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Batman

  • 1989
  • PG-13
  • 2h 6m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
420K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,019
86
Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton in Batman (1989)
The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.
Play trailer1:54
31 Videos
99+ Photos
Action EpicSuperheroTragedyUrban AdventureActionAdventure

The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.

  • Director
    • Tim Burton
  • Writers
    • Bob Kane
    • Sam Hamm
    • Warren Skaaren
  • Stars
    • Michael Keaton
    • Jack Nicholson
    • Kim Basinger
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.5/10
    420K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,019
    86
    • Director
      • Tim Burton
    • Writers
      • Bob Kane
      • Sam Hamm
      • Warren Skaaren
    • Stars
      • Michael Keaton
      • Jack Nicholson
      • Kim Basinger
    • 1.1KUser reviews
    • 257Critic reviews
    • 69Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 13 wins & 30 nominations total

    Videos31

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:54
    Official Trailer
    Batman
    Trailer 1:22
    Batman
    Batman
    Trailer 1:22
    Batman
    IMDb Asks Fans Who Should Be the Next Batman at San Diego Comic-Con 2023
    Clip 2:10
    IMDb Asks Fans Who Should Be the Next Batman at San Diego Comic-Con 2023
    The Rise of Michael Keaton
    Clip 4:25
    The Rise of Michael Keaton
    How 'The Batman' Resets Gotham for Penguin, Falcone, and More Rogues Gallery
    Clip 3:42
    How 'The Batman' Resets Gotham for Penguin, Falcone, and More Rogues Gallery
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    Clip 7:23
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History

    Photos611

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    + 605
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    Top cast98

    Edit
    Michael Keaton
    Michael Keaton
    • Batman…
    Jack Nicholson
    Jack Nicholson
    • Joker…
    Kim Basinger
    Kim Basinger
    • Vicki Vale
    Robert Wuhl
    Robert Wuhl
    • Alexander Knox
    Pat Hingle
    Pat Hingle
    • Commissioner Gordon
    Billy Dee Williams
    Billy Dee Williams
    • Harvey Dent
    Michael Gough
    Michael Gough
    • Alfred
    Jack Palance
    Jack Palance
    • Grissom
    Jerry Hall
    Jerry Hall
    • Alicia
    Tracey Walter
    Tracey Walter
    • Bob the Goon
    Lee Wallace
    Lee Wallace
    • Mayor
    William Hootkins
    William Hootkins
    • Eckhardt
    Richard Strange
    Richard Strange
    • Goon
    Carl Chase
    Carl Chase
    • Goon
    Mac McDonald
    Mac McDonald
    • Goon
    • (as Mac Macdonald)
    George Lane Cooper
    George Lane Cooper
    • Goon
    Terence Plummer
    Terence Plummer
    • Goon
    Philip Tan
    Philip Tan
    • Goon
    • Director
      • Tim Burton
    • Writers
      • Bob Kane
      • Sam Hamm
      • Warren Skaaren
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1.1K

    7.5419.5K
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    Featured reviews

    8msegvic

    Burton`s masterpiece

    This is truly a Fantasy/Comic movie-masterpiece. First of all- the excellent cast- Jack Nicholson shines in the role of the manic and crazy Jocker. Nicholsons character is truly amazing- like a mixture of his former roles/characters in "Chinatown" (Jake Gittes), "One Flew Over the Cuchoo`s Nest" (Randle McMurphy), "Prizzie` s honor" (C.Partanna), "the Witches of Eastwick" (Daryl Van Horn) and of course "The Shining" (Jack Torrance)- but (the character) still keeps his own style. Michael Keaton also proves to be the ideal type for Burtons`s Batman. He reminds on the dark Batman from the "Dark Knight" Batman comics, and is the exact opposite of Batman introduced by Adam West in the 70`s. Second, Tim Burton created a unique athmosphere, exactly matching to the characters. Some people say that this movie is to dark, but I wouldn`t agree. I must not forget to mention the exciting Batman Theme composed by Danny Elfmann. Burton`s Batman, differnt from all the other Comic-hero movies, like Spiderman, Superman, Flash or Hulk, provides a refreshing character dimension.

    One of the best movies in the 80`s.
    9ReelCheese

    Stylish and Thrilling

    Dark, foreboding and vastly entertaining, BATMAN changed superhero movies forever. Gone are the days of happy-go-lucky heroes arriving just in time to save the day. Director Tim Burton's Caped Crusader is a vengeful creature of the night preying on criminals who would turn his city into their personal playground.

    BATMAN is one stylish, thrilling and one helluva ride. While he's not generally associated with action, Burton proves it to be his forte as the Dark Knight Detective swoops out of the shadows, crashes through windows and employs a host of what his nemesis calls "wonderful toys," such as grappling hook guns and the amazingly versatile Batmobile. And man on man, this Batman kicks some ass, at one point daring an armed henchman with a "come here" finger gesture.

    BATMAN wouldn't have worked nearly as well as it does without the right casting ingredients. The hiring of Michael Keaton in the lead role drew plenty of snickers, but the underrated actor showed up his detractors with a suitably mysterious performance. We know his heart is in the right place, but we're never quite sure what we should make of him. Jack Nicholson's famous performance as the villainous Joker is every bit as good as they say. Nicholson is equal parts amusing and sadistic beneath the white face paint and green hair. Sexy Kim Basinger, as reporter Vicki Vale, also makes the most out of her screen time.

    BATMAN is one of those films whose obvious flaws are so easily overlooked. The worst sin a movie can commit is to be dull, and that's something BATMAN never does.
    8FilmFreak94

    The Dark Knight's First Great Outing

    Nowadays there's a new superhero movie out every summer. But back in the 80's superheroes were still considered to be entertainment mostly for children. Then the Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and The Killing Joke by Alan Moore came out and were a huge success. A movie was right around the corner.

    The plot takes place in the familiar setting of Batman's home town, Gotham City. The city is all but controlled by mob boss Carl Grissom with police Commissioner Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent all but powerless to stop him. Enter the caped crusader who starts making a name for himself as Gotham's protector. He becomes the interest of journalist Vicki Vale who is determined to find out who is under the cowl.

    On the opposite side of the spectrum a local thug working for Grissom, Jack Napier, encounters the Batman during a heist at a chemical plant falls into the acid. He emerges with a permanent smile and christens himself as The Joker. Joker starts to take out the other mob bosses and terrorizes the city with various deadly chemicals mixed with random every day appliances. He also gains an infatuation with Vicki Vale and constantly stalks her. Batman has to stop The Joker and save Gotham from the scum that turned him into the hero he is.

    This movie captures the spirit of Batman almost perfectly. Gotham City is a huge Gothic metropolis that's unique style is something only Tim Burton could create. The casting is brilliant as well. Michael Keaton plays a perfect Batman as well as Bruce Wayne and is still one of my favorite Batmans today. Jack Nicholson was also a great choice as the Joker and manages to pull off a great blend of funny and creepy.

    All though I thought a few things could've been improved, like the action scenes and the lack of character development for Gordon and Dent, this movie was a great way of bringing Batman back to the silver screen.
    10ivo-cobra8

    Science Fiction/Action Classic and the best Original Batman film from the 80's.

    The 1989 Batman is the original Dark Knight and Tim Burton's Classic Dark Knight film. This is my number 1 personal favorite Batman of all Batman movies this is my movie and I love this film to death! Jack Nicholson was well-cast as The Joker he was a wonderful in his lead role performance. Michael Keaton was just great as Bruce Wayne/Batman, he acted like the role of Batman was written on his skin. Kim Bassinger did a wonderful performance as her role Vicki Vale. I think Vicky Vale is very underrated character from all other female lead characters in all Batman films. Michael Gough did a wonderful job as the butler Alfred Pennyworth Batman's helper. Seriously Alfred for me will be always Michael Gough not only that he acted much better than Michael Caine did he even showed more heart and caring in the whole Batman franchise than Michael Caine did. The acting in this film is awesome, the character developments and the story plot are TERRIFIC!

    Michael Keaton caused an uproar when he was casted as Batman as fans boycotted the idea yet in Christmas 1988 when the trailer hit theaters the silence was shut as it was a nice teaser. This movie was the most hyped movie of 1989 as months audiences including fans had waited even with a second trailer that showed up in the spring of 1989 and merchandise was everywhere as it was the year of the Batman, hell even TV stations had reruns of the 60's Batman show to cash-in on the phenomenon. This movie opened on June 21st 1989 and became one of the highest grossing movies of all time and the biggest movie of the year earning acclaim and making Batman cool again just like Frank Miller and Alan Moore did. The Action and fights sequences were great and awesome. At least so much better than they were in Batman Begins (2005). It was my first Batman film I ever saw and this movie just absolutely Kick Ass. The Batwing that appears by the end of this movie is awesome by using to combat the Joker. When the Joker launches a deadly Smilex gas attack through balloons, Batman came in the Batwing and destroyed the balloons, angering Joker. Awesome! Batman then fired off several missiles and two mini guns, killing many henchmen but missing Joker, who in turn shot it down with one bullet from his long barreled revolver. The Joker Thugs are amazing. The main theme score by Danny Elfman was just amazing and really beautiful. I absolutely love this movie. I would never compare all other Nolan batman films with this masterpiece. Except The Dark Knight that it is the best Batman film. I will say it again this movie is AWESOME! The Batsuit designed by Costume designer Bob Ringwood who turned down the chance to work on Licence to Kill in favor of Batman was AWESOME! Ringwood found it difficult designing the Batsuit because "the image of Batman in the comics is this huge, big six-foot-four hunk with a dimpled chin.

    Gotham City, a big city where crime has been occurring lately and a mysterious caped crusader named Batman (Michael Keaton) is wiping streets clean of criminals, it leaves the police especially commissioner Gordon (Pat Hingle) baffled. A gangster named Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) was dropped into a vat of chemicals which leaves him disfigures with paint-like white bleached skin and ruby-red lips plus green hair which makes him clown-like as he now calls himself Joker, he begins to terrorize the city of Gotham and stalk a sexy photographer named Vickie Vale (Kim Bassinger). Bruce Wayne who is Gotham's richest man falls in love with Vickie yet she doesn't know his true secret that he's Batman, but can Bruce deal with romance and battling with Joker at the same time?

    Batman is a 1989 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and produced by Jon Peters, based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is the first installment of Warner Bros.' initial Batman film series. The film stars Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton in the title role, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, and Jack Palance.

    The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being the clownishly homicidal Joker.

    This is definitely my favorite classic Action film from the 80's it was always my favorite childhood movie and it will always be. The action scenes are just fantastic and how Batman saves Gotham City from the Joker balloons of a deadly Smilex gas attack was amazing. Burton's Batman is my number 1 favorite film of all times and it will always be and I love it to death! 10/10

    Michael Keaton will be the only Batman for me!:P.
    10adamscastlevania2

    A stunning crime fantasy

    (94%) My favourite Batman movie, and indeed my favourite superhero movie ever made. The studios took a big chance and allowed a young Tim Burton to take on their biggest asset and he made a movie like no other directer could. Along with Christopher Reeve as Superman, Michael Keaton will always be my top choice for the role as he plays the haunted and lost Bruce Wayne so fantastically well that I doubt it will ever be bettered. Jack Nicholson was born to play the joker, the score is epic, the set design is wonderful. And although not everything runs smoothly, as far as I'm concerned this will always be the superhero movie to beat.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Robin Williams was offered the role of Joker when Jack Nicholson hesitated. He had even accepted the role, when producers approached Nicholson again and told him Williams would take the part if he did not. Nicholson took the role, and Williams was released. Williams resented being used as bait, and not only refused to play Riddler in Batman Forever (1995) but also refused to be involved in any Warner Bros. productions until the studio apologized. His next project with the studio would be Fathers' Day (1997).
    • Goofs
      (at around 1h 2 mins) When destroying the paintings in the museum, one of Joker's henchmen puts several hand prints on a painting. Later, we see Joker imitating the statue, and in the background we can see the painting that had supposedly been fingerpainted is not.
    • Quotes

      The Joker: Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?

      Bruce Wayne: What?

      The Joker: I always ask that of all my prey. I just... like the sound of it.

      [shoots him]

    • Crazy credits
      The opening credits appear as the camera goes through/around a giant Batman symbol.
    • Alternate versions
      In order to put the 126m. movie in 120m. video cassette, South Korean video distributor cut two scenes when the movie was first released on VHS. The first one is a whole sequence where The Joker kills Vinnie Ricorso with a quill pen in front of the city hall. The second is the arrival of Batman on the rooftop of the cathedral and a few fight scenes with the goons. After the police sweeps the cathedral with searchlights, the scene abruptly cut to the scene where a goon with rope (the third goon that attacks Batman) desperately seeks Batman. Also, the initial South Korean DVD release has only widescreen version of the movie, so it featured a strange cut where Vicki pretends to tempt The Joker. This scene has been fixed on the special edition DVD.
    • Connections
      Edited into 5 Second Movies: Batman (2008)
    • Soundtracks
      The Future
      Written, Produced and Performed by Prince

      [Heard while the tourist family is trying to hail a taxi]

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    FAQ32

    • How long is Batman?Powered by Alexa
    • Which characters were adapted from the Batman comic books?
    • Who created the character of Batman? Bob Kane is listed in old (pre-2015) media including the comic books as creating Batman on his own but new media (made after 2015) shows him as co-creating the character with someone called Bill Finger, so what's all that about?
    • Were Alicia and Jack Napier a couple?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 23, 1989 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Facebook
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Betmen
    • Filming locations
      • Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England, UK(Wayne Manor; exterior)
    • Production companies
      • Warner Bros.
      • The Guber-Peters Company
      • Polygram Filmed Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $35,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $251,409,241
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $40,489,746
      • Jun 25, 1989
    • Gross worldwide
      • $411,569,241
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 6 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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