A History Of All 10 Batman Actors

Batman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time and he’s been portrayed by some incredible actors over the years. Batman has been silly, scary and everything in between over the 80 years he’s delighted fans on screens both big and small. Each one of these actors brings something different to the role and the legacy of the Caped Crusader. These are the Batman actors that Gotham deserves.

Swipe ahead for a history of every actor who played Batman.

Lewis Wilson (1943)

Lewis Wilson is the first actor to ever portray Batman, starring in a WWII serial that finds Batman as a U.S. secret agent trying to catch a Japanese agent in Los Angeles. It was criticized for being absurd, but is also responsible for introducing fan favorites like Alfred and the Batcave.

Photography: Columbia Pictures

Robert Lowery (1949)

Robert Lowery starred in the Batman and Robin serial opposite Johnny Duncan. Batman and Robin lasted 15 chapters and was widely ridiculed for its low budget, continuity issues and poorly-fitted costumes.

Photography: Columbia Pictures

Adam West (1966 - 1968)

Adam West’s starring role on the TV series Batman continues to be iconic to this day. The colorful, often comical show ran for 120 episodes and a movie that featured some of Batman’s most legendary villains. Adam was already a known actor, but Batman made him a star.

Photography: 20th Century-Fox Television

Michael Keaton (1989 – 1992, 2023)

Michael Keaton brough the Dark Knight into the modern era with his brooding portrayal in Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns. The films set a new standard for Batman on the big screen. Michael Keaton reprised his role in 2023’s The Flash.

Photography: Warner Bros.

Val Kilmer (1995)

Val Kilmer had the tough job of following up Michael Keaton in Batman Forever. Val Kilmer’s Batman teamed up with Robin to defeat Two-Face and the Riddler, but wasn’t able to win over fans of the franchise. Kilmer’s Batman is widely considered to be the funniest.