Batman Forever (1995) is rarely considered in the conversation about the best Batman movies. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this neon-soaked, over-the-top, gloriously weird entry in the franchise is written off as campy or corny. But maybe that’s exactly what makes it the best Batman film. Yes, you heard me—here are five reasons why Batman Forever is one of the all-time great underrated movies and takes the Batman world's top prize.
Darkness Into Light
Have you ever asked yourself why every Batman movie has to be a grim, depressing, rain-swept urban dystopia? Batman Forever balances out the usual relentless brooding with vibrant colors and unusual cityscapes that give some visual relief from the doom and gloom of other Batman movies. All that color is exactly in keeping with the series’ roots in the original comic books.
Jim Carrey As The Riddler
Say what you want, but Jim Carrey’s Riddler is unforgettable. He fills every scene with wild-eyed brilliance, channeling the kind of manic energy only he can deliver. His performance walks the perfect line between villainous and hilarious, giving us a bad guy who’s both genuinely threatening and fun to watch. He’s the kind of villain who enjoys being evil—and in a Batman world full of tortured psychopaths, that’s a welcome breath of fresh air.
Val Kilmer is an Underrated Batman
Val Kilmer only got one shot at playing Bruce Wayne, but he nailed it. His Batman has presence, poise, and just the right amount of emotional depth to balance out flamboyant cast members like Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones.
Kilmer’s Wayne is introspective and believable as a man wrestling with his dual identity—something that later films tend to either overdramatize or ignore entirely. He also looks amazing in the suit. And that matters.
Batman Forever (1995), Warner Bros
The Soundtrack is Absolute Fire
This movie gave us “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal—an absolute power ballad that became a radio staple and won multiple Grammy Awards. The rest of the soundtrack is just as killer, featuring artists like U2, The Flaming Lips, and Brandy.
It’s a perfect snapshot of mid-90s cool, adding an emotional and stylish backdrop to the film’s explosive visuals.
It’s the Most Rewatchable Batman Movie
Let’s face it—some Batman films are masterpieces, but they’re not always easy to rewatch. Batman Forever, though? It’s pure entertainment from start to finish. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s the secret of its charm. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it never forgets that superheroes are supposed to be exciting. It’s easily the most rewatchable film in the series.
As If You Needed Further Convincing
Batman Forever failed to win over the critics. Well, boo hoo for them!
They missed out on the one series entry that hammered across the colorful and crazy vision of what the original comic book series was supposed to be before the 80s and Frank Miller came along. Don’t believe me? Watch it again and judge for yourself how well Batman Forever has aged.
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