Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton's darkly operatic superhero sequel pits a brooding Batman against the monstrous Penguin, the seductive Catwoman, and a corrupt Gotham elite.
Batman Returns - Movie Information
- Original Title: Batman Returns
- Release Year: 1992
- Directed by: Tim Burton
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Fantasy
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 19, 1992 (AD), June 19, 1992 (United States), June 19, 1992 (Canada - 14A), July 10, 1992 (United Kingdom - 12), July 16, 1992 (Germany - 12), July 15, 1992 (France - 12), June 19, 1992 (Australia - M), July 3, 1992 (Brazil - 12), July 31, 1992 (Mexico - A), September 11, 1992 (Italy - T), June 22, 1992 (Spain - 12), July 11, 1992 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 蝙蝠侠2：蝙蝠侠归来 (CN), Batman 2 (US), 배트맨 리턴즈 (KR), Người Dơi 2 (VN)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Polygram Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Batman Returns - Plot
The monstrous Penguin, who dwells in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with corrupt mayoral candidate Max Shreck to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant Selina Kyle finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she's transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
Batman Returns - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Dark Knight face his most twisted adversaries yet:
The Bat. The Cat. The Penguin.
Where to Watch Batman Returns
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Batman Returns - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tim Burton
Main Cast
- Michael Keaton
- Danny DeVito
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Christopher Walken
- Michael Gough
- Pat Hingle
- Michael Murphy
- Vincent Schiavelli
- Andrew Bryniarski
- Cristi Conaway
Writers
- Daniel Waters
- Sam Hamm
Producers
- Tim Burton
- Denise Di Novi
Batman Returns - FAQs
Where can you stream Batman Returns?
Batman Returns is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand and Plex also offer rental options depending on your region.
Is Batman Returns darker than the first film?
Yes, Batman Returns is widely considered darker and more gothic than the 1989 original. Tim Burton leaned further into his signature macabre style, resulting in a film so intense that McDonald's pulled its promotional tie-in. Critics and audiences noted its bleak tone, grotesque villains, and psychologically complex characters.
Who are the main actors in Batman Returns?
Batman Returns stars Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Danny DeVito as the Penguin, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as corrupt industrialist Max Shreck. Michael Gough and Pat Hingle reprise their roles as Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon.
What is Batman Returns about?
Batman Returns follows Bruce Wayne as he faces two new threats: the grotesque Penguin, who schemes with corrupt tycoon Max Shreck to seize Gotham's power, and Catwoman, Shreck's vengeful assistant Selina Kyle. The film explores duality, identity, and corruption beneath a dark, Christmas-set Gotham backdrop.
Is Batman Returns based on a true story?
No, Batman Returns is not based on a true story. It is a fictional superhero film adapted from DC Comics characters created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. The screenplay was written by Daniel Waters from a story by Waters and Sam Hamm, drawing on decades of Batman comic book lore.
Who directed Batman Returns?
Batman Returns was directed by Tim Burton, who also helmed the 1989 original Batman. Burton brought his distinctive gothic, expressionist aesthetic to the sequel, creating one of the most visually striking and tonally dark superhero films of the early 1990s.
How long is Batman Returns?
Batman Returns has a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes (126 minutes). It was released theatrically in the United States on June 19, 1992, and went on to gross approximately $280 million worldwide against a production budget of around $80 million.
Did Batman Returns win any awards?
Batman Returns received two Academy Award nominations: Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup. While it did not win either Oscar, the film earned widespread praise for its production design, Danny Elfman's score, and Michelle Pfeiffer's performance as Catwoman, which remains one of the most celebrated portrayals in superhero cinema.
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