Batman (1989)
Kernel Score: 81% · 8,440 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Fantasy, Action, Crime
Released: 1989-06-21
Runtime: 126 minutes
Is Batman worth watching?
Worth watching. Tim Burton's gothic Batman is darker and weirder than the superhero films that followed. Michael Keaton is a good, brooding Bruce Wayne and Jack Nicholson's Joker is the show, though it's dated now.
Watch it if you
- like gothic, stylised comic-book films
- want to see where modern superhero movies began
- enjoy Jack Nicholson being theatrical
Skip it if you
- want realistic superhero stories
- dislike slow, dated action
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Batman
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman known as 'The Joker' seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale.
Batman parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Batman (1989) is a stylized comic-book crime thriller with cartoonish but sometimes intense violence from a murderous villain.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Gun violence, explosions, and a menacing chemically-disfigured villain; stylized but can be intense for younger viewers.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Batman
If you liked Batman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Batman Returns (1992) — 75%: Burton's own darker, stranger follow-up.
- Batman Begins (2005) — 88%: A grittier, more serious restart of the character.
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: The best modern Batman story, with a terrifying Joker.
- The Batman (2022) — 88%: Dark detective-style Batman with a moody tone.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Burton's other gothic fairy tale with a lonely outsider.
- Superman (1978) — 81%: The original blockbuster superhero movie.
Director
Cast
- Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne / Batman
- Jack Nicholson as Jack Napier / The Joker
- Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale
- Robert Wuhl as Alexander Knox
- Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon
- Billy Dee Williams as Harvey Dent
- Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth
- Jack Palance as Grissom
- Jerry Hall as Alicia
- Tracey Walter as Bob the Goon
Batman FAQ
Is Batman worth watching?
Worth watching. Tim Burton's gothic Batman is darker and weirder than the superhero films that followed. Michael Keaton is a good, brooding Bruce Wayne and Jack Nicholson's Joker is the show, though it's dated now.
Where can I watch Batman?
In the US you can stream Batman on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Batman OK for kids?
Batman is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Batman (1989) is a stylized comic-book crime thriller with cartoonish but sometimes intense violence from a murderous villain.
What movies are like Batman?
If you liked Batman, try Batman Returns, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Batman.