20 Best Performances In Superhero Movies

14. Michael Caine - Alfred Pennyworth (The Dark Knight Rises)

Michael Caine is an undeniable bright spot in all three of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies, but he didn't truly get his time to shine until the trilogy-capping entry, where poor Alfred is tasked with pulling Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) back off his self-destructive ledge.

The quip-happy Alfred of the previous two movies is largely gone, instead expressing anguish over Wayne's decision to become Batman once more, and the promise he made to Bruce's parents to protect him.

If you really needed the reminder that Caine's a world-class talent, his solemn work here is among the best of his late-period career.

Best Moment: The heartbreaking final montage, where Alfred cries over a presumed-dead Bruce's grave, sobbing that he failed Bruce's parents. Thankfully for Alfred, though, he finds out the truth eventually.