Throughout the history of the DC Universe, there have been many villain introductions that are considered particularly impressive. Since the heroes and villains of DC comics are among some of the most iconic figures in pop culture, there have been many movies and television shows that have adapted them to the screen. The DCEU films alone brought numerous villains to life in live-action, and many more were also adapted into unrelated TV shows and movies.
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With many excellent antagonists appearing, it stands to reason that they would receive equally impressive entries. For example, Arrowverse characters faced many fascinating adversaries, with especially memorable scenes introducing DC villains to audiences. In both film and television, there is a rich history of truly fascinating and fear-inspiring debuts for these characters, marking their importance in the world alongside the heroes of the DC Universe.
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10 Lex Luthor in Superman and Lois
Superman & Lois, season 3, episode 12, “Injustice”
Many actors have played Lex Luthor in live action and each version tends to differ drastically from the rest. superman and loisLex Luthor wasn’t introduced until halfway through Season 3 of the show, setting him apart from many incarnations of the villain. As Superman’s enemy, Luthor is usually among the first villains introduced along with any new version of the Man of Steel, but superman and lois‘ was only introduced after his release from prison.
The way Luthor was introduced to the cast of superman and lois It was perfect. The scene, shown confidently running his prison, establishes how brilliant and tough Luthor is. It also reveals a more robust than traditional bearded appearance, with the scene’s thumping soundtrack only shoring up the edge that has allowed superman and loisLex Luthor will thrive even in such a hostile environment.
9 General Zod in Man of Steel
Man of Steel (2013)
As it happened at the beginning of the DCEU movie timeline, it was instrumental in man of steel to set the tone for the entire franchise. The film’s opening sequence was more sci-fi epic than traditional superhero fare, with the destruction of Krypton shortly after Kal-El’s birth. As Jor-El pleads with Krypton’s ruling council, General Zod’s forces burst into the chamber and take control of the planet.
The nature of Zod’s introduction is a perfect representation of his character. He enters, leads his troops through the smoke and debris, and confidently announces himself as the new ruler of Krypton. He responds to the council’s objections by killing the dissident, further demonstrating his cruelty. It’s a scene that communicates his military bearing, fearsome temperament, and unnerving charisma all in a few short moments, making it an excellent introduction.
8 Lex Luthor in Smallville
Smallville, season 1, episode 1, “Pilot”
smallville stands out as a unique origin story not only for Superman, but for many of his villains. Lex Luthor’s introduction to the show comes when a young Clark Kent saves his life, forming the basis of a friendship that audiences always knew would be destined to go sour. The scene established how different smallvilleLex Luthor would be one of the traditionally villainous representations of the character, which marks him as especially intriguing.
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However, smallville He also opted to give Lex another, more subtle introduction. After teasing his future as a villain and gradually exposing his dark side, there was a critical moment where he fully embraced the darkness within. In the scene where Lex confronts his father, his jealousy towards Clark Kent turns into unbridled rage, leading him to commit patricide in a scene that dramatically introduced the most recognizable villainous version of Lex Luthor.
7 Black Manta in Aquaman
Aquaman (2018)
As one of the DCEU’s most successful films, it’s no surprise that Aquaman contains one of the best villain introductions in the franchise. However, it’s not the film’s main antagonist who has the best debut: it’s Black Manta, who only served as AquamanThe secondary villain. His introduction sees him attacking a submarine alongside his father and unexpectedly encountering Aquaman, resulting in his father’s death and vowing to take revenge on the hero.
The submarine sequence is brilliantly shot to be claustrophobic and visually stunning, but it’s the human element of the scene that makes it so impressive. Even among the high-stakes action, Yahya Abdul Mateen II’s character stands out as vulnerable and sympathetic, and the scene serves as a great and powerfully emotional introduction. It establishes the human side of Black Manta and his hatred towards Aquaman, and although it was not fully explored until Aquaman and the lost kingdomIts introduction stands out as exceptional.
6 Zoom in on the flash
The Flash, season 2, episode 6, “Enter Zoom”
During the show’s run, the cast of The flash It featured many excellent villains. Season 2 saw the introduction of Zoom into the Arrowverse show, with his first full appearance as a villain in the episode “Enter Zoom.” Zoom, a speedster whose identity is shrouded in mystery, is exposed as a true threat during his entire introduction to the show, in which he defeats Barry Allen.
Zoom’s design combined with Tony Todd’s voice makes him an especially sinister villain. Even more so, the way he says to Flash: “Never forget: I am the fastest man in the world.” is really chilling, but the introduction of the villain is great on other levels too. The way he overpowers Barry is completely devastating, and seeing the hero so quickly put at Zoom’s mercy makes for a memorably dark and impressive villain introduction.
5 Bane in The Dark Knight Rises
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
As the final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s novel dark knight trilogy, The dark knight rises had the impossible task of living up to 2008 The dark knight. The film begins by introducing its villain: Tom Hardy’s Bane, reimagined to be a more realistic figure who would fit more organically within Nolan’s Gotham. The way Bane is introduced is as memorable as it is impressive.
In The dark knight risesIn the first action sequence, Bane infiltrates a CIA plane by disguising himself as one of his own henchmen, kidnaps a nuclear scientist, and then escapes the crashing plane while in the air. It’s a scene that perfectly executes Nolan’s vision, with Hardy’s performance presenting Bane as a physically powerful and tactically brilliant villain. Her imposing stature, masterful plan, and haunting, haunting voice serve to make her one of DC’s best villain introductions.
4 Penguin in Gotham
Gotham, season 1, episode 1, “Pilot”
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As a prequel series that follows James Gordan’s early career in Gotham City before Batman, gothic cityThe story had a unique hook because it provided origin stories for a large number of Batman characters. One of the show’s main figures is Oswald Cobblepot, a low-level criminal who gradually rises to become the powerful crime boss known as the Penguin. His first appearance comes gothic cityIt’s the pilot, and it’s one of the most underrated character introductions on the show.
the first time gothic city shows Penguin, he is essentially in the background of a scene, holding the umbrella of a more powerful criminal. It immediately becomes clear that no one in Gotham takes Penguin seriously, and the future villain is ridiculed and humiliated by everyone around him. It’s an introduction that promises a fascinating journey to show Penguin reaching his true villainous potential, and one that gothic city he was able to fulfill during his five seasons.
3 Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
After the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice LeagueThe director’s true vision for the film was hailed as far superior to the theatrical version released in 2017. One of the many additions to the Snyder Cut that was absent from the theatrical film was the villain Darkseid, who was only alluded to in the original. . Although Darkseid is the overall antagonist, his direct role in the film’s narrative is limited. Still, your introduction is excellent.
Having already established Steppenwolf as a major threat, having Darkseid reveal himself and force the proud Steppenwolf into submission was subtly brilliant. It immediately hinted at the disparity in the two villains’ power levels, as well as cementing the dynamic between them. The visual effects in the scene are also exceptional, further establishing Darkseid’s introduction as a memorable and foreboding scene despite his limited role in the film.
2 Reverse flash on flash
The Flash, season 1, episode 9, “The Man in the Yellow Suit”
As one of the most iconic Flash villains in the DC Universe, getting Reverse-Flash’s introduction right was vitally important. Coming soon in the ninth episode of The flashReverse-Flash’s debut came early on, long before his identity was revealed to Barry Allen’s eponymous hero. The scene that fully introduces the Reverse Flash stands out as especially notable, not only for its execution but for the potential it outlines for the show itself.
After catching a glimpse of the Reverse-Flash on a rooftop, Barry chases after him at full speed. The show’s first real instance of two speedsters facing off was brought to life in stunning fashion, with visuals as impressive as any blockbuster. The mystery of Reverse-Flash’s identity combined with his dark and sinister taunts make the scene hugely memorable and an excellent representation of how well the Arrowverse understood the characters it was adapting.
1 The Joker in The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight (2008)
There is no DC villain as iconic as the Joker, and one of the most beloved interpretations of the character also offered perhaps the best villain introduction in DC film history. The opening scene of The dark knight shows a group of criminals dressed as clowns robbing a bank, only to begin attacking each other one by one, on orders from the Joker. It’s a scene that establishes Heath Ledger’s Joker as one of the darkest and most interesting cinematic villains of all time.
That the Joker is revealed to be part of the job from the beginning, mercilessly murdering his own henchmen, is exceptional storytelling. It communicates a lot about the villain’s chaotic bent and calculating streak, all as part of one of the best bank robbery scenes in cinema history. As such, it stands out as the best villain introduction in the DC Universe movies and TV shows.
Upcoming DC movie releases
-
Superman (2025)
Release date July 11, 2025
- Supergirl: the woman of tomorrow
Release date June 26, 2026
- Batman Part II
Release date October 2, 2026
Superman (2025)
Supergirl: the woman of tomorrow
Batman Part II
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