Batman is recognized as one of the most popular superheroes of all time. While the character has made appearances in countless comic books, animated series, and video games, Batman has also made his mark on film history for nearly 80 years. From Lewis Wilson to Adam West to, most recently, Robert Pattinson, Batman has been played by many actors — more than almost any other superhero. What’s more, every Batman received their own unique Batsuit. Some great, some not so great.
Director Christopher Nolan set a new course for the future of Batman with a more realistic, grounded take in The Dark Knight trilogy. This new direction influenced Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson’s costume design. Indeed, it was a significant departure from the Batman outfit of the 1960s, which now looks like a costume one could purchase at Party City. As a crime-fighting vigilante who is also a billionaire, it is important for Batman to go about his superhero activities wearing the right gear. These are the best Batman suits in the franchise’s film history.
6 Michael Keaton - Batsuit
For many Batman fans, Michael Keaton is their definitive Batman. Keaton played the Caped Crusader in Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and will return for The Flash and Batgirl. This makes Keaton the actor with the longest career as a live-action DC character. His Batsuit featured a Bat symbol against the iconic yellow oval background which was later abandoned in succeeding Batman iterations. The cape and cowl looked great on Keaton, but the suit’s tight rubber design made the actor look very stiff. It was a Batsuit that did not prioritize movement and flexibility.
5 Ben Affleck - Batman v. Superman Armored Suit
Warner Bros. Pictures
DC fans have wondered how Batman would be able to take on Superman if the two heroes were to ever fight each other. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice addressed that question by putting Batman in an armored Batsuit. It was a powered, metal exoskeleton more than it was a traditional costume. The armored suit enhanced Batman’s strength and offered him greater protection. However, it would not have been enough to protect Batman from a Superman that actually wanted to fight.
Batman v. Superman’s armored suit is an effective visual representation of Bruce Wayne’s uncontrolled and misguided rage throughout the film. A pair of angry-looking glowing eyes on the helmet made it look like Bruce was staring into an opponent’s soul. The armor also showed the ridiculous amount of resources Batman has at his disposal. It is a visually appealing take on a vengeful Batman that has stopped being Batman. Bruce has to come out of the armored suit and recognize the good in both Superman and humanity for Bruce to become Batman again.
4 Ben Affleck - Justice League Tactical Suit
The tactical suit was prominently featured in the final act of Justice League. Batman’s armor plates were made more visible and the suit implemented a brand-new silver color palette. Bruce wore the tactical suit while fighting Steppenwolf and his Parademons with the Justice League in Russia. As the only member of the team without superpowers, Batman had to spend much of his time piloting vehicles. He wore goggles while doing so, which made the Batman outfit distinct from all previous Batman looks. It bore a resemblance to Nite Owl II from Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. Some fans appreciated the design, whereas others were more critical of the goggles. It didn’t necessarily scream “Batman,” as before Affleck, Batman had never had his eyes covered by glasses in a live-action film.
3 Christian Bale - The Dark Knight Plated Batsuit
Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight was considered to be not just a great superhero film, but one of the greatest films of all-time. But the film would have been held back from reaching its full potential had it not featured a strong Batsuit. Bruce Wayne became dissatisfied with the Batman Begins suit and commissioned Lucius Fox to create a new suit. The Dark Knight’s plated Batsuit allowed greater flexibility, both in-universe and out-of-universe. It was the first live-action Batsuit where the actor was able to move their head while wearing the costume. The suit was a major visual improvement over the previous suit and was reused in The Dark Knight Rises. Nolan established a less campy, more grounded world and the costume was integrated perfectly into his Batman universe.
2 Robert Pattinson - The Batman Standard Suit
Robert Pattinson’s costume for the upcoming The Batman was revealed in a red-tinted, dramatic “camera test.” Batman fans noticed that the new Bat symbol appeared to be made from the pieces of a gun. In Detective Comics #1000 (2018), Bruce Wayne obtained the gun that was used to kill his parents. He melted down the gun to create Batman’s chest plate. Similar to how Batman converted his fears into fuel in his quest for justice, the metal that destroyed Bruce Wayne was re-purposed to protect the Batman. Matt Reeves’ film may be taking inspiration from that story. The armor plates on Robert Pattinson’s suit make it somewhat resemble the tactical suit from Justice League. A trailer for The Batman showed that the suit is able to withstand lots of gunfire at close range. Pattinson’s Batsuit in The Batman appeared to be both fashionable and the most durable of all Batman suits.
1 Ben Affleck - Batman v. Superman Standard Suit
2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice proved to be a very divisive film, igniting a war between passionate fans and vocal naysayers. Regardless of their thoughts on the film, many DC fans agreed on the film’s Batsuit being one of the best. Director Zack Snyder has frequently referenced Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns as a major influence on the film and Ben Affleck’s Batman. That inspiration was clearly shown in the costume design.
The Batman v. Superman suit showed Batman as the intimidating, unstoppable force of justice that he is. The Bat symbol on the chest was huge. While Superman saved cats from trees and inspired hope, Batman struck fear into the hearts of those who prey on the weak. Ben Affleck’s costume marked the most comic-accurate Batman suit in film history. With Affleck hanging the cape after The Flash, the world may never see this incredible Batsuit again. But it will always be one of Batman’s best looks.
