Batman: 15 greatest Batman movie villains of all time

Photo: Batman Returns / Warner Bros. Studios Image Courtesy Fathom Events Press

4. Penguin (Batman Returns)

Actor: Danny DeVito

You know an actor’s had a tremendous performance when you can’t see anyone else playing the character.

Danny DeVito’s Penguin was as gross and dark as you’d expect from a Tim Burton character. DeVito’s performance was more than his looks. He showed just how smart Penguin was and made it believable.

When he needed to switch back from the diplomatic and sophisticated Oswald Cobblepot to the ruthless Penguin, it was done smoothly. He never let the audience forget that while he was going along with the plan to be the mayor of Gotham, he was still a ruthless guy from the sewer that was abandoned by his parents.

Every scene Danny DeVito was in was memorable. He delivered a plethora of memorable quotes, a ton of great moments, and his presence was always there. He managed to be a focal point in scenes with Michael Keaton’s historic Batman, Christopher Walker’s Max Shreck, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman.

Whenever people think of the best villains in Batman’s rogues’ gallery, Penguin isn’t looked at as one of his best. Even in the movies. Danny Devito’s Penguin is hands down one of the best adaptations from the comic book to a movie. He gave us everything including a death that may have looked at as sad to many. Like the city, he played the audience like a harp from Hell.

Memorable moment: My nose could be gushing blood.