after breaking his own code in The Flash movie. Every Batman movie explores the character's trauma, leading to possible retirements to face inner demons.

Batman has gone through different versions on the big screen, but DC almost did the same storyline in four different Batman movies, though with different contexts. The DC Universe wouldnt be the same without Batman, and the Caped Crusader is already a film veteran by now. Batmans history on the big screen began in the 1940s with two serial films, followed by an adaptation of the 1960s Batman TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward in 1966. In 1989, Tim Burton brought his version of the Dark Knight in Batman, followed by Batman Returns in 1992.

Joel Schumachers Batman Forever and Batman & Robin closed the characters film run in the 1990s,...

Superman films have struggled with the way the character's unwavering morals appear to audiences. The character's noble qualities are often perceived as naive or simplistic, leading to recurring challenges in storytelling. Superman's most compelling stories stem from his moral dilemmas, showcasing his unwavering dedication to doing what's right.

DC's most complex Superman movie problem has been present for the franchise for almost five decades, and is almost impossible to ever truly fully address. While Superman is one of DC's most prolific heroes, he's also one of the franchise's most tumultuous - especially when it comes to his on-screen history. Though there's been a wide range of strong Superman actors, and a huge range of interesting adaptations of iconic Superman moments, there's also an undeniable catalog of questionable and controversial decisions that often crop up when looking through the character's film history.

Some of these are newer issues, as the franchise...

Singer-turned-actor Frank Sinatra badly wanted to play The Joker on Batman to showcase his acting chops, recognizing the artistic value of the role. He was right to be interested in the role, the outwardly trivial Joker character luring in top-tier actors for its complexity and prestige in the coming decades. Actors like Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix redefined the gangster, turning a comic villain into a true icon, no longer needing Batman to flesh out the character.

What do Heath Ledger, Mark Hamill, and Frank Sinatra have in common? Not much, but had the Batman TV show producers taken Ol' Blue Eyes up on his offer, we might have witnessed one of the weirdest transformations in pop culture history. Sadly, we'll never get to find out how Frank Sinatra got those scars.

We can merely fantasize about what the singer would have looked like on the American Broadcasting Company serial,...

The Teen Titans movie breaks a 58-year Batman film tradition. Teen Titans can prove the Bat-Family's importance beyond Batman. The upcoming movie could include Damian Wayne as Robin, leading to potential spin-offs for other Robins.

Teen Titans will allow James Gunn's new DC Universe to break a curious Batman movie tradition after 58 years, and it all relates to a key hero. After rumors that a Teen Titans movie and other projects were in development for the Dcu emerged in early February, Gunn commented on the possible news, saying, "At Least one of those things is not true. Have fun guessing!" Now, it has been revealed that a Teen Titans movie is happening for the DC Universe, with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow writer Ana Nogueira penning the script for the superhero team's Dcu debut.

Teen Titans should be a very important project for the Dcu, as the team is...

Bruce Wayne's suits need to be practical for survival, especially without superpowers like other heroes. Adam West's iconic Batman had the least practical suit with no protection or stealth features. Pattinson's Batman suit in "The Batman" is the most practical yet, offering mobility, protection, and unique gadgets.

Batman has an impressively long and rich cinematic history, which has been accompanied by a plethora of Bat Suits - however, not all of them make sense for a crime fighter without superpowers. DC's Caped Crusader has gone through massive transformations in the pages of DC Comics, ranging from fairly campy to dark and brooding noir. These interpretations have also been mirrored on the big screen, and different Batmans have meant different Batsuits.

Given that Bruce Wayne is just a regular person under his suit, it makes it all the more important for the many Batman movies to explain why he isn't...

No matter how many different iterations of Batman there have been over the years, some folks still see colorful words explode across their memory of the caped crusader: Bang! Pow! Crash! For as dark as the adventures of Batman have progressively become, there’s no forgetting the brief era when the universe of “Batman” was a cartoonish, campy riot filled with tongue-in-cheek dialogue, scenery-chewing performances, and some very snug costumes. Comic books aside, it’s hard to believe that, for years, the TV show was essentially what people thought of when they pictured Gotham’s secretive hero, until 1989, when Tim Burton forever altered the way we view the Dark Knight.

The 60s TV show ran for three seasons on ABC. Still, the world got an extra dose of Batman soon after the first season concluded with Batman: The Movie, essentially a super-sized episode that brought four of Batman’s most...

Jiro Kuwata's Batman manga was the first-ever manga adaptation of Batman, based on Adam West's TV portrayal. Kuwata's Batman depicts a kinder, gentler Caped Crusader compared to the modern "Dark Knight" persona. The manga blends superhero themes with Adam West's lighthearted character, emphasizing problem-solving over violence.

While Batman is generally known as a classic American comic book hero, he also has an extensive history as a Japanese manga superhero, and one adaptation stands out from the rest for its depiction of Batman not based on the hardcore "Dark Knight" persona but rather on the classic TV show with Adam West.

Indeed, there have been no less than five manga adaptations of Gotham's Caped Crusader – the most recent being 2023's One Operation Joker series. Jiro Kuwata's Batman, which ran for 53 issues between April 1966 and May 1967, was the first-ever manga adaptation of Batman. Debuting decades before the manga revolution in the United States,...

Batman and Star Trek shared many actors, showcasing the crossover appeal of 1960s television. Frank Gorshin's performance as Bele in a Star Trek episode brought depth to the social commentary. Gorshin's versatile acting career spanned various iconic TV shows and films of the era.

Actor and comedian Frank Gorshin may be most recognizable for playing the Riddler in the 1960s Batman series, but he also guest starred in an iconic episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. Batman and Star Trek: The Original Series both began in 1966 and likely appealed to many of the same fans. With its campy and comedic tone, the Batman series of the 1960s depicted a very different version of the character than most modern adaptations of his stories. Nevertheless, Adam West's version of Batman became iconic in his own right, as he fought crime alongside his trusty sidekick Robin (Burt Ward).

Batman and...

The change in tonality in Joel Schumacher's Batman films signaled the death-knell for the franchise, disappointing many fans. Frank Miller's influential Batman stories, The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One, changed the public perception of the character. Batman and his relationships with characters like Robin have been subject to interpretation and controversy throughout history, affecting how he is portrayed in media.

Most Batman fans will be familiar with the Joel Schumacher films: Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Sequels to the original Tim Burton films, the Schumacher duology fits a little incongruously within the Burton-verse, swapping out the gothic, noir style for a more neon-laced, darkly camp aesthetic instead. For many Batman fans, the change in tonality — mandated by the studio, mind you — signaled the death-knell for the franchise, and by the time Batman & Robin rolled around, it was.

When thinking of the character of Batman,...