Batman is one of the most well-known and beloved superheroes of all time, with a legacy spanning many mediums. Fans learned of the Caped Crusaders’ escapades through comics from as early as 1939. Later, Batman also had TV shows, movies, and even video games.
The Dark Knight is a unique superhero with a skill set that makes him far more relatable than many of his peers. He’s a brilliant detective and an incredible brawler using state-of-the-art technology to bring criminals to justice. There’s also a regular man behind the mask with a tragic backstory and human limitations.
Batman is no stranger to the silver screen, with an impressive library of movies spanning decades. He starred in movies as early as the 40s, though audiences nowadays are more familiar with his titles from the 90s and beyond. Naturally, a single person couldn’t play Batman for all those years, and several legendary actors have donned the iconic batsuit over time.
Each actor has provided their own unique portrayal of Batman. However, many fans particularly adore Ben Affleck’s spin on the superhero. He looks the part with some impressively accurate outfits. Affleck also moves and acts like a grounded, battle-hardened hero who has seen it all.
Audiences have seen Affleck in five movies, including Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021. We first saw him in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, and his final appearance was in 2023’s The Flash, in a more supporting role. All of his movies have merit, but here are 6 scenes showcasing Affleck’s Batman at his best.
6
Recruiting The Flash – Justice League
Ben Affleck and Ezra Miller share several great scenes across the DC movies as Bruce Wayne and Barry Allen. During Justice League, Bruce attempts to assemble a team of superheroes. He waits inside Barry’s hideout to introduce himself.
Naturally, Barry denies having any supernatural abilities, but Bruce forces him to respond by throwing a batarang toward him. We’re treated to a brilliant moment where Barry slows down time and casually grabs the batrang in midair, which also confirms to him that Bruce is the Batman.
The pair have an awkward conversation where Barry exclaims, “I need friends.” He accepts Bruce’s offer to join the team, and we learn so much about the Flash from this scene, all through a few minutes of dialogue.
Several other exchanges could have made the list, including Bruce’s iconic one-liner where he explains his superpower is “I’m rich.” Still, we’re including this scene because it teaches newcomers a lot about the Flash and his motivations.
5
Bruce Wayne Runs Headfirst Into Danger – Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
One scene near the start of Batman v Superman is particularly powerful and provides important context for audiences who may not be very familiar with the DC universe. During Man of Steel, Superman fights General Zod in a superpowered brawl above Metropolis. It’s an intense battle, with both combatants taking turns launching each other through buildings and solid walls.
We see the same event in Batman v Superman, but from a new perspective. Bruce Wayne is at ground level and sees hundreds of people fleeing from the carnage. The music swells as the Kryptonians battle, and their fight tears a Wayne Enterprises building apart with workers still inside. It’s a powerful moment as Bruce fearlessly charges into a cloud of debris into silence.
Audiences see the human cost of the invasion in Man of Steel, which includes families and children. The scene demonstrates how powerless regular people are in the situation and provides a strong reason for Wayne’s wariness of Superman.
4
The Scars Conversation – The Flash
As we mentioned earlier, Bruce Wayne and Barry Allen share some great interactions across several movies. One particular event is sometimes called the ‘scars’ conversation, in which Allen reveals he might be able to travel back in time, and Wayne cautions him not to.
The pair squabble about the butterfly effect before the conversation becomes much more personal. Barry suggests that he could save his parents and Bruce’s if he could travel faster than the speed of light. The fate of his parents is always a strong motivator for Batman, but even he admits it should not happen and that they must keep pressing forward.
The scene also contains arguably one of the most powerful exchanges between the characters. Barry says, “Your tragedy made you a hero.” Bruce replies, “And also made me alone.” It’s an emotional, moving conversation between two humans with incredible abilities. The exchange is also the last time we see Ben Affleck’s Batman on the silver screen.
3
Armored Batman Fights Superman – Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
As the name implies, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is building up to an epic showdown between two legendary DC heroes. Nobody doubts Batman’s prowess in combat, but even fans with only introductory knowledge of Superman’s powers have no idea how a mere mortal in a suit could ever compete.
Batman arrives at the fight in his armored suit, which is surprisingly faithful to established lore. Naturally, Superman beats Batman in brute strength, but Batman has brought some unique weapons to even the playing field.
The pair trade blows as their battle takes them into an industrial building. Superman pleads with Batman not to fight at the start, but both are locked in a full-out brawl with their lives at stake as Bruce refuses to listen.
The battle is unique because both characters have passionate fan bases. Even if you don’t agree with the outcome, the fight remains a highlight of Batman v Superman and doesn’t relent for more than eight minutes.
2
Knightmare Future Scene – Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
The Knightmare Future Scene in Batman v Superman is an unforgettable part of the movie because it’s so unique. We already know of Batman’s concerns about Superman, and disturbing dream sequences like this one reveal what Bruce Wayne believes may happen if Superman ever turned against humanity.
We see a ruined city and Batman collecting what he believes is kryptonite from a shady, armed group. However, they turn on Batman, initiating one of the most incredible visual spectacles in the entire film.
This isn’t the Batman with ‘one rule’ we’re used to. His opponents shoot, and he fires straight back. Most impressively, Batman fights a large group of mercenaries in a scene with zero cuts. The camera pans around the action so we never miss a thing. Interestingly, the Parademons circling above never attack Batman, which makes sense, as they respond only to fear.
We see Batman’s worst terrors realized when he’s chained up, and Superman enters the fray. It’s a chilling moment as guards bow to him as he approaches, and he effortlessly vaporizes prisoners with his laser vision.
1
Warehouse Brawl – Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
Most Batman fans likely saw this entry coming, but the Warehouse scene in Batman v Superman takes the top spot in this list. It isn’t just one of Affleck’s best scenes; it’s arguably one of the best Batman scenes of all time.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Luthors’ armed goons have kidnapped Martha and are holding her in an abandoned multi-story building. Batman arrives on the scene, and we’re treated to almost four minutes of uninterrupted, visceral combat.
The Caped Crusader takes on a small army. While there’s plenty of fast-paced editing, we can easily follow so much of the action. Affleck’s Batman is certainly agile, but he’s also weighty and powerful. The scene opens with him bursting through the floor as gun-toting guards cover the door they expect him to step through. However, the scene demonstrates that much of Batman’s power is in his tools and brute strength.
The warehouse scene is especially memorable because of how grounded it feels. We feel the force of every punch and kick. Batman also seems like a skilled fighter in a bullet and blade-proof suit rather than a character with superhuman abilities, which is precisely what he should be. We even see one thug shoot Batman in the back of the head, only for the mask to deflect the bullet.
The entire scene is a brutal showcase of Batman’s fighting prowess. He’s not the fastest, but he doesn’t need to be, and the battle demonstrates the Dark Knight’s ability to control the situation against dozens of foes.
- Release Date
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March 25, 2016
- Runtime
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152 minutes
- Director
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Zack Synder