The Batman movies in order
The Batman Marathon

So, why should you watch this marathon?

Matt Reeves' take on The Batman isn't a retelling of old stories. It's a raw reboot that plunges Gotham back into corruption, distrust, and rain. It's not a superhero flying high above the city; it's a Year Two Batman vigilante, played by Robert Pattinson, who's still dealing with his trauma, his mission, and the fine line between justice and vengeance. And you can feel it. Every shot has that noir vibe, every scene is super tense, and every character, from Zoë Kravitz's Catwoman to Paul Dano's creepy Riddler, plays a part in the bigger mystery: who the heck is Batman, and what's going on with Gotham?

But this world doesn't just end with one movie. With a sequel on the horizon and spin-offs like the Penguin series and Arkham tie-ins on the way, now's the perfect time to dive into the Matt Reeves Batverse. And trust us: the watch order matters. If you really want to feel the lore, the buildup of the Gotham crime war between Falcone and Maroni, and the psychological side of Bruce Wayne, you'll want to experience this in the right order.

The Batman (2022)

This is where it all begins. Matt Reeves' The Batman is a detective noir thriller where Batman uses not only his fists but also his intellect. Gotham's a sinking ship of corruption, and Bruce Wayne, only two years into his role as the Dark Knight, is determined to make a difference. The city feels lively, tough, and risky. It's got famous spots like Wayne Tower, GCPD, Arkham State Hospital, and the badass muscle car Batmobile, which seems to have its own vibe.

The movie brings us a bunch of key characters: Jeffrey Wright plays Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis is Alfred Pennyworth, Colin Farrell is Oswald Cobblepot (also known as Penguin), and John Turturro is Carmine Falcone. Then there's Paul Dano's Riddler, a serial killer who's confronting Gotham with its dirtiest secrets. The Catwoman romance arc with Zoë Kravitz's Selina Kyle adds tension and emotional depth. The film's ending, without giving away any spoilers, sets the stage for a future full of new challenges and dangers. Gotham, a city that's both real and almost like a myth, is in trouble, both literally and figuratively speaking.

The Batman Part II (upcoming)

Even though the film hasn't been released yet, we know enough to include it in your marathon. The Batman Part II, directed by Matt Reeves and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios, picks up where the last movie left off. The city has changed, but it's still pretty chaotic. The aftermath of the Gotham renewal conspiracy, the rising mob crime families, and the open-ended first film make this sequel a must-have in your Batverse collection.

There's a lot of speculation about whether Barry Keoghan's Joker cameo will turn into a bigger role. Do you think we'll see more of the Arkham inmates in an expanded setting? And what will Colin Farrell's Penguin be up to, since his own spin-off series is on the way? One thing's for sure: the detective comic feel, the grounded dark tone, and the psychological edge of Bruce Wayne's evolution are all going to be further explored. Get ready for a dark follow-up full of moral complexity, a Gotham crumbling even more, and a Batman going deeper into his role as both savior and product of the city.

What about the spin-offs?

For the true die-hards, this isn't just a simple two-parter. The Penguin spin-off series (with Colin Farrell returning as Oswald Cobblepot) and a planned Arkham series tie-in add extra layers to the Matt Reeves Batverse. You don't need these series for the marathon, but they do add context to the power vacuum in Gotham after Falcone's fall and the aftermath of the flooded Gotham ending. Once these series are available, you can perfectly slot them between the two films. The Penguin series is going to take a look at Gotham's underworld, with Cobblepot trying to make it to the top. Picture mob wars, betrayal, and the rise of a new king in a lawless city. The Arkham series is expected to delve deeper into the psychological side of Gotham's criminals and possibly Bruce Wayne's own demons. This is great for fans of the psychological crime thriller vibe that Reeves really mastered.

Why This Order Works

The strength of this order is how it builds up. You start with a detective noir Batman who is still searching and end (for now) with a Gotham in reconstruction, full of new threats. It makes sense, both in terms of the story's timeline and its themes. You follow Bruce Wayne from a troubled hero to a vigilante who's starting to figure out his place in the world. The relationship with Gordon, the Catwoman romance arc, and the growing threat from Arkham all get room to breathe. It's also refreshing that these films and series stand apart from the broader DC reboot continuity. You don't need to know ten other superhero films or worry about multiverses. This is a gritty superhero noir that feels like a graphic novel come to life. It's got an urban decay aesthetic. Just like a detective comic adaptation should be. Tips for your The Batman movie marathon Plan your evening well: these films are intense, so make sure you have plenty of snacks. Picture this: it's a dim room, with a red light lamp on and maybe even a playlist with a bit of a goth vibe to set the mood. Start your evening early so you can really feel Gotham's atmosphere without dozing off halfway through a Riddler monologue. Make sure you're streaming the right version of The Batman (the theatrical cut is the standard, but extra behind-the-scenes content on Warner Bros. Pictures platforms is definitely worth it for fans). Want to know more? Take a look at some fan theories about the Gotham renewal conspiracy, or get into the comic origins of Edward Nashton, Falcone, and Maroni.

And remember, this isn't your typical superhero movie. This is a psychological crime thriller that's a must-see. Put your phone on silent and get lost in the darkness of Gotham City. You might even see a little bit of yourself in Bruce Wayne. Or in Catwoman. Or in... okay, hopefully not in the Riddler.

Ready to watch? Then it's time to start your marathon. The rain is already tapping against the window. The Bat-signal is lit!