Batman Movies Returned to Theaters in May

In celebration of the iconic character’s 80^th anniversary, Batman returns to the big screen! But these aren’t new movies but the four iconic Batman movies that brought the Caped Crusader’s name to more audiences worldwide.

Audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997)in movie theaters across the United States on May 2019. Each of these films will only be shown for a day in over 600 theaters so it’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed by Batman fans. There’s nothing like the big screen to appreciate Batman and his crime-fighting adventures! 

The tickets to these four Batman films are already available at the official website of Fathom Events and at participating theaters. Warner Bros., the production company behind the Batman film franchise, has also released the screening dates for each movie, as follows:

• Batman – May 4 (Saturday) 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Batman Returns ­– May 6 (Monday) 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Batman Forever – May 12 (Sunday) 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Batman & Robin – May 14 (Tuesday) 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

All times are local.  Be sure to check with your favorite theaters for more information about the screening times. 

The return of these four Batman movies to the big screen is timely for DC Comics fans in general and for the Dark Knight’s fans in particular. The last Batman-centric film, Dark Knight Rises, was released in 2012 although there were also other films featuring the Dark Knight.

These include Batman Begins (2005), Dark Knight (2008), Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017).  These films, however, will not be returning to the big screen in May 2019. 

While DC Comics have its share of box-office success, the Marvel Universe continues to be on a roll in recent years. The worldwide success of the Avengers franchise including the solo movies for its individual superheroes, especially with the recent theatrical release of Avengers: Endgame, is speculated as the reason for the four Batman films’ re-screening. 

Of course, these are just speculations as the re-screening is likely tied to the momentous 80^th anniversary since Batman’s debut. At any rate, Batman fans are happy for the opportunity to see their favorite superhero on the big screen.

Batman, the fictional self-made superhero, was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane in 1939. Originally named Bat-Man, his first appearance was in the Detective Comics #27 in the same year, and his cult of fans has grown by leaps and bounds since then. 

Bruce Wayne, an American billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist, is Batman’s alter ego. As a child, he witnessed his parents’ murder, a traumatic event that inspired him to fight crime and criminals. He became a self-made superhero with a bat-inspired persona when he’s in his superhero suit. 

Batman lives in Gotham City, a fictional place, and fights criminals with several supporting characters including vigilante Robin, police commissioner Jim Gordon, and loyal butler Alfred. He doesn’t possess any super-human powers, unlike many of his fellow superheroes like Superman and Aquaman. But due to his superior intellect, unparalleled skills in martial arts, and vast array of gadgetry at his disposal, he is able to fight alongside his fellow superheroes.

Through the years, Batman has fought – and made – many enemies including Joker, his archenemy, as well as Penguin, Poison Ivy, and Harlequin. He also has several allies like Batgirl, Oracle, and Huntress. 

Batman almost immediately became popular after his introduction. By 1940, he was given a comic book of his own, Batman, and the character and franchise are among the most profitable in the entertainment industry. 

There have been plenty of creative interpretations about Batman, too, on print, radio and television as well as on cinema. There are countless Batman merchandise, too, including apparel, toys and video games.

Batman on the big screen also has its ups and downs in terms of critical reviews and commercial performance. The four Batman movies that will be screened in May 2019 are considered as among the commercial successes of the franchise although not all of them are considered critics’ favorites. 

Batman (1989) is arguably the best-known among the four films. With Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jack Nicholson as The Joker, it was 1989’s top-grossing film and a critics’ favorite. Such was its success at the box-office that it resulted in three sequels. 

Batman Returns features Keaton reprising his role as the Dark Knight, as well as Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck. It was also a hit with audiences worldwide, thanks to the actors’ compelling performance and impressive visuals. 

Batman Forever has Val Kilmer as the Dark Knight with a supporting cast led by Tommy Lee Jones as Two-face and Jim Carrey as The Riddler. Nicole Kidman, Chris O’Donnell, and Drew Barrymore are also in the cast. The film wasn’t as successful as expected due to the uneven script and inferior character development, but it’s still fun to watch in 2019. 

In Batman & Robin, O’Donnell reprises his Robin role but George Clooney replaced Val Kilmer. The cast included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alicia Silverstone, and Uma Thurman. Like its predecessor, unfortunately, it wasn’t as well-received by audiences and critics but many people also loved it.