Since Batman's introduction in 1939, the Dark Knight has gone head to head with many unforgettable villains, each more threatening than the last. Because of this, Batman is constantly forced to evolve and adapt to best his opponents and become "the hero Gotham deserves."
Considering Batman has made more than a hundred enemies during his fight against crime, some have undeniably proven to be more of a threat than others when confronting the Dark Knight. Gotham citizens need to lock their doors and hide their loved ones from these villains, who are some of the most dangerous ones Batman fought against.
10 The Riddler
Edward Nigma, or the Riddler, has plagued Batman since his introduction in 1948. This enigmatic villain is particularly dangerous due to his superior intellect, which even rivals that of Batman. In the Batman franchise, the Riddler demonstrates his impressive ability to lure Batman into clever traps, where many others have failed.
One of his more memorable appearances was in Hush, where it's revealed that The Riddler used the Lazarus Pit to cure himself of an inoperable brain tumor, eventually driving him into madness. As a side effect of the Pit, The Riddler was also able to deduce Batman's real identity.
9 Deathstroke
Though not exclusively a Batman villain, Deathstroke has had frequent run-ins with the Dark Knight, posing a constant threat. Deathstroke is so formidable that he was originally introduced as "Deathstroke the Terminator" in his first DC appearance.
This highly skilled assassin has almost bested Batman on multiple occasions. In Batman and Robin #9, Deathstroke teams up with the equally threatening Talia Al Ghul to exact revenge on Batman. Thanks to a neural implant surgically installed in Robin (Damian Wayne), Deathstroke can control Robin's actions, almost successfully defeating the Dark Knight.
8 Poison Ivy
Heroes and villains alike in the DC universe tend to underestimate Poison Ivy; however, she consistently demonstrates her remarkable powers and ability to hold her own against Batman.
Poison Ivy is especially dangerous, given her unrelenting desire to protect nature instead of some of her villainous colleagues obsessed with power or wealth. As a result of her disinterest in material possessions, her confrontations with Batman frequently end in the near-destruction of humankind, with her connection to plant-life taking ultimate priority.
7 Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze has indicated on several occasions that he is no longer capable of feeling emotions. Because of his singular desire to find a cure for his wife, Mr. Freeze will literally stop at nothing to obtain his goal, making him a uniquely dangerous foe.
Mr. Freeze often demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life during his pursuits, even going so far as to alter Gotham's ecosystem. In addition to his already intimidating ice technology, Mr. Freeze is also a scientific genius with an impressive understanding of cryogenics.
6 Scarecrow
Scarecrow embodies fear itself, using a unique toxin to induce his victims' worst nightmares. He is one of the few characters able to evoke fear in Batman, often requiring the Dark Knight to face some of his most traumatic memories.
Like Poison Ivy, Scarecrow is especially dangerous, as many of his crimes affect a significant portion, if not all, of Gotham's citizens. Most notably, in Batman Begins, Scarecrow joined forces with Ra's al Ghul and the Leauge of Assassins to spread his fear toxin throughout Gotham.
5 Bane
Bane is a fan favorite DC villain and one of the few characters able to defeat Batman in combat. Audiences undoubtedly recall the pivotal moment in The Dark Knight Rises when Bane savagely breaks Batman's back.
However, Bane fans may be unaware of the supervillain's impressive intellect established in the comics. Bane is said to have a photographic memory and was even able to discover Batman's secret identity quickly. He also knows more than ten languages and taught himself complex scientific disciplines while in prison.
4 Hush
Dr. Thomas Elliot, or Hush, is a brilliant plastic surgeon, master tactician, and an undeniably dangerous villain in the Batman franchise. Elliot harbors a singular hatred for Bruce Wayne most of his life, based on delusions of power and control.
After attempting to kill his own parents in a staged accident, Elliot's mother was saved by Dr. Thomas Wayne, enraging Elliot, who had hoped to inherit his parents' vast wealth. For the remainder of his life, Elliot decides to seek revenge on Bruce, who he wrongfully blames for his misfortunes.
3 The Joker
It would be almost impossible to discuss dangerous Batman villains without mentioning "The Clown Prince of Crime" himself, the Joker. As Batman's antithesis, the Joker is a deadly thorn in the side of the Dark Knight, capable of horrific crimes.
A notably dangerous aspect of The Joker is his chaotic unpredictability. He is characterized as a psychotic sociopath, which by definition means he lacks a conscience and is incapable of feeling remorse. Because of this, he is unimpeded by a moral compass in his attempts to kill Batman, meaning he will stop at nothing in his malicious pursuits.
2 Red Hood
Red Hood, as portrayed by Jason Todd, is as notorious as he is tragic. In Batman: Under the Hood, DC fans learn that Robin, originally thought to have been killed by The Joker, was actually revived by the powers of the Lazarus Pit. However, as an unfortunate side effect, Robin (Jason Todd) is driven insane, ultimately adopting the Red Hood moniker.
Red Hood is intimately familiar with Batman's fighting styles and techniques, having been trained by the Dark Knight himself. Not only that, but his disregard for human life and conflicting morality makes him an undeniably dangerous opponent.
1 Superman
Though both heroes, Superman's occasional abuse of power and misguided trust in others place him directly at odds with Batman in several story arcs. Considering Superman is nearly invulnerable, Batman has to rely exclusively on his tactical approaches to best the Man of Steel.
One of the most memorable confrontations occurs in Injustice: Gods Among Us. Driven into a murderous frenzy after unknowingly killing his wife, Lois, Superman tries to reestablish order. Eventually, Batman takes a stand against Superman; however, he is quickly overpowered, resulting in Superman breaking the Dark Knight's back.