Batman Returns (1992)
Kernel Score: 75% · 6,981 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Fantasy
Released: 1992-06-19
Runtime: 126 minutes
Is Batman Returns worth watching?
Worth watching. Tim Burton's gloomy, strange Batman sequel is more a Burton film than a superhero one. Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin are memorable, and the plot is messy.
Watch it if you
- like gothic, stylish superhero films
- enjoy Tim Burton's visual style
- want villains with personality
Skip it if you
- want a hero-focused action film
- dislike dark or weird tone
Best for: Cult movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Batman Returns
- 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
The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
Batman Returns parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Batman Returns is a PG-13 superhero fantasy with dark, gothic violence.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The film features dark, gothic violence including a vigilante-villain conflict with disturbing imagery.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Catwoman's character carries suggestive, sexualized undertones typical of the film's dark tone.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Batman Returns
If you liked Batman Returns, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Batman (1989) — 81%: The first Burton Batman, with the same gothic Gotham.
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: Darker, stronger Batman drama with an unforgettable villain.
- The Batman (2022) — 88%: Moody, noir take on Gotham.
- Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) — 86%: Animated Batman story with a tragic tone and gothic look.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) — 88%: Burton-style gothic fantasy with a distinct visual world.
- Edward Scissorhands (1990) — 86%: Burton's tender, gothic fairy tale about an outsider.
Director
Cast
- Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne / Batman
- Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot / The Penguin
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle / Catwoman
- Christopher Walken as Max Shreck
- Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth
- Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon
- Michael Murphy as Mayor
- Vincent Schiavelli as Organ Grinder
- Andrew Bryniarski as Charles 'Chip' Shreck
- Cristi Conaway as Ice Princess
Batman Returns FAQ
Is Batman Returns worth watching?
Worth watching. Tim Burton's gloomy, strange Batman sequel is more a Burton film than a superhero one. Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin are memorable, and the plot is messy.
Where can I watch Batman Returns?
In the US you can stream Batman Returns on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Batman Returns OK for kids?
Batman Returns is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Batman Returns is a PG-13 superhero fantasy with dark, gothic violence.
What movies are like Batman Returns?
If you liked Batman Returns, try Batman, The Dark Knight, The Batman and Batman: Mask of the Phantasm.