Top 10 Most Memorable Villains in DC Shows

“Arrow” (2012-20)

Although he’s usually a Batman villain, the version of the head of the League of Assassins portrayed on “Arrow” was a great opponent for Oliver Queen. The big bad initially defeated the archer in one of the show’s best and most shocking fight scenes. Upon discovering that Oliver survived, Ra’s decided that the Green Arrow should become the next demon’s head. After Oliver declined, the big bad resorted to extreme lengths to change the hero’s mind. Ra’s mortally wounded Thea Queen, framed the Green Arrow for murder, and had the billionaire marry Nyssa Al Ghul. The big bad’s relentless nature and incredible fighting skills made him an exceedingly dangerous foe for Oliver until the very end.

“Batman Beyond” (1999-2001)

This futuristic big bad first appeared on the show as a merciless and amoral businessman. Derek Powers even had Warren McGinnis killed to protect a dark investment. After that morbid incident, the villain only became more of a problem. During a battle with Terry McGinnis AKA Batman, Derek’s exposure to nerve gas turned him into the deadly villain Blight. This radioactive big bad then became willing to do whatever it took to bring good people down . If Powers wasn’t sending other villains to do his dirty work, he was running hot in battle himself. Throughout “Batman Beyond”’s first season, Blight was a constant “blight” on the new Batman. His devious personality, frightening appearance, and powerful abilities made him one of the show’s best villains.

“Supergirl” (2015-21)

Years after Kara Zor-El was separated from her family and sent to Earth, her aunt came crashing down on the blue planet. Unfortunately, their family reunion wasn’t a happy one. Astra Zor-El was a General who had been imprisoned for doing distasteful things to try to save Krypton. Upon arriving on earth, she continued her mission without any regard for Kara. Astra was willing to brainwash every person on earth to achieve her goals of a peaceful planet. Although her methods were brutal, the General’s intentions made her more noble than the average antagonist. Astra’s love for her niece also shone through all the darkness. This complex antagonist proved that not all Kryptonians are pure of heart.

“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95) & “The New Batman Adventures” (1997-99)

The story of how Gotham’s star district attorney became a twisted criminal has been told on several shows. However, the Harvey Dent seen in the ‘90s Batman cartoons may be the best incarnation of the character. This version of the DA was fully aware that he had an alternate personality that was ruled by rage. After Harvey was caught in an explosion, that side of him became more powerful and pushed for their transformation into Two-Face. Since Dent was close to Bruce before the incident, it was tragic to see him become one of Batman’s biggest foes. We could only watch as Two-Face became more menacing over time. Dent’s long descent into true villainy made him into one of the most compelling criminals in Gotham.

“Arrow” (2012-20)

Sometimes, a few bad days can make best friends into the worst enemies. Oliver and Slade Wilson once worked side-by-side to get off a dangerous island. But two major tragedies drove them apart. After nearly dying, Slade was given an experimental serum that enhanced his strength but messed with his mind. The villain then learned that the woman he loved died because Oliver chose to save someone else. Fueled by revenge and madness, Slade resolved to put his former friend through hell. Deathstroke unraveled the archer’s life and even killed Oliver’s mother. Slade’s incredible fighting skills and strength also made him into a nearly unstoppable fighter. Although Oliver was able to restore Deathstoke’s sanity, the big bad’s actions still left lifelong scars.

The DC Animated Universe (1992-2006)

When Nora Fries got seriously ill, her brilliant husband kept her alive with cryogenics. Everything changed when a villain caused a lab accident that transformed Victor Fries into a cold shadow of his former self. While trying to lash out at the one responsible, Batman stepped in to stop the icy antagonist. The episode containing Mr. Freeze’s origin story was so strong that it earned an Emmy after its release. Years after that major win, the antagonist returned in “Batman Beyond” for the conclusion of his sad tale. Whether he was in the past or future, Mr. Freeze was a powerful and intimidating antagonist. But we never forgot the tragedy that lay right underneath the surface of his icy demeanor.

The DC Animated Universe (1992-2006)

One of Superman’s biggest foes became a planet wide problem on multiple occasions. The dominating Darkseid was determined to bring Earth into his growing empire. After his first attempt failed, he brainwashed Superman and tried to make the Kryptonian take charge. Although Darkseid’s scheme went sideways, the villain came dangerously close to victory. The big bad’s cruel demeanor and calculating nature made him a challenging antagonist. But to top it all off, Darkseid had the strength to beat Superman into a pulp. The only reason the big bad didn’t annihilate the Krytponian during their final battle was because the villain got distracted. While Darkseid had a relatively small number of appearances, he definitely made a big impression.

The Arrowverse (2012-)

This sadistic speedster from the future was full of so much evil that it couldn’t be contained to one show. Thawne began his dark career by slaying Nora Allen in the past before becoming a mentor to her speedy son. After committing that gruesome crime, he helped run a Nazi controlled version of earth during a massive crossover between shows. A copy of the big bad also joined a league of supervillains that nearly altered the timeline permanently on “Legends of Tomorrow”. Throughout all his appearances, Thawne’s cruelty and frightening personality made him the scariest person in the room. His knack for coming back from certain death also made him a constant threat that you seemingly couldn’t outrun.

“Smallville” (2001-11)

Over the years, we’ve gotten superb versions of Superman’s longtime nemesis in the DCAU, the Arrowverse and beyond. But there's something special about the Luthor we met on “Smallville”. It may be because the show had time to show us exactly how Lex went from being a well-intentioned rich kid to a morally bankrupt tycoon. During this journey, we also saw his friendship with Clark blossom and wither away. Lex trying, and failing, to be a better man than his initially amoral father made for a tragic and intriguing story. His brilliant plotline gave us a chance to see this iconic big bad in a whole new light.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

His Silly Yet Fun Schemes Hit All the Right Notes

This Strong & Intelligent Primate Could Easily Tear Your Mind Or Body Apart

It Was Nearly Impossible to Predict this Calculating Conqueror's Next Move

This Duplicitous Villain Served As the Living Embodiment of All of Oliver’s Past Mistakes

It Was Endlessly Entertaining to Watch Him Scheme His Way to the Top of Gotham

Various DC Animated Shows

Decades after his introduction, Mark Hamill’s take on the clown prince of crime still reigns supreme as one of the greatest DC TV villains ever. The Joker’s jovial glee can switch on a dime to insidious and quiet menace. He also could also pull off elaborate schemes, had impressive combat skills, and could deliver an absolutely iconic laugh. This clown didn’t just limit himself to being Batman’s greatest enemy either. Over the years, he antagonized a variety of heroes and villains. Mark Hamill’s Joker was so beloved that he broke out of the television medium and into a variety of films and games. There may never be another DC tv villain that can match the influence and impact that this clown had on the genre.