10 Most Bad-Ass Batman Movie Moments

6. The Pencil Trick

It's a little hard to ignore Heath Ledger's Joker as the most entertaining part of Batman's entire movie history, and any number of his moments could make up a list of the best villain moments themselves. His opening heist is genius, his confrontation with the party guests over his scars is irresistible and the hospital terrorism is as hauntingly silly as it is haunting.

But, for good reason, it's his infamous pencil trick that really stands out. It's the perfect potted allegory of everything he is: the showmanship, the silliness and the brutal, unexpected violence.

Ledger's Joker here is like a cat with an orchestra of mice who think he's no threat, performing right beyond the murder of his victim - with the "it's gone, it's gone!" flourish, and completely reinventing how we saw the villain. This was a true, grotesque circus act, who didn't just wear the pain as a gimmick, but wholly committed to the idea of clowning - albeit with a healthy side of ultra-violence.