Combining the intellect ofSherlock Holmeswith intense action and the perfect amount of dramatic flair,Batmanhas been a pop culture mainstay since he first burst onto the scene in 1939. SinceBatman ‘66, the Dark Knight has been a mainstay of the silver screen as well. There have been13 theatrical Batman films(and counting), each with its own colorful cast of characters, set pieces, and classic quotes. From poignant lines suchMichael Caine’s “Why do we fall…” to the simplest yet most iconic “I’m Batman”, the world’s most popular superhero has littered pop culture with some of its most popular quotes.
Yet, for every hilariousAdam Westquip or threateningChristian Baleline, some quotes from the Caped Crusader’s films have not kept the same impact as when they first hit the audience’s ears. Changes in culture, perception of the character, or even later released films have imbued many lines from Batman movies with new context which can make them false, out of character, or even downright cringy. With bothThe Batman Part IIand aJames Gunn-produced Batman and Robin film coming soon, viewers hope the Dark Knight’s quotes lean toward iconic than regrettable.
10“This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.” - The Joker (Heath Ledger)
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
The Dark Knightis often cited as not only the best Batman movie but as one of the best films of the 21st century. It is a worthy claim, and one that is bolstered heavily byHeath Ledger’s instantly iconic performance as Batman’sarch nemesis inThe Joker.One of themost iconic villains of all timeLedger’s Joker, is full of quotable lines (“Why so serious?” “Wanna know how I got these scars?"). This line, said whilst dangling upside down after being defeated by Christian Bale’s Batman, stands out as one that lacks the character’s humor or originality.
Batman and the Joker are often represented as opposing sides of the same coin, and this line attempts to draw that parallel, butas one of the more psychological superhero movies,The Dark Knight’s central thesis is not that these characters are opposites, but that they are dangerously close to one another. As the Joker says later in the same monologue– “Madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push.” As shown inThe Dark Knight’s corruption of Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) and then later driven home by future films such asJoker,the arch-villain views himself as not some opposing force to moral people such as Batman, but as those very people admitting who they truly are deep down.
The Dark Knight
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
9"What killed the dinosaurs? THE ICE AGE!” - Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger)
‘Batman and Robin’ (1997)
One of the very reasons that Heath Ledger’s Joker, and indeedChristopher Nolan’s reinvention of Batman, waspresented so gritty and groundedwas because of lines like Mr. Freeze’s here. WhileJoel Schumacher’s fun, campy, and aloof approach to the Batman mythos had its moments, the absolute pun overload that wasBatman and Robinseemed poorly aged the moment it hit theaters. “TheIcemancometh."; “Coolparty."; “Chill, chill…kill”; etc.Arnold Schwarzeneggeris having a five-course mealin the scenery as Mr. Freeze and it is nevercool.
This ice age line, however, said by Mr. Freeze in the film’s opening scene is by far the worst offender, as it isn’t even a pun or joke, let alone clever. Adding to this frigid reception (sorry) was the fact that the character had recently been rejuvenated by the acclaimedBatman: The Animated Series. After yearson ice(sorry) Mr. Freeze was re-imagined as a tragic and relatable figure in an episodethat won the series an Emmy. After this beautiful reinvention,seeing Mr. Freeze prance around on skates and spouting fun facts was quite a shock to audiences at the time and has only gotten lesscoolover the years(last one!).
Batman and Robin
Batman and Robin try to keep their relationship together even as they must stop Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing Gotham City.
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8"Wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts!” - Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton)
‘Batman’ (1989)
One of the most often quoted, memorable and catchiest lines from the instantly iconic 1989Batman. “Let’s get nuts!” has become a staple ofMichael Keaton’s version of the Dark Knight, so much that it was used to announce the characters dramatic return inThe Flash. LikeFlash,however, it is also rather confusing once you actually start to think about it. The classic line is said when Keaton as Bruce Wayne squares off againstJack Nicholson’s Joker in the apartment of Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger), and is said with such boisterousness, bravado, and genuine unpredictability that it comes off as rather out of character upon a rewatch.
Keaton’s Batman persona is quippy, violent, and at times psychopathic in the way he takes down and even kills his enemies.His performance as Bruce Wayne, however, is buttoned up and reserved.This draws a clear contrast between the two identities and does a great job of showcasing Batman’s double life, but it also makes one of the film’s most iconic lines out of place and jarring. Given the Joker’s status as the man who killed Bruce’s parents in this timeline, this character break is likely meant to convey the Caped Crusader’s worlds colliding in on one another. However, due to a lack of build up, it being the only moment like that in the film, and the speed at which Keaton switches gears, this famous line comes off more and more out of character with each viewing.
The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.
7“This is why Superman works alone.” - Batman (George Clooney)
Long before connected universes and crossovers were common place events, let alone expected by fans, some of the best and most memorable Easter eggs in superhero films were lines like this that hinted at the idea of other heroes and worlds. Unfortunately, the very same reasons are lines like this orSpider-Man 2’s coy reference toDr. Strangebecame so memorable in the first place is the very reason that they don’t work nearly as well today. The modern audience knows thatSupermandoesn’t work alone. He workswithBatman.
This change of perspective is a fun novelty that can be largely written off, however. What truly makes this line especially hard to hear nowadays is that it serves as a weird reminder of the fact that two Batmen of the 90s (Michael Keaton and this quote’s speakerGeorge Clooney) and the Superman of that era (Christopher Reeve)havebeen in the same film now. In 2023’sThe Flash,the two former actors appear, while Reeve is posthumously and ethically questionably recreated with artificial intelligence.The ethical debate of recreating the deceased with A.I. is now inextricably linked toBatman and Robin, and unfortunately taints what was, at the time, a mind-blowing reference to hear from the Dark Knight.
6"I thought she was with you.” - Batman (Ben Affleck)
‘Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)
One of the most memorable and well received parts of the mixed bag that was the DCEU wasGal Gadot’sWonder Woman. For the first time ever, the third member of DC’s iconic trinity appeared on the big screen, and for the most part her introduction in 2016’sBatman V Superman: Dawn of Justicewas the highlight of the film, the lone blemish being this clunky attempt at Marvel-esque banter. The quick exchange between Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) is meant to provide camaraderie between the two but raises both universe questions and tonal problems.
Given the fact thatDawn of Justice, and Batman in particular in that film, is incredibly dour and serious in tone, this line sticks out like an obvious attempt to copy hits likeThe Avengers.WhileZack Snyderhas drawn much ire for his handling of theDCEU, it is undeniable that he takes the characters within his films incredibly seriously andgave his DC films their own distinct flavor, which is what allows Wonder Woman’s initial entrance to be as cool as it in the first place.This joking around between two characters who moments ago were attempting to kill each other is out of place inBatman V Supermanand reeks of the mismatched tone that would come to dominate 2017’sJustice League.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Batman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.
5"That’s not awfully PC. What about Batperson, or Batwoman?" - Batman (George Clooney)
Long beforeLeslie Grace’s unfortunately failed chance to portray Batgirl,Alicia Silverstonebrought the comic book favorite to life as BarbaraPennyworth(here Alfred’s niece, rather than Jim Gordon’s Daughter). Upon finding the Batsuit designed by her uncle Barbara dons the armored suit and dubs herself Batgirl, to which Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O’Donnel) make plenty of remarks, including the now cringy “That’s not awfully PC. What about Batperson, or Batwoman?”
“…the line itself now comes off as dismissive of the issue, as it provides surface level criticism without the film actually addressing the underlying issue.”
Ironically, meant as an attempt to update the subtle sexism of the superhero genre, the line itself now comes off as dismissive of the issue,as it provides surface level criticism without the film actually addressing the underlying issue. Outside this line,Batman and Robinis indulgent in female characteristics, especially revolving aroundits use of the seductress Poison Ivy(played here byUma Thurman), whom Batgirl squares off against in the stereotypical fashion in the finale. While at the time this line may have seemed like a step in the right direction, nowadays, audiences expect diversity to be addressed, and not simply lampshaded.
4"So we’ll hunt him, because he can take it." - James Gordon (Gary Oldman)
This line is said as part of James Gordon’s final speech at the end ofThe Dark Knight.The entire trilogy is filled with quotablesand the speech this line is from, in particular, is extremely effective at boiling down the character of Batman to his essence. He is indeed the hero Gotham deserves, a silent protector who will take all the heat for Harvey Dent’s (Aaron Eckhart) crimes and continue to protect the city of Gotham despite being hunted by it. It is a speech rightfully revered as one of the most powerful in recent memory.
Unfortunately, this quote and its message was quickly undercut whenThe Dark Knight Riseshit theaters in 2012 and revealed that… Batman couldn’t take it. As the final chapter in Christopher Nolan’sDark Knight Trilogyexplains, Bruce Wayne gave up the Batman persona nearly immediately following the end ofThe Dark Knight.This setup of a reclusive, depressed Bruce Wayne, does indeed give Batman a compelling starting point from which to rise, but it also completely undercuts the ending of the preceding film, and taintsThe Dark Knightupon rewatch. When viewers watch Batman stoicly ride away at the end ofThe Dark Knightit hurts to know that he is canonically going home to cry for the next 8 years.
3"Holy Rusted Metal Batman!" - Robin (Chris O’Donnell)
‘Batman Forever’ (1995)
The first Batman film to include the boy wonder Robin (Chris O’Donnell) Joel Schumacher’s first Batman film,Batman Foreveris more reigned in than his second venture. Coming off as a healthy blend ofTim Burton’s pulp atmosphere and the campy style of the Adam West series, this film has a unique feeling that may help future Batman films. This line, however,the most direct callback to that original series, is by far the film’s weakest and goofiest moment. It’s not the callback toBurt Ward’s classic catchphrase that sinks this quote. However, it’s Robin’s immediate attempt to justify it. “The ground, it’s all metal. It’s full of holes. You know, hole-y,” as he explains to Batman (Val Kilmer).
Much has been said of Shumacher’s duology of Batman films, but one word that has nearly never been used to describe them is “ashamed”. HadBatman Foreversimply used the classic Robin quote, it would have been a goofy, but well-meaning callback to Batman’s history.This sloppy attempt to justify it, however, makes the film seem unsure and ashamed of the direction it has taken. This line and the overall attempt to make the character of Robin older, cool, and edgy, shows doubt in embracing the more eccentric parts of Batman’s mythos. It has only become worse with time as superhero movies continue to usehumor and ironic jabs to hide their camp rootsinstead of embracing them.
Batman Forever
2"Just the pussy I’ve been looking for!" - The Penguin (Danny Devito)
‘Batman Returns’ (1992)
In contrast to Joel Schumacher’s Batman films, the original Tim Burton pair of Batman films are seen as pulpy noir thrillers rather than the campy-pun filled comedies that would follow. It may shock viewers then to see upon a rewatch thatBatman Returnsis absolutely filled with some of the worst puns in the entire series, including the regrettable line above.Michelle Pfiefer’s Catwomandelivers an astounding performancethat provides a mirror to Bruce Wayne’s dual life and portrays slipping mental health in gritty fashion…she also has enough cat puns to go toe to toe with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze.
This particularly egregious line, however, is said by the film’s main villain,The Penguin(portrayed here byDanny DeVito). While Oswald Cobblepot is typically portrayed as a disgusting and foul-mouthed character,this double entendre has aged so poorly over the past three decades that it makesBatman Returnsseem gross and sexist even when said by such a despicable character. Adding to the sliminess of this line is the fact that it is once again another clunky, unneeded cat joke, and you have a line that is memorable for all the wrong reasons. With the Penguin now starring in his own acclaimedHBOseries filled with its own great quotable lines, it is best for all viewers to forget this line ever existed.
Batman Returns
While Batman deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman, a female employee of the latter becomes the Catwoman with her own vendetta.
1"I won’t kill you, but I don’t have to save you." - Batman (Christian Bale)
‘Batman Begins’ (2005)
Yes you do.Batman’sno-kill rule is an essential and iconic part of his character.It’s a massive part of what separates the character from other vigilante stories and is integral to his inner turmoil and personal pathos. This line then, from the climactic finale of Christopher Nolan’s first Dark Knight film,Batman Begins,has only gotten worse as the character has been further saturated.Batman V Supermanpresents Batman’s willingness to kill as a sign of a fallen man.The Batmanbuilds its central theme around Batman moving from vengeance and towards justice, all without him ever killing. It is extremely regrettable then that, in his first outing, Christian Bale’s Caped Crusader dooms his nemesis Ras Al Ghul (Liam Neeson) to death in a vengeful act that is essentially manslaughter.
What makes this quote particularly poorly aged, however, is the fact that it represents an overall shift in the tone of superhero movies. Since the Dark Knight trilogy, and arguably before, superheroes do very little saving at all, and kill frequently without any moral qualms. Much hay was made aboutBlack Adamentering the DC universe willing to kill…but he did so at a time when nearly every other DCEU character had already ended their enemies with lethal results. Even in the light-heartedMCU, heroes kill their enemies without a second thought. Yes, these heroes defeat enemies who want to take over or destroy the world, but it doesn’t change the fact that the films seem more interested in punching bad guys than in saving civilians. When Batman informed Ras Al Ghul that he didn’t have to save him in an otherwise fantastic film, it signaled a new wave in superhero movies, one where the word “hero” held a lot less weight.
Batman Begins
After witnessing his parents’ deaths, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.
