20 Most Important Comic Book Movie Performances

By Jack Pooley /

10. Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman) - Batman Returns

Much like Batman, there's plenty of debate over who the best Catwoman is. We all agree it's not Halle Berry, but what about Julie Newmar? Eartha Kitt? Lee Meriwether? Anne Hathaway's recent portrayal in The Dark Knight Rises is certainly a firm candidate, both coolly collected and oozing sex appeal, though in the opinion of many, the honour still goes to Michelle Pfeiffer, who delivered a campy yet seductive interpretation for Tim Burton's Batman Returns. More so than in Nolan's version, Returns really nails the difficult relationship between Batman and Catwoman: Bats knows that she's no good, though finds himself beguiled and conflicted by her overpowering sexuality. Kitted out in a skin-tight PVC suit, elongating every word and disarming us all with her piercing eyes, Pfeiffer was perfectly cast for the part, introducing just the right amount of silliness but not enough that it detracts from her physical attractiveness. It's not like we ever saw Anne Hathaway lick Christian Bale now, did we?