The 15 Best Scenes In The Batman Ranked
With its unique take on DC Comics' Caped Crusader, Matt Reeves' "The Batman" delivers yet another innovative approach to the beloved pop-culture hero. Starring Robert Pattinson, the film dives into the detective side of the famous masked vigilante and gives audiences a more profound look at the cursed life of Bruce Wayne while on his new crime-fighting path. And with other iconic "Batman" characters involved, including Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), The Riddler (Paul Dano), and Penguin (Colin Farrell) thrown into the mix, "The Batman" certainly has quite a few unique elements.
Yet within an almost three-hour-long movie, which sequences are the most heart-pumping? What moments left audiences jaws on the floor? Which will leave their stamp on the continuing "Batman" legacy? That's where this list comes in. From the sequences that left a smile on fans' faces to the ones that many are still recovering from, here are some of the most memorable parts of "The Batman."
15. Batman finds a 'thumb drive'
From the beginning, "The Batman" sets up the awkward (yet weirdly endearing) dynamic of Batman and Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) in the best of ways. From Jim trying to guide Batman through a crime scene to the "choreography" of their conversations, Matt Reeves showcases the ever-evolving relationship between Batman and Gordon with a balanced approach. The scene that proves this best of all involves a USB drive and a dad-style joke.
After Batman puts together the Riddler's first set of clues, he begins to look for a USB drive — otherwise referred to as a "thumb drive." Once Batman uncovers the storage device in one of the late mayor Don Mitchell Jr.'s cars, he finds the missing digit from the mayor's body as well. While the details are pretty gruesome, the line delivery by Robert Pattinson as he discovers said thumb (along with Wright's reaction) makes for some deadpan comedic perfection.
14. The Riddler's jealousy towards Bruce Wayne
Throughout "The Batman," the Riddler goes to extremes to expose the imbalance of power in Gotham. While many high-profile figures in the fictional city drive the Riddler to madness, none of them evoke as much hatred in the villain as Bruce Wayne. This is proven in an unnerving sequence in the film's third act in which Batman meets with the Riddler (aka Edward Nashton) after Nashton's arrest. The villain shows his true colors in this scene.
From Paul Dano's terrifying screams to Robert Pattinson's calculated reactions, this scene perfectly portrays the anxieties of the characters. On one hand, there's Edward, whose jealousy towards Bruce's privileged life led the orphan down a horrific mental spiral, then there's Bruce, who's not only horrified that Edward might know the truth behind his Batman persona but is also frustrated by how Batman got involved as the "muscle" in Riddler's plans. Ultimately, this scene is a beautiful example of two actors at the top of their game, both of whom are masters at depicting the duality of these opposing foes.
13. Batman meets Selina's cats
While many of the scenes in "The Batman" are brutal to the core, a few work because of their simplicity. One of those is a sequence early on in which Batman to Selina Kyle's (Zoë Kravitz) apartment. With her roommate, Annika, having been kidnapped and their home torn to pieces, Selina is in a rough state. Thankfully, Selina has quite a clowder of cats to give her all of the snuggles and support she needs, which Batman points out with spot-on deadpan delivery.
Though some fans might find this scene a tad pointless, this moment between Catwoman and Batman is effective for many reasons. Besides allowing the chemistry to build between the characters, the sequence also lets Bruce see a more human side of Selina. She is more than just a beautiful figure of mystery. She's someone that Bruce can connect with on a deeper level, especially when it comes to them feeling abandonment and grief at an early age. Plus, audiences get to hear one of the best lines in the movie: "I have a thing about strays." We also get to see a bunch of cats attempt to cuddle with Batman, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
12. The Riddler's horrific video
When it comes to the media, no character is quite as crafty at using it as the Riddler. Maybe he isn't the best videographer in the world, but the Riddler still makes use of his limited skills. And the scene that shows the Riddler's terrifying abilities best of all involves Commissioner Pete Savage. Both the video and the act are the definition of gruesome.
From the "Saw"-like contraption that the Riddler puts on Savage's head to the unnerving use of audio, this moment establishes how the Riddler isn't your everyday Gotham bad guy. The scene also allows audiences to see Paul Dano's commitment to his performance as the iconic green-clad villain. While Dano's take certainly has its connections to the character's comic book past, this sequence (and many others) proves that this is an entirely different Riddler who will do just about anything to accomplish his goals.
11. Batman and Gordon question Penguin
After the incredible car chase between Batman and Penguin, the Caped Crusader and Jim Gordon pressure The Iceberg Lounge owner to spill the Gotham tea in the hopes that they can figure out the Riddler's next move. While it seems impossible for Matt Reeves to top the adrenaline rush of the last action sequence, this dialog-heavy moment is a perfect follow-up. It maintains the excellent pace of the movie while allowing the audience to catch their breath.
From Batman and Gordon's fantastic crime-solving banter to the Penguin's knock-out one-liners, the magic of this scene is in the dialog. Matt Reeves and co-screenwriter Peter Craig weave in just the right amount of spunk, making you feel as if you're watching a Billy Wilder movie at times. Although Robert Pattinson and Jeffrey Wright do excellent work as they question Penguin, Colin Farrell is the star of the sequence. Delivering the best lines in the scene with flawless comedic timing, Farrell proves why his character is getting a spin-off HBO Max show.
10. Selina investigates The Iceberg Lounge
Easily the coolest piece of technology in "The Batman" is the camera contact lenses Bruce Wayne uses. While we get to see them throughout the film, they are best used during a scene in which Selina aids Batman by going into the secret club, 44 Below. Wearing the contacts, Bruce can see everything from Selina's perspective, allowing for the pair to gain important information. However, it is the interpersonal development between Selina and Bruce that makes this scene significant.
With Zoë Kravitz's elegant acting choices and her communicative chemistry with Robert Pattinson, we're able to witness Selina's confident side. Yet, when she finally sees mobster Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), Bruce (and the audience) get a glimpse into Selina's past. This is an aspect that our hero becomes fixated on, as Bruce tries to understand the mindset of his possible love interest. Ultimately, this scene represents the ever-changing relationship between the Bat and Cat while also developing the mystery at the core of the film.
9. Bruce and Alfred's heart-to-heart
While there's fan debate about Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Bruce Wayne, there's no denying that one sequence is easily the best use of his version of the character. After meeting with Carmine Falcone, Bruce visits Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis) in the hospital. As Alfred is healing (from reading the Riddler's literally explosive), Bruce questions his beloved butler and caretaker, leading to a conversation that not only unearths the truth behind the Wayne family's past with Falcone but also speaks to the deeper connections between Bruce and Alfred.
Though some might argue that the earlier scene between Bruce and Falcone should be on this list, there's something genuinely charming about this emotional exchange. It's a scene that showcases the father-son dynamic fans have always adored in Alfred and Bruce's relationship. While other "Batman" movies have depicted that bond, this is easily the most heartfelt representation. This is thanks to the chemistry between Serkis and Pattinson. Ultimately, this scene shows the duality within Bruce as well as his vulnerable side.
8. Batman checks on Selina's eyes
One element of "The Batman" fans were promised was more development of the relationship between the Bat and the Cat — a pledge that the film delivers on with flying colors. And while some fans weren't too excited about the casting of Robert Pattinson in the title role, it's clear he and Kravitz have proven to be quite the cinematic pair. One scene early on in their relationship, in which Batman gives Selina a pair of his camera contact lenses, proves this best of all.
From the beginning, fans are introduced to an introverted Bruce Wayne, a man who hides not only from the public eye but from any sort of human connection. It makes sense that when he's in such an intimate scenario, especially with someone who piques his interest like Selina, he would have no clue how to handle the situation. When Batman holds onto Selina's face for just a little too long, fans are given a delicious hint at their chemistry along with Bruce's lack of understanding when it comes to social cues. While some viewers might have felt this scene was a tad unnecessary, it's an essential example of the off-beat nature of this romantic duo.
7. Batman realizes Riddler's final grand scheme
As act three of "The Batman" begins, the Caped Crusader (along with the audience) starts to realize that there is one last trick up the Riddler's sleeve. While the various murders were crucial to this villain's plans, Edward Nashston is an antagonist who won't go down so quickly. The sequence in which Batman and Officer Martinez (Gil Perez-Abraham) piece together the grand finale of Riddler's scheme is one of the most outstanding examples of what makes the Dark Knight an iconic character.
Throughout the film, fans are shown a Batman who thrives in his detective skills. While many scenes show him using his intelligence to put Riddler's clues together, this particular moment is the bow on the cinematic package of the movie. Sure, audiences have seen Batman solve puzzles before but nothing as clever or thrilling as this. Paired with the comedic chemistry between Pattinson and Perez-Abraham and the horrifying realization that they're both too late to stop Riddler's madness, this scene is one for the books.
6. Batman's heroic efforts in Gotham Square Garden
With his brutal fighting skills and introverted ways, it's evident that this Batman is far from the classic version of the Caped Crusader fans have become accustomed to. Yet, when Batman swoops into Gotham Square Garden as the city is flooded, shades of the traditionally heroic Dark Knight take shape.
From the stunning use of lighting to the quiet elegance in Robert Pattinson's acting, everything comes together in this scene to show the evolution of Batman. Until this point, he's been a character who has felt more comfortable in the shadows. With the choice to have Batman attend to the citizens below, we witness the crimefighter taking more responsibility, going as far as to be the literal guiding light to the people of Gotham. When one of those civilians is Mayor Don Mitchell Jr.'s young son, a character who seems like an avatar for Bruce's traumatic past, it's clear that Batman has evolved beyond the isolated figure he once was.
5. Batman vs. Bruce entering The Iceberg Lounge
While "The Batman" is far from a comedic film, it does have some notable moments of humor, including one that involves Batman trying to get inside The Iceberg Lounge. As Batman is trying to question the Penguin, he encounters two figures simply known as "The Twins" (played by Charlie and Max Carver), a pair that guards the door of Oswald Cobblepot's club at all times. During this first meeting, Batman gives the duo a taste of his power moves. However, when Bruce comes in, the twins treat him very differently.
These exchanges land on this list because they are hilarious and showcase the difference between Bruce's two personas. Batman is the embodiment of the anger and strength within Bruce Wayne. He's a mysterious figure who doesn't let most things stand in his way. Bruce is much more reserved, and the people of Gotham see him as someone to respect — even if his true nature is clouded in speculation. Plus, with the comedic timing of the Carver twins and Robert Pattinson, these scenes bring a delightful air to the Gotham chaos, especially with the joke's payoff near the end of the second act.
4. Batman's Halloween smackdown
From the beginning, "The Batman" sets itself apart from other movies in the Dark Knight's filmography. With haunting narration by Pattinson and mood-setting music, we get a glimpse into the unnerving world of Gotham. The city is especially disturbing at the most frightening time of year, Halloween. It is during a battle on this long night that we get our first glimpse of Robert Pattinson's Batman in action.
From the moment he emerges from the shadows to the second he throws his last punch, this opening fight sets up Batman as both a fascinating crime fighter and a serious threat. Even though this is only his second year as the Caped Crusader, it's incredible to witness the absolute intensity Batman possesses this early in his career. With Pattinson's excellent delivery of the "I am vengeance" line, this scene is a masterclass in introducing viewers to a superhero who is also an intimidating presence.
3. Batman outrunning the Gotham City Police
When it comes to good old-fashioned Batman antics, there are quite a few moments in "The Batman" that deserve to be on this list. From fascinating gadgets to action-packed swings, Matt Reeves knows how to maintain the legacy of the Dark Knight. Still, the sequence in which Batman breaks out of a holding cell is a fantastic mix of classic Caped Crusader action with some fun new twists, especially when it comes to the way Batman triumphantly makes his getaway.
From the way Gordon devises how to get Batman out of the situation to Batman making an iconic exit, there are lots of classic Gotham shenanigans to love. Reeves masterfully reinvents iconic elements of the character that make this sequence stand out. This Batman (who has only been on the job for two years) is still getting a handle on everything around him. This is evident in the charming sequence in which he crashes onto the streets of Gotham and has to walk off the pain of the great fall. Ultimately, this scene adds a nice dash of humanity to a character who sometimes feels otherworldly.
2. Batman realizes his impact on Gotham
Throughout the film, Batman has to come to terms with the effect he has on the people of Gotham. From the beginning, his primary objective is to inflict fear and intimidation on those who try to harm the citizens of his city. Yet, when Gordon unmasks one of the Riddler's followers, a remark changes Batman's perspective entirely. Rather than improving Gotham with his crime-fighting ways, Batman realizes that he's having a more harmful impact. This truth is conveyed brilliantly in Robert Pattinson's muted performance.
Sure, other "Batman" movies have mentioned the Dark Knight's influence on the public. Still, it's impressive to see the subtle nature of how Matt Reeves takes on such a topic. Rather than hitting audiences over the head with the message at hand, this change in Batman's mindset is portrayed through delicate facial reactions, proving silence can indeed speak volumes — especially within the language of film. While some might argue that this small exchange isn't worthy of being on this list, the implications towards the evolution of this Batman make it a significant sequence.
1. Penguin vs. Batman car chase
While many of the scenes on this list showcase the more thought-provoking sides of "The Batman," the moment that is arguably the most memorable involves a car chase. Although portions of the chase appear in the various trailers for the movie, it's at its best when seen in its entirety. What places this face-off between Penguin and Batman at No. 1? It has every single ingredient needed to make an action sequence not only thrilling but downright iconic from start to finish.
From the moment Batman starts the engine of the Batmobile to when he emerges from the flames of the wreckage, it's clear that this scene perfectly symbolizes the entirety of Batman as a superhero. He is almost inhuman in his relentlessness. Penguin quickly realizes this after thinking he's outsmarted the Dark Knight. What truly sells this sequence is how every element of the filmmaking process comes together: the acting, the score, the cinematography, and the sound design. They all work together to express Batman's immense power and unexplainable force.