All Catwoman Versions Ranked from Worst to Best

Catwoman has appeared in many different forms – in comic books, cartoons, video games, and movies – and each version has added new layers to her character. We learn more about Selina Kyle’s abilities, her past, and her connections in Gotham City. Sometimes she’s portrayed as a classic thief, other times she’s involved in complex detective stories or large-scale crime events. Despite these changes, she consistently remains a character who is a thief, an ally, and an unpredictable force. This is a look at the key versions of Catwoman that have shaped how fans see the world’s most famous cat burglar today.

‘Catwoman’ (2004)

This movie presents a new origin story for Catwoman, focusing on Patience Phillips instead of Selina Kyle, and builds a completely separate world for her, distinct from the familiar Gotham City setting. The plot revolves around wrongdoing within a large corporation and a mysterious supernatural element involving a cosmetics company, rather than the usual conflicts with mob bosses. Many classic Catwoman elements, like connections to the Falcone crime family, rooftop chases in Gotham, and a long history with Batman, are missing. Ultimately, this version feels like a unique spin-off rather than a continuation of the main Catwoman story.

Pre-Crisis Earth-One Selina Kyle

This version of Catwoman, popular in the Silver Age of comics, focused on complex, gadget-filled robberies that fit the style of the time. Her backstory often changed, sometimes involving amnesia to explain shifts in her motivations. Her encounters with Batman’s villains were usually self-contained adventures, rather than ongoing storylines. This approach established Catwoman as a regular opponent, while still allowing future writers to adapt her origins and motivations.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

This series tells the story of Selina, a young woman navigating the dangerous streets of Gotham. We see her learning the ropes as a pickpocket, moving between hideouts, and encountering people who will become major crime figures. Her relationship with Bruce Wayne starts with accidental meetings and develops into a series of partnerships as they investigate crimes together. The show explores the people who teach and challenge Selina, honing her skills before she becomes the Catwoman we know. It portrays her as someone who relies on her instincts to survive in a city where power is always changing hands.

‘The Batman’ (2004–2008)

This cartoon portrays Selina as a nimble thief who challenges the young Batman with cunning and trickery. Episodes often feature museum heists, elaborate decoys, and intense close-combat fights highlighting her acrobatic skills. The show’s visuals are modern and streamlined, with Selina using small, silent gadgets. The series builds their relationship through repeated team-ups and close calls, showing a rivalry that also hints at a reluctant alliance.

Golden Age Earth-Two Selina Kyle

The character began as a costumed burglar called the Cat, who stole jewels from wealthy people and socialites. She eventually became known as Catwoman and used a whip as her signature. Her adventures often took place at fancy events like fundraisers, museums, and luxurious homes. These early stories emphasized her clever disguises and ability to manipulate people as much as her skill at picking locks. This initial portrayal laid the groundwork for the complex, morally ambiguous thief she would become in later versions.

‘Batman’ (1966–1968)

Throughout the various TV episodes and the movie, different actresses have played Catwoman, each bringing a mischievous and dangerous energy to the part. The stories often include elaborate lairs, huge gadgets, and public stunts that challenge Batman and Robin. Unlike typical stealthy cat burglars, this Catwoman often commits her crimes in broad daylight, reflecting the show’s generally lighthearted style. This portrayal helped establish the idea that a captivating personality can be just as powerful as physical strength in Gotham City.

The New 52 Selina Kyle

The latest stories feature Selina infiltrating today’s criminal organizations and international theft rings. We see her involved in undercover missions, expertly cracking safes, and targeting high-value individuals protected by security teams. She relies on a changing network of contacts – informants, people who sell stolen goods, and skilled drivers – to get the job done. This new direction also updates her iconic mask and suit, focusing on designs that allow for quick and stealthy movement across rooftops.

Arkhamverse Selina Kyle

In this game, you play as Catwoman navigating a dangerous Gotham City filled with mercenaries, drones, and traps that make every mission challenging. Gameplay focuses on stealth, precise timing, and using gadgets, all inspired by her abilities in the comics. The story explores complex relationships and shifting alliances between criminals and heroes as they fight for control. You’ll also uncover information about Catwoman’s clients, hideouts, and preferred routes through the city’s districts.

‘Catwoman: Hunted’ (2022)

This anime-influenced movie follows Selina as she pursues a valuable jewel, quickly drawing her into a world of international crime organizations. The story involves the police (Interpol), skilled assassins, and competing thieves, all centered around the art of sneaking into secure locations. The action sequences feature impressive acrobatics, grappling, and whip-based combat against numerous enemies. The film has a fun, heist-like vibe, with occasional glimpses into spy work and the darker side of the criminal world.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

The story puts Catwoman in a Gotham City that’s falling apart, with growing conflict between the rich and poor and a strong military presence affecting every crime. Her past is shrouded in mystery, with hidden records and a seemingly clean history, and she has connections to shady dealers who trade in false identities. The action focuses on her clever manipulation of social situations, like infiltrating fancy parties, and her ability to escape even the tightest security. This version of the story connects Catwoman’s resourcefulness to the broader breakdown and rebuilding of the city.

Selina Kyle in ‘Batman: Hush’

This story explores the strain on Batman and Selina’s partnership as a hidden force begins to control Gotham’s villains. The conspiracy uses carefully planned crimes, secret messages, and false evidence to create distrust. Selina’s connections to the criminal underworld help her uncover clues, but also make her a target. She finds herself caught in a city-wide game of manipulation, forced to play the role of both helper and pawn.

Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke’s ‘Catwoman’ era

This new direction moves Selina to the East End and transforms the series into a gritty, street-level story focused on the lives of people in her community and the crimes affecting them. She’s joined by a network of helpful characters – a reliable contact for stolen goods, a promising apprentice, and neighbors who work together to safeguard those in need. While pulling off heists, Selina also investigates dishonest property owners and corrupt authorities. Her updated suit is designed for functionality, making it ideal for nighttime work and fast escapes across rooftops.

‘Batman Returns’ (1992)

Selina’s journey involves a hidden scandal that forces her to reinvent herself, driven by a desire to reclaim what was lost and seek revenge. Her look – featuring stitched leather and a slender whip – hints at both vulnerability and deadly accuracy. The narrative takes her from involvement in a mayoral conspiracy and a daring heist, to forming shaky partnerships with other criminals. The story unfolds across diverse locations, from sleek office towers and icy city streets to hidden underground lairs, giving Selina plenty of room to operate.

‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1995)

The show combines stories of a generous public figure with thrilling, after-dark robberies focused on wealthy collectors and those involved in illegal trades. Each episode features Selina alongside unusual elements like rare animals and historical artifacts, adding layers of complexity to her heists. The acting and music emphasize a playful, back-and-forth dynamic during action sequences, particularly chases across rooftops. Visually, the show is set in a stylish art deco world where darkness and outlines are used to create a dramatic atmosphere.

Selina Kyle in ‘Batman: Year One’

This story shows Selina’s beginnings in the criminal underworld of Gotham City, where she learns to survive by developing skills in theft and combat. She carefully studies her targets, focusing on those connected to the city’s corruption. Early encounters with Jim Gordon and various criminal organizations establish her long-term place in Gotham. This origin story provides a solid foundation for future depictions of Catwoman, emphasizing her resourcefulness and independent spirit, all rooted in her experiences on the streets.

Tell us who your favorite Catwoman is and why you think they best represent the character in the comments below!

2025-11-10 15:46