Every DC Villain In Multiple Movies (& Which Version Was Best)

As a huge movie fan, I always felt like the DC universe, for a long time, really revolved around Superman and Batman. After the amazing success of the original Superman in ’78 and Tim Burton’s Batman ten years later, those two characters basically were DC movies for a while. That meant villains like Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor and Jack Nicholson’s Joker became the versions everyone thought of – they really defined DC villainy for a whole generation. It was a bit sad, though, because it felt like Gotham and Metropolis were the only cities DC cared about, and all those other fantastic heroes and villains were just waiting for their shot at the big screen.

The early 2000s saw a big effort to revitalize DC Comics on film with the creation of the DC Extended Universe. The idea was to create a connected series of stories featuring iconic heroes and villains, finally giving characters like Wonder Woman and Aquaman leading roles. Unfortunately, the DCEU faced criticism for its inconsistent style, creative problems, and interference from studio executives, ultimately leading to its end. Now, a new DC Universe is being built with new leadership, aiming for a more unified and well-received approach to these characters. Despite this fresh start, looking at which villains appear most often in DC movies shows a clear trend: the enemies of Batman and Superman remain the most popular choices for the big screen.

1) The Joker

The Joker is arguably the most reinterpreted villain in film history. Cesar Romero initially played him in the 1966 Batman movie as a playful, mischievous prankster whose crimes weren’t truly frightening. Jack Nicholson later portrayed the character with a mix of that same showmanship and the cold-bloodedness of a hardened criminal. More recently, actors like Jared Leto, Joaquin Phoenix, and Barry Keoghan have each offered their own versions, ranging from a heavily tattooed gangster to a deeply troubled man grappling with psychological issues.

Even with so many great performances as the Joker, Heath Ledger’s in The Dark Knight is still considered the best. He didn’t just play a comic book villain; he turned the Joker into a powerful symbol of chaos, fundamentally changing how the character—and the genre—was seen. His performance became a cultural moment, establishing the most iconic cinematic version of the Joker.

2) Lex Luthor

Lex Luthor, Superman’s main enemy, has been played in many different ways over the years. He’s gone from a silly, self-centered villain to a troubled tech billionaire, but Nicholas Hoult’s recent portrayal feels the most genuinely threatening. Gene Hackman’s version was a clever but over-the-top criminal, focused more on property than conquering the world. Kevin Spacey played a similar, but harsher, version of the character. Jesse Eisenberg later offered a very different take, presenting Lex as a brilliant but mentally unstable young man, which proved controversial with audiences.

Nicholas Hoult portrayed Lex Luthor as a modern take on the comic book villain: a chillingly charismatic and ruthless business leader. He presents himself as a philanthropist to the world, but secretly harbors a monstrous side and believes he’s the one who should be saving humanity, fueling his intense hatred for Superman (David Corenswet). This version of Luthor is a genuinely dangerous opponent, making him the strongest and most convincing portrayal of the character yet.

3) Catwoman

Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, is a fascinating character who often blurs the lines between good and evil, and even captures hearts. Several actresses have brought her to life on screen, starting with Lee Meriwether in the 1966 Batman film. Anne Hathaway played a stylish and practical version in The Dark Knight Rises, and Zoë Kravitz recently offered a more vulnerable portrayal in The Batman. However, many fans believe Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance in Batman Returns best captured the character’s wild and unpredictable spirit.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman was truly special. She brilliantly transformed from a shy secretary into a powerful, damaged villain, creating a character who was both heartbreaking and captivating. Pfeiffer made Catwoman feel genuinely threatening and unforgettable, and her performance is still considered the best and most compelling version of the character to date.

4) General Zod

General Zod is Superman’s greatest physical opponent, possessing all of Superman’s power but lacking his self-control. The character was first brought to life by Terence Stamp in Superman II, where his haughty attitude and famous demand to “Kneel before Zod!” became instantly recognizable. Michael Shannon later offered a more nuanced and aggressive take on the role in Man of Steel. Shannon’s Zod wasn’t simply a power-hungry tyrant, but a genetically engineered warrior fighting to save his civilization from destruction, adding a deeply personal layer to his conflict with Superman (Henry Cavill). Though Stamp’s performance remains iconic, Shannon’s portrayal – fueled by patriotic fervor and tragic backstory – ultimately created a more frightening and captivating villain.

5) The Riddler

The Riddler, Batman’s smartest enemy, has been portrayed in many different ways over the years. Frank Gorshin’s energetic performance in the 1966 Batman movie became the standard for a wildly enthusiastic take on the character. Jim Carrey then amplified that energy in Batman Forever, creating a very over-the-top and cartoonish version of the villain. More recently, Paul Dano offered a completely new interpretation in The Batman, presenting a frighteningly believable serial killer inspired by the Zodiac killer.

Dano’s portrayal of the Riddler was impressive and unsettling, but it departed so much from the original character that it felt like a completely new take. That’s why Gorshin’s performance is still considered the best. He truly embodied the Riddler from the comics – a joyful, self-absorbed genius with a dangerous need to prove his intelligence. Gorshin also brilliantly shifted between playful laughter and a genuinely threatening presence, making his version of the villain the most captivating.

6) The Penguin

The Penguin is one of Gotham’s most recognizable villains, and has been portrayed in a variety of ways on screen. Burgess Meredith’s performance in the 1966 Batman movie created the character’s iconic laugh and clumsy walk, presenting Oswald Cobblepot as a traditional criminal who used trick umbrellas. Later, Tim Burton and Danny DeVito offered a much darker take in Batman Returns, depicting the Penguin as a monstrous, deformed outcast with a tragic past.

Although Danny DeVito’s portrayal of the Penguin is iconic, Colin Farrell’s recent performance in The Batman is now considered the most compelling version. Hidden by incredible makeup, Farrell plays “Oz” as a ruthless and driven mobster. He’s both frightening and surprisingly charming, making him a truly believable rising criminal. The strength of his performance led to a spin-off series, The Penguin, which will explore the character’s motivations and climb to power in a way no previous adaptation has.

7) Harley Quinn

I have to say, Harley Quinn’s entrance into the DC movie universe was absolutely unforgettable! Margot Robbie has completely made the role her own over the last few films. It’s been amazing to watch her character grow – from being the Joker’s partner in Suicide Squad to becoming this incredibly powerful, independent woman. But for me, Birds of Prey is where she really shines. It was fantastic to see her step out of the Joker’s shadow and just be Harley – all her craziness, but also with these really surprising moments where you see her vulnerability and intelligence. It was her best performance, hands down.

With Birds of Prey, Margot Robbie truly became the star of her own story, and her energetic, funny, and heartfelt performance established her as the best live-action Harley Quinn to date. Lady Gaga offered a fresh take on the character in the musical Joker: Folie à Deux, delivering a dedicated performance, but the film’s unusual style and lack of depth in character development left many viewers wanting more, ensuring Robbie remains the definitive Harley Quinn for now.

8) Two-Face

Harvey Dent’s story is central to Gotham’s lore, but it’s been a challenge to portray him effectively on film. While Billy Dee Williams hinted at the character’s potential in the original Batman, Tommy Lee Jones’ version in Batman Forever felt like a shallow imitation, failing to capture the character’s tragic depth. More recently, Harry Lawtey’s appearance in Joker: Folie à Deux was limited to a minor role. Ultimately, it was Aaron Eckhart in The Dark Knight who truly brought the definitive Harvey Dent to life.

Eckhart brilliantly portrayed Dent’s complete journey, from Gotham’s charming hero to a grief-stricken and vengeful villain. The movie focuses on his downfall as its main tragedy, giving the character a depth and emotional impact that surpasses all other interpretations. Eckhart’s performance was both devastating and frightening, establishing his Two-Face as the definitive version of the character.

9) Bane

Bane’s first appearance on film, in Batman & Robin, was widely considered a failure, turning the complex and intelligent comic book villain into a simple brute played by Robert Swenson. The character needed a fresh start, and Tom Hardy delivered with his performance in The Dark Knight Rises.

As a movie fan, I always thought Tom Hardy nailed Bane. He didn’t just play a strong guy; he created this incredibly frightening revolutionary, a real mastermind. What was so cool was how much he conveyed, even with his face covered. It wasn’t just about the physicality – it was his voice, his movements, everything – that made him a threat to Batman on every level, both physically and intellectually. It’s a controversial take, sure, but honestly, I think it’s the definitive version of the character, and it blows every other attempt out of the water.

10) Amanda Waller

Viola Davis brilliantly plays Amanda Waller, the strategic leader of Task Force X. She’s consistently captured the character’s cold and ruthless nature in both Suicide Squad and Black Adam. But her most impactful and frightening performance was in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. That film truly let Waller off the leash, showing her as a purely practical and uncompromising figure. Davis was incredibly powerful in the role, depicting a Waller willing to sacrifice her own team members to get the job done. In The Suicide Squad, she felt like a truly formidable force, able to challenge any supervillain simply through her sheer determination.

11) Carmine Falcone

Carmine “The Roman” Falcone, a powerful mob boss embodying the deep corruption of Gotham City, has been portrayed by two talented actors. In Batman Begins, Tom Wilkinson depicted Falcone as a classic, old-fashioned mafia leader – proud, influential, and completely in charge. He dismissed Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale) as just a privileged, immature boy.

John Turturro’s portrayal of Falcone in The Batman offered a unique take on the character. Unlike previous versions, his Falcone was a subdued and unsettling figure whose power came from being quietly menacing. He wasn’t loud or imposing; instead, he was a calm, shadowy presence who delivered threats with a chillingly soft voice. Though Billy Howl’s performance was strong, Turturro’s truly stood out, making his Falcone a far more disturbing villain, especially because of his deep ties to Gotham’s past.

12) Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf was the main villain in the movie Justice League, but he felt very different depending on which version you watched. In the 2017 version released in theaters, he was a visually uninteresting character with a simple design and it wasn’t clear what he wanted. He just seemed like another villain for the heroes to defeat. However, the 2021 Zack Snyder’s Justice League offered a much better and more developed version of the character.

Bringing back the alien look for the character was a great step forward, but the most significant change in Zack Snyder’s Justice League was giving him a clear reason for his actions. This Steppenwolf wasn’t just evil; he was a banished outcast, desperately trying to conquer Earth to regain the favor of his ruler, Darkseid. This added a sense of sadness and urgency, making him a much more interesting and frightening villain, and cementing this version as the definitive portrayal of the character.

Which DC villain would you like to see return in a movie? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-04 21:15