Summary

• Keaton's Batman delivered iconic dialogue, capturing the Dark Knight's complexity and nuance perfectly.
• Keaton's portrayal remains iconic despite canceled plans for future appearances. Batman's essence endures in cinema.
• Keaton gives new life to old lines in The Flash, blending past and present Batman portrayals seamlessly.

Michael Keaton's Batman delivered a wealth of classic quotations throughout his time in DC movies. Though numerous actors have portrayed Batman over the years, Michael Keaton remains one of the most quintessential and beloved. With a stoic and dignified performance, Keaton delivered some iconic dialogue, perfectly capturing the Dark Knight's complexity and nuance.

Michael Keaton has played Batman on three occasions, first in Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and its sequel Batman Returns, before reprising the role for 2023's The Flash. Though there were plans to incorporate Keaton's Batman into further DC projects, many of these have been sadly canceled and are not a part of the DCU's future. Nevertheless, Michael Keaton's Batman remains an iconic entrant into Batman's cinematic history, defining the hero for a generation. As such, Keaton delivered some perfect and memorable dialogue that has endured into contemporary cinema.

10 "It's Not Exactly A Normal World, Is It?"

Batman Talking To Vicki Vale In The Batcave In Batman (1989)

In Batman, Batman takes Vicki Vale into the Batcave and explains his research into Joker’s plan. To which Vicki remarks that many people consider the Dark Knight to be as dangerous as the Clown Prince of Crime, noting that he “isn’t exactly normal.” Batman replies, "It's not exactly a normal world, is it?" - encapsulates the essence of Gotham's dark and mysterious atmosphere. Batman's response resonates with the underlying theme of the film - the abnormality of Gotham itself and the inherent similarities between its two biggest figures: Batman and the Joker.

Batman cannot be normal while effectively fighting Gotham’s evils. To combat the rampant crime, Batman must also reflect the underlying chaos and corruption that permeates Gotham City, where darkness lurks around every corner. In this pivotal Batman (1989) moment, the audience witnesses the contrast between Batman's vigilantism and the twisted reality of the city he protects.

9 "You Know What, I Mistook Me For Somebody Else"

Batman Meets Selina Kyle As Bruce Wayne In Batman Returns

In the pivotal scene from Batman Returns, the meeting between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle crackles with tension and irony. As Bruce, suave and composed, encounters Selina, now the enigmatic and alluring Catwoman, their chemistry ignites. However, Bruce, usually the epitome of confidence, stumbles in a moment of vulnerability. His slip-up, admitting to knowing her from a past encounter as Batman, exposes a rare crack in his facade, leaving him momentarily flustered.

However, Selina's transformation into the confident and cool Catwoman only accentuates Bruce's discomfiture. His attempt to backtrack with a feeble excuse, "You know what, I mistook me for somebody else," only adds fuel to the intrigue. Selina, ever perceptive, catches the slip - as the two characters swap their previous character traits. Their exchange becomes a dance of deception, setting the stage for a complex and captivating relationship among the shadows of Gotham City throughout Batman Returns.

8 "You Wanna Get Nuts? Let's Get Nuts"

Batman To Both Barry Allens And Supergirl In The Batcave In The Flash