Tim Burton choosing Michael Keaton to play Batman was a huge risk, and it paid off in the making of the best super hero movie to date. Since I can't argue against all the recent blockbusters in one post, I will just keep this to the best Batman movie. since they keep making them.

I know they have gone grittier and bigger in recent years, but, they didn't match the perfection of combining darkness and campiness that was still true to the Adam West version, but, also brought in a new audience.  A perfect bridge to Christopher Nolen / Christian Bale series. When talking about the movies, that is where the discussion ends when looking at the best, either Tim Burton's Batman, or Christopher Nolen's.  

The biggest knock I can think of on the 1989 version is that the sequels turned into pure trash.  I am not sure how you can throw that many big names and great actors at a series of movies and have them spiral that out of control. One reason, though, is that replacing Keaton and Burton was not going to happen with any success. 

One of the best ways to compare these movies across the decades is to look at the characters.  These movies are so character driven that looking at who did it best can determine which movie was the best.

Michael Keaton > Christian Bale (Bale made the idea that Batman growls instead of talks, and I won't get over that.)Bale also lacks the humor that goes along with the character.)

Jack Nicholson < Heath Ledger (I would have thought I would argue Jack's version of the Joker was the best villain of all time, and then this Australian pretty boy from "Ten Things I Hate About You" comes in and does the exact same character better than Nicholson.)

Kim Basinger > Katie Holmes (Not an exact comparison as they played different characters, but, they were both the female leads. What can I say, I was in high school when Kim Basinger was in this role, so...)

Michael Gough < Michael Caine (Not much to say, Caine nailed this role, Gough was a place holder In the movie.)

Pat Hingle < Gary Oldman (Gary wins it, but, it is closer than it should be as seeing him play a good guys takes some getting used to.)

I know, it looks like the Nolan version takes the win since it wins the head to head 3 to 2, but, this is my post and I still take the 1989 version. Just watch the "You Wanna Get Nuts," scene and you will agree.