Summary
The Caped Crusader has been fighting crime since 1939. He’s without a doubt one of the most popular superheroes around and, over the years, has appeared in everything from radio shows and films to video games and animated shows. These days there’s no getting away from him.
So far, around 26 voice actors have lent Batman their voices, in full-length animated films, games, and animated TV shows. While the live-action versions tend to get the most attention, some ofthe best Batman moviesare animated, and some of the best Batmen have been voice actors. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Batman voice actors.They’ve been chosen and ranked based on how well they voiced the iconic character as well as what they brought to the role compared to other actors.
8Troy Baker
Brings His Incredible Range To The Caped Crusader
Putting a voice actor as talented and well-respected as Troy Baker in the bottom place almost feels sacrilegious but we have good reason. Baker has played the character in bothBatman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesand theTelltalegames. In both projects, he did an excellent job of bringing the character to life but did little to distinguish himself.
InBatman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the veteran voice actor seems to settle for copying Conroy’s version of Batman rather than doing his own thing. In the case of theTelltalegames, his Batman voice is admirable but nothing special. Considering how gifted a voice actor Baker is, his stints at Batman feel like wasted opportunities. Maybe someday he’ll be given a Batman project that lets him show off his real range.
7Roger Craig Smith
Specializes In Playing Unique Batmen
No other actor has played quite so many versions of Batman. While none of Roger Craig Smith’s Batmen have been scene stealers it is impressive that all his versions of the character sound distinct while maintaining that Batman edge. He first played the character inBatman: Arkham Origins. The legendary Conroy had voiced Batman in the first twoArkhamgames, so Smith was in a pretty unenviable position. He did an admirable job of making himself sound like a slightly younger version of Conroy and helped makeOriginsone ofthe best prequel games of all time.
Since then, Smith has cut out a niche voicing weirder versions of the character. He played a Russian Batman well inSuperman: Red Sonand also played the titular character inBatman Ninja. Unfortunately, in recent years DC hasn’t given Smith much of a chance to shine. He’s mainly been relegated to voicing a more generic version of the character in theBatman Unlimitedfilms that are squarely aimed at selling toys to children. Given the right material, Roger Craig Smith has the potential to rise much higher.
6Rino Romano
Played A Younger, Underrated Version Of Batman
Batman: The Animated Serieswas a hard act to follow, butThe Batmanfound success by doing something new. Whereas most earlier Batman projects had focused on older, experienced versions of the character, this show did the opposite. It followed a young Batman who had only been fighting crime for three years.
It might be a little underrated, butThe Batmanis one ofthe best Batman cartoon series, and among a talented cast, Romano’s performance stands out. His Batman sounds younger and more inexperienced but is still unmistakably Batman. The show ran for four years and Romano did an awesome job of modulating his voice to reflect the character’s growth. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to rank him higher due to his limited experience. Romano only voiced Batman inThe BatmanandBatman vs Dracula. With both being aimed mainly at children, he was never given a chance to tackle more mature themes, meaning his Batman lacks a little depth. Hopefully, if DC ever goes back to portraying a younger Batman, Romano will get another chance.
5Jason O’Mara
Voices The DC Animated Movie Universe’s Batman
O’Mara had an impressively long run voicing Batman from 2014’sJustice League: Warup until that version of the universe was destroyed inJustice League Dark: Apokolips War. He voiced what was basically the New 52 version of the character and had a good six years to perfect his interpretation.
It’s fair to say he did a good but not a great job, which is why he gets a middling ranking. There’s nothing wrong with O’Mara’s Batman. His voice is strong and commanding and this version got his fair share of emotional moments. But, unlike higher-ranking entries on this list, there isn’t anything to single out O’Mara’s voice acting. He gave fans the perfect generic Batman. Still, keeping in mind he appeared in some ofthe best DC Universe Animated movies, O’Mara gets a mid-ranking.
4Will Arnett
Adds An Impressive Level Of Depth To A Joke Batman
This might be a controversial pick for fourth place, but there’s a method to the madness. Yes, this version of the usually serious Batman is played for laughs, but that doesn’t mean Arnett doesn’t do a seriously good job. Arnett’s version of Batman is inspired because it borrows something from other great versions of the character while making it his own.
The actor’s gravelly voice is a perfect match for the Caped Crusader, while his comedic timing and delivery make every line he utters hilarious. Just as importantly, it never feels like Arnett is mocking the beloved character himself, just the tropes that surround him. And it isn’t all fun and games. For a version of the character that is mostly meant to make kids (and their parents) laugh, Arnett lends his Batman a surprising level of pathos. Beneath all the jokes, there’s a lot of depth to Arnett’s Batman. Arnett does an awesome job of voicing Batman, and it would be cool to see him do it outside the LEGO franchise.
3Peter Weller
Voiced The Most Difficult Version Of Batman
Peter Weller had an even harder job before him than most other Batman voice actors when he was picked for the role.Batman: The Dark Knight Returnsis one ofthe best Batman Elseworld Comic Storiesand fans had high expectations for this version of the character. This is a much older, scarred, and damaged version of the character, meaning Weller couldn’t just mimic other popular voice actors and call it a day.
Weller owns this version of the Dark Knight. Weller’s voice reflects an older, weary, more brutal Batman who has experienced decades of pain and defeat. At the same time, he never strays too far away from the Batman fans know and love. His Batman is one of the best things aboutThe Dark Knight Returns duology. He might not have voiced the character anywhere else, but this fact alone is enough to earn him third ranking.
2Bruce Greenwood
Brought The Relationship Between Batman And Red Hood To Life
There are plenty of reasons thatBatman: Under The Red Hoodis one of the most rewatchable Batman movies and Greenwood’s performance as Batman is certainly one of them. The film hinges on the chemistry between Batman and Red Hood and Greenwood and Jensen Ackles were a perfect fit. Batman is infamously stoic, but the actor brings to life the pain and betrayal that Batman feels watching his former protégé becoming a killer.
But Greenwood isn’t just excellent as Batman inUnder The Red Hood; he’s played the character a handful of times. InYoung Justice, he plays a slightly different version of the character. This Batman tends to be more cold and calculating and morally gray compared toRed Hood’s. Greenwood’s voice is a perfect match for Batman and the actor gives a nuanced performance, emphasizing Batman’s stoicism and terrifying intensity while also revealing his human heart when necessary.
