The Greatest Villains In DC Comics, Ranked

The Greatest Villains In DC Comics, Ranked

All Enemies And Supervillains
Updated January 2, 2025 231.6K views 132 items
Ranked By
254.1K votes
17.9K voters
18 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up the most formidable antagonists and enemies in the DC Universe.

If there's one thing DC Comics knows how to do right, it's crafting villains that you love to hate. These aren't your run-of-the-mill baddies; we're talking about iconic figures who've become just as legendary as the heroes they battle. That's why we're diving into the seedy underbelly of DC to spotlight the best DC villains of all time. From the chaos-loving Joker to the power-hungry Darkseid, and the ever-scheming Lex Luthor, these are the characters that have given our favorite superheroes a run for their money.

But it's not just about their devious deeds or grand plans to conquer the world. What makes these villains stand out is their complex personalities, twisted motivations, and, sometimes, their all-too-relatable human flaws. They're the characters we can't help but be intrigued by, despite their dark sides. So, whether you're a die-hard DC aficionado or just love a good villain, strap in. We're about to explore the dark legends that have helped define the DC Universe.

Most divisive: Mongul
Over 17.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of DC's Greatest Villains, Ranked
Ranked by
  • Joker
    1
    7,920 votes
    Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Batman: The Animated Series, Fight Batman Fight!
  • Darkseid
    2
    5,851 votes
  • Lex Luthor
    3
    5,286 votes
    Smallville, Superman: Brainiac Attacks, Batman vs. Superman
  • Deathstroke
    4
    5,701 votes
    Teen Titans, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, DC Universe
  • Bane
    5
    4,574 votes
    Justice League: Doom, The Dark Knight Rises
  • Scarecrow
    6
    3,966 votes
    Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Batman: Gotham Knight