Top 10 Best Batman Villains

Batman has given us some of the best comic book villains of all time. Please pick your favorite ones.
The Top Ten
1 Joker The Joker is a fictional super villain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson who first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book Batman (April 25, 1940) published by DC Comics. Credit for the Joker's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design,... read more

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 appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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 Riddler The Riddler is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

Riddler should definitely be in the top 3 (no, number 4 is not good enough). He's a cool villain who takes it slowly and doesn't rush in like a fool. Riddling is an original idea, which Riddler handles very well, and I just think he's a well-made, likable character.

If you were to take all the stereotypes of a mad villain and blend them with a handful of good ideas, you would get Joker (in my opinion). Riddler just isn't as blank, and even though he is quite a cheesy character, that's what makes him so fun.

The TV series Gotham also gave the Riddler a better image, so you should really check out that show.

4 Scarecrow The Scarecrow is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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.

5 Two-Face Two-Face/Harvey Dent is a fictional villain from DC Comics. Harvey Dent was one of Gotham's most trusted citizens until he had acid poured on his face making him go insane and become a criminal by the name Two-Face. In film, he has been portrayed by Billy Dee Williams in Batman, Tommy Lee Jones in Batman... 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.

6 Ra's Al Ghul Ra's al Ghul is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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 Penguin The Penguin is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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?

8 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.

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.

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


Catwoman has been featured in many media adaptations related to Batman. Actresses Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Eartha Kitt introduced her to... 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, commonly as a sidekick of the Joker.

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 Contenders
11 Poison Ivy Poison Ivy is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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?

12 Deathstroke Deathstroke is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2.

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.

13 Killer Croc Killer Croc is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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.

14 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.

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.

15 Clayface Clayface is an alias used by several fictional supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

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.

Being a cunning, shape-shifting, terrifying monster who has both wits and brutal strength, Clayface deserves to be among Batman's classic villains. Besides, he was based on the Phantom of the Opera, just like the Joker was based on Gwynplaine and Two-Face on Jekyll and Hyde.

16 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.

17 Mad Hatter

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?

One of the most original villains to ever be created! I can't wait to see him appear in Gotham.

18 Hugo Strange Hugo Strange is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman.

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.

Doesn't this guy know that Batman is Bruce Wayne?

19 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 at one time was better than the Joker. He had crippled Gotham and nearly killed Batman and Robin. He's earned a top ten spot if you ask me.

He's one of Batman's best villains. He should be the main villain of the next Batman film.

20 Deadshot Deadshot is a fictional character who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of Batman . He has traditionally been portrayed as a supervillain, but has more recently taken the role of an antihero .

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.

Deadshot is the best assassin. If you don't believe me, then watch Deadpool vs Deathstroke.

21 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.

22 Baby Doll

I'm glad she's high up on the list for a minor villain. I hope that she comes back.

The best villain from any film or show!

23 Ventriloquist The Ventriloquist is the name of several fictional characters who are enemies of Batman in the DC Comics Universe.

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.

24 Great White Shark
25 Talia Al Ghul Talia al Ghul is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman.
8Load More
PSearch List