Ranking The Movie And Live-Action TV Batmobiles

Make another spot in the garage. There’s a new cinematic Batmobile in Hollywood, courtesy of Zack Snyder and his 2016 film, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. This new Batmobile is a bit of enigma to most fans and commentators. Partially militaristic like the Dark Knight trilogy’s Tumbler, and slightly sporty like the Burton/Schumacher franchise’s vehicles, Ben Affleck’s ride can’t quite decide what type of Batmobile it should be. Naturally, this mish-mash of visual cues makes us nostalgic for the actual Batmobiles that inspired Snyder’s new look. In honor of their legacy and influence within Bat-lore, ComicBook.com ranks the Cadillac’s and Clunkers of cinematic and live action TV Batmobiles.

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5) Batman and Robin – Consider this the rubber nipples of Batmobiles. The Dark Knight wouldn’t be caught dead in this four-wheeled jack o’ lantern, which was probably designed by the Kenner toy company. Failing in both the form and function departments, this ride is about as useless as a cardboard batarang. For starters, Batman would never cruise around in an open cockpit. All it would is one pop shot from neon gangbanger, and he would be toast. Even Adam West had the sense to install a (presumably) bulletproof windshield. That weird, blender-looking thing up front might have come in handy if Batman wanted to make snow cones whiles battling Mr. Freeze. But, he didn’t, so all we got was a headache. But this Batmobile’s biggest sin is the lack of a passenger seat. Unless Batman plans on duct taping Robin on top of that gargantuan engine on their way back to the Bat-Cave, he clearly didn’t think this one through.

4) Batman Forever – Ah, the Batmobile that looks like a shark. While it’s less offensive than its immediate successor, Val Kilmer’s ride is still a lesson in how to over complicate a design. Batman must have been pretty proud of his auto-mechanical skills, because why else would he expose half of his engine and light it up like a Christmas tree? Apparently, vanity is worth vulnerability. There are some redeeming qualities, though. At least the smaller fins above the rear tires give it a nice sense of balance—even when Chris O’Donnell managed to split the main fin in half during his little joy ride. And for all the cool things the Tumbler did (more on that later), it never once shot a massive grappling hook and rode up the side of a building. That feature alone redeems this Batmobile enough for at least one ride. We also know it’s drive-through friendly.

3) The Tumbler – Monster-truck wheels and a tank-like frame to smash concrete like Popsicle sticks? Check. Thrusters that propel it into a horizontal jump? Yeah, it has that too. You have a bazooka that can reduce it to a flaming ball of scrap? No worries, there’s an internal escape-motorcycle that’s arguably cooler than the car itself. So, yeah. This is one vehicle you don’t want to mess with. What keeps it from attaining a higher status on this list however, is the apparent lack of “bat” in the “mobile.” Aside from its heft, Chris Nolan’s Batmobile has nothing visually distinct or memorable. The Batmobile should be the automotive extension of the Batman himself—predatory, uncanny, and iconic. When someone like the Punisher could be just as home in this car (it certainly has enough guns), you know something’s missing.

2) The 1960s TV Series Batmobile – When you Batusi like Adam West can, you need a ride that carries just as much swagger. Most likely the inspiration for “Pimp My Ride,” the grooviest of Batmobiles is also the most recognizable across all generations. The strategic placement of red and orange throughout the frame gives it an iconic stature, proving that Batman doesn’t always have to go black-on-black for a striking appearance. This Batmobile also gives bystanders half a chance at not being bludgeoned into a side rail with its flashing police light—a thoughtful gesture that never seemed to cross any other Batman’s mind. Unfortunately, the Caped Crusader needs more than a tricked out Ford in order to survive his never-ending war on crime. For all its Bat-Radars, Bat-Lasers, and—yes—Anti-Mechanical Bat-Rays, we’re still fairly confident that a well-placed nail could put this Batmobile out of commission. That’s alright, though. Only a fool would risk scratching this beauty.

1) Tim Burton’s Batmobile – Behold, the Lamborghini of Batmobiles. Durable enough for your average night of crime fighting, but also sleek enough to take the grand prize at any road show, this is a renaissance Batmobile. And just like its driver, this car is filled with wonderful toys. Grenade-dropping hubcaps, remote-controlled armor, and a detachable exterior for those annoyingly narrow alleyways, there’s no bind that Tim Burton’s Batmobile can’t get Batman out of. And it did it all while looking great. For the past 20 years, Burton’s design stands as the most iconic throughout any medium that Batman has existed in.