Many of Batman’s nemeses have been revived over the years and given different cinematic takes. We’ll note some of our favorites below, and why we enjoy watching them on-screen. You can watch them all on HBO Go with PLDT Home!
Two-Face
Appears in: Batman Forever (1995) and The Dark Knight (2008)
From IMDB
The legendary Tommy Lee Jones portrayed “Harvey Two-Face” in Batman Forever as the chaotic and maniacal criminal who was hell-bent on killing Batman. However, Gotham’s former district attorney turned crime lord gets a more nuanced take in The Dark Knight.
Aaron Eckhart, who plays Two-Face in the latter film, shows us an idealistic, golden-boy version of Harvey Dent, vowing to rid Gotham of organized crime. His descent into darkness and vengeance is crazy and compelling, making Dent/Two-Face the iconic character that he is today. Watch Two-Face in action in Batman Forever and The Dark Knight on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
The Riddler
Appears in Batman Forever (1995) and The Batman (2022)
From IMDB
There are definitely marked differences between Jim Carrey’s and Paul Dano’s portrayals of The Riddler–but one thing they have in common is the obsession to expose the man behind the suit. In the 1995 film, Edward Nygma (Carrey) is a Wayne Enterprises scientist. True to the campiness of the franchise at the time, The Riddler dons a green spandex suit laden with question marks and acts out in zany, over-the-top theatrics. This version of The Riddler was easily a fan favorite thanks to Carrey’s unhinged performance.
In The Batman, however, Edward Nashton (Dano) is a former forensic accountant turned serial killer, targeting Gotham’s corrupt elite and leaving riddles for Batman to solve. This incarnation was more apt for the darker, more nuanced aspects of the “Reeseverse.” Explore the madness in Batman Forever and The Batman, now streaming on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
Bane
Appears in Batman and Robin (1997) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
From IMDB
Both fans and critics were livid with Bane’s 1997 iteration, and for good reason—he was portrayed as a mere mindless henchman who was nowhere near his comic book depiction. Years later, Bane reappears in The Dark Knight Rises, played by Tom Hardy, this time as a mercenary for another Batman baddie, Talia al Ghul.
Comparisons aside, Bane’s more recent iteration made him an unforgettable villain. Hardy not only cuts an imposing figure, but his lilt is forever. Check out Bane in The Dark Knight Rises on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
Catwoman
Appears in Batman Returns (1992), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and The Batman (2022)
From IMDB
Where there’s a Bat, there’s also a Cat—and Selina Kyle is easily an unforgettable character in the Batman universe. Catwoman has gone through several versions across the film franchise—even playing as an ally to The Bat in The Dark Knight Rises—but Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal takes the cake for being the most remarkable of them all. Stream Batman Returns, The Dark Knight Rises, and The Batman on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
The Joker
Appears in Batman (1989) and The Dark Knight (2008)
Courtesy of HBO Go
Batman’s arch-nemesis is not merely his anti-thesis—he is a force to be reckoned with. And much like Catwoman, The Joker has been portrayed in many different ways across the DC Extended Universe. but Jack Nicholson’s and the late Heath Ledger’s performances have stood the test of time.
Nicholson’s Joker in Batman (1989) didn’t need wild theatrics to prove that he was a madman. All it took were a pair of raised eyebrows and a leering grin to send chills down our spines. Meanwhile, Ledger’s shocking and horrific version proves that he is smart, cunning, and even capable of outwitting Batman himself. Watch The Crown Prince of Crime in Batman and The Dark Knight on HBO Go with PLDT Home.
Every day can be Batman Day with PLDT Home
Batman Day is coming soon—and there’s no better way to celebrate the legend that is Batman than streaming his movies and cartoon series, available on HBO Go. Enjoy UNLI-ENTERTAINMENT when you subscribe to HBO Go for just P199/month, charged to your PLDT Home bill. Plus, streaming your faves just got a whole lot better with PLDT Home: the Philippines’ undisputed fastest Internet for five years running!