Top 10 Best Batman Villains

Batman has introduced some of the most iconic comic book villains of all time.

Take a look at our list and pick your favorites!

1. Joker

   

   The Joker is a fictional supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, who first appeared in Batman #1, released on April 25, 1940, by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation remains disputed. Both Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his visual design, while Finger is... read more

   The Joker isn't just Batman's greatest villain, but is one of the greatest villains in all of fiction of all time.

   The character has had so many great appearances throughout various forms of media, such as Mark Hamill's version in the animated series and the Arkham games, Heath Ledger's version in The Dark Knight, and comic stories such as The Killing Joke. The Joker is just as iconic of a character as Batman is, and one can't really imagine one of them existing without the other.

   As Heath Ledger's Joker said, "I think you and I are destined to do this forever."

   The part played by Heath Ledger was great, sure, but I'd like to point out the voice that made the Joker: Mark Hamill. This man changed his voice drastically for the clown's appearances in Batman: The Animated Series. His voice has made him a comic book legend. I still read Batman comics in his demented "Joker Voice." If you haven't heard it, I suggest you play Batman: Arkham Asylum to feel the full effect.

   The Joker is a merciless, psychopathic maniac who, according to the New 52, had his face cut off before stealing it from the GCPD and hooking it back on. He will do anything for a laugh - and, more recently, anything to get to the Bat. The Joker is the perfect Batman villain.

2. Bane

   

   Bane is a fictional supervillain in DC Comics who often serves as an enemy of Batman. He first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 in 1993 and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane is known for his superhuman strength and intellect, and for using the drug Venom to enhance... read more

   Bane is the ultimate badass villain. He breaks all expectations of the audience and readers who are not expecting anything about his story. The first time I saw him on a comic book page, I swore he was just another big, generic, brainless guy whose main role would be that of a henchman to another bigger villain. Instead, he turns around, kicks Batman's ass like never seen before, and breaks his spine, leaving him paraplegic. Then, he takes over the entire city!

   In 80 years, Bane has achieved what not even the Joker has: to destroy Batman to the point of leaving him in a wheelchair. Bane is a brute force machine, but he's also extremely smart and strategic, totally subverting the "big dumb guy" trope. Bane is basically the Joker's dream come true, a guy who slaughtered Batman and yet brought complete chaos to Gotham, ruling the city.

3. Two-Face

   

   Two-Face, also known as Harvey Dent, is a fictional villain in the DC Comics universe. He was once one of Gotham City's most respected district attorneys until half his face was disfigured by acid, an event that triggered his descent into criminality under the name Two-Face. The character has been portrayed... read more

   Two-Face is the best villain from the DC universe for his psychological torment and the great schizophrenic struggle endured by his own duality and the conundrum of his existence. He is by far the deepest and best-designed villain. This is due to his scarred visage playing a dynamic role, with his elegant and handsome side being a clever camouflage for his grisly and deadly side.

   Additionally, he is a powerhouse of a character due to the epitome of the madman within. He is a white knight who turned into a wicked persona, worse than those he locked up, and the pure definition of justice with the toss of a coin - fair and without a shred of emotion. He is the best, hands down.

4. Riddler

   

   The Riddler is a fictional supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is known for his obsession with riddles, puzzles, and word games. The Riddler is a frequent adversary of the superhero Batman and often leaves clues about his crimes.

   Super intelligence beats super strength any day of the week. If Riddler didn't leave clues for Batman, he would get away every single time. It's awesome though, because he LETS Batman get him, kind of like giving Batman an Easter egg hunt and seeing if he can complete it.

   How is he not number one? He is hilarious and has superior intelligence. He still manages to remain not that violent, which I like. He also has a cool presence throughout the book and game. For example, question marks written all over the walls in every house in the Arkham City game.

   He was ruined in Batman Forever. I wish Nolan had stuck to using Leonardo DiCaprio as the Riddler in The Dark Knight Rises. Riddler is the most clever and entertaining, and he is the best. I hope he gets more recognition and surpasses Joker, Bane, and Scarecrow in the next 10 to 20 years. He deserves it.

5. Scarecrow

   

   The Scarecrow is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is commonly portrayed as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 in 1941.

   His first appearance in World's Finest Comics #3 in 1941 included Jonathan Crane's backstory and how psychologically disturbed and ingenious he truly is. Crane continually shows throughout the comics that he has complete control over everyone, using his victims' worst fears against them. The human's natural fight-or-flight response is programmed in the amygdala and is something that no one can escape. Crippling fear would destroy the likes of Gotham City one person at a time.

   He's really, really cool, insane, sadistic, and knows how to psychologically manipulate people. The origin of it is also very good, tragic, deep, and explains well how he became such a villain. I think he is a Batman villain deserving a special turn. Arkham games did very well giving an important role to the Scarecrow. It would be incredible to see a Batman movie with a good horror theme, with the Scarecrow as the main villain. If you think that he's just a guy with gas, he goes far beyond that.

6. Ra's al Ghul

   

   Ra's al Ghul is a fictional supervillain featured in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is commonly depicted as a powerful adversary of the superhero Batman. Known for his longevity and leadership of the League of Assassins, Ra's al Ghul presents a philosophical and physical challenge to... read more

   Ra's al Ghul is my personal favorite rather than the Joker because, in Batman Begins, my favorite video from the Dark Knight Trilogy, he teaches Bruce Wayne how to defend himself. However, he later reveals the League of Shadows' plan to destroy Gotham, which it regards as a decadent and corrupt city polluted with crime. At the same time, he tries to clean up the world like Bruce, but through means that spare the lives of many people.

   He nearly loses his life near the middle of the video and is saved by Bruce. However, he later betrays him when he discloses his involvement with the Scarecrow and Carmine Falcone to use a blue flower hallucinogen to vaporize Gotham's water supply. In the climax, Ra's has the best head-on-head battle with Bruce out of the three main villains from the Trilogy, and his death is the most gruesome. He is killed in a train crash that later bombs itself with the device used to vaporize the water supply.

7. Mr. Freeze

   

   Mr. Freeze, real name Victor Fries, is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. He is known for his cryogenic suit and ice-based weaponry. The character first appeared in Batman #121 in 1959.

   Mr. Freeze is one of the most brilliant villains I've ever seen. I just wish he got to achieve his well-intended goal. I always loved his quote, "Think of it, Batman. To never again walk on a summer's day with the hot wind in your face and a warm hand to hold. Oh yes, I'd kill for that."

   My favorite villain is much deeper than given credit for. My favorites are Freeze, Crow, and Joker. I don't know if I could pick a favorite out of the three. If I see Killer Croc and Penguin ahead of either of the three again, I'll cry.

   I read Mr. Freeze's comics and watched Batman and Robin with Mr. Freeze in it. I like the way Mr. Freeze looks and talks. I also liked the cartoon Sub Zero with Mr. Freeze.

8. Penguin

   

   The Penguin is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, he first appeared in Detective Comics #58 in 1941. Known for his signature umbrella and gentlemanly demeanor, he is... read more

   Clearly, the greatest of all Batman villains. He's got class, killer umbrellas, hot girlfriends (impressive given his appearance), and complete control over the Gotham City underworld. He's not insane, psychotic, or anything - he's just a criminal, plain and simple. For that, he deserves the number one spot. Burgess Meredith was great, Nolan North in the Arkham games is absolutely brilliant (DeVito in Batman Returns isn't great, but still), and all the TV series are really good as well. The Penguin, a clear winner.

   Clearly the best villain here. He's worked his way up through the ranks of Gotham's underworld and now has absolute control over it. Falcone? Maroni? They're old news. The Penguin runs the whole show - even Batman has to make deals with Cobblepot occasionally. The Penguin, a clear winner.

   Oh, and have you seen his women?

9. Catwoman

   

   Catwoman is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly associated with the superhero Batman.

   Catwoman has been featured in numerous media adaptations related to Batman. Actresses Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Eartha Kitt introduced her to a broad... read more

   She has a lot in common with the Joker. She loves Gotham and loves to play with Batman, but she is not obsessed with him. She is the most independent villain among Batman's foes. The only time when she is not independent is when she feels compelled to do good things because, deep down, she is a good person.

   She is also arguably Batman's biggest love interest. There are plenty of opportunities to let her shine, but sadly, it doesn't happen very often lately, I think.

   Catwoman deserves a top 5 spot, not 9th! She is a professional thief and is in need of love here! Yes, she may be a sort of anti-hero, but she is better known as one of the greatest Batman villains of all time.

10. Harley Quinn

    

    Harley Quinn is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was originally introduced as the Joker's sidekick in Batman: The Animated Series before becoming a prominent character in her own right. Over time, she evolved into an antiheroine and has appeared in numerous... read more

    People think that Harley is a stupid villain and should not have existed, but don't underestimate her. She came closer to killing Batman than the Joker on her first try! She is crazy and wild. She will kill you if you mess with her, but she is also very kind. She is funny, wild, kind, crazy, and will kill you. She is a complete mix of craziness, and seriously, how can one not love her? She should be number one.

    Harley Quinn has proved that you don't need a superpower to be really, scarily intense and awesome. She also shows that women can be really good in a fight. She's more fearless than the Joker, and crazier too. She was the one who saved the whole world in the Suicide Squad movie. Anyone who doesn't like her is crazy.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    The Batman Who Laughs

    

    Surprised to see he isn't added yet.

    He is actually Bruce Wayne from a different universe, or rather, from one of several in the Dark Multiverse. There, Batman killed The Joker, but a gas emitted by the latter upon death affected the Caped Crusader, causing him to develop the Joker's insanity. Batman then proceeds to kill all of his allies and friends while reveling in the depravities and sick amusements his former arch-enemy indulged in, taking on a new identity: The Batman Who Laughs. He then destroys his universe and joins Barbatos and the other Dark Knights of the Dark Multiverse, just so he can have a shot at destroying other universes, one at a time.

    He's a combination of Batman's physical condition, wit, experience, and mind with the Joker's insanity, unpredictability, and sadism. He will break minds, kill others, and destroy universes simply because, to him, it's fun. He was so dangerous that Batman and The Joker joined forces just to fight against him.

    And now, he's usurped the powers of another Bruce Wayne who had the abilities of Dr. Manhattan. Now, he's The Darkest Knight.

12. ?

    Zebra-Man

    
The Contenders

13. Poison Ivy

    

    Poison Ivy is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She is commonly portrayed as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Known for her expertise in botany and toxicology, she uses plant-based toxins and mind-controlling pheromones as weapons.

    Poison Ivy definitely deserves a top 10 spot. Apart from being attractive to most people, she is probably the most powerful Batman villain, being one of the few Batman villains actually possessing powers. She can make any man, including Superman, love her and do whatever she wants them to do. Additionally, if she kisses any man, she will kill them.

    For those who want to be intimate with her, it is probably only a good idea if you want to die in love or if you are immune to poison. She controls plants but usually just wants to save all plants. The way she does this is by killing humans because we kill plants. Now, do you really want to be intimate with a woman who can do that?

14. Deathstroke

    

    Deathstroke is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2 in December 1980 and has since become one of the most formidable foes... read more

    Yes, Deathstroke may not be a primary Batman villain, but there is no way he is number 11. Yes, he may not be able to beat the Bat like the Joker can, but he's got to be at least number 2. Deathstroke is the only one that has the same body build as him and can pretty much match him in anything.

    Not really known for being a major Batman villain, but he is stronger, faster, and as intelligent as Batman himself. Slade is the biggest physical threat to Batman on this list, without a doubt, and he's a badass.

15. Killer Croc

    

    Killer Croc is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is most commonly portrayed as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Known for his reptilian appearance and enhanced strength, Killer Croc has appeared in multiple Batman stories, animated series, and... read more

    The reason why I like Croc as much as Joker is that he is dominant. Tell me another Batman foe who can fight toe-to-toe with Bane, or even have regeneration. By now, he is surely stronger than Bane.

    But the real reason is for one simple line:

    Batman: "Tens of thousands of lives could be lost..."

    Killer Croc: "And I'll shed a crocodile tear for each and every one."

    Sure, he isn't the most popular villain, but Killer Croc is savage and almost beat Bane! He has some of the coolest powers I've ever seen and is very strong. He is funny in Suicide Squad: "No, I'm not ugly, I'm beautiful." Watch the movie, and you'll understand.

16. Red Hood

    

    The Red Hood is an alias used by multiple fictional characters and a criminal organization appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The most notable version is Jason Todd, a former Robin who takes up the Red Hood identity after being resurrected. The alias was originally used by the... read more

    He's not an enemy nor an anti-hero of Batman. He even becomes part of the Batfamily after overcoming his revenge and bloodlust caused by the Lazarus pit. He was a villain for about five issues but has one of the greatest story arcs in existence and is my second favorite DC character after Batman himself.

    If he does not make it to the top ten, I will cry. Ranked 16th?! People voted for the Joker, which I get, but what about his creation, the misunderstood Jason Todd? Back from the grave to ask Batman if he loves him?

    Everyone knows Batman and his sidekick, Robin. But what happens when Robin is murdered by the Joker, brought back to life, and swears revenge? You get the villain/anti-hero Red Hood.

17. Clayface

    

    Clayface is a name used by several fictional supervillains appearing in American comic books from DC Comics. Different individuals have assumed the Clayface identity, each with unique powers related to shapeshifting and clay manipulation. The character has appeared in various media adaptations, including... read more

    Clayface is by far the most tragic character in Batman. Imagine being a giant pile of mud for your entire life? That would be far worse than Mr. Freeze because Victor could still find someone to love him. Clayface, on the other hand, cannot.

    I think Clayface is an interesting and complex villain. I like him as a villain because the first comic I read had Clayface as the main villain, so I feel nostalgic about him. I hope to see him used more in the future, but overall he is an underrated character.

18. Black Mask

    

    Black Mask tortured Catwoman's brother-in-law to death with construction tools and forced pieces of him down the throat of Catwoman's sister. Even the Joker has never done something so incredibly sadistic.

    Black Mask is awesome. He looks badass, can hold his own against Batman and Red Hood, and forced Catwoman's sister to cannibalize her husband. No other Batman villain has done anything like that.

    Cool origin story and even cooler appearance. Plus the whole thing with forcing Catwoman's sister to cannibalize her husband. Joker may be the most infamous villain, but Sionis is just as evil, if not more.

19. Hugo Strange

    

    Hugo Strange is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is frequently portrayed as an adversary of Batman. Strange is notable for being one of the first Batman villains to discover the hero's secret identity.

    Hugo Strange is a very underrated villain. While not a physical threat, he's one of the most compelling villains when it comes to being a mental threat. Plus, he was once voiced by Frank "60s Riddler" Gorshin.

    He should be in the top ten. He is the ultimate enemy who took on Batman's identity once.

    He is one of the only villains to find Batman's true identity. #8 on my list.

20. Deadshot

    

    Deadshot is a fictional character in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is commonly portrayed as an adversary of Batman and is known for his expert marksmanship and use of high-tech weaponry. While traditionally a supervillain, Deadshot has more recently taken on the role of an antihero... read more

    Combine Deathstroke's seriousness and business-like behavior, Deadpool's costume colors and mastery of firearms (Deathstroke too), and Green Arrow/Hawkeye's precise aim, and you get this absolute gem of a villain.

    Love Deadshot! He is highly underappreciated. Who else is that amazing with any gun? I like how he is dressed in Arkham City (Video Game). Deadshot (Floyd Wilson is his real name, by the way) is just plain cool!

    I hope he becomes a full anti-hero. I'd love to see him be like a more serious Deadpool. I like Deadshot as a villain but I'd like to see him become more of a hero in the future.

21. Mad Hatter

    

    Just such a unique villain. All I can think about are his spectacular Arkham game appearances. Very underutilized.

    The Mad Hatter is one of the few people who knows Batman's secret identity. That has to count for something.

    I agree with everyone here. Jervis was great. Did anyone know people are putting him and Scarecrow together as a couple?

22. Hush

    

    Definitely needs to be higher on the list. A psychotic and tormented version of Bruce Wayne, tormented to hate his drunken, abusive father and obsessively controlling mother who spent his entire life comparing him to her ideal image of Bruce. One of the reasons I like Hush as a great Batman villain is that he is a master of psychology, attacking Batman and Bruce Wayne with his greatest failures and weaknesses. The Jason Todd trick and his supposed death at the hands of the Joker are key examples, and his relentless drive to destroy Batman/Bruce's identity.

    His use of psychological attacks to destroy Batman, rather than pits of acid and bullets, and his precise knowledge of how to use Bruce's psychology to hurt him, is only eclipsed by the Joker. The icing on the cake is the twisted way in which he both hates Bruce and, at the same time, wants to be like him. At his core, Hush is driven by envy for the life Bruce Wayne had, which makes him one of Batman's most dangerous, if infrequent, villains.

23. Man-Bat

    

    Man-Bat is like the opposite of Batman and a great villain. He should be higher on the list. I can't wait for a movie.

    Man-Bat is Batman, guarding Gotham City, in a beautiful black costume, with big ears, and a bat-man sign reflector. He has very good weapons, is a great fighter, and has super style.

    He should be higher. I'm surprised why we haven't seen him yet.

24. Firefly

    

    I mean, he is Firefly. I'd love to see him in a movie or Arkham game. How is Baby Doll and Zebra-Man higher than Firefly? This man has huge potential.

    I'd love to see him join the Suicide Squad.

    He takes number seven because, if he has good equipment and enough henchmen, he can blow up Gotham. A simple reason.

    Pyromaniac given access to a flamethrower and a jetpack. What more could you ask for?

25. Solomon Grundy

    

    Solomon Grundy is a fictional character in DC Comics, often portrayed as a supervillain and sometimes as an antihero. He first appeared in All-American Comics #61 in 1944 and is known for his undead nature and immense strength. Grundy has faced off against several DC heroes, including Green Lantern,... read more

    Hulk is a Grundy rip-off. Grundy was the original big mean guy talking in the third person who has anger issues.

    Solomon Grundy, born on a Monday!

26. Victor Zsasz

    

    Crazy, because Victor shows how grounded something could become. It shows how there are psychopaths who are just like Zsasz out there in the real world.

    He is really crazy, somebody you can actually be scared of in real life and who can give you nightmares. He's like Batman if he went nuts after his parents' death, because they both lost their parents.

    Zsasz is the most realistic Batman villain and will cut you.

27. Ventriloquist

    

    The Ventriloquist is the name of several supervillain characters in DC Comics. The most well-known version is Arnold Wesker, a villain who speaks through a puppet named Scarface. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #583 in February 1988 and is a recurring enemy of Batman.

    This villain doesn't get enough respect.

    What? It's Scarface. Not the best, that goes to my man Joker, but definitely in the top.