10 Reasons Tim Burton's Batman Movies Are Still The Best

10. Michael Gough As Alfred

Actor Michael Gough was a favourite of Tim Burtons, and the level of warmth, wit and dignity he brought to the part of Alfred makes it easy to see why. He€™s Bruce Wayne anchor, serving as both emotional and tactical support. He does all the washing and cleaning, as well as stitching him up when he€™s hurt and repairing his gadgets. He€™s also got a sense of humour drier than sandpaper and doles out sage advice whenever he thinks Bruce needs to hear it. Gough stayed on with the character after Burton and Keaton left the series, and managed to be the only worthwhile thing about the unbearable Batman & Robin. That film has Alfred slowly dying of an illness, bringing some genuine emotion into the movie. In fact, the only time George Clooney looks halfway interested is when he€™s acting alongside Gough. And while Sir Michael Caine made for a good Alfred, it was still a little distracting as it was basically Michael Caine in a butler uniform. Gough on the other hand perfectly embodied all the qualities that define the character: the nobility, the sense of humour, the bemusement and the fatherly love for the weird man who dresses like a Bat. And for a lot of fans, Gough is the one they picture when they think of the kindly old butler. As to why he let Vicky Vale into the Batcave that time, that€™s a mystery without an answer.