4. Batman Returns (1992)
Even today, its something of a hot debate between both comic geeks and film fans over which Burton directed Batman movie was the best. Batman was the first truly adult interpretation of The Dark Knight on the big screen with memorable performances from Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicolson as the Joker. However, its also messy, heavily commercialized and featured an oddly shoved in Prince soundtrack. Returns is substantially darker and more Burtonesque, with a wider array of characters and a closer tone to the gothic Batman graphic novels. For me personally, Returns just about takes the lead, and when looking at the pair with regards to Burtons style, its the one that stands out as a more personal work. In fact, its been said that Burton only returned to the franchise with the agreement of full control - compared to the tight studio boundaries on Batman - and boy does it show. There's much to love here including Christopher Walken's role as Max Shrek and Michelle Pfeiffer's excellent turn as Catwoman. Placing it above the 1989 original will always be controversial, but its hard to disagree that Returns is the more interesting and accomplished of the two films.