Batman Returns

Batman Returns

The Bat. The Cat. The Penguin.

Directed by Tim Burton

Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Polygram Pictures

1992126 min7.0 / 10

A visually sumptuous, darkly playful superhero film that balances gothic atmosphere with campy villainy and an ambiguous romantic tension between hero and antihero.

The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is Batman Returns one of a kind? Yes. More singular than 86% of films.

  • Is Batman Returns violent? Yes. More violent than 80% of films.

  • Is Batman Returns scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 72% of films.

  • Is Batman Returns sad? Somewhat. More sad than 70% of films.

  • Does Batman Returns end with hope? Not especially. Less hopeful than 64% of films.

  • Is Batman Returns easy watching? Not especially. Less comforting than 61% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

Written about

62/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity90

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise34

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love70

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like Batman Returns, and what each one shares →

Like Batman Returns

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Batman Returns

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Batman Returns, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Batman Returns, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Batman Returns, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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