Throughout the hero's cinematic past, there have been many excellent films Batman quotes that are severely underrated. As one of the heroes who helped shape the modern superhero genre, there have been a wide variety of films featuring Batman, many of which have proven to be seminal titles in the broader strokes of comic book movies. Batman's influential nature and consistent popularity have made him a pop culture icon whose stories often resonate with audiences around the world.
Of the many actors who have played Batman in live-action, most have uttered at least one quote that stands out as a memorable or oft-quoted line of dialogue. However, there are also many great quotes throughout Batman's cinematic tenure that are often forgotten, not just from the Dark Knight himself, but also from many of his supporting characters. With that in mind, here are the 10 most underrated Batman movie quotes.
10
"Revenge won't change the past. I have to become more."
Batman, The Batman (2022)
2022 Batman featured Robert Pattinson's grounded and gritty take on the eponymous vigilante, with Matt Reeves' Gotham being a dark, unforgiving city plagued by corruption. The film's story sees a young Batman driven by an innate desire for revenge uncover a murderous plot to expose the corruption at work in Gotham, finding links to his own past in the process. Put BatmanIn the end, he learned to embrace his more heroic side.
After failing to completely thwart the Riddler's plan, Batman understands that Gotham doesn't need his revenge, but his help. He realizes that by becoming a symbol, he has the opportunity to bring about real change in Gotham, rather than simply fighting crime as an outlet for his anger. The quote, included in Batman's final monologue, succinctly sums up his personal growth throughout the film.establishing his new mindset moving forward and setting a new tone for the sequel.
9
“There is no defeat in death, Master Bruce. Victory comes when we stand up for what we know is right while we still live.”
Alfred Pennyworth, Batman and Robin (1997)
When it comes to great quotes from Joel Schumacher's Batman films, the choices aren't as rich as other eras in the hero's past. The two films made by Joel Schumacher are typically considered the worst in Batman history, with their wackier tone often cited as one of their main problems. However, both films have moments of poignancy and, in Batman and Robina seemingly dying Alfred offers fundamental wisdom to Bruce Wayne.
“There is no defeat in death,Alfred tells him. “Victory comes when we stand up for what we know is right while we still live.” The quote is touching, especially since it's about to be one of the last things Alfred could say to Bruce. Encouraging his heroism while also reassuring him not to be afraid only reinforces the father-son bond between the two men.and it is one of the most moving moments in the film.
8
“I am Bruce Wayne and Batman. Not because I have to be. Now… because I choose to be.”
Batman, Batman Forever (1995)
Batman Forever is one of the hero's most underrated films, as it is widely remembered for its inconsistent tone. For all the ways in which Val Kilmer's brooding performance emulates the gothic nature of Tim Burton's previous films, Batman ForeverCartoon villains steal the show in the worst way. Still, there are a number of poignant quotes in the film, especially in its climactic scene.
Fully revealing his identity to the Riddler, Batman tells the villain: “I am Bruce Wayne and Batman. Not because I have to be. Now... because I choose to be.” The quote is the payoff to the film's entire story, as it shows Wayne struggling to determine where one character ends and another begins. The line demonstrates that he is accepting his role as Gotham's protectorunderstanding that his heroism has less to do with his personal demons and more to do with choosing to do what is right.
7
"I'm afraid of death. I'm afraid of dying here, while my city burns and there's no one there to save it".
Bruce Wayne, The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
There are countless iconic Christopher Nolan quotes Dark Knight trilogy, although many of the first and last films of the three-film arc are often forgotten. The Dark Knight Rises ended the trilogy with an epic finale that saw Christian Bale's Batman face the formidable Bane, who was able to overpower him and imprison him in the Pit. While there, Bruce Wayne reflects on how the situation changed his perspective, saying, “I fear death. I'm afraid to die here, while my city burns, and there's no one there to save it".
The quote not only speaks to Batman's heroic nature, but is a key piece in the character's development. For most of the trilogy, Wayne was criticized for his lack of care for his own safety, recklessly putting himself at risk for the greater good. Acknowledging his fear of death from an altruistic perspective was a perfect moment for character development. this helped establish how much he grew over the three films.
6
"I'm sorry, I got confused with someone else."
Bruce Wayne, Batman Returns (1992)
Batman ReturnsTim Burton's second Batman film saw the introduction of Selina Kyle, chronicling her origins as Catwoman and her relationship with Bruce Wayne and Batman. After rescuing her as Batman during the Penguin's first attack on Gotham, Bruce Wayne meets Selina Kyle for the first time in Max Shreck's office. After being introduced to her, Bruce instinctively responds that they met, only to realize his mistake and state, “I'm sorry, I got confused with someone else.”
The phrase is a comical reference to Bruce Wayne's double life, with the billionaire presenting his misstep as simple eccentricity. The quote is characteristic of Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne, highlighting his unique peculiarity in a brilliantly subtle moment. The turn of phrase is easy to miss, but it perfectly captures the spirit of Burton's Batman films, combining clever writing with light silliness that still serves as an interesting piece of character building.
5
"Give it to me and I'll do what you should have done 10 minutes ago."
Prisoner With No Name, The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight presented undoubtedly the greatest villains of the Dark Knight trilogy, with Heath Ledger's Joker standing out as one of the greatest antagonists in cinema history. One part of the Clown Prince of Crime's plan to sow chaos in Gotham involves two ships: one full of civilian passengers and another full of convicted criminals. He gives each of them remote control of a bomb on the other's ship, telling them to kill the others to save themselves. The problem is solved when an unidentified prisoner offers to take the remote control.
The quote marks a triumphant moment in the film, as the prisoner, who is supposedly referring to his willingness to kill to save himself, simply throws the remote control into the river. It is a defiant and heroic act and carries an important message about morality. It also marks the refusal of the people of Gotham to give in to the Joker out of fear, making it one of the film's best, but most overlooked, lines.
4
"Riddle me this: the fewer of them you have, the more one is worth."
The Joker, The Batman (2022)
Many actors have played the Joker in live-action, with 2022 Batman unexpectedly introducing a new iteration of the character. Barry Keoghan's Joker appears, shrouded in shadow, in a brief cameo in which he consoles the Riddler from the next cell. Instead of introducing himself, he responds to questions about his identity by saying: “Riddle me this: the fewer of them you have, the more one is worth.”The Riddler responds“a friend”, causing Joker to laugh.
The quote is great on several levels. It's a perfect interaction between the villains, but the enigma also carries another meaning. It can also be interpreted as a wild card, which is often used as a wild card.making the introduction make more sense. The subsequent laugh takes on a more sinister tone at the Riddler's potentially incorrect response, and the quote stands out as even more underrated as a result.
3
“It’s not who you are underneath. It’s what you do that defines you.”
Rachel Dawes, Batman Begins (2005)
Batman begins is often considered the weakest entry in Christopher Nolan's excellent film Dark Knight trilogy, but the film still features many great moments and lines of dialogue. An interaction between Rachel Dawes and Bruce Wayne shows one childhood friend offering advice to another. “It's not who you are underneath,” she tells him in response to his playboy behavior, “It's what you do that defines you.”
The phrase is somewhat cutting, especially since Rachel believes that Bruce's act is his true personality. It later takes on a whole new aspect, with Batman using the quote to subtly identify himself to Rachel after saving her. It's a touching moment between the two childhood friends, adding depth to their dynamic. This not only cements Rachel as an important and influential person in Bruce's life, but also highlights how important it is to Bruce that she thinks well of him.
Batman, The Batman (2022)
Matt Reeves' Batman examined the hero and his story in an entirely new light, framing it as a neo-noir tale of vigilantism featuring grounded takes on characters from the Batman mythos. As a new approach to the source material was required, BatmanThe opening scenes needed to perfectly set the tone of the film. This is achieved through a serious opening monologue.
Pattinson's Batman, ruminating on his role in Gotham, is heard explaining: “Fear… is a tool. They think I'm hiding in the shadows. But I am the shadows.”The quote is an excellent summary of the spirit of Batman, and in a tonal sense, it's the perfect introduction to BatmanIt's Gotham. Reeves' film is much darker than many other iterations, and the quote communicates this subtly and succinctly. It's not as iconic as other Dark Knight quotes, which makes it severely underrated.
1
“A hero can be anyone...”
Batman, The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The end of The Dark Knight Rises ends Christopher Nolan's trilogy emphatically, with many memorable aspects in the climactic scenes. However, one severely underrated quote is Batman's last words to Commissioner Gordon. The quote references the first time the pair met, when Bruce Wayne was nothing more than a grieving child shaken by the death of his parents, with Batman stating: “A hero can be anyone, even a man who does something as simple and comforting as putting a coat around a boy's shoulders to let him know the world hasn't ended."
The quote speaks directly to the idea of Batman's everyday heroism and its importance, but it also means so much more. He describes to Gordon exactly why Batman chose him as his trusted contact at the GCPD and why he gave everything to defend the city. In terms of citations from Batman Films that don't get the recognition they deserve certainly rank highly because they carry so much meaning conveyed so sincerely and succinctly.
Upcoming DC film releases