The first Batman movie was released in 1966 and was titled "Batman: The Movie". It was based on the successful Adam West-led TV series and starred West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. The film pitted the dynamic duo against the United Underworld, which consisted of Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman. The movie was significantly lighter in tone compared to the gritty Batman of today.

However, if we consider the first theatrically released Batman movie that was not based on the TV series, then it would be the 1989 movie "Batman"). Directed by Tim Burton, it was the first installment of Warner Bros. initial Batman film series and starred Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker). The movie was a huge success and elevated the superhero film genre in a way that had never been done before.