4. Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman (The Dark Knight Rises)
Catwoman has always been a complicated character, never quite putting herself on any specific side, preferring to live in the gray area. While Michelle Pfeiffers Catwoman was decidedly villainous for the majority of Batman Returns, Anne Hathaways Catwomans stance is much more complicated from the start. Shes in it for herself, and shes happy to switch sides at the drop of a hat if it helps her own interests. Perhaps more importantly, the Hathaway version isnt motivated by the men in her life. Pfeiffers Selina only became Catwoman to take revenge on Max Shreck, and much of what she does in the film is influenced by (or to influence) the actions of Shreck, the Penguin, or Batman. Hathaways Selina, in contrast, is more independent, thinking for herself, kicking ass instead of dangling ass. She isnt afraid to stand up to the powerful men surrounding her in the film. In fact, it is Catwoman, not Batman, that ultimately defeats the juggernaut Bane.