Released in 2022 and starring Robert Pattinson, this isn't an origin story. We don't have to watch the pearls hit the pavement in Crime Alley for the hundredth time. Instead, we meet a Bruce Wayne who has been Batman for two years and is, frankly, kind of a mess. He’s not a billionaire playboy; he’s a recluse in eye makeup who rarely sleeps.

The plot follows Batman as he tries to catch "The Riddler," who in this version isn't a guy in a spandex suit with question marks—he’s a terrifying serial killer inspired by the real-life Zodiac Killer. He targets corrupt Gotham officials and leaves puzzles behind, forcing Batman to actually do some detective work.

It’s a "noir" film. That means it’s dark (literally, you might need to turn up the brightness on your TV), it’s moody, and it’s focused on the rot within a city’s soul. It’s a fantastic piece of filmmaking, but as a parent, you need to know that this is "Adult Batman."

Even though it’s a long, slow movie, it has a massive pull for the middle and high school crowd.

If your kid is asking for The Batman, they are likely interested in the broader "Dark Knight" universe. Here is how to navigate the current landscape:

Ages 13+ This is the core of the discussion. It’s PG-13, but it pushes that rating to the absolute limit. There is no "fun" here. There are scenes of people being trapped in deathtraps that feel like they belong in a horror movie. If your kid handled The Dark Knight, they can probably handle this, but be prepared for a much more somber tone.

Ages 17+ This is the spin-off series starring Colin Farrell. Do not let the "Batman" branding fool you. This is a TV-MA crime drama. Think The Sopranos but in Gotham. It features brutal violence, heavy profanity, and drug trafficking. It’s a brilliant show, but it is not for kids. If your 14-year-old loved the movie, they will want to see this. You should probably say no unless you’re okay with them seeing someone get their teeth pulled out.

Ages 8+ If the 2022 movie is too much, this 90s classic is the gold standard. It’s sophisticated, beautifully drawn, and deals with complex themes without the "Zodiac Killer" levels of trauma. It’s the perfect "entryway" Batman.

Ages 14+ If you have a reader, this is the book that inspired the vibe of the 2022 movie. It’s gritty and deals with police corruption. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between "comics are for kids" and actual literature.

Ages 15+ This game captures the "vibe" of the movie perfectly. It’s Rated M for Mature, mostly for some intense psychological scenes and violence. About 40% of 9th-grade boys have played or watched a playthrough of an Arkham game. It’s high-quality, but again, it’s dark.

Check out our guide on the best Batman media for different ages

When we talk about "safety" with The Batman, we aren't talking about "brain rot" or "Skibidi Toilet" nonsense. We’re talking about psychological intensity.

The violence is visceral. Batman doesn't just punch people; you hear the bones crunch. There is a scene involving a collar bomb that is incredibly tense. While there isn't a lot of "gore" (blood is kept to a minimum to keep the PG-13 rating), the threat of violence is constant and heavy.

The Riddler is a horror villain. He records videos of his victims, he uses duct tape, and he lurks in the shadows. For a younger child (under 12), this could easily cause nightmares. It’s not "monster" scary; it’s "there is a bad person in the house" scary.

At 2 hours and 56 minutes, this movie is a test of endurance. Most kids under 11 will simply get bored. If they are asking to watch it because they saw a "cool edit" on TikTok, they might not realize they are signing up for a three-hour slow-burn detective story.

Here is the "No-BS" take: The Batman is a masterpiece of a movie, but it is fundamentally a "sad" movie.

Bruce Wayne is depressed. The city is drowning. The ending isn't a "we won!" moment as much as it is a "we survived, and now we have to clean up the mess" moment. If your family uses movies as an escape or a "feel-good" Friday night activity, this is not the one.

However, if you have a teen who is interested in cinematography, storytelling, or social issues like "what happens when the people in charge are corrupt?", this movie provides a lot of meat to chew on.

I cannot emphasize this enough: The Penguin is a different beast. We see this all the time—parents allow the PG-13 movie, and then the "suggested for you" algorithm on Max points the kid toward the spin-off series. The series is much more explicit. It's "prestige TV" at its most violent.

Learn more about the difference between PG-13 and TV-MA ratings in the DC Universe

If you do decide to let your teen watch it, use it as a springboard for some actual conversation.

The Batman (2022) is a "Yes" for most 13-year-olds and up, provided they know what they’re getting into. It’s a "No" for elementary-aged kids—not because it’s "inappropriate" in a sexual or profane way, but because it’s a grim, 3-hour psychological slog that will likely either bore them to tears or give them the creeps.

If they want Batman but aren't ready for the "Battinson" intensity, steer them toward Batman: The Brave and the Bold or the LEGO Batman Movie.

And for the love of Gotham, keep them away from The Penguin until they’re heading off to college.

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