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Thanos, The Joker and the 25 greatest superhero movie villains of all-time

By Michael Patterson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Joker costume from the 2008 film The Dark Knight worn by actor Heath Ledger and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Joker costume from the 2008 film The Dark Knight worn by actor Heath Ledger and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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movie villains, Penguin, Batman Returns, Danny DeVito
Photo: Batman Returns / Warner Bros. Studios Image Courtesy Fathom Events Press /

2. The Penguin

Film: Batman Returns

Danny DeVito’s turn as Oswald Cobblepot in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns was so legendary that it ended up redefining the character for a whole new generation. A veteran comic performer, he was something of an unorthodox choice for the twisted role, but that didn’t stop him from producing an unforgettably disturbing performance.

What made The Penguin such a great villain was the film’s unique interpretation of him. Unlike the comics, he wasn’t the treacherous mob boss who just so happened to have a long nose. No, he was a terrifying outcast raised in the sewers of Gotham who staged a legendary comeback 33 years later to run for mayor. And the effective way in which he managed to manipulate the people made him very, very dangerous.

Another “freak” for Batman to deal with, DeVito’s twisted Penguin was right at home in the boisterous Burton environment and is, without a doubt, the most iconic iteration of the character of all time. Terrifying in appearance and savvy in his methods, he had Gotham right in the palm of his hand and even managed to briefly turn the city against the Dark Knight.

“Things change…” he once told Batman, and oh how right he was.

Villains don’t come like this anymore…

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