Batman

1989. The choice of Tim Burton to bring Batman to the big screen was at first greeted with trepidation. When he cast Michael Keaton in the title role, the world reeled, and disaster was expected.

However, with Jack Nicholson and Burton's singular aesthetic style, the film still surprises with its idiosyncratic approach to the superhero genre. Whilst in many ways a traditional action thriller, interspersed with classic lines and over-the-top performances (Jack Palance, anyone?) there's an underlying perversity to it all that keeps it fresh for the modern audience.

The first Batman film outlines the psychological history of Bruce Wayne, and the birth of his most famous nemesis - The Joker. If you've never seen it, do yourself a favour. Turn up the sound for Danny Elfman's classic score, sit back and enjoy Batman and his 'wonderful toys'.

If you think the design is pretty good - so did the Academy Awards - Batman won for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration at the 1990 Oscars.