The 50 greatest Batman movie moments

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Superman has already shown us what he's made of this week in the run up to the release of Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, but now it's Batman's turn to take to the stage and flex his movie muscles. Ben Affleck is donning the famous pointed cowl this time out, but he's got some big bat-shoes to fill if this list of best Batman movie moments is anything to go by...

Stadium collapse

The moment: A football stadium playing field collapses while players run with the ball to avoid it. Other tunnels and bridges also explode as Bane isolates the entire city in one go.

Why it’s great: It’s the point where you realise just how horribly evil and dangerous Bane is in The Dark Knight Rises. It’s a massive demonstration of what he’s capable of and with no Batman in sight it feels like all hope is lost as Gotham falls into chaos.

First round... fight!

The moment: Batman Begins new, grittier style is demonstrated by Bruce Wayne's six on one punch-up in a Bhutan prison. The guards are soon called, dragging Bruce off for protection. "I dont need protection," snaps Wayne. "Not you," comes the reply, "them!"

Why it's great: Barely five minutes in and we've already had more exhilaration than in the two Joel Schumacher movies put together.

Batgirl suit-up

The Moment: Batgirl decides that the time for taking a back-seat is over, and straps herself into some figure-hugging leather of her own in Batman & Robin.

Why it's great: Don't get us wrong, Alicia Silverstone's Batgirl is a Grade-A irritant. That said, the shriekingly camp but undeniably sexy suit-up scene is one of the few enjoyable scenes from the Caped Crusader's darkest hour.

Say my name

The moment: Commisioner Gordon goes to visit Harvey Dent in hospital, receiving a barrage of abuse for his troubles. Finally, after much directorial teasing, Dent turns his face to the camera to reveal the hideous damage caused by the Joker's goons.

Why it's great: If we had one criticism of The Dark Knight, it would be that Dent's time as Two-Face is handled a little too quickly, with very little running time afforded to his psychotic new persona. However, the big reveal is handled excellently, as Nolan cranks up the tension to almost intolerable levels before finally showing Dent in all his gory glory.

Alfred leaves Bruce

The moment: Bruce crosses a line and Alfred can’t stand to watch him hurt himself any more so makes an impassioned speech and admits he burnt Rachel’s letter as he bids farewell.

Why it’s great: Michael Cain’s line delivery at this point during The Dark Knight Rises is so good that it’s impossible not to feel a little teary as he says goodbye to his friend for the last time (or so he thinks).

Up in smoke

The moment: The League Of Shadows set fire to Wayne Manor, trapping Bruce under a burning rafter. Fortunately a golf club-wielding Alfred is on hand to drag his master away from the inferno.

Why it's great: The burning of Wayne Manor is one of Batman Begins' more spectacular setpieces, made all the more enjoyable by Michael Caine and his pithy one-liners. We want a butler like that!

SWAT team takedown

The Moment: Batman solves a case of mistaken identity by incapacitating a SWAT team fooled by Joker into targeting hostages. Using sonar, quick wits and his trusty grappling hook, Bats manages to undo one of Joker's most fiendish set ups.

Why it's great: It's a dizzying setpiece and one of the most convoluted action sequences you could hope to see in a summer blockbuster. And still he manages to maintain his one rule.

You look Phantasmic

The moment: Alfred sees master Bruce in his full Batman get-up for the first time in 1993's animated Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. It's safe to say he's a little shocked by what he sees.

Why it's great: Boasting the vocal talents of Kevin Conroy as the Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker (for many people, the definitive version of the Clown Prince of Crime), Mask of the Phantasm is an excellent addition to the canon, and well worth fishing out on Youtube.

Bruce in mourning

The moment: With the Joker's fiendish scheme having claimed the life of Rachel Dawes, a despondent Bruce sits slumped in the window of his penthouse, pondering whether his actions were responsible and whether Gotham can ever be saved.

Why it's great: Chris Nolan has never been afraid to take Batman down some pretty dark roads, and this exchange represents one of The Dark Knight's bleakest moments. Alfred's decision to withhold Rachel's letter (telling Bruce she chose Harvey) is a moment of simple compassion that cuts through the darkness.