Tim Burton’s Batman movies have become a key part of the Caped Crusader’s cinematic history, with specific scenes standing out as especially rewarding to revisit. As iconic as the Dark Knight has become, it only seems natural that many actors have played Batman in live-action. However, few can claim to be as inspirational or groundbreaking as Michael Keaton’s iteration of the vigilante hero, first brought to life in Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989 and then again in 1992 for the sequel, Batman Returns.
Over the years, Tim Burton’s Batman movies have been proven to stand the test of time, and remain a respected and widely enjoyable chapter in the Caped Crusader’s movie history. Despite a select few elements that now seem marginally dated, there are many scenes in Burton’s Batman movies that are endlessly entertaining even after multiple viewings. Here are the 10 most rewatchable scenes in Tim Burton’s Batman movies.
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10 Jack Napier Becomes The Joker
Nicholson’s Joker Transformation Is Truly Excellent
An early scene in 1989’s Batman shows the criminal Jack Napier facing the police in a standoff in Gotham’s Ace Chemicals building. It’s a scene that remains enjoyable from start to finish, featuring not just the origins of an iconic villain but also exciting action and eye-catching cinematography. However, what makes the scene so rewatchable goes far deeper than the superficial.
The scene is a testament to Burton’s vision. In the span of a single film, he’s able to introduce Keaton’s Batman, depict the origins of the Joker and his rise to the top of Gotham’s criminal underworld, all underpinned by a story with personal stakes and plenty of worldbuilding. The scene depicting the birth of the Joker is something that many comics have struggled to achieve with such satisfying results, and Burton’s movie pulls it off with a simple and entertaining elegance that’s a sight to behold.
9 Max Shreck’s Costume Party
Burton Deserves More Credit For A Subtle Cinematic Trick
Batman Returns picked up Batman’s story where its predecessor left off, also introducing key characters in the hero’s mythos such as Catwoman and the Penguin. After having met Catwoman while patrolling the streets as Batman, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle encounter one another at a costume ball hosted by Max Shreck. The scene is hugely rewatchable, and remains especially notable as an often overlooked example of a visual idea that is often credited to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, released a full two decades later.
The scene shows Bruce and Selina as the only two characters at the ball not in costumes. It subtly reinforces the idea that they each see their original identities as the mask for their alter-egos, setting them apart from the other guests. The scene’s excellently written dialogue and the undeniable chemistry between Keaton and Pfeiffer only serves to make the scene all the more enjoyable.
8 “Let’s Get Nuts!”
Michael Keaton’s Versatility Shines Through
At the time of his casting, Michael Keaton’s place at the head of Batman’s 1989 cast was controversial, as many considered him an odd choice for the role. However, over the years, he has come to be considered one of the best actors to don the cape and cowl, not least because of the nuances of his performance. Few scenes depict this as clearly as the scene in which Batman learns that the Joker was responsible for his parents’ murder.
After being confronted by the Joker at Vicki Vale’s apartment, Keaton’s Bruce Wayne delivers a brief monologue that ends with him antagonizing the villain. During the exchange, the Joker lets slip a crucial clue that allows Bruce to surmise his identity. The performance delivered by Keaton is outstanding, and is packed with subtlety and energy. Considering its importance to the story and the brilliantly acted exchange between characters, it’s a hugely rewatchable scene.
7 Batman Vs The Penguin
Batman Returns’ Wacky Climax Is Peak Burton
In many ways, Batman Returns builds upon the original movie. Not only does it expand the world of Burton’s Batman, but it doubles down on its unique style and tone, with the director’s unique voice ringing loud and clear throughout every scene. The film’s final showdown between Batman and the Penguin is the embodiment of Burton’s Batman movies, as it captures each and every one of the qualities that makes the two-film arc so entertaining.
The scene has it all: wacky set pieces, Batman’s implausible gadgets, dark humor, and gothic visuals. It’s at once exciting and emotional, with plenty of comic book action mixed in. All of these combine to make the scene an unforgettable ending to a truly unique Batman movie, perfectly capturing Burton’s directorial voice just as he began to enter his filmmaking prime.
6 Batman & The Joker’s Final Battle
The Joker’s Last Laugh Is A Brilliantly Put-Together Scene
Across both of Burton’s Batman movies, few scenes can be considered as influential to the superhero genre as the climactic battle between Batman and the Joker in 1989’s Batman. It shows Keaton’s Dark Knight cornering Nicholson’s Joker on the roof of Gotham Cathedral, with the life of Vicki Vale hanging in the balance. However, it’s not as much the specifics of the scene that make it so rewatchable, but how the general thrust of it went on to influence the entire genre.
The movie showing the Joker’s death was a major development for many reasons. It really tapped into the darker elements of the Batman comics, and embraced ideas that made the movie fare less child-friendly than many would have expected. It cemented the high-stakes nature of superhero stories in a way that blazed a trail for all that followed, making it a fascinating piece of superhero movie history that holds up excellently upon each revisit.
5 The Introduction Of Batman
Burton’s Opening Scene Is So Cleverly Crafted
Burton’s gothic yet light-hearted tone created the illusion that Michael Keaton was one of the silliest Batman actors, but this couldn’t have been farther from the truth. In fact, the scene of his cinematic introduction proves otherwise in unforgettable fashion, and it stands out as one of the most rewatchable scenes across both of Burton’s Batman movies. It shows two criminals on a rooftop discussing the mythic figure of Batman, and how they don’t believe he’s real.
The scene is great on so many levels. There’s a heavy touch of dramatic irony as Batman approaches while the crooks dismiss his existence, and there’s also dry humor as he confronts them. What’s more, it sets the tone both for Keaton’s version of the character and for Burton’s entire world, as it showcases the complex and not entirely heroic side of the character that many iterations shy away from.
4 Bob Kane’s Hand-Drawn Cameo
One Of Batman’s Creators Made A Unique Appearance
Many scenes in Burton’s Batman movies are rewatchable for their quality or importance alone. However, there are also those that are fun to revisit due to minor details that enrich the overall experience. One such scene comes during 1989’s Batman, when Knox is attempting to convince his fellow reporters that Batman is, in fact, real. As a form of ridicule, one of them hands him a composite sketch of Batman that turns out to be a cartoon intended to mock Knox’s beliefs.
The doodle of a man-sized bat in a pinstripe suit is a fun visual gag that some consider a nod to the character Man-Bat. However, the fact that the doodle was in fact drawn by none other than Bob Kane – co-creator of Batman – adds a whole new dimension to the scene. Knowing the fleeting moment is actually a visual cameo of sorts from one of the men behind Batman’s creation makes the scene enjoyable on each revisit.
3 The Birth Of Catwoman
Selina Kyle’s Transformation Is Such A Remarkable Moment
One of the major differences between Batman and Batman Returns is that the sequel dared to do more and go much bigger off the back of its predecessor’s success. One scene in particular stands out as an example of the fantastical darkness that Burton injected into his Batman movies, as it depicts in gritty detail the birth of Catwoman. After being caught investigating her boss, Max Shreck, Selina Kyle is cornered by the wealthy executive and thrown from his office window, landing dead on the street below.
The threatening nature of Shreck’s behavior leading up to the murder, and the way in which dozens of stray cats come to nurse Selina back to life help make the scene unforgettably sinister. There’s a thread of darkness that runs through the scene that delicately captures the essence of Burton’s Catwoman. The scene carefully outlines why Catwoman possesses such a keen thirst for vengeance, as well as embodies the dark spirit of Burton’s movies.
2 The Joker’s Museum Scene
The Museum Sees Nicholson’s Joker At His Finest
Perhaps the most memorable scene across both of Burton’s Batman movies sees the Joker enter the Gotham Museum to introduce himself to Vicki Vale. Hoping to impress the reporter, the Joker dances among the bodies of dead visitors to the tune of Prince’s “Partyman”, destroying and defacing artifacts as he goes. It’s a scene that completely establishes the sinister and playful nature of Nicholson’s Joker in an unforgettable spectacle.
Throughout the scene, the sense of wackiness and whimsy is as engaging as the danger that Vicki finds herself in. It’s all underpinned by a stellar performance by Nicholson that perfectly communicates just what makes his take on the Joker work so well in Burton’s world. As such, the scene is perhaps the most rewatchable in Burton’s Batman movies, not least because it fully depicts the cinematic vision Burton had for Nicholson’s Joker.
1 Max Shreck’s Photo Wall
Shreck’s Celebrity Pals Make For Excellent Easter Eggs
Batman Returns also features a scene that is incredibly rewatchable, albeit for a different reason to Batman’s museum scene. A fleeting moment in Burton’s sequel sees Selina Kyle working in Max Shreck’s office, and on the wall behind her are a number of prominently displayed photographs. Closer examination shows that the pictures are of Christopher Walken as Max Shreck beside various celebrities and important figures.
Celebrities shown in the pictures include Elvis Presley, Sammy Davis Jr., and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rewatching the scene to get a better look at the fun visual Easter eggs is a rewarding experience, and it only serves as a reminder of Burton’s attention to detail. With so many small celebrity cameos contained in a minor visual Easter egg, it’s by far one of the most rewatchable scenes in Burton’s Batman movies.
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Batman (1989) 7
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Batman is a 1989 superhero movie directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne. The film features Jack Nicholson’s chilling portrayal as Jack Napier, who turns into the Joker and reigns terror on Gotham. Kim Basinger also stars in the film as Vicki Vale, along with Michael Gough as Bruce’s trusty butler named Alfred.
Director Tim Burton Release Date June 23, 1989 Cast Michael Keaton , Jack Nicholson , Kim Basinger , Billy Dee Williams , Robert Wuhl , Pat Hingle , Michael Gough
- Batman Returns 7
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Batman Returns sees the return of Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne after his victory over the Joker. This time, the Dark Knight faces a new threat in the form of The Penguin, an outcast who wants revenge on Gotham City. Featuring Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, Batman Returns is Tim Burton’s second and final movie based on the iconic DC comics character.
Director Tim Burton Release Date June 19, 1992 Cast Michael Keaton , Danny DeVito , Michelle Pfeiffer , Christopher Walken , Michael Gough , Michael Murphy
Batman (1989) 7
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