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The Batman

The Batman

Unmask the truth.

2022176 minPG-13Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Matt Reeves
Starring
Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell

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.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Batman?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Batman streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Batman?

The Batman earns 12 badges, led by Top 5% of films and Universally Loved.

Show 4 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Batman worth watching?

The Batman's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 5.3M ratings across 6 sources. 85% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)95th

78 /100

95th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2020s

Critics 72 · Audience 79

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

85% liked it

95th percentile of all films

96th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2020s
85% rated it 7–1015% rated it 1–6

Critics 85% · Audience 87%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 3 Oscar noms · 18 wins / 82 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Visual Effects

97th percentile

5.2M ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 4% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$200M
Opening weekend$134M
Domestic gross$370M
Worldwide gross$773M

Returned 3.9× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

This is a dark, slow-burn detective thriller with a grounded, rain-soaked Gotham that prioritizes mood and mystery over traditional superhero action.

Fans praised

  • Gripping detective noir that finally showcases Batman as the World's Greatest Detective
  • Stunning cinematography and atmospheric Gotham City design
  • Terrifying, Zodiac-inspired Riddler performance by Paul Dano

Detractors panned

  • Overlong runtime with sluggish pacing that feels self-indulgent
  • Emo, brooding Bruce Wayne lacks charisma and feels one-note
  • Third act devolves into generic CGI spectacle, undermining earlier mystery

What stands out

Atmosphere92

Immersive, rain-soaked Gothic Gotham; tone praised for being bleak and grounded

Cinematography85

Gorgeous noir visuals; purposeful darkness sometimes obscures action

ActingDivisive78

Pattinson divisive as brooding Batman; Dano's Riddler widely praised as unsettling; Kravitz's Catwoman generally liked but chemistry questioned

Sound and musicDivisive78

Giacchino's score lauded by fans; detractors find it repetitive and derivative of imperial march

CharactersDivisive65

Riddler as tragic serial killer praised; Bruce Wayne as emo recluse polarizes; Penguin and Alfred feel underdeveloped

Plot and storyDivisive62

Engaging mystery in first two acts; third act shift to mass flooding loses focus and feels anticlimactic

EndingDivisive45

Multiple false endings; final flood and rescue feel underwhelming after buildup

PacingDivisive38

Near-universally criticized as too slow and overlong; many suggest 20–40 minutes could be cut

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 14 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 13 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Batman like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Bleak · 8% of filmsHardboiled · 1% of films: Terse, unsentimental, noir-inflected.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its noir-inspired material straight, with a grim, serious demeanor that never winks or undercuts its drama.
The rideThe film sustains a pervasive tension and dread, escalating to a climactic flood sequence that carries the most intense and emotionally heavy stretch.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional linear sequence from the first murder to the final confrontation and aftermath.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's dark atmosphere and lingering sense of unresolved corruption leave a haunting effect, while the hopeful yet bittersweet ending (Selina leaving, Batman rising as a symbol) sticks with you.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film is a detective story where Batman investigates a serial killer's trail of murders, uncovering systemic corruption, driven by a puzzle that is solved step by step.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsCorruption · 3% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeBruce Wayne's identity as both a reclusive billionaire and a vigilante is interrogated as he discovers the legacy of his father and his own role in inspiring the Riddler, ultimately redefining what it means to be Batman.
StanceThe film questions what it means to be a hero in a corrupt city, presenting Batman's vigilantism as both necessary and flawed, while ultimately suggesting hope is the real answer.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Michael Giacchino
SettingA rain-soaked, neo-noir Gotham City in the midst of a mayoral election and a wave of crime.
MusicThe score blends brooding, minimalist piano motifs with driving percussion, evoking the film's noir atmosphere.

Content guide

Is The Batman okay for kids?

PG-13

The Batman is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for strong violent and disturbing content, drug content, strong language, and some suggestive material” (MPAA). As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (73/100), sexual content at mild (30/100), language at moderate (60/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at severe (85/100). Overall it is heavier than 98% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 47 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandR13
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • AEPG-13
  • Argentina+16
  • Belgium12
  • BGC
  • CL14
  • CO15
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreeceK12
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ID13+
  • IndiaUA
  • Israel12
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • LV12+
  • MexicoB
  • MOC
  • MYP13
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • PhilippinesR-13
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/14
  • PRPG-13
  • RO12
  • SingaporePG13
  • South Africa16
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan12+
  • THG
  • Türkiye13+
  • UA16+
  • VNC16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 77% of all filmsHeavier than 98% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 94%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 53%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 89%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 94%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 98%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Batman have?

MovieCove's classifier found 6 depicted content warnings in The Batman: Torture (severe), Addiction or relapse (mild), plus 4 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 2 more are mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory (behind the spoiler gate). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereTorture
MildAddiction or relapse

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Batman?

Cast

7 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Robert Pattinson
as Bruce Wayne
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Zoë Kravitz
as Selina Kyle
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jeffrey Wright
as Lt. James Gordon
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Colin Farrell
as Oz
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Paul Dano
as The Riddler
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
John Turturro
as Carmine Falcone
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Andy Serkis
as Alfred
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Peter Sarsgaard
as District Attorney Gil Colson
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Barry Keoghan
as Unseen Arkham Prisoner
Jayme Lawson
as Bella Reál
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Batman?

Movies like The Batman include The Killing Gene (2007), Manhunter (1986) and Maniac Cop (1988). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about psychopaths, and half are investigation stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

3 of these 12 share its subject: corruption. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Batman?

605 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: superhero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.