Simple (but geeky) question....

Which is the BETTER film in your opinion? Richard Donner's Superman (1978) or Tim Burton's Batman (1989).

Please try to avoid bias toward one character or the other. I'm talking about straight storytelling, score, character arc, acting, etc.

Thanks

This is no contest. Superman: The Movie.

Better story(Earth spinning backwards notwithstanding), better acting, better chemistry between romantic leads, better score, and better opening credits.

The only edge I'd give Batman is that it had a better villain, but even that's a negative since the movie focused way too much attention on the Joker. And I supposed the set design was superior to Superman's.

Superman : The Movie easy. Not even a contest really.

Superman: The Movie is the greatest comic book movie ever, IMO. Batman '89 is so overrated, even in 1989 I wondered what all the fuss was. Batman Begins is a hell of alot better, but still not as good as Superman.

Superman: The Movie is one of those rare occasions where a fantasy movie is able to have that epic feel to it that appeals to the masses, not just comic book/sci fi geeks.

The Original Star Wars is the same way, great movies, not dumbed down for all the idiots out there who love special effects, and still fun to watch.

Superman is the best in my opinion. Batman is kind of fun, but it doesn't have the mythic quality and fine performances of Superman, even with its faults. How exactly will this thread settle your argument, by the way?

Batman

good story, great characters, Kim in her prime.

Batman.

Superman was painful to watch, even when I was 8 years old.

Batman wins.

Supe

Batman.

Superman.

Batman was ok, but didn't live up to the hype.

I agree with every point you made. Batman was stylistically superior, but Superman trumps it in acting, directing, & storytelling, which is what matters most.

Superman.

Superman, if only because the writers and director were actually INTERESTED in the title character himself. Can't say the same for Batman. It was the JOKER movie, guest starring Batman.

In spite of a terrific first half for Superman, I think I've gotta go with Batman.

Neither is in my top 5 for the genre though.

Batman

now how about Batman Begins or Superman... since they are both beginning movies...


would still go with Batman

Batman

If it was Superman II vs Batman, however....

A poll would be useful. Superman is the better movie. I prefer Batman though because I can't stand the Superman character.

Superman -- the score alone makes it the clear winner.

I love both films but I think I put Batman in 1st and Superman in 2nd. It is a tough call, both films are excellent.

i just love Batman's villians more then supermans... I mean like Superman needs more super villians... Lex is just an ordinary guy with no super powers....

Superman easy, and I liked Batman.

I agree on all points. Superman was great, to the 2nd half and then it got pretty dreadful.

Batman, Superman has not held up well. The score is fantastic, but its not that good its WAY overrated. spinning the earth, and the action is pretty lame. I also didnt care for Margot Kidder as lois lane.

Batman isnt perfect or even that good but Just watching Superman over the past couple weeks I gotta say its a pretty bad movie and didnt use superman or his power in any cool ways.

makes me wonder if Superman is a movie people love because they saw it as a little kid and have fond memories of it

I was 11 when Batman came out and I loved it, but over time I've gained much more appreciation for the Superman movie than for Batman. So it's Superman for me.