Batman: The Best Live Action Catwoman Costumes, Ranked

Whether she’s a friend or a rogue Catwoman has continued to play a major part in Batman’s life in almost every on-screen portrayal of the character, including the Caped Crusader’s latest outing in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Selina Kyle is one of the most complex individuals within DC Comics and every iteration of her has brought something new to the table. Her costumes have wildly varied in live-action though.

Some attires really pay homage to the source material and feel as if they have jumped straight off of the page. Others are a more unique approach to her aesthetic and yet still capture the essence of the character. There have been some great versions of Catwoman in cinema, but these costumes will stand the test of time for a variety of reasons.

9 Halle Berry in Catwoman (2004)

It’s fair to say that Halle Berry’s iteration of Catwoman was the worst of a good bunch. While her performance was admirable, the script for the piece absolutely let down the character and the actress’ talents. The costume left a lot to be desired too, ultimately feeling ill-judged. It’s a different look and plays upon some of the imagery seen within the comics.

It’s not practical, but the inclusion of the whip and accurate mask gives this costume extra points. The addition of the claws was another excellent feature, but compared to every other live-action portrayal of Catwoman there was more that didn’t work about this costuming than actually did, especially when looking at what felt authentic.

8 Lee Merriwether in Batman (1966)

The second of the three Catwomen to star alongside Adam West’s Batman, Lee Meriwether was featured in both the famous TV show and the movie adaptation. Her Selina Kyle was cool but just as cheesy as the rest of the whimsical series. Her costume certainly matched that tone.

It was bedazzled in a way that could only be worn by a master jewel thief. Although the mask was very simple, at the very least the cat ears were built into the head garment, while the claws finished off the theme well. This was a costume designed to match the over-the-top universe that had been built within the show and it succeeded in aiding Meriwether’s enigmatic performance, even if it does feel dated.

7 Lilli Simmons in Gotham (2014-219)

Gotham saw two performers take on the role of Kyle. The second iteration, an older version of the character, was played by Lili Simmons. Her arrival into the show marked the conclusion of this ambitious experiment and signified Selina’s final transformation into the masked cat-burglar.

Her costume lacked the gimmicks of others, never boasting any bling or cat-like elements that help to sell the identity of the character. It’s a simple leather jacket and a black mask that feels realistic within the context of the series but doesn’t exactly take any risks. It’s a good garment to help tell the story of Kyle beginning her journey as a villain, however.

6 Julie Newmar in Batman (1966-1968)

The very first actress to take on Catwoman in the retro TV show was Julie Newmar. She brought a lot of heart to the character and a notorious amount of cunning. Her costume reflected the version of Catwoman she was trying to take on, a master thief with an eye for expensive things.

Her belt and necklace alongside other accompanying jewelry demonstrated she loved the finer things in life. Her materials were all given a glittery glaze, as her sparkling desires took form on her costume. Although a mask was often absent, it wasn’t unusual to see her don the ridiculous cat ears.

5 Eartha Kitt in Batman (1966-1968)

Perhaps the most glamorous version of Kyle, Eartha Kitt’s iteration not only showcased some great chemistry with Batman but took the famous costume to the next level. Her attire largely mimics what the show was previously trying to do with Newmar’s look.

Yet it’s improved upon with more-expensive looking materials and an additional mask that couldn’t avoid the spray of glitter. Even the claws are perhaps edgier than ever, with the gloves actually bringing a legitimate offensive practicality to the table while giving the illusion like solid gold.

4 Camren Bicondova in Gotham (2014-2019)

The variation of Kyle that Gotham fans will be most familiar with was portrayed by Camren Bicondova. Because of the premise of the show she never really got to suit up as Catwoman fully. Yet her costumes largely included the visual cues to link the character to her eventual transformation.

It’s therefore not a proper superhero costume like the rest, but it does do something quite interesting with the source material. It’s a suit that has been well thought out, with the leather jacket and goggles adding the right edge. It might not have worked in any other setting but for the context of the project, this is a flawless look.

3 Zoë Kravitz in The Batman (2022)

There are already positive signs pointing to the fact that Zoë Kravitz may be the best version of Catwoman. Much like what Gotham was trying to achieve, the suit put together in The Batman helps to tell a story more so than just adapting a comic book vigilante.

This is a Catwoman at the beginning of her journey, still trying to work out her identity as she pieces together her suit. It’s not as bold as it may one day become, with a simplified mask that still uses that feline silhouette. It’s a practical costume more than most and beautifully signifies where it can be taken next in its development to the fully-fledged thief.

2 Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns (1992)

While there have been some improvements to Catwoman since Batman Returns, there’s arguably no portrayal of Catwoman more iconic than Michelle Pfeiffer’s. She embodied every aspect of the character and worked perfectly within the tone of the film. While the performance can’t be doubted, the legacy of the costume has also continued to thrive.

It feels comic book-inspired down to its core, with the classic elements from the cat mask to the claws all coming together. The stitching across the material is a great touch and it meshes well with her whipping weapon of choice. Its practicality has to be questioned but within the heightened reality of Batman Returns it hardly matters.

1 Anne Hathaway in The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

When looking at iterations of Catwoman that link back to the graphic novel art but also do something unique with the suit, then Anne Hathaway’s version in The Dark Knight Rises has to be at the highlight. It’s a marvel of design, with elegance and class mixed with some real-world engineering.

It works within the context of the narrative itself and tiny details like a proper utility belt and ears that transform into goggles, all help to showcase how she has really become an expert at her game. It might not have the comic book qualities of Pfeiffer’s but it’s a version that sums up the character in a masterful way.

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