The Batman (2022)
Kernel Score: 88% · 11,669 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Released: 2022-03-01
Runtime: 177 minutes
Is The Batman worth watching?
Must-watch. A long, dark, rain-soaked detective story that treats Batman as a worn-down investigator first and a fighter second. It's patient and moody, and viewers rate it very highly, though it asks for three hours.
Watch it if you
- like crime thrillers with a noir feel
- want a Batman who solves mysteries
- enjoy serial-killer puzzles
Skip it if you
- need fast, bright superhero action
- dislike dark, grim tone
Best for: Dark night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Batman
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In his second year of fighting crime, Batman uncovers corruption in Gotham City that connects to his own family while facing a serial killer known as the Riddler.
The Batman parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Batman is a dark, PG-13 neo-noir crime thriller with a menacing serial killer and grim themes, best for teens and up.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — A serial killer (the Riddler) commits and stages murders, plus vigilante fighting, organized crime, and intense, threatening sequences throughout a murder investigation.
- Language: Some — PG-13 level profanity consistent with a gritty crime drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Nightclub settings and Gotham's criminal underworld involve some drug and drinking references.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Batman
If you liked The Batman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: The other superhero film that treats Gotham as a serious crime story.
- Se7en (1995) — 92%: Same grim detective hunt for a killer who leaves puzzles.
- Zodiac (2007) — 87%: A patient, obsessive investigation of a killer with no easy answers.
- Chinatown (1974) — 87%: Classic noir about corruption running through a city's top ranks.
- Batman Begins (2005) — 88%: Origin story that grounds Batman in a harder, more realistic Gotham.
- L.A. Confidential (1997) — 89%: Crooked police, corrupt power and a stylish detective plot.
Director
Cast
- Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / The Batman
- Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle
- Jeffrey Wright as Lt. James Gordon
- Colin Farrell as Oz / The Penguin
- Paul Dano as The Riddler
- John Turturro as Carmine Falcone
- Andy Serkis as Alfred
- Peter Sarsgaard as District Attorney Gil Colson
- Barry Keoghan as Unseen Arkham Prisoner
- Jayme Lawson as Bella Reál
The Batman FAQ
Is The Batman worth watching?
Must-watch. A long, dark, rain-soaked detective story that treats Batman as a worn-down investigator first and a fighter second. It's patient and moody, and viewers rate it very highly, though it asks for three hours.
Where can I watch The Batman?
In the US you can stream The Batman on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Batman OK for kids?
The Batman is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Batman is a dark, PG-13 neo-noir crime thriller with a menacing serial killer and grim themes, best for teens and up.
What movies are like The Batman?
If you liked The Batman, try The Dark Knight, Se7en, Zodiac and Chinatown.