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Entertainment • Film

Batman (1989 film)

Batman is a 1989 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and written by Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Batman is a 1989 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and written by Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it stars Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. It was the first film in Warner Bros.' initial Batman film series.

Plot

The story follows Bruce Wayne as he fights crime in Gotham City as Batman, while facing the Joker, a criminal who becomes his main adversary. The Joker threatens both Gotham and Batman's personal life, including his relationship with journalist Vicki Vale.

Production

Batman was directed by Tim Burton and produced by Warner Bros. The film was developed as a major live-action adaptation of the comic-book character and launched a new Batman film series.

Cast and characters

The principal cast includes Michael Keaton as Batman, Jack Nicholson as the Joker, and Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale. Supporting roles include Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, and Jack Palance.

Release and reception

The film was released in 1989 and became a major box-office and media event. It is widely associated with the rise of modern blockbuster superhero films.

Key facts

  • The film is a 1989 superhero adaptation of the DC Comics character Batman.
  • Tim Burton directed the film, with Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren credited as writers.
  • Michael Keaton plays Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Jack Nicholson plays the Joker.
  • It was the first installment of Warner Bros.' initial Batman film series.
  • The film helped establish a darker, more noir-influenced interpretation of Batman in mainstream cinema.

Frequently asked questions

Who directed Batman (1989)?
Batman (1989) was directed by Tim Burton.
Who played Batman in the 1989 film?
Michael Keaton played Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Who played the Joker?
Jack Nicholson played the Joker.
When was Batman released?
Batman was released on June 23, 1989.
Was this the first Batman film in the Warner Bros. series?
Yes. It was the first installment of Warner Bros.' initial Batman film series.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(1989_film)
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, release year, and status as first installment of Warner Bros.' initial Batman film series.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096895/
    Supports: Film identification, director, producer, cast, and basic release/production details.
  3. DChttps://www.dc.com/movies/batman-1989
    Supports: Official DC synopsis, cast, writers, producer, and character-based overview.
  4. TCMhttps://www.tcm.com/articles/87921/batman-1989
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, runtime, and historical significance.
  5. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, synopsis, and production credits.