The Dark Knight vs The Batman

The Dark Knight is simpler, darker and bigger in scale; The Batman is less emotionally demanding and glossier. Both are fast-paced, dark and heavy.

The Dark Knight poster

The Dark Knight

Type and year
Film · 2008
Length
152 min
Rating
8.5
out of 10 on TMDB · 25,942 votes
The Batman poster

The Batman

Type and year
Film · 2022
Length
177 min
Rating
7.7
out of 10 on TMDB · 8,191 votes

Which fits you better?

Take the two-minute taste test to see how well The Dark Knight and The Batman each match your taste, and which one to watch first.

Take the taste test

Characteristics, side by side

The Dark KnightThe Batman

  • Pace
    SlowFast
  • Originality
    Tried & testedFresh & original
  • Wholesomeness
    UnsavouryWholesome
  • Weightiness
    LightHeavy
  • Realism
    ImaginaryRealistic
  • Intricacy
    SimpleIntricate
  • Linearity
    SurrealLinear
  • Style and visuals
    GrittyGlossy
  • Scale
    EnclosedBig & varied
  • Emotional punch
    Emotionally undemandingEmotive & stirring

Taste attributes

Both

  • Action
  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Thriller
  • Monster/alien/supernatural
  • Superhero
  • Fast
  • Unsavoury
  • Heavy
  • Imaginary
  • Linear
  • All consuming quest
  • Complex relationship
  • Deep rivalry
  • Fighting evil
  • Fish out of water/culture clash
  • Injustice/tragedy/vengeance
  • Rescue/escape/jeopardy
  • Solving the riddle/not as it seems
  • Underdog triumphs

Only The Dark Knight

  • Mafia/gangster
  • Big & varied

Only The Batman

  • Mystery
  • Detective
  • Political
  • Glossy
  • Emotionally undemanding

Genres

Both

  • Crime
  • Thriller

Only The Dark Knight

  • Action
  • Drama

Only The Batman

  • Mystery

Where to watch

More comparisons

All comparisons