DeVito’s Penguin was masterful. It was over the top, comedic and absurd but still creepy and terrifyingly scarred. And kids we’re scared as hell of him.
Turturro's Falcone not only should be on this list, he should be in the top 5. I come from a large Italian family and I can tell you, I have never seen sleazy Italian done so well. He was like several of my uncles rolled into one. I felt like I was at our annual reunion watching him.
@@oseboodigie8406 Same because Turturro always felt someone who is more in control than Wilkinson. Plus I felt Turturro was more powerful because unlike Wilkinson it took two years to finally get him.
Your right. The original Triple threat of the Penguin, The Joker and the Riddler, as played by Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero and Frank Gorshin, respectively not only portrayed their characters as actual villains but also did this as best they could in all of them being convincing as being the top three of the Rogue's Gallery of Gotham but also did this as the debut characters as the first form of major media and then did so in a show that had to keep it's rating almost in the G category.
Not only did Heath Ledger’s Joker upstage Batman in his own movie, but so did Jack Nicholson’s Joker. Which makes perfect sense. 2 Oscar winners 2 Method Actors 2 Improvisors And especially 2 JOKERS
#1 makes sense. However, I believe Jack Joker should be #2 and The Batman riddled should be #3. The performance that was given and how real the riddled was. It actually captures the idea, this could happen. Similiar to Heatlhs Joker, it felt so real. Outside of that, great list.
Tom wilkenson and John Turturro’s Falcones should be on this list. Considering they were both villain characters and the character is so important to mythos. Also if you’re gonna include Hathaway’s Catwoman, then Zoe Kravits’s Catwoman should be on the list as well.
This movie wasn't close to being "campy." You're thinking of Schumacher's Batman, not Burton's. His take was anything, but "campy." Learn what words mean before you use them!
@@homeaccount5943 when you see the fake Batmobile Penguin uses to control the real one, the duck or the little penguins with rockets on their backs... yeah, campy is ablut right
I love Scarecrow as well but they probably meant he’s not a villain who can work as the main threat like Joker and Riddler both can. He’s much better as a thorn in the side type villain that Batman deals with while trying to fight the main antagonist, Batman Begins and Arkham Asylum are both good examples.
In movies maybe not yet but in the HBO MAX show Titans you can definitely say that. In fact that portrayal of the Scarecrow has become one of the best portrayal of Batman villains yet!
I will forever love Jim Carrey as the riddler. Like it was in no way accurate to what the riddler is in the comics but watching Jim Carrey do Jim Carrey things in a Batman movie is fun to watch
Carrey's Riddler is one of my favorite villains. If I'm not mistaken, The Riddler is the only villain in the Burton/Schumacher movies that figures out that Bruce Wayne is Batman.
Obviously it was inevitable for joker to get first but I’m so happy bane TDKR got second he deserves the recognition after his outstanding performance followed by heath ledgers legendary performance
People always criticized Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman for not being true to the character's backstory, but I think the reason it was different is why it's held up for so long.
I would have to agree if they did the same old same old or similar to it would it really pop or be memorable sometimes you have to take a role and make your own....
For me, Ledger, Nicholson and Devito are the three icons. I love Hardy, Neeson, Murphy, Pfeiffer, Eckhart, Farrell, Dano etc. but those three are the ones that transcended the movies. I picture those three above the cartoon or comic versions, unlike the others.
I would honestly argue some of the best portrayals come from the “Gotham” TV show! Looking past changes from the source material (as you should) I have almost zero complaints!
I'll take the Nicholson joker any day. Not that Ledger did a bad job because he absolutely killed it but just because he came off as less Joker and more a supernaturally lucky madman
@@rinuchiha6961 No Joker is "The Clown Prince of Crime", not some nihilistic/anarchist philosopher. They went a bit too "dark" with him. Heath Ledger was PHENOMENAL, don't get me wrong, but not quite the Joker
So glad Max Schreck made it on the list (and I would've started a riot if you hadn't). I honestly love the character and think he worked perfectly in Batman Returns as the arguable "true" villain, quite literally pushing Selina Kyle into becoming Catwoman while also giving Penguin the boost he needed to gain true notoriety. Walken is fantastic in the role, putting in an atypically grounded performance despite the Tim Burton trappings and delicious scene-chewing by DeVito and Pfeiffer, and the obvious inspiration he and the writers took for the character makes it that much more enjoyable considering how weirdly prescient Schreck's one-liners ("You're fired.") and transition into politics were.
I saw an online interview with Dan Waters recently where he said he wished he could say he'd based it on Trump but didn't. He noted Trump's dad was a bigger inspiration, a vicious and intelligent monster, and the bumbling Chip character would be more like Donald.
@@tjarowley That makes perfect sense based on when it was written as well as the style of the world in the film, not to mention an arguable greater resemblance in Chip's appearance. Disappointing how much Donald turned out like his dad, and I guess it shows a lot about how families like that operate (though, to be fair, Chip in the movie has a hint of selflessness and innocence that the current Trump and most of his family never really displayed).
@@BucklingSwashes Yeah it actually made me think maybe a Trump Senior movie would be interesting. I've always thought Trump Jnr is too much of a cartoon to be a good subject. The dad, his 'Power of Positive thinking' stuff, and Jr as a minor character, I'd watch that. And yep, i think Chip is a somewhat nicer version alright, sillier and somewhat earnest. Even his name is meant as a joke 'chip off the old block'.
I sometimes wonder if Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of Catwoman was a direct inspiration for the Harley Quinn character that debuted in the animated Batman series later that same year. There are some amazing similarities between the two; especially in how each is treated by her 'boss'.
Well, both are glasses-wearing professional women who snap. But until I saw Margot Robbie wearing the glasses in SUICIDE SQUAD, I honestly never imagined that.
@@SeasideDetective2 I probably see it because they both appeared the same year, and the animated series Batman clearly borrowed a *lot* of concepts from the Tim Burton Batman movies - most notably the appearance of the Penguin. Also, this was the impression I got *at the time*, so deacdes before Margot Robbie's performance (which tbh I've never watched).
I would certainly believe that they leaned into "sultry" but the BTAS Harley is more of a love-sick, boy crazy sub with a crush (until she runs off with Ivy) than Burtons Cat Woman. Honestly the corollary to Burton Cat Woman would be BTAS Cat Woman. No offense to Margot Robbie, but she can only work with the material she's given and the DCU is an absolute mess. It's unfortunate that they're a dozen films in and I can't name a good one.
@@neoprofin This is probably why James Gunn wants to chuck it all and start over from scratch, especially with a more comics-faithful version of Superman.
@@neoprofin I agree that the gulf between the two is vast. Selina is usually a serious character who maintains her dignity, while Harleen is a literal buffoon. But, starting with "Mad Love," a more complex portrait of Harley emerged. I see Quinzel almost as a self-loathing figure, secretly ashamed of her Brooklyn roots and Judaism, defensive and even in denial about them, but ultimately choosing to rebel against Gotham society by embracing those values. It's no wonder Harley's become an icon for the "nerd" subculture. (Her becoming a sex symbol is a little more ironic, but understandable.) But that's just my take.
It's even more impressive considering I can't decide which one is further from actually being Bane. They both take a handful of things from the original character and scrap the rest, replacing them with arguably more forgettable elements. One takes away his intelligence for comedic effect, the other takes away everything that makes him unique and swaps out his enrire appearance and use of venom to make him a former League of Shadows goon with a slightly more muscular build than Batman. I pray that Matt Reeves brings Bane into his Batman movies, just once I want to see someone TRY to do him right
I definitely wouldn't have put Tom Hardy's "Bane" anywhere near that high on the list. I probably would have put him somewhere around Anne Hathaway's "Catwoman".
Although it was an animated movie, I would've liked to see how you ranked the villains from Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm; it did get a theatrical release, after all. I mentioned this film both because it's one my favorite Batman films, and because of Kevin Conroy's recent passing; RIP.
You missed Zoë Kravitz's Catwoman. I'd rank the catwomen Michelle Pfeiffer > Zoë Kravitz > Anne Hathaway. Also, I'd put Tom Hardy's Bane below Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, Danny De Vito and Michelle Pfeiffer. These 4 are the iconic Batman villain actors.
agree with the top3. Hardy and Ledger were so undeniably good that they were literally neck and neck with their performances. Two characters that you could easily just watch a solo movie about each of them.
A very honourable list and your opinion on this works very nicely. However in my list it looks a bit like this:- No 05 - Penguin (Batman Returns) No 04 - The Riddler (The Batman) No 03 - Catwoman (Batman Returns) No 02 - The Joker (Batman) No 01 - The Joker (The Dark Knight)
IMO, Mr. Freeze is the best villain in the Joel Schumacher movies. At least he has an understandable motivation beyond being nuts, and I actually think Arnie was not a bad choice.
Jack Nick @ number 1 for me. He is the epitome of what the joker should be in a uniquely Jack way. Ledger did a great job , but his death has pulled on the heartstrings of most viewers.
Agreed. I think both were great but Jack’s Joker was the ultimate live action joker. Cartoonish and funny, while simultaneously being a murdering psychopath. Heeee… is my number oneeee… guyyyy!
I would put Bane as number 3 and let people argue over Jack Joker and Heath's Joker. I say 2 and 1 Joker. Jack Joker was perfect for the late 80's early 90's. That over the top character. For Nolen more realistic take, having Health play more sinister cut throat. Both are Iconic. I'll never compare one Joker to other, all are different. I see both ways how people will say Jack or Heath's Joker was better.
Yeah, his portrayal is great, how the movie was written, especially his finale is stupid. Drives me mad that Batman couldn't beat him with strength and technique, but at the end, Batman's strategy is somehow less technique and just "right haymaker, right haymaker, right haymaker" until Bane is defeated. A better movie would have shown some plan to defeat Bane, rather than simply a hand-to-hand rematch that for some reason he won this time. Plus the deus ex machina final blow from Catwoman.
I really enjoyed Jack Nicholson's version of the Joker, Because this version was more sadistic than Heath Ledger's (as to Heath Ledger's version of the Joker was just too tame,, not as sadistic as Jack Nicholson'sversion.)
Pretty good list. Personally I would have put Penguin from the Batman returns higher, and put the new riddler lower (I much prefer the cartoonish presentation in Batman forever). Also, I would have put the 2 jokers on a shared spot 1. They are both equally good, just very different portrayals. Bane though I feel is less interesting and doesn't really deserve a top 3 spot. Even if just for the lack of real motivation except 'serving his master'.
West was before many modern fans' time. Different standards back then. And Snyderverse never had a standalone Batman film. His villains never interacted with Batman for an entire film.
I knew Heath Ledger's Joker was number 1 and of course Tom Hardy's Bane was number 2. I agree completely with the top 5 choices, their performances were *chef's kiss 😚👌🏽
The Penguin actually seemed like a villain. But how corrupt and evil and well that Christopher walkin played it. I was only 10 or 11 when the 2nd Batman movie came out. And there was something chilling about a guy looking so nice and being able to kill so easily. Best joker that was like the comics I would say Jack Nicholson. But if The Joker was real I would have to give it to Heath Ledger.
I'd put Hardy's Bane around 7, between Ra's and Devito's Penguin. He was smart and savage, but I just couldn't believe he would be an effective charismatic influence. In a better version of the story, Talia would have come forward much earlier to play the role of "true mastermind", a character more fitted to deliver the "logical chaos"philosophies inherited from daddy. As it was, Bane was, ironically, given a bit too much to lift.
WTF are you smoking?? Aside from joker and maybe Ra's, Bane is the coolest and most charismatic villain. He was the mastermind behind everything...Without him, talia would have done shit
I thought the penguin from the Batman was fucking amazing if I’m being completely honest, I thought the actor did a great job and he brings a very realistic feel to the character
I feel that way too I am excited for him to become the true penguin in the next film he had inspiration from one of the godfather family members if I remember the report’s correctly
By your definition of cinematic, you have forgotten a few key villains in this list. It would not change much, but 1966's Batman has Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, and Joker, Mask of the Phantasm has the Phantasm and Joker.
At first I thought Jim Carrey's Riddler over Talia? But then I remembered that death scene lol. I like The Dark Knight Rises as a whole and like a good bit of Marion Cotillard's acting...especially the monologue to Batman after revealing herself and stabbing him. But that death scene. Christ in a cartoon. Surely they had a better take than that..
Michelle is the greatest Catwoman EVER (Julie is the blueprint). Anne is very underrated. She was great, but Zoe is the future of Selina and understood the character.
Sorry 1989 is my favorite Batman and Joker version. Nicholson's Joker is tops on this list followed closely by Tom Hardy's Bane. HL's joker can be taken right off the list as far as I am concerned.
DCEU? 60's movie? Dark Knight and The Batman portrayals of Falcone? Maybe even Joaquin Joker (yeah, Batman doesn't yet exist, but we know where it goes)? That's over 7 villains missed. (I don't include Kravitz Catwoman. As I remember, she was never a villain/opponent in the movie. Please correct me if I am wrong, though.
Allowing we are only listing live-action versions you still missed a few characters. Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman from Batman '66; Catwoman and Falcone from The Batman; Joker, Harley, Black Mask, Deadshot, Mr. Zsasz, Killer Croc, Savant, Polkadot Man, and Rat-catcher from the DCEU; Falcone, Mr. Zsasz, and Boss Maroni from the Nolan trilogy; and The Wizard and Dr. Daka from the 1940s serials. Hallie Berry's Catwoman and Joaquin Phoenix's Joker could also arguably be included
Liam Neeson did do shockingly well as Ra's al Ghul, actually. That was long enough ago and I was young enough that I didn't really know who he was then, but now.. if that movie was being made now, I'd be expecting a pretty poor performance and bastardization of the character
When I heard him say "being played by a white guy today wouldn't fly" my first thought to search the comments for a joke about pre woke ideology ruining Hollywood or some nonsense but nobody made that joke.
As a fan of the old batman comics, I never liked the Dark Knight movies. Always felt they were too dark. Nothing against Heath Legers or his take on the joker, but I much prefer the old "campy" batman movies, so I would say number 1 should be Jack Nicholson Joker.
Perfect list. One could argue that the only reason Bane could never reach the heights of Heath Ledger's Joker is because he's constrained by the limits of the character itself. In other words, he's not "The Joker" -- arguably the greatest character ever. I would advocate that Tom Hardy's performance is at the very same level -- or there or thereabouts.
DeVito’s Penguin was masterful. It was over the top, comedic and absurd but still creepy and terrifyingly scarred. And kids we’re scared as hell of him.
yes. should've definitely be higher than #7
Agreed. DeVito’s performance is an absolute masterclass in acting.
Devito should have set a record for awards as the penguin. He and ledger are neck and neck for top 2 batman villains of all time
i agree when i was a kid he scared me a lot like no other villain
Yeah I had nightmares about him biting my face off lol
Turturro's Falcone not only should be on this list, he should be in the top 5. I come from a large Italian family and I can tell you, I have never seen sleazy Italian done so well. He was like several of my uncles rolled into one. I felt like I was at our annual reunion watching him.
What about Simon Phoenix
I agree he should be on this list but top 5??? F*** outta here 😭😭😂😂
Tom wilkenson was better
@@rafaelmoron8076 I’d say they were both good for what they did. Turturros seemed more realistic tho.
@@rafaelmoron8076 nah, he got captured by Batman after one night while it took two years for Battinson to get Turturro’s Falcone
A well picked list but you missed Tom Wilkenson and John Turturro's portrayals of Carmine Falcone
Exactly. I'd pick Turturro though.
@@oseboodigie8406 Same because Turturro always felt someone who is more in control than Wilkinson. Plus I felt Turturro was more powerful because unlike Wilkinson it took two years to finally get him.
meh their not colorful villains 😂 max shrek shouldnt be here too
And where was Riddler from The Batman? I would have thought they forgot the movie as a whole if it weren't for Penguin.
@@justindonovan5904 hes on the list
Ledger's portrayal of the Joker was terrifying to say the least. He gave you the impression that he is someone you would not want to cross.
You missed an entire movie "Batman: The Movie" from 1966.
My only complaint about Lee Merriweather is the same one I had about Julie Newmar....
She's not Eartha Kitt.
@@ArcherSuh4721 Kit is the only Cat Woman to date that could arguably be better than Michelle Pfeiiffer's
Your right. The original Triple threat of the Penguin, The Joker and the Riddler, as played by Burgess Meredith, Cesar Romero and Frank Gorshin, respectively not only portrayed their characters as actual villains but also did this as best they could in all of them being convincing as being the top three of the Rogue's Gallery of Gotham but also did this as the debut characters as the first form of major media and then did so in a show that had to keep it's rating almost in the G category.
And they also missed all the animated movies and Lego: Batman.
@@jukka-pekkatuominen4540 Your right.
Not only did Heath Ledger’s Joker upstage Batman in his own movie, but so did Jack Nicholson’s Joker.
Which makes perfect sense.
2 Oscar winners
2 Method Actors
2 Improvisors
And especially 2 JOKERS
Depends on who you ask
You're right. Both of their Joker's overshadowed batman himself.
@@furrybogard9724 I don’t think it does, all you really have to do is watch the movies. 🍿
@@talariswatts-el9196 makes sense honestly.
2 Oscar winners.
2 method actors.
2 guys who loved to improvise
And especially 2 Jokers!
@@jayNicks10 100 agree.
#1 makes sense. However, I believe Jack Joker should be #2 and The Batman riddled should be #3. The performance that was given and how real the riddled was. It actually captures the idea, this could happen. Similiar to Heatlhs Joker, it felt so real. Outside of that, great list.
Same top three as me though I'd swap the two Jokers
Tom wilkenson and John Turturro’s Falcones should be on this list. Considering they were both villain characters and the character is so important to mythos. Also if you’re gonna include Hathaway’s Catwoman, then Zoe Kravits’s Catwoman should be on the list as well.
I still love Batman (1989). So campy, cartoony, so much fun! Great flick! Nicholson is great. As is Keaton.
This movie wasn't close to being "campy." You're thinking of Schumacher's Batman, not Burton's. His take was anything, but "campy." Learn what words mean before you use them!
@Home Account - I agree with you 100% I don’t know how the Burton films were campy at all. Campy would be the Schumacher films or Adam West show.
@@LMan86 Exactly. It's also far from "cartoony !"
@@LMan86 For me Michael Keaton is the best Batman and Christopher Reeve is the best Superman. I really love Adam West as Batman tho.
@@homeaccount5943 when you see the fake Batmobile Penguin uses to control the real one, the duck or the little penguins with rockets on their backs... yeah, campy is ablut right
Hardy’s Bane is so quotable.
I love quoting Swenson's Bane: "BAAAAANE!"
Aaahhhhhhhh…..You thought darkness was your ally? You merely adopted the dark.
I was born in it , MOLDED BY IT !!!
The whole nolan trilogy is quotable
You have my permission to cry about it
"Do you feel in charge"
Not a bad list but I would probably put Nicholson's Joker above Hardy's Bane
Fcking right.
I thought the same thing
Yeah, Bane was a disappointment.
I would've put Nicholson's Joker at number one myself.
Agreed
This is a pretty good list. My only problem was that you said that Scarecrow isn't a A-list Batman villain which couldn't be less true.
Yes scarecrow from begins was underrated
I love Scarecrow as well but they probably meant he’s not a villain who can work as the main threat like Joker and Riddler both can. He’s much better as a thorn in the side type villain that Batman deals with while trying to fight the main antagonist, Batman Begins and Arkham Asylum are both good examples.
@@jordancooper1592 He was also the main villain for Arkham Knight.
In movies maybe not yet but in the HBO MAX show Titans you can definitely say that. In fact that portrayal of the Scarecrow has become one of the best portrayal of Batman villains yet!
Scarecrow was wasted BRUTALLY. They could’ve done much more with him.
I will forever love Jim Carrey as the riddler. Like it was in no way accurate to what the riddler is in the comics but watching Jim Carrey do Jim Carrey things in a Batman movie is fun to watch
Carrey's Riddler is one of my favorite villains. If I'm not mistaken, The Riddler is the only villain in the Burton/Schumacher movies that figures out that Bruce Wayne is Batman.
I’m pretty sure Nicholson’s Joker had it figured out by the end, especially since he says, “Hey, I was a kid when I killed your parents.”
I would have loved to see a plastic man movie with Jim Carrey instead
Obviously it was inevitable for joker to get first but I’m so happy bane TDKR got second he deserves the recognition after his outstanding performance followed by heath ledgers legendary performance
Jack Palance's 'Boss Grissom' was pretty good.
You're...my number one guy..
@@darthwiizius*heavy breathing*
@@greatgolfer23 👍
People always criticized Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman for not being true to the character's backstory, but I think the reason it was different is why it's held up for so long.
Honestly. Because anytime I think of catwoman I think of Michelle. The BTAS version is inspired by her. At least look wise
I would have to agree if they did the same old same old or similar to it would it really pop or be memorable sometimes you have to take a role and make your own....
Great list, agree with most. I'd swap Michelle Phifer and Tom Hardy round maybe.
For me, Ledger, Nicholson and Devito are the three icons. I love Hardy, Neeson, Murphy, Pfeiffer, Eckhart, Farrell, Dano etc. but those three are the ones that transcended the movies. I picture those three above the cartoon or comic versions, unlike the others.
I would honestly argue some of the best portrayals come from the “Gotham” TV show! Looking past changes from the source material (as you should) I have almost zero complaints!
Definitely my favorite portrayal of The Penguin.
glad Nolan Bane got some love. amazing and iconic performance.
I'll take the Nicholson joker any day. Not that Ledger did a bad job because he absolutely killed it but just because he came off as less Joker and more a supernaturally lucky madman
That's what joker is. To Batman and others he's not like your typical villain
@@rinuchiha6961 No Joker is "The Clown Prince of Crime", not some nihilistic/anarchist philosopher. They went a bit too "dark" with him. Heath Ledger was PHENOMENAL, don't get me wrong, but not quite the Joker
So glad Max Schreck made it on the list (and I would've started a riot if you hadn't). I honestly love the character and think he worked perfectly in Batman Returns as the arguable "true" villain, quite literally pushing Selina Kyle into becoming Catwoman while also giving Penguin the boost he needed to gain true notoriety. Walken is fantastic in the role, putting in an atypically grounded performance despite the Tim Burton trappings and delicious scene-chewing by DeVito and Pfeiffer, and the obvious inspiration he and the writers took for the character makes it that much more enjoyable considering how weirdly prescient Schreck's one-liners ("You're fired.") and transition into politics were.
I saw an online interview with Dan Waters recently where he said he wished he could say he'd based it on Trump but didn't. He noted Trump's dad was a bigger inspiration, a vicious and intelligent monster, and the bumbling Chip character would be more like Donald.
@@tjarowley That makes perfect sense based on when it was written as well as the style of the world in the film, not to mention an arguable greater resemblance in Chip's appearance. Disappointing how much Donald turned out like his dad, and I guess it shows a lot about how families like that operate (though, to be fair, Chip in the movie has a hint of selflessness and innocence that the current Trump and most of his family never really displayed).
@@BucklingSwashes Yeah it actually made me think maybe a Trump Senior movie would be interesting. I've always thought Trump Jnr is too much of a cartoon to be a good subject. The dad, his 'Power of Positive thinking' stuff, and Jr as a minor character, I'd watch that. And yep, i think Chip is a somewhat nicer version alright, sillier and somewhat earnest. Even his name is meant as a joke 'chip off the old block'.
I sometimes wonder if Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal of Catwoman was a direct inspiration for the Harley Quinn character that debuted in the animated Batman series later that same year. There are some amazing similarities between the two; especially in how each is treated by her 'boss'.
Well, both are glasses-wearing professional women who snap. But until I saw Margot Robbie wearing the glasses in SUICIDE SQUAD, I honestly never imagined that.
@@SeasideDetective2 I probably see it because they both appeared the same year, and the animated series Batman clearly borrowed a *lot* of concepts from the Tim Burton Batman movies - most notably the appearance of the Penguin. Also, this was the impression I got *at the time*, so deacdes before Margot Robbie's performance (which tbh I've never watched).
I would certainly believe that they leaned into "sultry" but the BTAS Harley is more of a love-sick, boy crazy sub with a crush (until she runs off with Ivy) than Burtons Cat Woman. Honestly the corollary to Burton Cat Woman would be BTAS Cat Woman. No offense to Margot Robbie, but she can only work with the material she's given and the DCU is an absolute mess. It's unfortunate that they're a dozen films in and I can't name a good one.
@@neoprofin This is probably why James Gunn wants to chuck it all and start over from scratch, especially with a more comics-faithful version of Superman.
@@neoprofin I agree that the gulf between the two is vast. Selina is usually a serious character who maintains her dignity, while Harleen is a literal buffoon. But, starting with "Mad Love," a more complex portrait of Harley emerged. I see Quinzel almost as a self-loathing figure, secretly ashamed of her Brooklyn roots and Judaism, defensive and even in denial about them, but ultimately choosing to rebel against Gotham society by embracing those values. It's no wonder Harley's become an icon for the "nerd" subculture. (Her becoming a sex symbol is a little more ironic, but understandable.) But that's just my take.
This was a good list, although it felt strange to not have Falcone on it.
Its amazing how radically, incredibly different the two versions of Bane are, lol
It's even more impressive considering I can't decide which one is further from actually being Bane. They both take a handful of things from the original character and scrap the rest, replacing them with arguably more forgettable elements. One takes away his intelligence for comedic effect, the other takes away everything that makes him unique and swaps out his enrire appearance and use of venom to make him a former League of Shadows goon with a slightly more muscular build than Batman. I pray that Matt Reeves brings Bane into his Batman movies, just once I want to see someone TRY to do him right
I definitely wouldn't have put Tom Hardy's "Bane" anywhere near that high on the list. I probably would have put him somewhere around Anne Hathaway's "Catwoman".
I find Bane and most of Rises forgettable. Put Nicholson and Pfeiffer above him, at the very least.
Naw
Agreed. Rises is the worst good Batman film 😅
Did they miss Carmine Falcone on purpose. C’mon guys he appears in two movies.
Although it was an animated movie, I would've liked to see how you ranked the villains from Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm; it did get a theatrical release, after all. I mentioned this film both because it's one my favorite Batman films, and because of Kevin Conroy's recent passing; RIP.
Then the top 3 villains could just be all 3 Jokers.
You missed Zoë Kravitz's Catwoman. I'd rank the catwomen Michelle Pfeiffer > Zoë Kravitz > Anne Hathaway. Also, I'd put Tom Hardy's Bane below Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, Danny De Vito and Michelle Pfeiffer. These 4 are the iconic Batman villain actors.
I would move Danny DeVito's Penguin up a few slots, but otherwise it was pretty good
I would not.
Your opinion is crap. Congratulations
Tom Hardy's Bane and heath ledger's joker will always be my favourites
I like the top 3 picks of Batman Villains because they did so good especially Heath Ledger as Joker
agree with the top3.
Hardy and Ledger were so undeniably good that they were literally neck and neck with their performances. Two characters that you could easily just watch a solo movie about each of them.
Nope, Bane is not better than Nicholson Joker.
Mark Hamill deserves a mention
A very honourable list and your opinion on this works very nicely. However in my list it looks a bit like this:-
No 05 - Penguin (Batman Returns)
No 04 - The Riddler (The Batman)
No 03 - Catwoman (Batman Returns)
No 02 - The Joker (Batman)
No 01 - The Joker (The Dark Knight)
IMO, Mr. Freeze is the best villain in the Joel Schumacher movies. At least he has an understandable motivation beyond being nuts, and I actually think Arnie was not a bad choice.
Jack Nick @ number 1 for me. He is the epitome of what the joker should be in a uniquely Jack way. Ledger did a great job , but his death has pulled on the heartstrings of most viewers.
Agreed. I think both were great but Jack’s Joker was the ultimate live action joker. Cartoonish and funny, while simultaneously being a murdering psychopath. Heeee… is my number oneeee… guyyyy!
I would put Bane as number 3 and let people argue over Jack Joker and Heath's Joker. I say 2 and 1 Joker. Jack Joker was perfect for the late 80's early 90's. That over the top character. For Nolen more realistic take, having Health play more sinister cut throat. Both are Iconic. I'll never compare one Joker to other, all are different. I see both ways how people will say Jack or Heath's Joker was better.
Nicely said.
Top 5 Batman villains
1- Joker the Dark knight
2- Joker Batman
3- The Riddler The Batman
4- Bane Dark Knight rises
5- The Penguin Batman returns
Yours is similar to mine but i have catwoman at #4
I’ve always loved the fact that Christopher Nolans Joker never had a backstory and was always a mystery how he came about and where he came from.
I know that joker wasn't technically a batman movie, but it should've at least had an honorable mention.
He wasn’t a villain though!
It was all poor me, my life is so sad, sad music, then he goes mad and kills a guy!
Bane is great for most of the movie, by the end of the movie though when it's revealed he's the sidekick, he becomes so easy to kill
Yeah, his portrayal is great, how the movie was written, especially his finale is stupid. Drives me mad that Batman couldn't beat him with strength and technique, but at the end, Batman's strategy is somehow less technique and just "right haymaker, right haymaker, right haymaker" until Bane is defeated. A better movie would have shown some plan to defeat Bane, rather than simply a hand-to-hand rematch that for some reason he won this time. Plus the deus ex machina final blow from Catwoman.
He's awesome as a big bad and for your information, without Bane, Talia would have done shit.
Lol a sidekick... put some respect on Bane ffs
@@nayanrezvani4574 she could have found any meat head to do that
They put Michelle Pfeiffer's and Anne Hathway's portrayals as Catwoman on the list, but not Zoe Kravitz?
I don't think she was quite a villain in The Batman, that would be my guess.
She was in a terrible film, so she would be in the bottom 4 anyway
@@HarveyTwoFaceDent you were dropped as a child
@@nycandrewd Maybe , can’t remember that far back, still a terrible movie though
@@HarveyTwoFaceDent watch it again maybe it will grow on you. 😁
I really enjoyed Jack Nicholson's version of the Joker, Because this version was more sadistic than Heath Ledger's (as to Heath Ledger's version of the Joker was just too tame,, not as sadistic as Jack Nicholson'sversion.)
Pretty good list. Personally I would have put Penguin from the Batman returns higher, and put the new riddler lower (I much prefer the cartoonish presentation in Batman forever).
Also, I would have put the 2 jokers on a shared spot 1. They are both equally good, just very different portrayals. Bane though I feel is less interesting and doesn't really deserve a top 3 spot. Even if just for the lack of real motivation except 'serving his master'.
You prefer Batman Forever's Riddler?! 😭😅 How old are you? If you don't mind me asking.
Wtf bane is less interesting?! Did you smoke or what... He's the most interesting villain besides joker and Ra's
Seeing Ledger as The Joker gives me goose bumps. He is does it too good.
I wouldn't call this list "every Batman villain ranked". Lots of movie villains we're missed.
So tell us how you really feel about Batman & Robin.
Every time I watch Batman (1989) Nicholson’s joker is absolutely brilliant.
What about Adam West and Snyderverse villians?
West was before many modern fans' time. Different standards back then.
And Snyderverse never had a standalone Batman film. His villains never interacted with Batman for an entire film.
Interesting I’d like to know what parameters you went off of because I believe Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker was also very well portrayed
He never interacted with Batman though.
At least, not yet.
I was curious to see where Falcone would rank too. I’d also wonder which movie ranks as having the best collection of villains? Fun video though.
Still breaks my heart that Heath wasnt able to see just how iconic and loved his Joker would be
Still by far the best acting performance of all time
Trust me. He's seen. 😉
Agreed
Really?
What was just so good about it?
It's the Kurt Cobain effect. Die after doing something mediocre, so everyone thinks it was better than it was
@@SmithCommaBenjamin trolling, much?
@@Windbadger Unless you're an angst filled 12 year old, that Joker performance was cringey and overrated.
I knew Heath Ledger's Joker was number 1 and of course Tom Hardy's Bane was number 2. I agree completely with the top 5 choices, their performances were *chef's kiss 😚👌🏽
You're completely wrong. Bane was less than mediocre and dark knight was a poor story on top of an overrated joker.
@@bobjohnson1633 Well, that's your opinion
I agree with the top 5 as well.
@@bobjohnson1633 5 year old
Bane over Nicholson’s Joker? That’s just objectively wrong.
The Penguin actually seemed like a villain.
But how corrupt and evil and well that Christopher walkin played it. I was only 10 or 11 when the 2nd Batman movie came out. And there was something chilling about a guy looking so nice and being able to kill so easily.
Best joker that was like the comics I would say Jack Nicholson.
But if The Joker was real I would have to give it to Heath Ledger.
Good analysis
Heath never got to see how his performance would be ingrained. Respect.
Mr. Freeze #1! With chilling lines from the movie like "let's kick some ice" and "stay cool bird boy" how could he not be 1!
Can't help it. LOVE Arnie's Mr. Freeze, including all temperature puns
What killed the dinosaurs.... the ice age 😆 🤣
I'm afraid that my condition has left me COLD to your pleas of mercy
Let's kick some ice
Chill out man
Your not sending me to the cooler
Jack Nicholson Joker will always be my favorite due to nostalgia 👌🏻
I'd put Hardy's Bane around 7, between Ra's and Devito's Penguin. He was smart and savage, but I just couldn't believe he would be an effective charismatic influence. In a better version of the story, Talia would have come forward much earlier to play the role of "true mastermind", a character more fitted to deliver the "logical chaos"philosophies inherited from daddy. As it was, Bane was, ironically, given a bit too much to lift.
"A bit too much to lift". I see what you did there. Hahahahaha
WTF are you smoking??
Aside from joker and maybe Ra's, Bane is the coolest and most charismatic villain. He was the mastermind behind everything...Without him, talia would have done shit
I thought the penguin from the Batman was fucking amazing if I’m being completely honest, I thought the actor did a great job and he brings a very realistic feel to the character
Danny devito is a legend. Perfect for penguin
@@johnstucker683 I was on about Colin Farrells penguin but I do prefer Danny davitos lol 😂
@@louiehooper219 ah. I see. Devitos is so good I forget about the other one. I probably should have finished watching before my comment.
I feel that way too I am excited for him to become the true penguin in the next film he had inspiration from one of the godfather family members if I remember the report’s correctly
@@aaronhollander614 honestly I reckon he’ll be great
I read once that DeVito detested playing Penguin. Now all I can find is his comments on the new version.
Cool list, but it’s a slight to not mention Paul Dano when talking about the Riddler.
You forgot the 1966 Batman the Movie. Which was a theatrical release back in the day. With had Ceasar Romero's Joker.
But the characters came from a TV series first, so it doesn't really count.
@@theabraham8164 They're in a movie. 100% counts.
@@VegetaLF7 ...but came from a tv show. I'm guessing that's why Mask Of The Phantasm wasn't covered
As long as it was a theatrical release it should count. If it was a TV-movie, it would be another matter...
@@atlekristiansen4975 Again, they left out any film that was tied to a tv show.
Maybe the "twins" could have played in a Batman movie together. I mean that Mr.Freeze and that Pinguin!
I remember when people were up in arms about Ledger’s casting of Joker. Dano’s Riddler needs to be higher than 6.
Dano's Riddler is third for me after the two Jokers
Heaths jokers is so overrated
Um you forgot the other catwoman in the batman
I honestly think the dark knight rises catwomen was done really well as well as talia Al ghul. They weren’t comic book like but they fit
By your definition of cinematic, you have forgotten a few key villains in this list. It would not change much, but 1966's Batman has Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, and Joker, Mask of the Phantasm has the Phantasm and Joker.
At first I thought Jim Carrey's Riddler over Talia? But then I remembered that death scene lol. I like The Dark Knight Rises as a whole and like a good bit of Marion Cotillard's acting...especially the monologue to Batman after revealing herself and stabbing him. But that death scene. Christ in a cartoon. Surely they had a better take than that..
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Joker the heath Ledger, forever in my heart ❤️.
Michelle is the greatest Catwoman EVER (Julie is the blueprint). Anne is very underrated. She was great, but Zoe is the future of Selina and understood the character.
Missing all the animated film releases, and the '66 Adam West film. Plus Batman v. Superman, Justice League, & Suicide Squad.
You guys should do a list of comic book movie villains, both DC and Marvel and see who wins!
I was thoroughly terrified of Dano’s Riddler.
Sorry 1989 is my favorite Batman and Joker version. Nicholson's Joker is tops on this list followed closely by Tom Hardy's Bane. HL's joker can be taken right off the list as far as I am concerned.
I can’t argue with this list.. pretty much spot on.
Penguin is the superior villain from Batman Returns
Heath ledgers joker should be taught in acting classes. I felt every bit of “let the world burn” chaos every time he was on screen.
Tom Hardy's Bane was much better on DVD when I could use the close caption to hear what the heck he was saying.
DCEU?
60's movie?
Dark Knight and The Batman portrayals of Falcone?
Maybe even Joaquin Joker (yeah, Batman doesn't yet exist, but we know where it goes)?
That's over 7 villains missed.
(I don't include Kravitz Catwoman. As I remember, she was never a villain/opponent in the movie. Please correct me if I am wrong, though.
This is focusing on standalone Batman movies not DCEU
@arinhossain2100 it doesn't specify that, but I can accept it.
I personally would put the top 4 with both jokers, the Batman riddler and the dark knight rises Bane otherwise I’d agree 1000%
The Penguin from Gotham is top notch, not a movie but he was brilliant
I'm anxious to see what the Joker will be like in the next installment if the deleted scene is any indication. Too bad we have to wait so long.
Devito. Amazing penguin. Can’t believe that’s frank reynolds.
I'm surprised you guys didn't include the Lego Batman Joker
Seems to be live action only.
7:32 Maybe I missed something, but I thought he "inherited" the name when his mentor got killed.
Allowing we are only listing live-action versions you still missed a few characters. Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman from Batman '66; Catwoman and Falcone from The Batman; Joker, Harley, Black Mask, Deadshot, Mr. Zsasz, Killer Croc, Savant, Polkadot Man, and Rat-catcher from the DCEU; Falcone, Mr. Zsasz, and Boss Maroni from the Nolan trilogy; and The Wizard and Dr. Daka from the 1940s serials. Hallie Berry's Catwoman and Joaquin Phoenix's Joker could also arguably be included
I get Batman Begins’ Victor Zsaz being excluded but what about Falcone & Maroni?
Ikr
I have one change to your list: #2 & 3 needs to change places. The Jokers are undeniably #1 & 2!
Despite liking The Batman, I liked Carey's version of the Riddler better
Jim Carreys Riddler would have aged better if they didn't have him wear that stupid shiny onesie. I loved the portrayal but the costume sucked
This to me is a very, very strange comment from an adult 😶
Fun fact joker was suppose to return in the bane movie but because of headths passing it didn't happen 😢😔
That's not a very fun fact..... More sad than anything.
@@lilsterss yhea I agree
Liam Neeson did do shockingly well as Ra's al Ghul, actually. That was long enough ago and I was young enough that I didn't really know who he was then, but now.. if that movie was being made now, I'd be expecting a pretty poor performance and bastardization of the character
When I heard him say "being played by a white guy today wouldn't fly" my first thought to search the comments for a joke about pre woke ideology ruining Hollywood or some nonsense but nobody made that joke.
As a fan of the old batman comics, I never liked the Dark Knight movies. Always felt they were too dark. Nothing against Heath Legers or his take on the joker, but I much prefer the old "campy" batman movies, so I would say number 1 should be Jack Nicholson Joker.
Joker 2019: "Am I a joke to you?"
Perfect list.
One could argue that the only reason Bane could never reach the heights of Heath Ledger's Joker is because he's constrained by the limits of the character itself.
In other words, he's not "The Joker" -- arguably the greatest character ever.
I would advocate that Tom Hardy's performance is at the very same level -- or there or thereabouts.
Great list!
But you did miss Mask of the Phantasm…
Appears to be live action only.