Batman V Superman: Ranking Every Movie From Worst To Best

19. Batman & Robin

There is no debate over Batman & Robin's out-and-out awfulness; it was pretty much an accepted fact even before release (an issue that marks it as turning point in the rise of internet journalism, although that's a conversation for another time). Every video critic worth their salt has gone back and revelled in its garish, campy ridiculousness. But there's more to it than constant ice puns, nipples (something that actually originated from Batman Forever, but we'll get to that) and the Bat Credit Card. No, Batman & Robin is a step beyond its so-bad-it's-good reputation. A movie that despite its slight length is incredibly aimless beyond trying to contrive ways to sell more merchandise; for reference, its subplots include Alfred getting ill, Bruce Wayne as an eco warrior and a Batman/Robin/Ivy love triangle. It's almost like a homage to the Adam West TV series done by someone who doesn't understand the Adam West TV series, although to say that gives too much credit to Joel Schumacher. This was a movie that sank so impressively it altered the story of blockbuster cinema; not only did the character take an eight year hiatus, only returning in a totally opposite form, and the superhero genre reduced to a gibbering mess, but the entire ideology of mainstream cinema, particularly that of Warner Bros., needed a top-down refresh. Of course, it all worked out better than alright in the end, so if anything we should be thankful to Schumacher... sort of.