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{{Infobox film
| name           = Batman
| image          = Batman ver2.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster by Bill Garland
| director       = [[Tim Burton]]
| producer       = {{Plain list|
* [[Jon Peters]]
* [[Peter Guber]]
}}
| screenplay     = {{Plain list|
* [[Sam Hamm]]
* [[Warren Skaaren]]
}}
| story          = Sam Hamm
| based_on       = {{Plain list|
* {{Based on|Characters |[[DC Comics]]}}
* {{Based on|[[Batman]]|[[Bob Kane]]|[[Bill Finger]]{{efn|name=Finger|[[Bill Finger]], co-creator of Batman, the Penguin, and Catwoman, was uncredited at the time of the film's release and his name was not added to any Batman related media until 2016.<ref name="Fingercredit"/>}}}}
}}
| starring       = {{Plain list|
* [[Jack Nicholson]]
* [[Michael Keaton]]
* [[Kim Basinger]]
* [[Robert Wuhl]]
* [[Pat Hingle]]
* [[Billy Dee Williams]]
* [[Michael Gough]]
* [[Jack Palance]]
}}
| music          = [[Danny Elfman]] (score)<br>[[Prince (musician)|Prince]] (songs)
| cinematography = [[Roger Pratt (cinematographer)|Roger Pratt]]
| editing        = [[Ray Lovejoy]]
| studio         = {{ubl|[[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Bros.]]<ref name="afi"/>|Guber-Peters Company<ref name="afi"/>|[[PolyGram Filmed Entertainment|PolyGram Pictures]]<ref name="afi"/>}} <!-- Do not add DC Comics-->
| distributor    = Warner Bros.<ref name="afi">{{cite web |title=Batman (1989) |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/57898 |website=[[American Film Institute]] |access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref>
| released       = {{Film date|1989|6|19|[[Westwood, Los Angeles]]|1989|6|23|United States|1989|8|11|United Kingdom}}
| runtime        = 126 minutes
| country        = {{ubl|United States<ref name="Lumiere">{{cite web|title=''Batman'' (1989)|url=http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=2474|website=[[Lumiere (database)|Lumiere]]|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623142858/http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=2474|url-status=live}}</ref>|United Kingdom<ref>{{cite web|title=Batman (1989) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b79c7384e |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408150048/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b79c7384e |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=[[British Film Institute]] |language=en}}</ref>}}
| language       = English
| budget         = $48&nbsp;million<ref name="Guber" />
| gross          = $411.6&nbsp;million<ref name=BoxOfficeMojo>{{cite web|title=Batman (1989)|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0096895/|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=December 29, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616234608/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0096895/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

'''''Batman''''' is a 1989 [[superhero film]] based on the [[Batman|DC Comics character]], created by [[Bob Kane]] and [[Bill Finger]]. Directed by [[Tim Burton]], it is the first installment of [[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Bros.]]' [[Batman in film#Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher series (1989–1997)|initial ''Batman'' film series]]. The film stars [[Jack Nicholson]], [[Michael Keaton]], [[Kim Basinger]], [[Robert Wuhl]], [[Pat Hingle]], [[Billy Dee Williams]], [[Michael Gough]], and [[Jack Palance]]. The film's score was composed by [[Danny Elfman]], and songs were written by [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]. The film takes place early in the war on crime of [[Bruce Wayne (1989 film series character)|the title character]] (Keaton) and depicts his conflict with his [[archenemy]] [[Joker (Jack Napier)|the Joker]] (Nicholson).

After Burton was hired as director in 1986, [[Steve Englehart]] and [[Julie Hickson]] wrote [[film treatment]]s before [[Sam Hamm]] wrote the first screenplay. ''Batman'' was not [[greenlight|greenlit]] until after the success of Burton's ''[[Beetlejuice]]'' (1988). The tone and themes of the film were partly influenced by [[Alan Moore]] and [[Brian Bolland]]'s ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke|The Killing Joke]]'' and [[Frank Miller]]'s ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]''. The film primarily adapts and then diverges from the "[[The Man Behind the Red Hood!|Red Hood]]" [[origin story]] for the Joker, having Batman inadvertently cause [[gangster]] Jack Napier to fall into Axis Chemical acid, triggering his transformation into the [[psychotic]] Joker. Additionally, Batman co-creator [[Bob Kane]] worked as a consultant for the film.

Numerous [[Leading man|leading men]] were considered for the role of Batman before Keaton was cast. Keaton's casting was controversial since, by 1988, he had become [[typecasting (acting)|typecast]] as a comedic actor and many observers had doubt he could portray a serious role.<ref name="Elfman" /> Nicholson accepted the role of the Joker under strict conditions that dictated top [[Billing (filmmaking)|billing]], a portion of the film's earnings (including associated merchandise), and his own shooting schedule. Filming took place at [[Pinewood Studios]] from October 1988 to January 1989. The budget escalated from $30&nbsp;million to $48&nbsp;million, while the [[1988 Writers Guild of America strike]] forced Hamm to drop out. [[Warren Skaaren]] did rewrites, with additional uncredited drafts done by [[Charles McKeown]] and [[Jonathan Gems]].

''Batman'' was both critically and financially successful, earning over $400&nbsp;million in box office totals. Critics and audiences particularly praised Nicholson and Keaton's performances, Burton's direction, the production design, and composer [[Danny Elfman]]'s score. It was the sixth-highest-grossing film in history at the time of its release. The film received several [[Saturn Award]] nominations and a [[Golden Globe Award|Golden Globe]] nomination for Nicholson's performance, and won the [[Academy Award for Best Production Design|Academy Award for Best Art Direction]].

The film was followed by three sequels: ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992), with both Burton and Keaton returning; ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995), with [[Joel Schumacher]] directing and [[Val Kilmer]] in the lead role; and ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'' (1997), which featured [[George Clooney]] in the role. Keaton would later reprise the role of Batman in the [[DC Extended Universe]] film ''[[The Flash (film)|The Flash]]'' (2023). The film also led to the development of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' (1992–1995), which in turn began the [[DC Animated Universe]] of spin-off media, and has influenced [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]]'s modern marketing and development techniques of the superhero film genre. Two sequel novels were written by [[John Jackson Miller]], ''[[Batman: Resurrection]]'' (2024) and ''[[Batman: Revolution]]'' (2025).

==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films are 400 to 700 words. -->
Newspaper reporter Alexander Knox and photojournalist [[Vicki Vale]] investigate sightings of "[[Bruce Wayne (1989 film series character)|Batman]]", a masked vigilante targeting [[Gotham City]]'s criminals. Both attend a fundraiser hosted by billionaire Bruce Wayne, who is secretly Batman, having chosen this path after witnessing a mugger murder his parents when he was a child. During the event, Wayne becomes attracted to Vale.

Meanwhile, mob boss Carl Grissom sends his sociopathic second-in-command [[Joker (Jack Napier)|Jack Napier]] to break into Axis Chemicals and retrieve incriminating evidence. However, this is secretly a ploy to have Napier murdered for carrying on an affair with Grissom's mistress, Alicia Hunt. Corrupt Gotham City police lieutenant Max Eckhardt arranges the hit on Napier by conducting an unauthorized raid on Axis Chemicals. However, [[Jim Gordon (character)|Commissioner James Gordon]] learns of the raid and takes command, ordering the officers to capture Napier alive. Batman also appears, while Napier shoots and kills Eckhardt as revenge for the double-cross. During a scuffle with Batman, Napier topples off a catwalk and falls into a vat of chemicals. Although presumed dead, Napier survives with various disfigurements including chalk white skin and emerald-green hair and nails. He undergoes surgery to repair the damage, but ends up with a [[Risus sardonicus|rictus grin]]. Driven insane by his hideous appearance, Napier, now calling himself "the Joker", kills Grissom, massacres Grissom's associates, and takes over his operations.

The Joker begins terrorizing Gotham by lacing various hygiene products with "Smylex" – a deadly chemical that causes victims to [[Death from laughter|die laughing]]. Joker soon becomes obsessed with Vicki and lures her to the Flugelheim Museum, which his henchmen [[Vandalism|vandalize]]. Batman rescues Vicki, takes her to the [[Batcave]], and provides her with all of his research on Smylex, which will allow Gotham's residents to escape the toxin. Conflicted with his love for her, Wayne visits her apartment intending to reveal his secret identity, only for the Joker to interrupt the meeting. Joker asks Wayne, "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?", which Wayne recognizes as the phrase used by the mugger who murdered his parents. He shoots Wayne, who survives by hiding a serving tray underneath his shirt.

Vicki is taken to the Batcave by Wayne's butler, [[Alfred Pennyworth]], who had been coaxing the relationship between the pair. After Vicki learns his secret, Wayne chooses to battle the Joker for the sake of the city over their relationship. He then departs to destroy the Axis plant used to create Smylex. Meanwhile, Joker lures Gotham's citizens to a parade honoring Gotham's bicentennial with the promise of free money. This turns out to be a trap designed to dose them with Smylex gas held within giant parade balloons. Batman foils his plan by using his [[Batplane|Batwing]] to remove the balloons, but Joker shoots him down. The Batwing crashes in front of a cathedral, which Joker uses to take Vicki hostage. Batman pursues the Joker, and in the ensuing fight, he identifies Napier killed his parents and thus, indirectly created Batman. Joker eventually pulls Batman and Vicki over the cathedral's roof, leaving them hanging while he calls for a helicopter piloted by his goons, who throw down a ladder for him to climb. Batman uses a grappling hook to attach Joker's leg to a crumbling [[gargoyle]] that eventually falls off the roof. Unable to bear the statue's immense weight, Joker falls to his death while Batman and Vicki make it to safety.

Sometime later, Gordon announces that the police have arrested all of Joker's men, effectively dismantling the remains of Grissom's organizations, and unveils the [[Bat-Signal]]. Batman leaves the police a note, promising to defend Gotham should crime strike again, and asking them to use the Bat-Signal to summon him in times of need. Alfred takes Vicki to [[Wayne Manor]], explaining that Wayne will be a little late. She responds that she is not surprised, as Batman looks at the signal's projection from a rooftop, standing watch over the city.

==Cast==
{{Multiple image
| total_width       = 500
| image1            = Jack Nicholson 2001.jpg
| alt1              = A smiling Jack Nicholson
| image2            = Michael Keaton Cannes.jpg
| alt2              = A smiling Michael Keaton
| image3            = Kim Basinger (1990).jpg
| alt3              = A smiling Kim Basinger
| align             = right
| footer            = Jack Nicholson (in 2001), Michael Keaton (in 2002) and Kim Basinger (in 1990).
}}
{{Cast listing|
* [[Jack Nicholson]] as [[Joker (Jack Napier)|Jack Napier / The Joker]]
** [[Hugo Blick|Hugo E. Blick]] as young Jack Napier
* [[Michael Keaton]] as [[Bruce Wayne (1989 film series character)|Bruce Wayne / Batman]]
** Charles Roskilly as young Bruce Wayne
* [[Kim Basinger]] as [[Vicki Vale]]
* [[Robert Wuhl]] as Alexander Knox
* [[Pat Hingle]] as [[Jim Gordon (character)|Commissioner Gordon]]
* [[Billy Dee Williams]] as [[Harvey Dent]]
* [[Michael Gough]] as [[Alfred Pennyworth]]
* [[Jack Palance]] as Carl Grissom
* [[Jerry Hall]] as Alicia Hunt
* [[Tracey Walter]] as Bob the Goon
* [[Lee Wallace (actor)|Lee Wallace]] as Mayor Borg
* [[William Hootkins]] as Lt. Max Eckhardt
* Liza Ross as tourist mom
* [[Garrick Hagon]] as tourist dad
* Adrian Meyers as tourist son
* David Baxt as [[Thomas Wayne]]
* Sharon Holm as [[Martha Wayne]]
}}

==Production==
===Development===
{{quote box|width=35%|quote="I was never a giant comic book fan, but I've always loved the image of Batman and the Joker. The reason I've never been a comic book fan – and I think it started when I was a child – is because I could never tell which box I was supposed to read. I don't know if it was [[dyslexia]] or whatever, but that's why I loved ''The Killing Joke'', because for the first time I could tell which one to read. It's my favorite. It's the first comic I've ever loved. And the success of those graphic novels made our ideas more acceptable."|source=—Tim Burton<ref>Tim Burton, ''Burton on Burton: Revised Edition'' (London: Faber and Faber, 2006) 71.</ref>}}
[[File:The costumes Jack Nicholson wore in BATMAN 1989 movie as Joker.jpg|thumb|The costume worn by Jack Nicholson in the film]]
In the late 1970s, Batman's popularity was waning.<ref name=CBS/> [[CBS]] was interested in producing a ''Batman in Outer Space'' film. Producers [[Benjamin Melniker]] and [[Michael E. Uslan]] purchased the [[film rights]] of Batman from [[DC Comics]] on October 3, 1979. It was Uslan's wish "to make the definitive, dark, serious version of Batman, the way [[Bob Kane]] and [[Bill Finger]] had envisioned him in 1939. A creature of the night; stalking criminals in the shadows."<ref name=CBS>{{cite news|author = Bill "Jett" Ramey|url = http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_2.html|title = An Interview With Michael Uslan – Part 1|work = Batman-on-Film|date = November 8, 2005|access-date = May 4, 2008|archive-date = September 27, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927101837/http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_2.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> [[Richard Maibaum]] was approached to write a script with [[Guy Hamilton]] to direct, but the two turned down the offer. Uslan was unsuccessful with [[pitch (filmmaking)|pitching]] ''Batman'' to various movie studios because they wanted the film to be similar to the [[camp (style)|campy]] [[Batman (TV series)|1960s television series]]. [[Columbia Pictures]] and [[United Artists]] were among those to turn down the film.<ref name=Columbia>{{cite news|author = Bill "Jett" Ramey|url = http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_3.html|title = An Interview With Michael Uslan – Part 2|work = Batman-on-Film|date = November 11, 2005|access-date = May 4, 2008|archive-date = September 27, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927101835/http://www.batman-on-film.com/interview_muslan_3.html|url-status = dead}}</ref>

A disappointed Uslan then wrote a script titled ''Return of the Batman'' to give the film industry a better idea of his vision for the film. Uslan later compared its dark tone to that of the successful four-part comic book ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]'', which his script predated by six years.<ref name=CBS/> In November 1979, producers [[Jon Peters]] and [[Peter Guber]] joined the project.<ref name=Guber>{{cite book|first1= Nancy |last1=Griffin |first2=Kim |last2=Masters|title = Hit & Run: How Jon Peters and Peter Guber Took Sony For A Ride In Hollywood|publisher = [[Simon & Schuster]]|year = 1997|pages = [https://archive.org/details/hitrunhowjonpete00grif/page/158 158–174]|isbn = 0-684-80931-1|chapter = Hit Men|chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/hitrunhowjonpete00grif/page/158}}</ref> Melniker and Uslan became executive producers. The four felt it was best to pattern the film's development after that of ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'' (1978).<ref name=production>{{cite news|first = Alan|last = Jones|url = http://www.batman-online.com/index.php?articles;id=2|title = ''Batman'' in Production|publisher = [[Cinefantastique]]|pages = 75–88|date = November 1989|access-date = May 13, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131204224714/http://www.batman-online.com/index.php?articles;id=2|archive-date = December 4, 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref> Uslan, Melniker and Guber pitched ''Batman'' to [[Universal Pictures]], but the studio turned it down.<ref name=road>[[Michael Uslan]], [[Benjamin Melniker]], [[Peter Guber]], [[Tom Mankiewicz]], [[Sam Hamm]], ''Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight—The Road to Gotham City'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> Though no movie studios were yet involved, the project was publicly announced with a budget of $15&nbsp;million in July 1980 at the [[Comic Art Convention]] in New York. [[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Bros.]], the studio behind the successful [[Superman in film#Salkind/Cannon film series (1978–1987)|''Superman'' film franchise]], decided to also accept and produce ''Batman''.<ref name=Jones>{{cite news|first = Alan|last = Jones|url = http://www.1989batman.com/2013/08/vintage-magazine-article.html|title = Batman|work = [[Cinefantastique]]|pages = 55–67|date = November 1989|access-date = May 2, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131205004312/http://www.1989batman.com/2013/08/vintage-magazine-article.html|archive-date = December 5, 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref>

[[Tom Mankiewicz]] completed a script titled ''The Batman'' in June 1983, focusing on Batman and [[Dick Grayson]]'s origins, with the Joker and [[Rupert Thorne]] as villains and [[Silver St. Cloud]] as the romantic interest.<ref>{{cite news|author = Stax|title = The Stax Report Special Edition: Script Review of ''The Batman''|work = [[IGN]]|date = December 1, 2001|url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/036/036038p1.html|access-date =October 24, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081206080334/http://movies.ign.com/articles/036/036038p1.html| archive-date= December 6, 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref> Mankiewicz took inspiration from the [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] ''Batman: Strange Apparitions'', written by [[Steve Englehart]].<ref name=White>{{cite news|first = Taylor L.|last = White|title = Batman|work = [[Cinefantastique]]|pages=33–40|date = July 1989}}</ref> Comic book artist [[Marshall Rogers]], who worked with Englehart on ''Strange Apparitions'', was hired for [[concept art]].<ref name=road/> ''The Batman'' was then announced in late 1983 for a mid-1985 release date on a budget of $20&nbsp;million. Originally, Mankiewicz had wanted an unknown actor for Batman, [[William Holden]] for [[Jim Gordon (character)|James Gordon]], [[David Niven]] as [[Alfred Pennyworth]], and [[Peter O'Toole]] as [[Penguin (character)|the Penguin]], whom Mankiewicz wanted to portray as a mobster with low body temperature.<ref name=Jones/> Holden died in 1981 and Niven in 1983, so this would never come to pass. A number of filmmakers were attached to Mankiewicz' script, including [[Ivan Reitman]] and [[Joe Dante]]. Reitman wanted to cast [[Bill Murray]] as Batman and [[Eddie Murphy]] as Robin.<ref name=Elfman/> Nine rewrites were performed by nine separate writers. Most of them were based on ''Strange Apparitions''. However, Mankiewicz's script was still being used to guide the project.<ref name=forever/> Due to the work they did together with the film ''[[Swamp Thing (1982 film)|Swamp Thing]]'' (1982), [[Wes Craven]] was among the names that Melniker and Uslan considered while looking for a director.<ref>{{cite magazine | magazine=[[Fangoria]] | issue=57 | author=[[Lee Goldberg]] & David McDonnell | others=[[Wes Craven]] (interviewed) | title=Wes Craven's Double Doubleheader | date=September 1986 | pages=50–53, 64 | issn=0164-2111}}</ref> [[Sam Raimi]] wanted to direct, but was unable to get the rights.<ref>{{cite web | title=Sam Raimi Reveals DC Movies He Attempted to Make & Characters He Would Love to Get His Hands on | url=https://movieweb.com/sam-raimi-failed-batman-the-shadow-movies-loves-superman-would-make-dcu-superhero-movie/ }}</ref>

After the financial success of ''[[Pee-wee's Big Adventure]]'' (1985), Warner Bros. hired Tim Burton to direct ''Batman''. Burton had then-girlfriend [[Julie Hickson]] write a new 30-page [[film treatment]], feeling the previous script by Mankiewicz was [[camp (style)|campy]]. The success of ''The Dark Knight Returns'' and the [[graphic novel]] ''[[Batman: The Killing Joke]]'' rekindled Warner Bros.' interest in a film adaptation. Burton was initially not a comic book fan, but he was impressed by the dark and serious tone found in both ''The Dark Knight Returns'' and ''The Killing Joke''.<ref name="Elfman" /> Warner Bros. enlisted the aid of Englehart to write a new treatment in March 1986.<ref name="Steve">{{cite web | title = Batman | work = [[Steve Englehart]].com | url = http://www.steveenglehart.com/Film/Batman%20movie.html | access-date = November 25, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071214111803/http://www.steveenglehart.com/Film/Batman%20movie.html| archive-date= December 14, 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref> Like Mankiewicz's script, it was based on his own ''Strange Apparitions'' and included Silver St. Cloud, Dick Grayson, the Joker, and Rupert Thorne, as well as a [[cameo appearance]] by [[Penguin (character)|the Penguin]]. Warner Bros. was impressed, but Englehart felt there were too many characters. He removed the Penguin and Dick Grayson in his second treatment, finishing in May 1986.<ref name="Steve" />

Burton approached [[Sam Hamm]], a comic book fan, to write the screenplay.<ref name="Jones"/> Hamm decided not to use an [[origin story]], feeling that flashbacks would be more suitable and that "unlocking the mystery" would become part of the storyline.<ref name="White"/> He reasoned, "You totally destroy your credibility if you show the literal process by which Bruce Wayne becomes Batman."<ref name="Hamm">{{cite news | first = Stephen | last = Rebello | title = Sam Hamm – Screenwriter | work = [[Cinefantastique]] | pages=34–41 | date = November 1989 }}</ref> Hamm replaced Silver St. Cloud with Vicki Vale and Rupert Thorne with his own creation, Carl Grissom. He completed his script in October 1986, which demoted Dick Grayson to a cameo rather than a supporting character.<ref name="storm" /> One scene in Hamm's script had a young James Gordon on duty the night of the murder of Bruce Wayne's parents. When Hamm's script was rewritten, the scene was deleted, reducing it to a photo in the ''Gotham Globe'' newspaper seen in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/batmananthology/images/f/f4/GordonBeat.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140217042511 |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 29, 2016 |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213011956/http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/batmananthology/images/f/f4/GordonBeat.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140217042511 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Warner Bros. was less willing to move forward on development, despite their enthusiasm for Hamm's script, which Kane greeted with positive feedback.<ref name="Elfman" /> Hamm's script was then bootlegged at various comic book stores in the United States.<ref name="White" /> ''Batman'' was finally given the [[Green-light|greenlight]] to commence pre-production in April 1988, after the success of Burton's ''[[Beetlejuice]]'' the same year.<ref name="Elfman" /> When comic book fans found out about Burton directing the film with Michael Keaton starring in the lead role, controversy arose over the tone and direction ''Batman'' was going in.<ref name=variety>{{cite web|last=Lowry|first=Brian|title=Batman Backlash: Ben Affleck Has Nothing on Michael Keaton|url=https://variety.com/2013/voices/columns/batman-backlash-ben-affleck-has-nothing-on-michael-keaton-1200587317/|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=August 24, 2013|date=August 23, 2013|archive-date=November 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121060333/https://variety.com/2013/voices/columns/batman-backlash-ben-affleck-has-nothing-on-michael-keaton-1200587317/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamm explained, "They hear Tim Burton's name and they think of ''Pee-wee's Big Adventure''. They hear Keaton's name, and they think of any number of Michael Keaton comedies. You think of the 1960s version of ''Batman'', and it was the complete opposite of our film. We tried to market it with a typical dark and serious tone, but the fans didn't believe us."<ref name="White" /> To combat negative reports on the film's production, Kane was hired as creative consultant.<ref name="production"/> Batman's co-creator, [[Bill Finger]], was uncredited at the time of the film's release and his name was not added to any Batman-related media until 2016.<ref name="Fingercredit">{{Cite web |title=DC Will Finally Credit Bill Finger As Co-Creator Of Batman |date=September 20, 2015 |url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/dc-will-finally-credit-bill-finger-as-co-creator-of-bat-1731947676 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831223843/https://io9.gizmodo.com/dc-will-finally-credit-bill-finger-as-co-creator-of-bat-1731947676 |archive-date=August 31, 2019 |access-date=August 31, 2019 |publisher=[[Gizmodo]]}}</ref>

===Casting===
[[File:MikeandJack.jpg|thumb|225px|[[Michael Keaton]] as Batman and [[Jack Nicholson]] as the Joker in the film's climactic confrontation]]
Parallel to the ''Superman'' casting, a variety of [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood A-listers]] were considered for the role of Batman, including [[Mel Gibson]], [[Michael Biehn]],<ref>{{cite web | title=Michael Biehn came close to starring in Tim Burton's Batman | date=October 7, 2024 | url=https://www.joblo.com/michael-biehn-batman/ }}</ref> [[Steven Seagal]],<ref>{{cite web | title=How Tim Burton's Batman set the stage for comic books' Hollywood takeover | date=June 20, 2019 | url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/steven-seagal-was-considered-for-bruce-wayne-and-other-burton-batman-facts }}</ref> [[Kevin Costner]], [[Charlie Sheen]], [[Tom Selleck]], Bill Murray,<ref name="Guber"/><ref name="Jones" /> [[Harrison Ford]] and [[Dennis Quaid]].<ref name=Busch>{{cite news|author=Busch, Jenna|url=http://www.superherohype.com/features/306949-exclusive-interview-batman-producer-michael-uslan-talks-the-legacy-of-superhero-cinema|title=Interview: Batman Producer Michael Uslan Talks the Legacy of Superhero Cinema|publisher=[[SuperHeroHype]]|date=July 3, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2015|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207110523/https://www.superherohype.com/features/306949-exclusive-interview-batman-producer-michael-uslan-talks-the-legacy-of-superhero-cinema|url-status=live}}</ref> Burton was pressured by Warner Bros. to cast an obvious action movie star,<ref name="Elfman" /> and had approached [[Pierce Brosnan]], but he had no interest in playing a comic book character.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/21/pierce-brosnan-turned-down-tim-burton-batman | title=Pierce Brosnan: I turned down Tim Burton's Batman | newspaper=The Guardian | date=August 21, 2014 | access-date=August 22, 2014 | archive-date=December 7, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207110505/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/21/pierce-brosnan-turned-down-tim-burton-batman | url-status=live }}</ref> Gibson turned down the role in favor of ''[[Lethal Weapon 2]]'' (1989).<ref name="30Things">{{cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/film/30-things-you-didnt-know-about-tim-burtons-batman|title=30 Things You Didn't Know About Tim Burton's Batman}}</ref> Burton was originally interested in casting an unknown actor,<ref name=Busch/> [[Willem Dafoe]], who was falsely reported to be considered for the Joker but had actually been considered for Batman early in development.<ref>{{cite news|first=Josh|last=Wigler|title=Exclusive: Willem Dafoe As Batman? It Almost Happened!|publisher=[[MTV]]|date=October 27, 2009|url=http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/10/27/exclusive-willem-dafoe-as-batman-it-almost-happened/|access-date=May 14, 2015|archive-date=September 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909044420/http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/10/27/exclusive-willem-dafoe-as-batman-it-almost-happened/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Producer Jon Peters suggested Michael Keaton, arguing he had the right "edgy, tormented quality" after having seen his dramatic performance in ''[[Clean and Sober]]'' (1988).<ref>John Peters, ''[[The Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened?]]'', 2015</ref> Having directed Keaton in ''Beetlejuice'', Burton agreed.<ref name="Guber" />

The casting of Keaton caused a furor among comic book fans,<ref name=variety/>{{r|Joe}} with 50,000 protest letters sent to Warner Bros. offices.<ref name="storm">Tim Burton, Sam Hamm, Mark Canton, Michael Keaton, ''Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight—The Gathering Storm'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> Kane, Hamm, and Uslan also heavily questioned the casting.<ref name="White" /> "Obviously there was a negative response from the comic book people. I think they thought we were going to make it like the 1960s TV series, and make it campy, because they thought of Michael Keaton from ''[[Mr. Mom]]'' and ''[[Night Shift (1982 film)|Night Shift]]'' and stuff like that."<ref name="battle">{{cite news | author = Hilary de Vries | title = ''Batman'' Battles for Big Money | work = [[The New York Times]] | date = February 5, 1989 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/05/movies/film-batman-battles-for-big-money.html | access-date = October 26, 2008 | archive-date = December 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191207110506/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/05/movies/film-batman-battles-for-big-money.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Keaton studied ''The Dark Knight Returns'' for inspiration.<ref>{{cite book | first = Les | last = Daniels | title = Batman: The Complete History | isbn = 0-8118-2470-5 | publisher = [[Chronicle Books]] | page = 164 | year = 2000| author-link = Les Daniels }}</ref>

[[Tim Curry]], [[David Bowie]], [[John Lithgow]], [[Brad Dourif]], [[Ray Liotta]], and [[James Woods]] were all considered for the Joker.<ref name="Hamm" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Todd|last=Gilchrist|title=Ray Liotta Says Tim Burton Wanted To Meet With Him For 'Batman'|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/ray_liotta_says_tim_burton_wanted_to_meet_with_him_for_batman|work=[[Indiewire]]|date=November 4, 2011|access-date=August 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903111351/http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/ray_liotta_says_tim_burton_wanted_to_meet_with_him_for_batman|archive-date=September 3, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="reboot">{{cite book | first=David | last=Hughes | title =Comic Book Movies | publisher =[[Virgin Books]] | year =2003 | pages =33–46 | isbn = 0-7535-0767-6| chapter = Batman}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Child|title= Batman's Joker was originally Brad Dourif, not Jack Nicholson, says Dourif|url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/oct/15/batman-joker-brad-dourif-jack-nicholson|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=October 15, 2013|access-date=October 27, 2021}}</ref> Lithgow, during his audition, attempted to talk Burton out of casting him, a decision he would later publicly regret, stating, "I didn't realize it was such a big deal."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Van Syckle|first1=Katie|title=John Lithgow Still Regrets Passing on Playing the Joker in Tim Burton's Batman|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/john-lithgow-could-have-played-the-joker-but-turned-it-down.html|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]|date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121192027/https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/john-lithgow-could-have-played-the-joker-but-turned-it-down.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Burton wanted to cast [[John Glover (actor)|John Glover]], but the studio insisted on using a movie star.<ref>{{cite podcast |host=Joe Stuber |title=Episode 261: Special Guest Robert Whul! |website=Comic Book Central |publisher=Joe Stuber |date=June 18, 2019 |url=http://comicbookcentral.net/tag/robert-wuhl/ |access-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230195238/http://comicbookcentral.net/tag/robert-wuhl/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Robin Williams]] lobbied hard for the part.<ref name="storm" /> Jack Nicholson had been the studio's top choice since 1980. Peters approached Nicholson as far back as 1986, during filming of ''[[The Witches of Eastwick (film)|The Witches of Eastwick]]'';<ref name="empire" /> unlike Keaton, he was a popular choice for his role.{{r|Joe}} Nicholson had what was known as an "off-the-clock" agreement. His contract specified the number of hours he was entitled to have off each day, from the time he left the set to the time he reported back for filming,<ref name="Jones" /> as well as being off for [[Los Angeles Lakers]] home games.<ref name="celfans">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/features/lakers_celebs_070309.html |title=Top 10 Celebrity Lakers Fans |work=[[National Basketball Association|NBA]] |access-date=September 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212070350/http://www.nba.com/features/lakers_celebs_070309.html |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nicholson demanded that all of his scenes be shot in a three-week block, but the schedule lapsed into 106 days.<ref name="empire" /> He reduced his standard $10&nbsp;million fee to $6&nbsp;million in exchange for a cut of the film's earnings (including associated merchandise), which led to remuneration in excess of $50&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2000/03/03/biggest-movie-payoffs/|title=The biggest movie payoffs|last=Hochman|first=David|date=March 3, 2000|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=December 30, 2019|archive-date=December 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222151019/https://ew.com/article/2000/03/03/biggest-movie-payoffs/|url-status=live}}</ref>—biographer Marc Eliot reports that Nicholson may have received as much as $90&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/jack-nicholson-you-dont-know-jack/ |date= November 8, 2013 |access-date= December 22, 2013 |publisher= [[CNN]] |title= You don't know Jack (Nicholson) |first= Matt |last= Carey |archive-date= November 14, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131114025419/http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/jack-nicholson-you-dont-know-jack |url-status= live }}</ref> He also demanded top [[Billing (filmmaking)|billing]] on promotional materials.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/top-ten-batman-villains-on-screen-c9xwz76jg6q|title=Top ten Batman villains on screen|date=July 17, 2012|website=[[The Times]]|access-date=July 12, 2019|quote=Nicholson... demanded top-billing and a deal that gave him royalties on merchandise.|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712171429/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/top-ten-batman-villains-on-screen-c9xwz76jg6q|url-status=live}}{{Subscription required}}</ref>

[[Sean Young]] was originally cast as Vicki Vale, but was injured in a horse-riding accident prior to commencement of filming.<ref name="shadows">''Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight'', "Part 2: The Gathering Storm", DVD documentary, 2005</ref> Young's departure necessitated an urgent search for an actress who, besides being right for the part, could commit to the film at very short notice. Peters suggested [[Kim Basinger]]: she was able to join the production immediately and was cast.<ref name="Guber" /><ref name="shadows" /> As a fan of [[Michael Gough]]'s work in various [[Hammer Film Productions|Hammer]] horror films, Burton cast Gough as Bruce Wayne's mysterious butler, [[Alfred Pennyworth|Alfred]].<ref name="audio">[[Tim Burton]], DVD [[audio commentary]], 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref>  Reporter Alexander Knox was portrayed by [[Robert Wuhl]]. In the original script, Knox was killed by the Joker's poison gas during the climax, but the filmmakers "liked [my] character so much," Wuhl said, "that they decided to let me live."<ref name="heroes">[[Robert Wuhl]], [[Billy Dee Williams]], [[Pat Hingle]], ''Batman: The Heroes'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> Burton chose [[Billy Dee Williams]] as [[Two-Face|Harvey Dent]] because he wanted to include the villain [[Two-Face]] in a future film using the concept of an African-American Two-Face for the black and white concept,<ref>''Batman'' Special Edition DVD/Blu-ray, Tim Burton Commentary</ref> but [[Tommy Lee Jones]] was later cast in the role for ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995), which disappointed Williams.<ref name="heroes" /> Nicholson convinced the filmmakers to cast his close friend [[Tracey Walter]] as the Joker's henchman Bob.<ref>[[Jack Nicholson]], [[Tracey Walter]], ''Batman: The Villains'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> Irish child actor Ricky Addison Reed was cast as Dick Grayson before the character was removed by Warren Skarren for the revised shooting script.<ref>Comics Scene magazine, #14, August 1990, page 51</ref> The rest of the cast included [[Pat Hingle]] as [[Jim Gordon (character)|Commissioner Gordon]], [[Jerry Hall]] as Alicia, [[Lee Wallace (actor)|Lee Wallace]] as Mayor Borg, [[William Hootkins]] as Lt. Eckhardt, and [[Jack Palance]] as crime boss Carl Grissom.

===Design===
{{Quote box|width=40%|align=right|quote="On ''Batman'', our vision of Gotham City was influenced by the tone of the ''[[The Dark Knight Returns|'Dark Knight']]'' comics, and also [[Andreas Feininger]]'s photographs of New York buildings and the work of Japanese architect [[Shin Takamatsu]]. (''[[Blade Runner]]'' was consciously avoided as a reference; no one was allowed to watch it while we were designing the film and [[neon]] was shunned altogether!)"|source=—Art director [[Nigel Phelps]]<ref>{{cite book | title = Production Design and Art Direction (Screencraft Series) |isbn = 0240804007|last1 = Ettedgui|first1 = Peter|year = 1999| publisher=Focal Press }} Published in 1999, Focal Press</ref>}}
Burton had been impressed with the design of [[Neil Jordan]]'s ''[[The Company of Wolves]]'' (1984), but was unable to hire its production designer [[Anton Furst]] for ''Beetlejuice''<ref name="Joe" /> as he had instead committed to Jordan's London-filmed ghost comedy ''[[High Spirits (film)|High Spirits]]'' (1988), a choice he later regretted.<ref name="Jones" /> A year later Burton successfully hired Furst for ''Batman'', and they enjoyed working with each other. "I don't think I've ever felt so naturally in tune with a director," Furst said. "Conceptually, spiritually, visually, or artistically. There was never any problem because we never fought over anything. Texture, attitude and feelings are what Burton is a master at."<ref name="production" />

Furst and the [[art department]] deliberately mixed clashing architectural styles to "make Gotham City the ugliest and bleakest [[metropolis]] imaginable".<ref>[[Anton Furst]], [[Derek Meddings]], ''Visualizing Gotham: The Production Design of Batman'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> Furst continued, "[W]e imagined what New York City might have become without a [[New York City Department of City Planning#City Planning Commission|planning commission]]. A city run by crime, with a riot of architectural styles. An essay in ugliness. As if hell erupted through the pavement and kept on going".<ref>{{cite magazine | first1 = Richard|last1= Corliss|first2= Elaine |last2=Dutka|author-link1=Richard Corliss | title = The Caped Crusader Flies Again | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957980,00.html | magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date = June 19, 1989 | access-date = October 26, 2008 | archive-date = April 24, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080424110019/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957980,00.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> The 1985 film ''[[Brazil (1985 film)|Brazil]]'' by [[Terry Gilliam]] was also a notable influence upon the film's production design, as both Burton and Furst studied it as a reference.<ref name="production" /> Black and white [[Charcoal (art)|charcoal drawings]] of key locations and sets were created by Furst's longtime draftsman, [[Nigel Phelps]]. [[Derek Meddings]] served as the [[visual effects supervisor]], overseeing the miniatures and animation. Conceptual illustrator Julian Caldow designed the Batmobile, Batwing and assorted bat-gadgets that were later constructed by prop builder John Evans. [[Keith Short]] sculpted the final body of the [[Batmobile#Batman (1989 film) and Batman Returns|Batmobile]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Batman | work = [[Keith Short]].com | url = http://www.keithshortsculptor.com/batman4.htm | access-date = May 12, 2008 | archive-date = February 14, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120214002630/http://www.keithshortsculptor.com/batman4.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> adding two [[M1919 Browning machine gun|Browning machine gun]]s.<ref>[[Keith Short]], ''Building the Batmobile'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> On designing the Batmobile, Furst explained, "We looked at jet aircraft components, we looked at war machines, we looked at all sorts of things. In the end, we went into pure expressionism, taking the [[Bonneville Salt Flats|Salt Flat Racers]] of the 30s and the [[Chevrolet Corvette (C2)|Sting Ray macho machines]] of the 50s". The car was built upon a [[Chevrolet Impala]] when previous development with a [[Jaguar Cars|Jaguar]] and [[Ford Mustang]] failed.<ref name="empire"/> The car itself was later purchased by standup comedian/ventriloquist [[Jeff Dunham]], who had it outfitted with a Corvette engine to make it street legal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/may/08/jeff-dunham-offensive-puppets-voice-trumps-america-achmed-dead-terrorist-jose-mexican-immigrant|title=How Jeff Dunham's offensive puppets became the voice of Trump's America|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|author=Walker, Rob|date=May 8, 2018|access-date=September 4, 2020|archive-date=May 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508183333/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/may/08/jeff-dunham-offensive-puppets-voice-trumps-america-achmed-dead-terrorist-jose-mexican-immigrant}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align             = right
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| header            = 
| width             = 150
| image1            = Jack Napier Joker.jpeg
| caption1          = Nicholson's makeup appliances were sculpted and applied by Nick Dudman
| image2            = 
| caption2          = Keaton's costume was sculpted by Vin Burnham
}}

[[Costume design]]er [[Bob Ringwood]] turned down the chance to work on ''[[Licence to Kill]]'' (1989) in favor of ''Batman''. Ringwood found it difficult designing the [[Batsuit]] because "the image of Batman in the comics is this huge, big six-foot-four hunk with a dimpled chin. Michael Keaton is a guy with average build", he stated. "The problem was to make somebody who was average-sized and ordinary-looking into this bigger-than-life creature."<ref name="batto">{{cite news | author = Jody Duncan Shannon | title = Building the Bat-suit | work = [[Cinefex]] | pages=16–24 | date = February 1990 }}</ref> Burton commented, "Michael is a bit [[claustrophobia|claustrophobic]], which made it worse for him. The costume put him in a dark, Batman-like mood though, so he was able to use it to his advantage".<ref name="batto" /> Burton's idea was to use an all-black suit, and was met with positive feedback by Bob Kane. [[Vin Burnham]] was tasked with sculpting the Batsuit, in association with Alli Eynon. Jon Peters wanted to use a [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] [[product placement]] with the Batsuit.<ref>Bob Ringwood, [[Tim Burton]], ''Designing the Batsuit'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Melia |title=Nike designed a pretty terrible pair of boots for Tim Burton's 1989 'Batman' movie |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-batman-boots-2016-3 |access-date=August 22, 2020 |agency=[[Business Insider]] |date=March 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209025619/https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-batman-boots-2016-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ringwood studied over 200 comic book issues for inspiration. 28 sculpted latex designs were created; 25 different cape looks and 6 different heads were made, accumulating a total cost of $250,000.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://blogs.amctv.com/future_of_classic/2007/06/reinventing-the.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20081006231931/http://blogs.amctv.com/future_of_classic/2007/06/reinventing-the.html | url-status=dead | archive-date = October 6, 2008 | title = Reinventing the Batsuit for the Modern Era | work = [[AMC (TV network)|American Movies Classic]] | access-date = October 17, 2008}}</ref> Comic book fans initially expressed negative feedback against the Batsuit.<ref name="Joe" /> Burton opted not to use tights, spandex, or underpants as seen in the comic book, feeling it was not intimidating.<ref name="Elfman" /> [[Prosthetic makeup]] designer Nick Dudman used acrylic-based makeup paint called PAX for Nicholson's chalk-white face. Part of Nicholson's contract was approval over the makeup designer.<ref>{{cite news | first = Alan | last = Jones | title = The Joker's Make-up | work = [[Cinefantastique]] | pages=69–70 | date = November 1989 }}</ref>

===Filming===
The filmmakers considered filming ''Batman'' entirely on the [[Warner Bros. Studios Burbank|Warner Bros. backlot]] in [[Burbank, California]], but media interest in the film made them change the location. It was shot at [[Pinewood Studios]] in [[England]] from October 10, 1988, to February 14, 1989, with 80 days of main shooting and 86 days of second unit shooting.<ref name=Pinewood>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=August 9, 1989|page=40|title=Welcome to Europe Batman (Pinewood Studios advertisement)}}</ref> 18 [[sound stage]]s were used, with seven stages occupied, including the 51 acre backlot for the Gotham City set, one of the biggest ever built at the studio.<ref name=Pinewood/><ref name="production" /> Locations included [[Knebworth House]] and [[Hatfield House]] doubling for [[Wayne Manor]], plus [[Acton Lane Power Station]] and [[Little Barford Power Station]].<ref name="Manor">Hanke, p.87-96</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukonscreen.com/gkjhkbb-Batman-(1989).html |title=Batman (1989) Filming Locations |publisher=Ukonscreen.com |access-date=January 2, 2011 |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208165444/http://www.ukonscreen.com/gkjhkbb-Batman-(1989).html |url-status=live }}</ref> For the production at Acton Lane Power Station, the power plant and alien nest sets from ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' (1986) were reused as interiors for Axis Chemicals.<ref name="Sideshow">{{cite web|last=Lynch |first=Ryan  |title=A Few Things You Didn't Know About James Cameron's Aliens |url=https://www.sideshow.com/blog/a-few-things-you-didnt-know-about-james-camerons-aliens/ |website=[[Sideshow Collectibles|Sideshow.com]] |date=April 24, 2017 |access-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023225449/https://www.sideshow.com/blog/a-few-things-you-didnt-know-about-james-camerons-aliens/ |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The original production budget escalated from $30&nbsp;million to $48&nbsp;million.<ref name="Guber" /> [[File:Knebworth W front.JPG|thumb|left|300px|[[Knebworth House]] served as [[Wayne Manor]] in the film.]] Filming was highly secretive. The unit [[publicist]] was offered and refused [[pound sterling|£]]10,000 for the first pictures of Nicholson as the Joker. The police were later called in when two reels of footage (about 20 minutes' worth) were stolen.<ref name="empire">{{cite news | first = Iain | last = Johnstone | title = Dark Knight in the City of Dreams | work = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | pages=46–54 | date =August 1989 }}</ref> With various problems during filming, Burton called it "Torture. The worst period of my life!"<ref name="Guber" />

Hamm was not allowed to perform rewrites during the [[1988 Writers Guild of America strike]].<ref name="Jones" /> [[Warren Skaaren]], who had also worked on Burton's ''Beetlejuice'', did rewrites. [[Jonathan Gems]] and [[Charles McKeown]] rewrote the script during filming.<ref>Salisbury, Burton, p.145</ref> Only Skaaren received screenplay credit with Hamm. Hamm criticized the rewrites, but blamed the changes on Warner Bros.<ref name="White" /> Burton explained, "I don't understand why that became such a problem. We started out with a script that everyone liked, although we recognized it needed a little work."<ref name="Elfman" /> Dick Grayson appeared in the shooting script but was deleted because the filmmakers felt he was irrelevant to the plot;<ref name="Jones" /> Kane supported this decision.<ref name="audio" />

Keaton used his comedic experience for scenes such as Bruce and Vicki's Wayne Manor dinner.{{r|Joe}} He called himself a "logic freak" and was concerned that Batman's secret identity would in reality be fairly easy to uncover. Keaton discussed ideas with Burton to better disguise the character, including the use of [[contact lenses]]. Ultimately, Keaton decided to perform Batman's voice at a lower register than when he was portraying Bruce Wayne, which became a hallmark of the film version of the character, with [[Christian Bale]] later using the same technique.<ref name=MTVvoice>{{cite web|last1=Wigler|first1=Josh|title=Michael Keaton Reveals The Secret Origin Of His Batman Voice|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2047921/michael-keaton-batman-voice/|website=[[MTV]]|access-date=January 14, 2015|archive-date=December 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204095907/http://www.mtv.com/news/2047921/michael-keaton-batman-voice/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Originally in the climax, the Joker was meant to kill Vicki Vale, sending Batman into a vengeful fury. Jon Peters reworked the climax without telling Burton and commissioned production designer Anton Furst to create a {{convert|38|ft|m|adj=on}} model of the cathedral.<ref name="Stone" /> This cost $100,000 when the film was already well over budget. Burton disliked the idea, having no clue how the scene would end: "Here were Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger walking up this cathedral, and halfway up Jack turns around and says, 'Why am I walking up all these stairs? Where am I going?' 'We'll talk about it when you get to the top!' I had to tell him that I didn't know."<ref name="Stone">{{cite news | first = Tom | last = Stone | title = How Hollywood had the last laugh | work = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | date = September 28, 2004 }}</ref>

===Music===
{{See also|Batman (album)|Batman (score)}}
[[File:20220610 dannyelfman by sachynmital (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Composer Danny Elfman in 2022.]]

Burton hired [[Danny Elfman]] of [[Oingo Boingo]], his collaborator on ''Pee-wee's Big Adventure'' and ''Beetlejuice'', to compose the music score. For inspiration, Elfman was given ''The Dark Knight Returns''. Elfman was worried, as he had never worked on a production this large in budget and scale.<ref name="overtures">[[Danny Elfman]], [[Tim Burton]], ''Nocturnal Overtures: The Music of Batman'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref> In addition, producer Jon Peters was skeptical of hiring Elfman, but was later convinced when he heard the opening number.<ref name="reborn" /> Peters and Peter Guber wanted [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] to write music for the Joker and [[Michael Jackson]] to do the romance songs. Elfman would then combine the style of Prince and Jackson's songs together for the entire film score.<ref name="Elfman" /> At the encouragement of Prince's then-manager [[Albert Magnoli]], it was agreed that Prince himself would write and sing the [[Batman (album)|film's songs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/prince-batman-at-30-how-film-saved-his-career-1203251356/|title=Prince's 'Batman' at 30: How the Film Saved His Career From 'Horrible' Financial Straits|first=Todd|last=Gilchrist|publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=June 24, 2019|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011153216/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/prince-batman-at-30-how-film-saved-his-career-1203251356/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Burton protested the ideas, citing "my movies aren't commercial like ''[[Top Gun]]''."<ref name="Elfman" /> Elfman enlisted the help of composer [[Shirley Walker]] and Oingo Boingo lead guitarist [[Steve Bartek]] to arrange the compositions for the orchestra.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Doerschuk|first=Robert L.|date=October 1989|title=Danny Elfman – The Agony & The Ecstasy of Scoring ''Batman''|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uqI4AQAAIAAJ|publisher=GPI Publications|volume=15|issue=10|pages=82–95|access-date=12 January 2018|magazine=[[Keyboard (magazine)|Keyboard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Elfman Cometh |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=February 23, 1990 |url=https://ew.com/article/1990/02/23/danny-elfman-rise/ |access-date=December 18, 2007 |first=Ron |last=Givens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107120918/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C316794%2C00.html |archive-date=January 7, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Elfman was later displeased with the [[Audio mixing (film and television)|audio mixing]] of his film score. "''Batman'' was done in England by technicians who didn't care, and the non-caring showed," he stated. "I'm not putting down England because they've done gorgeous [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubs]] there, but this particular crew elected not to."<ref>{{cite news | first = Judy | last = Sloane | title = Elfman on scoring | work = Film Review | page=77 | date = August 1995 }}</ref> ''Batman'' was one of the first films to spawn two soundtracks. One of them featured songs written by Prince while the other showcased Elfman's score. Both were successful,<ref>{{cite news | first = Stephen | last = Holden | title = The Pop Life | work = [[The New York Times]] | date = July 19, 1989 | author-link = Stephen Holden }}</ref> and compilations of Elfman's [[opening credits]] were used in the [[title sequence]] theme for ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' (1992–1995), also composed by Walker.<ref name="reboot" />

==Themes==
When discussing the central [[theme (arts)|theme]] of ''Batman'', director Tim Burton explained, "the whole film and mythology of the character is a complete duel of the freaks. It's a fight between two disturbed people", adding, "The Joker is such a great character because there's a complete freedom to him. Any character who operates on the outside of society and is deemed a freak and an outcast then has the freedom to do what they want... They are the darker sides of freedom. Insanity is in some scary way the most freedom you can have, because you're not bound by the laws of society".<ref name="Elfman">{{cite book | first1=Mark | last1=Salisbury |first2=Tim |last2=Burton | title =Burton on Burton | publisher =Faber and Faber | year =2006 | location = London | pages =70–83 | isbn = 0-571-22926-3 | chapter = Batman|author2-link=Tim Burton }}</ref>

Burton saw Bruce Wayne as the bearer of a double identity, exposing one while hiding the reality from the world.<ref name="Elfman" /> Burton biographer Ken Hanke wrote that Bruce Wayne, struggling with his alter-ego as Batman, is depicted as an [[antihero]]. Hanke felt that Batman has to push the boundaries of civil justice to deal with certain criminals, such as the Joker.<ref name="forever">{{cite book | first= Ken | last= Hanke | title =Tim Burton: An Unauthorized Biography of the Filmmaker | publisher =[[Renaissance Books]] | year =1999 | pages =75–85 | isbn = 1-58063-162-2 | chapter = Going Batty in Britain}}</ref> [[Kim Newman]] theorized that "Burton and the writers saw Batman and the Joker as a dramatic antithesis, and the film deals with their intertwined origins and fates to an even greater extent".<ref>{{cite news | first = Kim | last = Newman | title = Batman | work = [[Monthly Film Bulletin]] | pages=61–64 | date = September 1989 | author-link = Kim Newman }}</ref>

''Batman'' conveys trademarks found in 1930s [[pulp magazine]]s, notably the design of Gotham City stylized with [[Art Deco]] design.<ref name="Hal">{{cite news | first = Hal | last = Hinson | newspaper = [[The Washington Post]] | date = June 23, 1989 | title = Batman | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/batmanpg13hinson_a07fb8.htm | access-date = October 24, 2008 | archive-date = November 11, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121111125833/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/batmanpg13hinson_a07fb8.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> [[Richard Corliss]], writing for ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', observed that Gotham's design was a reference to films such as ''[[The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari]]'' (1920) and ''[[Metropolis (1927 film)|Metropolis]]'' (1927). "Gotham City, despite being shot on a studio [[backlot]]", he continued, "is literally another character in the script. It has the demeaning presence of [[German expressionist cinema|German Expressionism]] and [[fascist architecture]], staring down at the citizens."<ref>{{cite magazine | first = Richard | last = Corliss | title = Murk in The Myth | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957972,00.html | magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date = June 19, 1989 | access-date = October 26, 2008 | author-link = Richard Corliss | archive-date = April 24, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080424105538/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957972,00.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> Hanke further addressed the notions of ''Batman'' being a [[period piece]], in that "The citizens, cops, people and the [[black-and-white]] television looks like it takes place in 1939"; but later said: "Had the filmmakers made [[Vicki Vale]] a [[femme fatale]] rather than a [[damsel in distress]], this could have made ''Batman'' as a homage and tribute to classic [[film noir]]."<ref name="Manor" /> Portions of the [[climax (narrative)|climax]] pay homage to ''[[Vertigo (film)|Vertigo]]'' (1958).<ref name="cartoon" />

==Marketing==
The B.D. Fox [[Advertising agency|ad agency]] created hundreds of unused logos and posters for promotion, many by [[John Alvin]]. In the end Burton and producers decided on only using a gold and black logo that Julian Caldow had sketched in the art department. The final logo was airbrushed by Bill Garland, with no other key art variation, to keep an air of mystery about the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/graphic-design/batman-1989-why-anton-fursts-iconic-movie-logo-designs-still-resonate-30-years-on/|title=Batman 1989: Why the iconic movie logo and design work by Anton Furst still resonate|newspaper=Digital Arts|first=Giacomo|last=Lee|date=September 3, 2019|accessdate=October 30, 2022}}</ref> The logo is also an [[ambiguous image]], which can be read either as Batman's symbol or as a gaping mouth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thedissolve.com/features/adventures-in-licensing/207-how-the-1989-batman-logo-helped-set-the-course-for/|website=The Dissolve|date=October 9, 2013|title=How the 1989 Batman logo helped set the course for superhero movies|first=Noel|last=Murray|accessdate=October 30, 2022}}</ref> Earlier designs "had the word 'Batman' spelled in ''[[RoboCop]]'' or ''[[Conan the Barbarian (1982 film)|Conan the Barbarian]]''-type font".<ref name="Guber" /> Jon Peters unified all the film's [[tie-in]]s, even turning down $6&nbsp;million from [[General Motors]] to build the [[Batmobile]] because the car company would not relinquish creative control.<ref name="Guber" />

During production, Peters read in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' that comic book fans were unsatisfied with the casting of Michael Keaton. In response, Peters rushed the first [[film trailer]] that played in thousands of theaters during Christmas. It was simply an assemblage of scenes without music, but created enormous anticipation for the film, with audiences clapping and cheering.<ref name="Guber" /><ref name="Joe">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/09/magazine/tim-burton-batman-and-the-joker.html |title=Tim Burton, Batman and The Joker |last=Morgenstern |first=Joe |date=April 9, 1989 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=March 26, 2018 |archive-date=March 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084229/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/09/magazine/tim-burton-batman-and-the-joker.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[DC Comics]] allowed screenwriter Sam Hamm to write his own [[Limited series (comics)|comic book miniseries]]. Hamm's stories were collected in the [[graphic novel]] ''Batman: Blind Justice'' ({{ISBN|978-1563890475}}). [[Denys Cowan]] and [[Dick Giordano]] illustrated the artwork.<ref name="Hamm" /> ''Blind Justice'' tells the story of Bruce Wayne trying to solve a series of murders connected to [[Wayne Enterprises|WayneTech]]. It also marks the first appearance of [[Henri Ducard]], who was later used in the [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]]ed ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005), albeit as an alias for the more notable [[Ra's al Ghul]].<ref name="Hamm" />

In the months leading up to ''Batman''{{'}}s release in June 1989, a [[popular culture]] phenomenon known as "[[Lisztomania#Creation and use of the term|Batmania]]" began. Over $750&nbsp;million worth of merchandise was sold.<ref name="reboot" /> [[Cult film]]maker and comic book writer [[Kevin Smith]] remembered: "That summer was huge. You couldn't turn around without seeing the Bat-Signal somewhere. People were cutting it into their fucking heads. It was just the summer of Batman and if you were a comic book fan it was pretty hot."<ref>[[Kevin Smith]], ''[[An Evening with Kevin Smith]]'', 2002, [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]]</ref> [[Hachette Book Group USA]] published a novelization, ''Batman'', written by [[Craig Shaw Gardner]].<ref>{{cite book|title = Batman: The Novelization (Mass Market Paperback)|isbn = 0446363030|last1 = Gardner|first1 = Craig Shaw|year = 1992| publisher=Warner Books |url-access = registration|url = https://archive.org/details/batmanreturns00gard}}</ref> It remained on [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]] throughout June 1989.<ref>{{cite news | title = Paperback Best Sellers: June 18, 1989 | work = [[The New York Times]] | date = June 18, 1989 }}</ref> Burton admitted he was annoyed by the publicity. David Handelman of ''[[The New York Observer]]'' categorized ''Batman'' as a [[high concept]] film. He believed "it is less movie than a corporate [[behemoth]]".<ref name="cartoon">{{cite book | first = Alison | last = McMahan | title =The Films of Tim Burton: Animating Live Action in Contemporary Hollywood | publisher = [[Gale (Cengage)|Gale]] | year =2005 | location = [[Farmington Hills, Michigan]] | pages = 121–156 | isbn = 0-8264-1566-0 | chapter = Burton's Batman: Myth, Marketing, and Merchandising }}</ref>

==Reception==

===Box office===
''Batman'' grossed $2.2 million in late night previews on June 22, 1989, on 1,215 screens and grossed $40.49 million in 2,194 theaters during its opening weekend.<ref name="Gray2002">{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Brandon |date=May 6, 2002 |title='Spider-Man' Takes Box Office on the Ultimate Spin: $114.8 Million |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1157&p=.htm |access-date=April 5, 2017 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207041845/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1157&p=.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> This broke the opening weekend records held by ''[[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]'' (which had a 4-day [[Memorial Day]] weekend gross of $37.0&nbsp;million the previous month)<ref name=Weekends>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Daily Variety]]|title=Leading North American Film Boxoffice Weekends in History|last=Murphy|first=Arthur D.|date=October 31, 1989|page=53}}</ref> and ''[[Ghostbusters II]]'' (which had a $29.4&nbsp;million 3-day weekend the previous weekend).<ref name="BOMdaily">{{cite web | url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=daily&id=batman.htm | title = Batman (1989) Daily Box Office | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = April 1, 2018 | archive-date = April 2, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180402035506/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=daily&id=batman.htm | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=McBride|title='Batman' Swoops to Conquer|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|page=1|date=June 28, 1989}}</ref> Upon opening, the film would go on to reach the number one spot above ''[[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-batman-breaks-box/129289946/ |title='Batman' breaks box-office records |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802022355/https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-batman-breaks-box/129289946/ |date=June 27, 1989 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |archive-date=August 2, 2023 |page=30 |publisher=[[Santa Cruz Sentinel]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> Additionally, it had the largest opening weekend for a Jack Nicholson film for 14 years until it was dethroned by ''[[Anger Management (film)|Anger Management]]'' in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Brandon |date=April 14, 2003 |title='Anger' Manages April Record: $42.2 Million |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed829686788/ |access-date=May 14, 2023 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514235806/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed829686788/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Batman'' also set a record for a second weekend gross with $30&nbsp;million (also the second biggest 3-day weekend of all time)<ref name=Weekends/> and became the fastest film to earn $100&nbsp;million, reaching it in 11 days (10 days plus late night previews).<ref name="BOMdaily" /><ref>{{cite news|first=Joseph|last=McBride|title='Batman' Tops $100-Million|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|page=1|date=July 5, 1989}}</ref> The film closed on December 14, 1989, with a final gross of $251.4&nbsp;million in North America and $160.2&nbsp;million internationally, totaling $411.6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batman.htm | title = Batman (1989) | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = May 3, 2008 | archive-date = June 11, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090611040540/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batman.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> The film would hold the record for being the highest-grossing Warner Bros. film until 1996 when ''[[Twister (1996 film)|Twister]]'' surpassed it.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mendelson |first1=Scott |title='Twister': The Circumstances Of Its Blockbuster Success May Be Impossible To Replicate |website=[[Forbes]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2020/06/25/twister-is-getting-rebooted-because-now-every-hit-movie-is-a-franchise/?sh=3bb11fd32470 |access-date=27 February 2022 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227180341/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2020/06/25/twister-is-getting-rebooted-because-now-every-hit-movie-is-a-franchise/?sh=3bb11fd32470 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the highest-grossing [[List of films based on DC Comics publications|film based on a DC comic book]] until ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=dccomics.htm | title = DC Comics Movies | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = May 3, 2008 | archive-date = October 22, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191022122056/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=dccomics.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> Furthermore, ''Batman'' held the record for being the [[List of highest-grossing superhero films|highest-grossing superhero film]] of all time until it was taken by ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gray |first=Brandon |date=May 20, 2002 |title='Spider-Man,' 'About a Boy' Survive and Thrive Under 'Attack' |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed2054423556/ |access-date=January 1, 2023 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101161553/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed2054423556/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film's gross is the 143rd highest ever in North American ranks.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm | title = All Time Domestic Box Office Results | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 5, 2012 | archive-date = August 3, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180803190039/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> Although ''Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'' made the most money worldwide in 1989,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=1989&p=.htm | title = 1989 Worldwide Grosses | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = May 3, 2008 | archive-date = October 15, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071015082918/http://boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=1989&p=.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Batman'' was able to beat ''The Last Crusade'' in [[North America]],<ref>{{cite web | url = https://boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=1989&p=.htm | title = 1989 Domestic Grosses | work = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = May 3, 2008 | archive-date = December 16, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081216052455/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=1989&p=.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> and made a further $150&nbsp;million in [[home video]] sales.<ref name="Mad">Jeffrey Resner (August 1992). "Three Go Mad in Gotham", ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'', pp. 44–52. Retrieved on August 14, 2008.</ref> [[Box Office Mojo]] estimates that the film sold more than 60 million tickets in the US.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=May 31, 2016|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batman.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|title=Batman (1989)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|archive-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804215946/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=batman.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite the film's box office – over $400 million against a budget of no more than $48&nbsp;million – Warner Bros. claimed it ended up losing $35.8&nbsp;million and "not likely to ever show a profit," which has been attributed to a case of [[Hollywood accounting]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-21-ca-796-story.html| first = Dennis| last = McDougal| date = March 21, 1991| title = A Blockbuster Deficit : 'Batman' Accounts Show a $35.8-Million Deficit for the Warners Hit That Grossed $253.4 Million; the Film May Never Show Profit| work = [[Los Angeles Times]]| access-date = May 5, 2020| archive-date = July 31, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200731004833/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-21-ca-796-story.html| url-status = live}}</ref>

===Critical response===
''Batman'' was criticized by some for being too dark, but nonetheless received a generally positive response from critics.<ref name="Elfman" /> On [[review aggregator]] [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds an approval rating of 77% based on 142 reviews, with an average score of 7.1/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "An eerie, haunting spectacle, ''Batman'' succeeds as dark entertainment, even if Jack Nicholson's Joker too often overshadows the title character."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1001781-batman|title=Batman (1989)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date=28 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725123544/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1001781-batman|archive-date=25 July 2022|url-status=live}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film received a [[weighted arithmetic mean|weighted average]] score of 69 based on 21 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/movie/batman | title = Batman (1989): Reviews | work = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = February 21, 2020 | archive-date = March 26, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130326155043/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/batman | url-status = live }}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url=https://m.cinemascore.com |title=CinemaScore |access-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20170916153548/https://m.cinemascore.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Many observed that Burton was more interested in the Joker and the art and set production design than Batman or anything else in terms of characterization and screentime.<ref name="Elfman" /> Comic book fans reacted negatively over the Joker murdering [[Thomas Wayne|Thomas]] and [[Martha Wayne]]; in the comic book, [[Joe Chill]] is responsible. Writer Sam Hamm said it was Burton's idea to have the Joker murder Wayne's parents. "The Writer's Strike was going on, and Tim had the other writers do that. I also hold innocent to Alfred letting Vicki Vale into the [[Batcave]]. Fans were ticked off with that, and I agree. That would have been Alfred's last day of employment at [[Wayne Manor]]," Hamm said.<ref name="reborn">[[Tim Burton]], [[Sam Hamm]], [[Danny Elfman]], ''Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight—The Legend Reborn'', 2005, [[Warner Home Video]]</ref>

The songs written by Prince were criticized for being "too out of place".<ref name="Jones" /> While Burton stated he had no problem with the Prince songs, he was less enthusiastic with their use in the film.<ref name="forever" /> On the film, Burton remarked, "I liked parts of it, but the whole movie is mainly boring to me. It's OK, but it was more of a cultural phenomenon than a great movie."<ref name="Mad" />

Despite initial negative reactions from comics fans prior to the film's release, Keaton's portrayal of Batman was generally praised.<ref name="cartoon"/><ref>{{cite magazine |author=Sauriol, Patrick |title=Dark Knight Triumphant |magazine=[[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]] |date=July 1998 |page=208}}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] called the film entertaining, with the highlight being the production design. However, he concluded, "the best thing that can be said about ''Batman'' is that it led to ''[[Batman Returns]]'', which was a far superior effort."<ref>{{cite news | first = James | last = Berardinelli | url = http://preview.reelviews.net/movies/b/batman.html | title = Batman (1989) | work = ReelViews | date = June 5, 2001 | access-date = May 5, 2008 | author-link = James Berardinelli | archive-date = November 21, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201121162118/https://preview.reelviews.net/movies/b/batman.html | url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' felt "Jack Nicholson stole every scene" but still greeted the film with positive feedback.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://variety.com/1988/film/reviews/batman-2-1200428063/ | title = Film Reviews: Batman | date = June 14, 1989 | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | access-date = May 5, 2008}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] was highly impressed with the production design, but claimed "''Batman'' is a triumph of design over story, style over substance, a great-looking movie with a plot you can't care much about." He also called the film "a depressing experience".<ref>{{cite news | last = Ebert | first = Roger | url = https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/batman-1989 | title = Batman | date = June 23, 1989 | work = [[Chicago Sun-Times]] | via = [[RogerEbert.com]] | access-date = May 5, 2008 | archive-date = April 13, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130413215358/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/batman-1989 | url-status = live }}</ref> On the syndicated television series ''[[At the Movies (1986 TV program)|Siskel & Ebert]]'', his reviewing partner [[Gene Siskel]] disagreed, describing the film as having a "refreshingly adult" approach with performances, direction and set design that "draws you into a psychological world".<ref>{{cite episode |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ3taEufae0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211115/nZ3taEufae0| archive-date=2021-11-15 | url-status=live|title=Batman, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Tummy Trouble, Ghostbusters II, Kung-fu Master!|series=Siskel & Ebert |first=Roger (host)|last=Ebert|first2=Siskel (host)|last2=Gene|season=3|number=41|date=June 24, 1989|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[Anton Furst]] and [[Peter Young (set decorator)|Peter Young]] won the [[Academy Award for Best Production Design|Academy Award for Best Art Direction]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1990/B?qt-honorees=1#block-quicktabs-honorees | title = Batman | work = [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] | access-date = September 16, 2017 | archive-date = September 17, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170917081048/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1990/B?qt-honorees=1#block-quicktabs-honorees | url-status = live }}</ref> while Nicholson was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor (Musical or Comedy)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/23678 |title=Batman |work=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]] |access-date=May 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828132535/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/film/23678 |archive-date=August 28, 2008}}</ref> The [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] nominated ''Batman'' in six categories ([[BAFTA Award for Best Production Design|Production Design]], [[BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects|Visual Effects]], [[BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design|Costume Design]], [[BAFTA Award for Best Makeup and Hair|Makeup]], [[BAFTA Award for Best Sound|Sound]] and [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|Actor in a Supporting Role]] for Nicholson), but it won none of the categories.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?sq=Batman | title = Batman | work = [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] | access-date = October 4, 2008 | archive-date = July 7, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120707205616/http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?sq=Batman | url-status = live }}</ref> Nicholson, Basinger, the makeup department, and [[costume designer]] [[Bob Ringwood]] all received nominations at the [[Saturn Award]]s. The film was also nominated for the [[Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saturnawards.org/past.html |title=Past Saturn Awards |work=[[Saturn Awards]].org |access-date=May 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511180136/http://www.saturnawards.org/past.html |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> and the [[Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thehugoawards.org/index.php?s=Batman | title = 1990 Hugo Awards | work = The [[Hugo Award]]s | access-date = May 6, 2008 | archive-date = March 2, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130302032538/http://www.thehugoawards.org/index.php?s=Batman | url-status = live }}</ref>

The success of ''Batman'' prompted [[Warner Bros. Animation]] to create the acclaimed ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', as a result beginning the long-running [[DC Animated Universe]]<ref>{{cite book | first1 = Paul |last1=Dini|first2=Chip|last2= Kidd|author-link1=Paul Dini|author-link2=Chip Kidd| title =Batman Animated | publisher = [[Titan Books]] | year = 1998 | page = 2 | isbn = 1-84023-016-9| title-link =Batman Animated }}</ref> and helped establish the modern day [[superhero film]] genre. Series co-creator [[Bruce Timm]] stated the television show's [[Art Deco]] design was inspired from the film. Timm commented, "our show would never have gotten made if it hadn't been for that first ''Batman'' movie."<ref>{{cite book | first1=Bruce |last1=Timm|first2= Erick|last2= Nolen-Weathington|author-link1=Bruce Timm| title =Modern Masters Volume 3: Bruce Timm | publisher = [[TwoMorrows Publishing]] | year = 2004 | pages = 38–49 | isbn = 1-893905-30-6}}</ref> Burton joked, "ever since I did ''Batman'', it was like the first dark comic book movie. Now everyone wants to do a dark and serious superhero movie. I guess I'm the one responsible for that trend."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/tim-burton-talk/|title=Tim Burton talks about Johnny Depp, 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Dark Knight'|date=October 15, 2008|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first=Geoff|last=Boucher|access-date=April 18, 2016|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202184347/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/tim-burton-talk/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Batman'' initiated the [[Batman in film#Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher|original ''Batman'' film series]] and spawned three sequels: ''[[Batman Returns]]'' (1992), ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995), and ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'' (1997), the latter two of which were directed by [[Joel Schumacher]] instead of Burton and replaced Keaton as Batman with [[Val Kilmer]] and [[George Clooney]], respectively.

Executive producers [[Benjamin Melniker]] and [[Michael E. Uslan]] filed a [[breach of contract]] lawsuit in [[Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors|Los Angeles County Superior Court]] on March 26, 1992. Melniker and Uslan claimed to be "the victims of a sinister campaign of fraud and coercion that has cheated them out of continuing involvement in the production of ''Batman'' and its sequels. We were denied proper credits, and deprived of any financial rewards for our indispensable creative contribution to the success of ''Batman''."<ref name="Guber" /> A [[superior court]] judge rejected the lawsuit. Total revenues of ''Batman'' have topped $2&nbsp;billion, with Uslan claiming to have "not seen a penny more than that since our [[net profit]] participation has proved worthless."<ref name="Guber" /> Warner Bros. offered the pair an out-of-court settlement, a sum described by Melniker and Uslan's attorney as "two popcorns and two [[Coca-Cola|Coke]]s".<ref>Olly Richards (September 1992). "Trouble in Gotham", ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'', pp. 21–23. Retrieved on August 14, 2008.</ref>

Reflecting on the twentieth anniversary of its release in a retrospective article on [[Salon.com]], film commentator Scott Mendelson noted the continuing impact that ''Batman'' has had on the motion film industry, including the increasing importance of opening weekend box office receipts; the narrowing window between a film's debut and its video release that caused the demise of second-run movie theaters; the accelerated acquisition of pre-existing, pre-sold properties for film adaptations that can be readily leveraged for merchandizing tie-ins; the primacy of the [[Motion Picture Association of America|MPAA]] [[Motion Picture Association of America film rating system|PG-13]] as the target rating for film producers; and more off-beat, non-traditional casting opportunities for genre films.<ref>{{cite news | first=Scott | last=Mendelson | title=20 years later, how Batman changed the movie business... | url=http://open.salon.com/blog/scott_mendelson/2009/06/24/20_years_later_how_batman_changed_the_movie_business | work=[[Salon.com]] | date=June 24, 2009 <!-- @ 10:38&nbsp;am --> | access-date=July 4, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627032037/http://open.salon.com/blog/scott_mendelson/2009/06/24/20_years_later_how_batman_changed_the_movie_business | archive-date=June 27, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The film was responsible for the [[British Board of Film Classification]] introducing its "12" age rating, as its content fell between what was expected for a "PG" or "15" certificate.<ref>{{cite news |title=The 12: From Batman to Spider-Man |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2223293.stm |access-date=March 2, 2021 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=August 29, 2002 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506214023/https://server-uk.imrworldwide.com/a1.js |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Along came a spider |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/along-came-a-spider-175398.html |access-date=March 2, 2021 |work=[[The Independent]] |date=January 10, 2014 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506214024/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/along-came-a-spider-175398.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[American Film Institute]] anointed Batman the 46th greatest movie hero and the Joker the 45th greatest movie villain on ''[[AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://connect.afi.com/site/DocServer/handv100.pdf?docID%3D246 |title=AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains |access-date=2010-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807135547/http://connect.afi.com/site/DocServer/handv100.pdf?docID=246 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref>

;[[American Film Institute]] lists
* [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies]] – Nominated<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/movies400.pdf |title=AFI's 100 Years... 100 Greatest American Movie Nominees |access-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026011242/http://afi.com/Docs/100Years/movies400.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills]] – Nominated<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/thrills400.pdf |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills Nominees |access-date=August 20, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706070532/http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/thrills400.pdf| archive-date= July 6, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains]]:
** The Joker – #45 Villain
** Batman – #46 Hero
* [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes]]:
** "Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?" – Nominated<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/quotes400.pdf |title=AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes Nominees |access-date=August 20, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706070525/http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/quotes400.pdf| archive-date= July 6, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores]] – Nominated<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/scores250.pdf |title=HollywoodBowlBallot |access-date=August 20, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706070523/http://www.afi.com/Docs/100Years/scores250.pdf| archive-date= July 6, 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[AFI's 10 Top 10]] – Nominated Fantasy Film<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afi.com/drop/ballot.pdf |title=AFI's 10 Top 10 Ballot |access-date=August 20, 2011 |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326214614/http://www.afi.com/drop/ballot.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

Robert Wuhl reprises his role as Alexander Knox in [[The CW]]'s [[Arrowverse]] crossover, ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]''. The event also retroactively established that the world of the film and its sequel, ''[[Batman Returns]]'', takes place on Earth-89; which is one of the worlds destroyed by the [[Anti-Monitor]] ([[LaMonica Garrett]]) during the Crisis.<ref>{{cite web|last=Drum|first=Nicole|title=Batman '89 Universe Confirmed For Crisis on Infinite Earths|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/10/13/batman-89-robert-wuhl-alexander-knox-crisis-on-infinite-earths/|website=ComicBook|access-date=December 8, 2019|date=October 13, 2019|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208225841/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/10/13/batman-89-robert-wuhl-alexander-knox-crisis-on-infinite-earths/|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael Keaton reprises his role as Batman in ''[[The Flash (film)|The Flash]]'' set in the [[DC Extended Universe]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |date=August 20, 2020 |title=Ben Affleck Will Return as Batman in ''The Flash'' |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/08/ben-affleck-returns-batman-the-flash-multiverse-keaton |url-status=live |access-date=August 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820190653/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/08/ben-affleck-returns-batman-the-flash-multiverse-keaton |archive-date=August 20, 2020}}</ref>

===Video games===
Several video games based on the film were released: By [[Ocean Software]] in [[Batman (1989 video game)|1989]],<ref>{{cite journal | last = Glancey| first = Paul | title = Review - Amiga - Batman| journal = [[Computer & Video Games]]| issue = 96| pages = 54, 55| publisher = [[EMAP]]| date = November 1989}}</ref> by [[Sunsoft]] in [[Batman: The Video Game|1989]] and [[Batman (Sega Genesis video game)|1990]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rasa |first1=Chris |title=Batman: The Video Game (NES) |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/batman-the-video-game-nes/ |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=15 March 2023 |date=12 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/23/batman-retro-review|title= Batman Retro Review The game|author= Levi Buchanan|publisher= [[IGN]]|date= July 23, 2008|access-date= March 23, 2014}}</ref> and by [[Atari Games]] in [[Batman (1991 video game)|1991]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9600| title = Overview - Batman|author1=Schwartz, Michael |author2=Dykman, Joan | publisher = [[allgame]]| access-date = October 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210200100/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=9600 | archive-date=December 10, 2014 | url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Konami]] was also in talks of releasing an arcade game around the same time as Atari.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yarwood |first1=Jack |title=Ex-Konami Artist Says Developer Wanted To Make A Batman Game For Arcades |url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2023/03/ex-konami-artist-says-developer-wanted-to-make-a-batman-game-for-arcades |website=Time Extension |publisher=Hookshot Media |access-date=15 March 2023 |date=15 March 2023}}</ref>

===Comic book continuations===
{{Main|Batman '89 (comic book)}}
In March 2016, artist Joe Quinones revealed several art designs he and [[Kate Leth]] had created to pitch a comic book continuation set in the 1989 ''Batman'' universe to DC Comics. The pitch, which was rejected, would have included the story of Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face as well as the inclusion of characters such as Batgirl in a story that took place following the events of ''Batman Returns''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitbrook|first=James|title=Behold the Batman '89 Comic That DC Rejected Because They Hate Joy|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/behold-the-batman-89-comic-that-dc-rejected-because-the-1763852670/|website=[[Gizmodo]]|access-date=February 17, 2021|date=February 17, 2021|archive-date=February 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216230618/https://io9.gizmodo.com/behold-the-batman-89-comic-that-dc-rejected-because-the-1763852670|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, DC announced it would be releasing a comic book continuation of the film titled ''[[Batman '89 (comic book)|Batman '89]]''. The series would be written by [[Sam Hamm]] and illustrated by Joe Quinones. The comic's synopsis revealed that it would include the return of Selina Kyle/Catwoman, an introduction of a new Robin, and the transformation of Williams' Harvey Dent into Two-Face.<ref>{{cite web|last=Arvedon|first=Jon|title=DC Announces Batman '89 and Superman '78 Digital First Series|url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-batman-89-superman-78-digital-first/|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|access-date=February 17, 2021|date=February 17, 2021|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217000750/https://www.cbr.com/dc-batman-89-superman-78-digital-first/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A follow-up series was later announced by DC Comics on August 17, 2023. The first issue of the new series was released on November 28, 2023. It was written again by Sam Hamm, with art by Joe Quinones. In the series, Batman has mysteriously disappeared after Dent's death, leading Gotham citizens to take to the streets to fight in his place, including Barbara Gordon, who becomes [[Batgirl]]. [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]] and [[Harley Quinn]] will be featured as the main antagonists,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Matthew Aguilar |date=2023-08-17 |title=DC Reveals Sequels to Batman '89 and Superman '78 (Exclusive) |url= https://comicbook.com/comics/news/dc-reveals-sequels-to-batman-89-and-superman-78-exclusive/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Comicbook.com |language=en}}</ref> seemingly referencing the unproduced fifth film in the Burton and Schumacher series, ''Batman Unchained''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schedeen |first1=Jesse |title=Batman '89: Echoes Adds Scarecrow and Harley Quinn to the Burtonverse |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/batman-89-echoes-scarecrow-harley-quinn-superman-78 |website=[[IGN]]|date=August 21, 2023 }}</ref>

===Direct sequel novels===
{{Main|Batman: Resurrection|Batman: Revolution}}
On April 11, 2024, it was announced that a new novel would be released which would tie-in to the film. Announced with the title ''[[Batman: Resurrection]]'', the novel was written by author [[John Jackson Miller]], and acts as a direct sequel to the film, being set between the events of ''Batman'' and its sequel ''Batman Returns'', with Batman focusing on dismantling the remnants of Joker's organization, while contemplating on the idea that Joker might not actually be dead. The novel also includes certain characters introduced in the sequel, with one example being Max Shreck.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Matthew Aguilar |date=2024-04-11 |title=Batman 1989 Continues, in a Brand New Novel |url= https://gizmodo.com/batman-resurrections-novel-1989-john-jackson-miller-1851403150 |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=[[Gizmodo]] |language=en}}</ref> It was released on October 15, 2024, by [[Penguin Random House]]; a sequel, titled ''[[Batman: Revolution]]'', was later revealed by Miller and was released in October 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/750157/batman-resurrection-by-john-jackson-miller/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411173800/https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/750157/batman-resurrection-by-john-jackson-miller/ |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |access-date=April 14, 2024 |publisher=[[Penguin Random House]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/batman-resurrection-prose-novel-tim-burton-film-sequel-excerpt/ | title=Batman: Resurrection Continues the Dark Knight's Tale From the Tim Burton Film (Exclusive) | website= comicbook.com | date=October 13, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1688100/batman-resurrection-book-batman-1989-batman-returns-gap/ | title=New Batman: Resurrection Book Fills In The Gap Between Batman 1989 And Batman Returns | website= slashfilm.com | date=October 15, 2024 }}</ref>

===Home media===
''Batman'' has been released on various formats, including [[VHS]], [[LaserDisc]], [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]]. In an unprecedented move at the time, it was made available to buy on VHS in the United States on November 15, 1989, less than six months after its theatrical release, at a suggested retail price of only $24.95 although most sellers sold it for less.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title='Batman' a Potent Weapon in Sell-through Crusade|date=November 15, 1989|page=31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title='Batman' Vids Fly Off Shelves; Stores Face Limited Supploy|date=November 22, 1989|page=81}}</ref> It was first released on DVD on March 25, 1997, as a double sided disc containing both [[Widescreen]] (1.85:1) and [[Fullscreen (filmmaking)|Full Screen]] (1.33:1) versions of the film. The 2005 ''Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989–1997'' included 2-disc special edition DVDs of the film and all three of its sequels. The anthology was also released as a 4-disc Blu-ray set in 2009, with each film and its previous extras contained on a single disc. Other Blu-ray reissues include a "30th Anniversary" Digibook with 50-page booklet, and a steelcase edition; both also include a [[Digital Copy]]. Most recently the "25th Anniversary" Diamond Luxe reissue contained the same disc as before and on a second disc, a new 25-minute featurette: "Batman: The Birth of the Modern Blockbuster".

The film was also included in ''The Tim Burton Collection'' DVD and Blu-ray set in 2012, alongside its first sequel, ''Batman Returns''.

''Batman'' was released on [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]] on June 4, 2019.<ref>{{Citation|title=Batman 4K Blu-ray|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Batman-4K-Blu-ray/230456/|access-date=2019-04-12|archive-date=April 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409031757/https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Batman-4K-Blu-ray/230456/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book | first= Janet K. | last= Halfyard |title=Danny Elfman's Batman: A Film Score Guide |others=A careful study of Elfman's scoring technique with a detailed analysis of the film itself |type=Paperback |date=October 28, 2004|publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=0-8108-5126-1 }}
* {{cite book |author=Craig Shaw Gardner |title=Batman |others=[[Novelization]] of the film |type=Mass Market Paperback |date=June 1, 1989 |publisher=[[Hachette Book Group USA]] |isbn=0-446-35487-2 |author-link=Craig Shaw Gardner |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/batman00gard }}

==External links==


* {{IMDb title}}
* {{TCMDb title}}
* {{Official website|https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/batman/}} ''Batman'' (1989) Official website at [[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Bros.]] 
* {{Official website|https://www.dccomics.com/movies/batman-1989}} ''Batman'' (1989) Official website at [[DC Comics]]

{{The President's Memorial Award}}
{{Tim Burton's/Joel Schumacher's Batman}}
{{Batman in popular media}}
{{Batman in film}}
{{DC Comics films}}
{{Tim Burton}}
{{Yearly highest-grossing US films}}


[[Category:1989 action films]]
[[Category:1989 American films]]
[[Category:1989 British films]]
[[Category:1989 English-language films]]
[[Category:1980s superhero films]]
[[Category:1989 films]]
[[Category:American action films]]
[[Category:American films about revenge]]
[[Category:American superhero films]]
[[Category:Films set in art museums and galleries]]
[[Category:Batman (1989 film series)]]
[[Category:British action films]]
[[Category:British films about revenge]]
[[Category:British superhero films]]
[[Category:Casting controversies in film]]
[[Category:Films adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Films directed by Tim Burton]]
[[Category:Films produced by Jon Peters]]
[[Category:Films produced by Peter Guber]]
[[Category:Films scored by Danny Elfman]]
[[Category:Films shot at Pinewood Studios]]
[[Category:Films shot in Bedfordshire]]
[[Category:Films shot in Hertfordshire]]
[[Category:Films shot in London]]
[[Category:Films whose production designer won the Best Production Design Academy Award]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Sam Hamm]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Warren Skaaren]]
[[Category:Gothic films]]
[[Category:Joker (character) in other media]]
[[Category:PolyGram Filmed Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Saturn Award–winning films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:English-language action films]]
[[Category:Dolby Cinema films]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Batman (1989 film)|access_date=2026-02-26}}