15+ Dark Crime Movies Like The Batman

Movies Like The Batman (Top Picks At A Glance)

There are countless superhero movies out there, but few compare to the dark and gritty world of The Batman. We absolutely loved the film and the direction they took the character in. Unlike the Dark Knight, this was a true Batman movie. And we’re not taking anything away from the Dark Knight as it is one of the best films ever! But it’s definitely more of a villain movie.

Regardless, if you’re like us and loved the film and are looking for a movie that will leave you feeling just as tense and anxious, check out our list of the best movies like The Batman.

The Crow Movie Description

One year ago, musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and his fiancée were killed by members of a violent inner-city gang.

On the eve of his wedding, one year after he and his fiancee were gunned down, Eric rises from the grave to become the Crow–a supernatural avenger.

His quest for justice leads him to Top Dollar (Michael Wincott), the head gangster responsible for their deaths.

Zodiac Movie Description

The residents of San Francisco are being terrorized by the Zodiac Killer.

A pair of reporters and investigators become obsessed with catching the killer, and they will stop at nothing to bring this person to justice.

However, Zodiac always seems to be one step ahead, even going as far as taunting the authorities.

• Movies Like Zodiac

The Dark Knight Movie Description

The Joker (Heath Ledger) has thrown Gotham City into chaos, forcing Batman (Christian Bale) to walk a fine line between heroism and vigilantism. However, the Joker’s vile actions may have finally pushed Batman too far.

• How To Watch The Batman Movies In Order

Manhunter Movie Description

FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (William L. Petersen) is forced to retire early, but he is called back in to assist on a case involving a serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy” (Tom Noonan).

To help with the investigation, Graham enlists cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox); however, this means working closely with the reason behind his retirement.

Soon enough, both the FBI and Graham find themselves playing a deadly game of cat-and-mouse between the Tooth Fairy, Lecktor, and pesky journalist (Stephen Lang.).

Watchmen Movie Description

Rorschach, a masked vigilante, uncovers a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes.

As he reconnects with his old friends who have also retired, only one of which still has their superpowers, Rorschach sees a detailed plan involving their shared past that could have catastrophic consequences for the world’s future.

Shutter Island Movie Description

Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Aule (Mark Ruffalo) travel to Shutter Island, only to find that all is not as it seems.

The hospital is a breeding ground for secrets, and the two men soon discover that their lives may be in danger. They must work together to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

• Movies Like Shutter Island
• Where Was Shutter Island Filmed?

Red Dragon Movie Description

Years after retiring from the FBI, Will Graham (Edward Norton) comes out of retirement to investigate a series of murders.

He soon realizes that to catch the killer, known as the Tooth Fairy, he must face his past and confront his former nemesis, Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

Se7en Movie Description

As Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) begins his final case before retirement, he is partnered with David Mills (Brad Pitt).

They soon discover that a serial killer is on the loose, targeting people based on the seven deadly sins. The killer starts to play games with the detectives, testing their mental limits. Can they catch the killer before it’s too late?

Prisoners Movie Description

Keller Dover’s (Hugh Jackman) daughter has gone missing and he’s not content with the detective’s lack of progress.

Frustrated, Keller takes matters into his own hands and begins investigating on his own. Time is running out for his daughter and he’ll do whatever it takes to find her.

• Movies Like Prisoners

Chinatown Movie Description

Private eye J.J. “Jake” Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired by Evelyn Mulwray to investigate her husband’s activities.

When he meets the real Mrs. Mulwray (Faye Dunaway), he realizes he was hired by an imposter and quickly becomes embroiled in a tangled web of corruption, deceit, and sinister family secrets.

As Evelyn’s father (John Huston) becomes a suspect in the case, Gittes races to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Memento Movie Description

Leonard (Guy Pearce) constantly reflects on his life before the accident that left him unable to remember what happened a mere fifteen minutes ago.

His quest to find the man who raped and murdered his wife is burdened by his condition, as he has a rare form of memory loss that cannot be cured.

Silence Of The Lambs Movie Description

Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) wants to use Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as bait to draw information out of the notorious Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

Crawford believes Lecter might have some insight into a case he’s working on and plans to use Clarice as bait to get information from him.

Mystic River Movie Description

Jimmy Marcus (Sean Penn) is a man who has suffered a great loss. His daughter Katie (Emmy Rossum) was murdered and two of his childhood friends are involved in the case. One of them, Dave (Tim Robbins), was the last person to see Katie alive. While Sean (Kevin Bacon) is the homicide detective at the head of the investigation.

Jimmy begins to investigate the murder while the police are continuing with their own investigation. He eventually concludes that Dave killed his daughter and he plans to take action himself.

• Movies Like Mystic River

Taxi Driver Movie Description

Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) is a disturbed New York City cabbie who sees himself as the city’s savior. He becomes fixated on Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a beautiful campaign worker, and starts to distance himself from reality in order to save her.

His first mission is to assassinate a leading political figure, and after that, he will go all-in to save Iris (Jodie Foster), a 12-year-old prostitute.

You Were Never Really Here Movie Description

Three years ago, a teenage girl vanished during a ferry ride. Her distraught parents turned to Leo, a jaded and brutal enforcer, for help.

Leo is determined to find the girl and uncovers rampant corruption and abuse of power as he gets closer to the truth. Finally, he’ll use any means necessary to save her.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Movie Description

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a disgraced reporter who is given a chance to redeem himself by solving the murder of Henrik Vanger’s (Christopher Plummer) niece.

Joined by Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an introverted investigator, Blomkvist begins a dangerous investigation that could implicate a family member in the murder.

5 More Movies Like The Batman (Honorable Mentions)

While the films mentioned above are our top picks for movies like The Batman, there are also several other movies worth mentioning as well. These films may not be on the same level as the films in the main list, but they still offer similar elements such as thrilling action, complex characters, and a dark and gritty aesthetic.

From superhero movies to crime thrillers, these honorable mentions are sure to appeal to fans of The Batman who are looking for more films that capture the same sense of intensity and drama.

• Fallen (1998)
• All the President’s Men (1976)
• 8 MM (1999)
• JFK (1991)
• Black Adam (2022)