Tim Burton’s two Batman films feature many great characters and also a number of excellent lines of dialogue throughout the arc of the two films. In 1989, director Tim Burton tackled the delicate task of adapting one of the most iconic superheroes of all time to the big screen. His two films are often seen as two of the best Batman films, with both Ordinance and batman returns having aged decidedly well and helping to shape the modern superhero genre.
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In addition to being another pair of collaborations between Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, Burton’s Batman films featured many great moments. The director’s quirky style and darkly humorous approach to storytelling is evident throughout both films, with a unique combination of imagination and comedic precision making both films especially memorable. With that in mind, here are the 10 best quotes from Tim Burton’s Batman movies, ranked.
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10 “Do you want to go crazy?”
Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne in Batman (1989)
After unexpectedly meeting the Joker at Vicki Vale’s apartment, Bruce Wayne finds himself in an impossible situation. To protect his cover, he deliberately irritates the villain, and his monologue ends with a forceful sentence: “Do you want to go crazy? Let’s go crazy!The incitement is enough for the Joker to shoot Wayne, who is protected by a tray hidden under his shirt, preserving both his life and his secret identity.
What makes the quote so great is simply how it relates to Michael Keaton’s performance as Bruce Wayne. Although many actors have played Batman in live action, few could have brought Bruce Wayne to life as perfectly in Burton’s world as Keaton. The frenetic energy with which he delivers the line helps differentiate Keaton’s Bruce Wayne from Batman, while also conveying the character’s intelligent and calculating nature.
9 “This city needs an enema!”
Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Batman (1989)
1989 Ordinance It saw another actor become the Joker in live-action, with Jack Nicholson taking on the role. His version of the iconic villain is presented as a violent criminal who transforms after falling into a vat of chemicals. After becoming the Joker, he announces himself to the people of Gotham with a public act of violence, although his appearance is overshadowed by news of Batman. With disgust, he announces: “This city needs an enema!“
The line is one that only Nicholson’s Joker could get away with, as it communicates both the silliness and maturity of Burton’s films. It’s an unexpected and fun addition to the film, making it an especially memorable quote from the villain. It also speaks to the Joker’s feelings towards Batman, establishing the villain’s animosity for something as petty as news coverage.
8 “I made you, you made me first.”
Michael Keaton as Batman in Batman (1989)
The final showdown between the Joker and Batman remains one of the most memorable scenes in Burton’s Batman films. The culmination of the villain’s plan sees Batman lured to the roof of Gotham Cathedral, and the pair finally face off on equal terms. After the Joker tells Batman that the hero was responsible for his creation, Batman responds with the immortal line: “I made you, you made me.“
Although the decision to intertwine the origins of Batman and the Joker proved controversial, the line is excellent. It succinctly summarizes the film’s reimagining of both characters’ origins, and also sets up the Joker for an excellent return in the process. The quote may be the product of a divisive narrative element, but it still stands out as a brilliantly written piece of film history.
7 “I played this stinking city like a harp from hell!”
Danny DeVito as the Penguin in Batman Returns (1992)
Danny DeVito’s version of the Penguin stood out as a unique interpretation of the character, as it leaned heavily on the villain’s deformities rather than solely his avian-themed criminal inclinations. Burton’s version of the Penguin was notable for many reasons, including the excellent writing throughout. batman returns. At one point, the character pushes to be elected mayor of Gotham City, only to have Bruce Wayne play a recording of Penguin saying that “I played this stinking city like a harp from hell”about his speech.
In addition to being written perfectly for the character, DeVito delivers the line expertly. Its use within batman returnsThe narrative is also brilliant, serving as a plot point and key piece of characterization for the film’s main villain. As a result, it stands out as an especially good quote in the two-movie arc.
6 “Wait until they meet me.”
Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Batman (1989)
When rewatching Tim Burton’s Batman films, there are a few details that stand out as particularly noteworthy. One of the most obvious is that Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of the Joker is truly excellent in a number of ways, from comic precision and comedic timing to being both humorous and horrifying. Since then, one of the villain’s best lines has become almost as iconic as the character himself, when the Joker simply announces: “Wait until they load me.“
The phrase is the Joker’s response to reading a headline about Batman terrorizing the city, and it perfectly sums up the villain’s mentality. He sees Batman being considered scary as a personal affront, and also an opportunity to make a joke about his own fearsome potential. It’s a moment that taps into the Joker’s dark and twisted psyche, with the line delivered perfectly by Nicholson.
5 “Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it.”
Michael Keaton as Batman and Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle in Batman Returns (1992)
batman returns introduced Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman to Burton’s Batman continuity, detailing the antihero’s origins as well as the foundations of her relationship with Batman. In the film, Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle connect without being aware of each other’s alter egos, only to discover the truth while dancing together at Max Shreck’s costume ball. In a reverse scene from an earlier scene where they meet as Batman and Catwoman, Selina says: “Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it“, to which Bruce replies: “but a kiss can be even deadlier if you mean it.“
The symmetry of the moment is understated, but skillfully written. Having Selina Kyle repeat Batman’s previous line only to have Bruce Wayne repeat Catwoman’s in response is a subtle but brilliant touch, and it’s a quote that cements the pair’s fascination with each other. Even though their romance was somewhat doomed from the start, the line perfectly captures the essence of the undeniable spark between them.
4 “Ah, the direct approach. “I admire that in a man in a mask.”
Danny DeVito as the Penguin in Batman Returns (1992)
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In Tim Burton’s quirky, darkly humorous take on Gotham City, the interactions between Batman and his villains often stand out as especially great moments. Batman’s seriousness combined with the inherent otherness of his villains lends itself perfectly to subtle humor, and Batman and the Penguin’s dynamic taps directly into this idea. While questioning Penguin about his plan, the villain quickly responds: “Ah, the direct approach. I admire that in a man in a mask.“
Pointing out Batman’s hypocrisy not only creates a fun moment within the film, but establishes that DeVito’s Penguin is deceptively intelligent and clearly insightful. It also serves to blur the lines between hero and villain, as Penguin points out that Batman really isn’t that different from his antagonists. As such, the quote stands out as hilarious and clever writing even decades after the film’s release.
3 “You know what? I got confused with someone else.”
Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne in Batman Returns (1992)
There are many qualities to Tim Burton’s Batman films that help them stand out even among their contemporaries. Chief among them is Burton’s ability to inject personality and whimsy into every aspect of his continuity, extending even to the eponymous hero. Upon meeting Selina Kyle for the first time, Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne becomes visibly nervous and tells her, “Sorry, I was confused with someone else.“
The line, although said in passing, conveys multiple layers of meaning at once. In addition to referring to Bruce Wayne’s double life and the difficulty he has in maintaining his two separate identities, it also communicates how defeated he is after his first meeting with Selina Kyle. It’s such a subtle and comedic phrase delivered by Keaton that its multiple meanings add great depth to the character, marking it as a deceptively great quote.
2 “Still… it could be worse. “My nose could be running blood.”
Danny DeVito as the Penguin in Batman Returns (1992)
Danny DeVito’s Penguin is by far one of the most memorable Batman movie villains of all time, not least because of his deliberately disturbing appearance and animalistic mannerisms. Shortly after showing up in Gotham City, the Penguin is approached by Max Shreck and the plan is formed for him to run for mayor. One of the people tasked with transforming Penguin into a respectable citizen comments on his appearance, only for the villain to respond: “Still, it could be worse… My nose could be bleeding profusely.Then, abruptly, he sinks his teeth into the man’s face.
The appointment is one of the first moments in batman returns to mark Penguin as as intelligent as he is violent. The cruel response to being insulted is decidedly humorous and also visceral in its execution. It cements DeVito’s Penguin as a formidable and unpredictable enemy, as well as serving as a great moment of dark humor.
1 “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Batman (1989)
When considering the best quotes from Tim Burton’s Batman movies, longevity is certainly an important factor. One quote in particular that has stood the test of time and eventually become relatively iconic in its own right is uttered several times throughout the film, as the Joker uses it as a catchphrase of sorts. Upon killing his victims, the Joker reveals that he enjoys asking them: “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?“
The phrase is not only memorable and poetic, but is also used to great effect throughout the film. In particular, it is used to let Bruce Wayne learn the Joker’s true identity and discover the connection in his origins, marking a key moment in the plot of the 1989 film. In that, it stands out as the best quote in the films. from Tim Burton’s Batman.
Upcoming DC movie releases
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Release date October 4, 2024
- Superman (2025)
Release date July 11, 2025
- Supergirl: the woman of tomorrow
Release date June 26, 2026
- Batman Part II
Release date October 2, 2026
Joker: Folie a Deux
Superman (2025)
Supergirl: the woman of tomorrow
Batman Part II
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