Which Batman villain do YOU think has the most tragic backstory? Let us know in the comments! For more Batman, check out our playlist!: th-cam.com/video/tv18SVc3hx0/w-d-xo.html
I believe that The Mad Hatter has a sad backstory in the animated Batman series. It’s oddly the most human backstory out of most of the villains in Batman’s rogues gallery
Yes, he's my favorite Batman villain and I love the way they continued his story arc all the way into Batman Beyond. Inque and Ace were also great villains from that show. Ace's story was terribly tragic even though it was just told in a flashback.
The departure of Mr. Freeze and his wife in Arkham Knight always breaks my heart, especially when Mr Freeze tells her he can’t save her, and she says “then let me live”.
I have a friend with proportionate dwarfism. She doesn't have it as bad as Baby Doll, but someone asked her for her age a couple of weeks ago at a diner. I was kind of convinced they would have thought she was a child, except that she was with three other women who were all over twenty (she's actually the second oldest in our circle). She's also the most adult and mature person in our circle imo (only one living on her own some of the time, studies full-time and has a job in a charity store so gets her pick of the stock), possibly equal with (ironically) the youngest in our circle (the only one of us who can drive, has almost full-time work, and is very patient, unselfish and sweet-natured).
@@dafilmqueen556 We actually visited a store together the other day with restricted items (horror-based) and no one asked her for ID. However, the supermarket wouldn't let us buy non-alcoholic cider because I couldn't find my ID (she had hers). Don't ask me why zero alcohol was restricted. She's bought nonalcoholic wine before and didn't get IDed.
Baby Doll's story, and the episode of "B:TAS" broke my heart. Mary Dahl has to watch the world go on, leaving her behind, her mind and her feelings growing up, but she must remain trapped in the body of a little girl. Is it any wonder she tries to retreat to the time when she was beloved by everyone, as her TV character from her show? Granted she goes about it all wrong, but still I feel awful for her.
@@Compucles Up to a point I'll agree, but since... *spoiler space* Croc was only using her, that makes it just as bad, or even worse. Even amongst Batman's other rouges, she's alone.
The ending in that episode was just so beautifully tear-jerking and poetic. Baby Doll eventually gives into reality and embraces the Batman’s leg for comfort. He does by placing a hand on her head. They both share the same pain, like if they had been robbed of their lives. While she was robbed of her adulthood, he was robbed of his childhood.
@@dastemplar9681 YES!!! Oh my gosh that's so true! And Mary"s voice, choking with tears, using her beloved catch phrase from her long-gone tv show: "I didn't mean to." It just breaks my heart every time.
I been thinking about Mr Freeze lately. Such an iconic and endearing character in the Batman franchise. Been thinking about if Matt Reeves would potentially put him in his universe and if it could work. It would be cool if he would. He would be making a statement that his comic book films are indeed comic book films and not tryna deny it. Mr Freeze deserves another chance in live action. I mean look at Batman Subzero. That movie was great. They could use that as the blueprint combined with the character driven storytelling that Matt Reeves is supposed to be doing and.... BOOM!!!
Mr freeze will always be the tragic batman villain, but the episode judgement day, with the vigilante "the judge", hunting Harvey down, and then turning out to be another personality in Harvey, told me just how broken his mind truly was. Him just saying "guilty, guilty, guilty" in the end was a bitter ending
Yeah, "The New Batman Adventures" did some interesting things in how they ended some of the villains' stories. As you said, Two-Face developed a 3rd even more contradictory personally. Penguin (nominally) reformed. Killer Croc accidentally killed himself. The Ventriloquist finally freed himself of Mr. Scarface (presumably for good). Mr. Freeze's body deteriorated until he was just a head (which is medically impossible to survive like that, but whatever). Ra's Al Ghul's body breaks down, although we don't learn until "Batman Beyond" that Ra's body actually did die there, but not until he hijacked Talia's body, which of course technically killed her, while Ra's as Talia dies in that latter series.. Speaking of "Batman Beyond," we learn that Mr. Freeze survived locked away as just a head until he was given a chance with a clone body, but when it turns out his new body inherited his old condition and he found himself betrayed, he went on another revenge rampage and was killed by Blight. Bane's body eventually broke down from his Venom addiction and could only survive via medical machinery. Then of course Joker was once killed by Tim Drake (or by accidentally electrocuting himself depending on the version of the film) after brainwashing him.
Harvey Dent: he had a great career and his face was damage Harley Quinn: was a great doctor, but fell in love with a psychopath and gets treated like crap Jason Todd: was abused and tortured by The Joker. Killer Croc: his aunt treated him like a monster Mister Freeze: a wonderful doctor, sadly his wife was dying, and he took matters into his own hands.
Speaking of Jason Todd the poll that determined his fate and gave us Death in the Family, and was the start of what would be his return as the anti-villain turned anti-hero Red Hood wasn't fair as years later after Jason gained popularity as the Red Hood it would later be revealed the actual poll results were a tie meaning Jason's fate at the end of the infamous issue was going to be ambiguous but a Jason Todd hater rigged his phone to call in the number for wanting Jason dead numerous times at various intervals resulting in the infamous result of Jason dying being the winning choice.
Mr. Freeze definitely deserves another chance in a Live-Action movie. I can give Arnold Schwarzenegger's version some credit for keeping Nora in his origin, but her inclusion was still overshadowed by those non-stop ice puns. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with a Villain joking around, as long as they Don't overdo it.
I always consider Mr. Freeze as one of the greatest sympathize character I like from The Animated Series, and I don't blame him of getting vengeance on the man who left his wife to die or doing those good deeds in for his wife as well. I'm happy he got an happy ending from "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero".
@@DarthUmbra Even if you ignore that later episode (and his episode in "Batman Beyond"), he still wasn't able to reunite with Nora, so it still wasn't a happy ending.
he sees the humanity in them. yes they are vile and wicked, but there were days they were smiling or holding on being who people expect: the the plot twist arrives to pull them and those who twisted these villains out of kansas.
At some point there is no saving the Joker. Batman refusing to kill has resulted in a crazy amount of other people dying. If you are criminally insane but keep breaking out of prison and kill more people then you just need to be put down.
Penguin was bullies as a kid. Killer Croc was bullies and abuse as a kid cause of his condition. Riddler was abuse by his father. Harley Quinn manipulative by the Joker. Mr. Freeze was turned into a being that can never feel warm and his wife left frozen forever.
I remember Clock King's tragic backstory from the animated series. And all I want to say was why he didn't make extra copies of his court documents or why he did brought them with him on his break in a folder instead of a briefcase?
@@dafilmqueen556 his full name is William tockman, he was taking care of his sick sister when he found out that he only had six months to live, he was despite to be able to secure his sisters future when he was gone, so he tried to rob a bank, unfortunately he was caught and incarcerated, and his sister died alone, the worst part was, he was never ill, the doctor mixed his papers up with another patient, and so in true supervillain fashion, he swears vengeance.
@@ironvulture2015, poor sister. Sibling hood is a very understandable reason to turn evil. Not justifiable, but understandable. Can’t argue with a loving brother..
Subzero maybe the most heartbreaking superhero animated movie I have ever seen. I was shocked by the Tragedy of Mr. Freeze and the sacrifice Batman was willing to make. Changed my perspective about animation movies ❤️
You forgot Bane. A baby born and grew up in Jail as a punishment for the crime his father (another DC supervillain) did. His mother becoming a plaything for the guards and him mistreated throughout his life. It's a miracle that Bane even survived that, much more becoming a supervillain powerful and smart enough to break the Bat.
It’s one of the reasons he becomes a father figure to Scandal Savage and is extremely protective of her. Bane is just one of those villains you’re scared of, but you also just wish the world just gave him a break.
Kind of surprised Ace from the Royal Flush Gang, isn't on this list, accidentally drives her parents insane as a baby, experimented on by the government to become a weapon, used by Joker, and then she dies while still a child because of those powers... i think her story is pretty tragic.
Possibly because she was dangerous to the entire Justice League rather than just Batman. Here it is Batman's rogue gallery that he usually solely fights, usually in Gotham.
Poor old Freeze, I remember that a few years ago, they tried to change his past, making him just a crazy man obsessed with a girl in cryo and everything about him married to Nora was a figment of his imagination, it was hated by everybody and retconned soon after
I always thought Clayface who was a Police officer from The Batman show was tragic. Also Mr. Freeze is too. It would be cool to see either Clayface or Mr. Freeze in the new Batman movies.
I once read an anthology Batman novel. It had a collection of stories about the peripheral characters in Gotham. Even though not a villain, dr Arkham’s story is heartbreaking. Similar to Harley, he was a criminal psychiatrist, his patient killed his entire family. Recommend the criminally insane not be sent to prison but to an institution.
Another good one would have been Superman... from Injustice. Sure, he started out as a hero and this was an elseworld's story, but I'm counting it. The poor man was tricked by The Joker to kill his wife and unborn child thanks to fear toxin, Lois Lane's death then triggered a nuke that destroyed Metropolis, which made Superman snap, murder a detained Joker, and eventually turned him into a ruthless dictator. Many heroes and villains are involved in the story but the main focus was the conflict between Batman and Superman. BTW, I totally agree with those that made the list. If Mr. Freeze didn't make it then somebody didn't watch Batman: TAS. It made the #1 spot, which I pretty happy about.
With the Joker, u should add that he was able to control his crazy nature until his twin brother forced him to embrace it (Gotham). I like Calendar Girl, wish they focused more on her then Man. Poison Ivy's tragic story keeps changing too, but in the animated ep "House and Garden" said the cause was her infertilness and through her fake family, for the first time...she found happiness and show her humanity.
Poison Ivy isn't that tragic. Her infertility has nothing to do with the fact that she's always been mentally unstable in the way she values plant life more than human life.
"Heart of Ice" is one of the few Batman: the Animated Series episodes that made me cry. Watching Mr. Freeze moarn for Nora just hit me so hard. Definately the most tragic Batman villian. 😰
1) Victor Fries aka Mr. Freeze and it's all thanks to Michael Ansara. 2) The Joker 3) Harleen Quinnzel aka Harley Quinn 4) Harvey Dent aka Two-Face 5) Waylon Jones aka Killer Croc 6) Pamela Isly aka Poison Ivy 7) Matt Hagen or Basil Karlo aka Clayface 8) Kirk Langstrom aka The Man-Bat 9) Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin 10) Edward Nygma aka The Riddler 11) Jonathan Crane aka The Scarecrow 12) Mary Doll aka Baby Doll 13) Arnold Vesker aka The Dummy/Mr. Ventriloquist
Don't forget that Freeze also became just a living head, and was given a new body in Batman Beyond, which didn't last as he went back to being Freeze before his tragic final end
If Tim Burton chooses to give it another shot to the DC universe, i think he should do a Killer Croc project. He sounds like a character very fitting for him. In fact, he could even make another Edward Scissorhands out of a Killer Croc film or series.
Joker is not a tragic villain. The killing joke is most likely another story he probably lied about because after all joker really tends lie about these things
His multiple choice past is what drives the mystery, maybe parts of them are true, but sifting through what’s truth and what’s lies… maybe even he can’t do that.
True, the only version of the Joker that is even remotely sympathetic is Flashpoint Paradox Joker. Then again, can you blame Martha Wayne for going insane after baby Bruce died in that alley in her universe? Our favorite Bruce is lucky that he doesn't live in Flashpoint universe with his mother being Joker there..
What about Ace of Clubs from JLU? The scene where Batman sits with her and holds her hand as she dies so she doesn’t have to go alone is… rough, to say the least.
The Justice league unlimited episode “epilogue”. Amanda Waller explaining to Terry McGinnis why the world needed a Batman and how Bruce as Batman did it with sheer will. Batman was the only one to figure through all the illusions she was just a little girl scared to be alone in her final moments.
Mr Freeze, Baby Doll from the animated series for sure are the most saddes, alongside Joker from The Killing Joke.. Freeze loses his wife and tried his best to have her back and continuesnto do everything no matter how bad it is for her. Joker wanted to provide for his family and because of that he got taken advantage of and learned about his wife and childs death. Baby Doll isnt treated like a normal person and because of it she goes with the first person she thinks will treat her nice.
We don't know for a fact that the Killing Joker backstory is even real, or if Joker just made it up like he always makes stuff up. Can we even trust the word of a psychotic sociopath who views killing as a joke?
“Think of it, Batman. To never again walk on a summer's day with a hot wind in your face, or a warm hand to hold. Oh yes... I'd kill for that.” - Mr. Freeze
I agree that Freeze deserves #1. And I loved how he had an episode in Batman Beyond, with one of his most memorable exchanges; BatBeyond (paraphrased): "Freeze! I can't leave you here, you're going to die!" Mr. Freeze: "Believe me... You're the *only* one who cares."
Mr. Freeze is probably my favorite Batman villain and his episode in Batman Beyond just so happens to be my favorite. I actually thought some villains from that show would show up but I realized this is about his rogues gallery. Not characters in the Bat-verse.
Baby Doll became even more tragic in "The New Batman Adventures," as she finally found the Clyde to her Bonnie with Killer Croc, only for her new beau to accidentally kill himself while fighting Batman.
Fun fact for Jason Todd’s original backstory. DC decided to basically push the redo button and gave Jason the same backstory as Dick Grayson, right down to the dead acrobat parents only to be adopted by Batman, in essence making him an unoriginal copy of the original boy wonder, although this time a red head before he started dying it black. Ironically this helped Jason’s popularity, but post-Crisis on Infinite Earths, we got the more familiar backstory and attitude. This did not endear some of the fans, ending up in the Death in the Family storyline after the vote of 5343-5271 in favor of killing him off.
In the words of #10, "If you're going to have an origin story, you're better off making it multiple choice". Also would Ace be considered a Batman villain or Justice League?
It makes me glad that the Phantasm was an honorable mention. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was a great movie too. I'm also glad that Mr. Freeze was given the #1 spot. I first heard of the character from the very comedic Batman & Robin. Mr Freeze was nothing more than a punch liner. But then I saw that Batman Animated Series episode about Mr Freeze and I saw why he was so tragic.
If any Joker deserved a happy ending, its Jack Napier from White Knight comics. Man just wanted to help Gotham to repay his time as Joker, and wouldve been there for Harleen and their kids if it wasnt for his split personality.
Totally amazing video of tragic Batman villains backstories watch mojo,fantastic job. I would like to see the tragic backstories of superman villains too.
Actually, the 1960's series in spite of its campiness did hint at Mr. Freeze's tragic background. In that backstory it's indicated that Batman feels guilty for Victors condition as it was the result of an accident that occured when he originally went to apprehend him. It's not told with a lot of detail, but Robin tells him its not his fault and that he shouldn't blame himself.
I downloaded the Arkham video game trilogy on the Microsoft store for like $15 and it is probably the best video game purchase I've ever made. I got Arkham asylum, city, and knight. I learned SO MUCH about Batman from those games and now I'm obsessed. Manbat and Mr. Freeze are the 2 most tragic villans I my opinion. Good list!
Poison Ivy also had a bit of a tough life. Except for 1 origin, Pamela Isley was the victim of Jason Woodrue, sometimes also the Fluronic Man, or a frightened child running from killers and falling into chemical laced water.
This is why I love the Batman stories. The villains aren’t bad guys just because they’re bad. They have a complex story on why they became whom they became. And Batman isn’t always there to fight them because they’re bad guys. He’s usually there to stop their antics while also showing empathy. It’s why I love the comics based on Gotham.
Jason Todd got himself bumped off, Batman told him NOT to confront Joker until he'd gotten there. He didn't and in the book, got both his mother and himself killed!
I just came to realise that it’s Mr freeze that IMO inspired the backstory of Void Knight from Power Rangers Dino Fury. They have similar tropes. The face they both want their girlfriends to live but kept in a vat for life support.
Paul Dini and Bruce Timm’s classic comic book/animated creation will be turning 30 this year. The DCAU Harley Quinn is still my number one favorite among alternate Harley Quinn versions. ❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤
The first Clayface in "The Batman" has an even more tragic backstory as a police detective who was brainwashed by Joker, only for the later mutation to snap his remaining sanity.
“I failed u, I wish there were another way 4 me to say it, I can not, I can only beg yer forgiveness n pray u hear some how, some place, some place where a warm hand waits 4 mine” Victor Fries 😢
I idolized BATMAN when I was a kid but as I grew up the more I understood that his “no kill” code would never work. Jason has a point, “You want to rule them by fear but what do you do with the ones who aren’t afraid??” Joker is the sole example of that code not working. After he revives Ra’s in Arkham Knight Talia’s sister Nyssa tells Batman just before Ra’s kills her that while he may not kill his hands are still soaked with blood!!!
I really feel bad for Victor Fries AKA Mr. Freeze. He was a scientist who tried to save his beloved wife, Nora. From a disease that she has and yet Fester Boyles took that away the cure and equipment that Victor was using to save his wife.
Which Batman villain do YOU think has the most tragic backstory? Let us know in the comments!
For more Batman, check out our playlist!: th-cam.com/video/tv18SVc3hx0/w-d-xo.html
I’m glad the Phantasm made it to the honorable mentions. And I also agree with this list entirely especially Mr. Freeze.
I'm happy Killer Croc was an honorable mention. He may not show it, but he definitely feels lonely and sad with his condition.
Bane
I believe that The Mad Hatter has a sad backstory in the animated Batman series. It’s oddly the most human backstory out of most of the villains in Batman’s rogues gallery
Victor Fries obviously.
I think Batman The Animated Series did Mr. Freeze so amazing that it’s probably been freeze’s best on-screen adaptation we’ve gotten from the Comics.
Preach i agree I actually got sad when in later episodes he showed 0 emotions but I feel for him because of what had happen
Arkham Series Freeze was also perfect
Then Arkham series made it better
Yes, he's my favorite Batman villain and I love the way they continued his story arc all the way into Batman Beyond. Inque and Ace were also great villains from that show. Ace's story was terribly tragic even though it was just told in a flashback.
I agree
Batman: The Animated Series was the gift that kept on giving to the DC Universe
Ong
@@MomentPhotographyG1God*, God loves y’all ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The departure of Mr. Freeze and his wife in Arkham Knight always breaks my heart, especially when Mr Freeze tells her he can’t save her, and she says “then let me live”.
Honestly would’ve been the perfect Batman game if there wasn’t so many tank missions. Other than that I enjoy the game.
@@nonameman7114 I agree they did get a bit tedious, but it was my second best Arkham game. City being the first
Arkham knight or city
@@TheUnamedOne832 The scene described is from Arkham Knight - Season of Infamy DLC (as I guess that's your question).
@@BjornV1994 thank you
Baby Boll was most definitely tragic. She just wanted to be seen as an adult.
“Why won’t you just let me make believe?!” 😢
“I didn’t mean to….” 😭
I agree Baby Doll has the most tragic back story. I believed the producer's of her show purposely humiliated her on TV.
I have a friend with proportionate dwarfism. She doesn't have it as bad as Baby Doll, but someone asked her for her age a couple of weeks ago at a diner. I was kind of convinced they would have thought she was a child, except that she was with three other women who were all over twenty (she's actually the second oldest in our circle). She's also the most adult and mature person in our circle imo (only one living on her own some of the time, studies full-time and has a job in a charity store so gets her pick of the stock), possibly equal with (ironically) the youngest in our circle (the only one of us who can drive, has almost full-time work, and is very patient, unselfish and sweet-natured).
I feel like Mr. Freeze is the most tragic.
@@strawberrysoulforever8336, that's so nice of her. She must be so thankful to have so much going well for her..
@@dafilmqueen556 We actually visited a store together the other day with restricted items (horror-based) and no one asked her for ID. However, the supermarket wouldn't let us buy non-alcoholic cider because I couldn't find my ID (she had hers). Don't ask me why zero alcohol was restricted. She's bought nonalcoholic wine before and didn't get IDed.
Baby Doll's story, and the episode of "B:TAS" broke my heart. Mary Dahl has to watch the world go on, leaving her behind, her mind and her feelings growing up, but she must remain trapped in the body of a little girl. Is it any wonder she tries to retreat to the time when she was beloved by everyone, as her TV character from her show? Granted she goes about it all wrong, but still I feel awful for her.
Then she finally found a similar soul to love (Killer Croc), only for him to accidentally kill himself.
@@Compucles Up to a point I'll agree, but since...
*spoiler space*
Croc was only using her, that makes it just as bad, or even worse. Even amongst Batman's other rouges, she's alone.
The ending in that episode was just so beautifully tear-jerking and poetic. Baby Doll eventually gives into reality and embraces the Batman’s leg for comfort. He does by placing a hand on her head. They both share the same pain, like if they had been robbed of their lives. While she was robbed of her adulthood, he was robbed of his childhood.
@@dastemplar9681 YES!!! Oh my gosh that's so true! And Mary"s voice, choking with tears, using her beloved catch phrase from her long-gone tv show: "I didn't mean to." It just breaks my heart every time.
@@dastemplar9681 Mary Louise Dahl needs a get her very own spin-off television series and movie
I been thinking about Mr Freeze lately. Such an iconic and endearing character in the Batman franchise. Been thinking about if Matt Reeves would potentially put him in his universe and if it could work. It would be cool if he would. He would be making a statement that his comic book films are indeed comic book films and not tryna deny it.
Mr Freeze deserves another chance in live action.
I mean look at Batman Subzero. That movie was great. They could use that as the blueprint combined with the character driven storytelling that Matt Reeves is supposed to be doing and....
BOOM!!!
Bryan Cranston for Freeze
@@rickyrackey7930 that would be amazing
Hell yeah mr freeze deserves another chance.
@@rickyrackey7930 yes for sure
Or what about Patrick Stewart?
Mr freeze will always be the tragic batman villain, but the episode judgement day, with the vigilante "the judge", hunting Harvey down, and then turning out to be another personality in Harvey, told me just how broken his mind truly was. Him just saying "guilty, guilty, guilty" in the end was a bitter ending
Yeah, "The New Batman Adventures" did some interesting things in how they ended some of the villains' stories. As you said, Two-Face developed a 3rd even more contradictory personally. Penguin (nominally) reformed. Killer Croc accidentally killed himself. The Ventriloquist finally freed himself of Mr. Scarface (presumably for good). Mr. Freeze's body deteriorated until he was just a head (which is medically impossible to survive like that, but whatever). Ra's Al Ghul's body breaks down, although we don't learn until "Batman Beyond" that Ra's body actually did die there, but not until he hijacked Talia's body, which of course technically killed her, while Ra's as Talia dies in that latter series..
Speaking of "Batman Beyond," we learn that Mr. Freeze survived locked away as just a head until he was given a chance with a clone body, but when it turns out his new body inherited his old condition and he found himself betrayed, he went on another revenge rampage and was killed by Blight. Bane's body eventually broke down from his Venom addiction and could only survive via medical machinery. Then of course Joker was once killed by Tim Drake (or by accidentally electrocuting himself depending on the version of the film) after brainwashing him.
Harvey Dent: he had a great career and his face was damage
Harley Quinn: was a great doctor, but fell in love with a psychopath and gets treated like crap
Jason Todd: was abused and tortured by The Joker.
Killer Croc: his aunt treated him like a monster
Mister Freeze: a wonderful doctor, sadly his wife was dying, and he took matters into his own hands.
Speaking of Jason Todd the poll that determined his fate and gave us Death in the Family, and was the start of what would be his return as the anti-villain turned anti-hero Red Hood wasn't fair as years later after Jason gained popularity as the Red Hood it would later be revealed the actual poll results were a tie meaning Jason's fate at the end of the infamous issue was going to be ambiguous but a Jason Todd hater rigged his phone to call in the number for wanting Jason dead numerous times at various intervals resulting in the infamous result of Jason dying being the winning choice.
Mr. Freeze definitely deserves another chance in a Live-Action movie. I can give Arnold Schwarzenegger's version some credit for keeping Nora in his origin, but her inclusion was still overshadowed by those non-stop ice puns.
In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with a Villain joking around, as long as they Don't overdo it.
I liked the way he portrayed Mr. Freeze. The puns were a bit much but that was probably more of a script thing than him being candid.
I hope Arnold Schwarzenegger gets another chance to play mr. Freeze with a better direction and script (i blame the people behind the movie)
I knew Mr. Freeze would be #1 on this list. Who else but him deserves that spot?
*"Believe me, you're the only one who cares."* - Victor Fries' final words to Batman
I always consider Mr. Freeze as one of the greatest sympathize character I like from The Animated Series, and I don't blame him of getting vengeance on the man who left his wife to die or doing those good deeds in for his wife as well. I'm happy he got an happy ending from "Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero".
Too bad the new batman adventure series ruined everything.
I usually ignore The New Batman Adventures version of Mr. Freeze. The movie was a great coda for the animated version.
@@DarthUmbra Even if you ignore that later episode (and his episode in "Batman Beyond"), he still wasn't able to reunite with Nora, so it still wasn't a happy ending.
I think Baby Doll deserves another chance in either a comic book or a film. I really loved that episode.
And people wonder why he doesn't kill his opponents, he actually tries to save them from themselves.
he sees the humanity in them. yes they are vile and wicked, but there were days they were smiling or holding on being who people expect: the the plot twist arrives to pull them and those who twisted these villains out of kansas.
There's really no hope for The Joker, Hush, and Mr. Zsasz though.
At some point there is no saving the Joker. Batman refusing to kill has resulted in a crazy amount of other people dying. If you are criminally insane but keep breaking out of prison and kill more people then you just need to be put down.
@@kylebertram9466 But on the real the GDCP or the court should've done that by now.
@@kylebertram9466If Batman kills him that gives reason for the cops to arrest him. The police can get away with shooting him.
Penguin was bullies as a kid.
Killer Croc was bullies and abuse as a kid cause of his condition.
Riddler was abuse by his father.
Harley Quinn manipulative by the Joker.
Mr. Freeze was turned into a being that can never feel warm and his wife left frozen forever.
Scarecrow was also bullied when he was younger.
@@sarahsims6164 why
@@Nathaniel-ir3yu where do you think he got the name Scarecrow? He was so skinny that others kept calling him that word.
@@sarahsims6164 ok
Batman : Animated Series is one of the greatest animated ever made
Indeed, 110 percent!
Faxx
Suggestion: Top 20 most intelligent cartoon characters in 2000s and 2010s.
Aka: Top 20 smartest cartoon characters of the century so far.
Suggestion: Top 10 Movie Henchmen who are smarter than the villain
Let's do another one based on anime characters too!
I remember Clock King's tragic backstory from the animated series. And all I want to say was why he didn't make extra copies of his court documents or why he did brought them with him on his break in a folder instead of a briefcase?
The strange thing about that is the he didn't have a lawyer to take care of those things for him.
Too much time to do so of course!
I heard about Clock King, but I know nothing about him. Can you please explain him to me? I would love to know..
@@dafilmqueen556 his full name is William tockman, he was taking care of his sick sister when he found out that he only had six months to live, he was despite to be able to secure his sisters future when he was gone, so he tried to rob a bank, unfortunately he was caught and incarcerated, and his sister died alone, the worst part was, he was never ill, the doctor mixed his papers up with another patient, and so in true supervillain fashion, he swears vengeance.
@@ironvulture2015, poor sister. Sibling hood is a very understandable reason to turn evil. Not justifiable, but understandable. Can’t argue with a loving brother..
Subzero maybe the most heartbreaking superhero animated movie I have ever seen. I was shocked by the Tragedy of Mr. Freeze and the sacrifice Batman was willing to make. Changed my perspective about animation movies ❤️
You forgot Bane. A baby born and grew up in Jail as a punishment for the crime his father (another DC supervillain) did. His mother becoming a plaything for the guards and him mistreated throughout his life. It's a miracle that Bane even survived that, much more becoming a supervillain powerful and smart enough to break the Bat.
and in arkham knight he left to go overthrow the government in his old homeland.
It’s one of the reasons he becomes a father figure to Scandal Savage and is extremely protective of her.
Bane is just one of those villains you’re scared of, but you also just wish the world just gave him a break.
Very true
very true
By plaything do u mean his mother was being ... ? God have mercy on all of us
Two-Face has one of the most unfortunate and tragic origin stories in comic book history but honestly, my pick for Number 1 would be The Penguin.
You're kinda cheating with Jason Todd. He is more of an anti hero or a vigilante than a villain.
0:00 Amazed that they featured the 2004 Batman after being underrated!
Kind of surprised Ace from the Royal Flush Gang, isn't on this list, accidentally drives her parents insane as a baby, experimented on by the government to become a weapon, used by Joker, and then she dies while still a child because of those powers... i think her story is pretty tragic.
Possibly because she was dangerous to the entire Justice League rather than just Batman. Here it is Batman's rogue gallery that he usually solely fights, usually in Gotham.
@@Keysupersam798 Makes sense, thank you.
It's a shame she wasn't on this list.. I just knew she'd be top 5. That episode had me choked up.
Poor old Freeze, I remember that a few years ago, they tried to change his past, making him just a crazy man obsessed with a girl in cryo and everything about him married to Nora was a figment of his imagination, it was hated by everybody and retconned soon after
I always thought Clayface who was a Police officer from The Batman show was tragic. Also Mr. Freeze is too. It would be cool to see either Clayface or Mr. Freeze in the new Batman movies.
There’s a chance that could happen
Yeah I remember that like as if it was yesterday.
Cool huh? I know what you did there...
@@carlofrancisco1501 it would be cool if that happened
Right! Clay face deserves a chance at live action and Mr.Freeze deserves a serious live action
I once read an anthology Batman novel. It had a collection of stories about the peripheral characters in Gotham. Even though not a villain, dr Arkham’s story is heartbreaking. Similar to Harley, he was a criminal psychiatrist, his patient killed his entire family. Recommend the criminally insane not be sent to prison but to an institution.
That sounds interesting. You wouldn't, by chance, remember the name of this book would you?
@@Queen_Kellz_1120 Its actually mentioned in the game Arkham Asylum too.
@@vr8257 nice thanks
"NORA! Norrrraaaa...!"
"My God."
"Yes...it would move me to tears, provided I still had tears to shed."
Another good one would have been Superman... from Injustice. Sure, he started out as a hero and this was an elseworld's story, but I'm counting it. The poor man was tricked by The Joker to kill his wife and unborn child thanks to fear toxin, Lois Lane's death then triggered a nuke that destroyed Metropolis, which made Superman snap, murder a detained Joker, and eventually turned him into a ruthless dictator. Many heroes and villains are involved in the story but the main focus was the conflict between Batman and Superman.
BTW, I totally agree with those that made the list. If Mr. Freeze didn't make it then somebody didn't watch Batman: TAS. It made the #1 spot, which I pretty happy about.
I really wish they would have done more with Baby Doll and Calendar Girl, those are two of my favorite lesser Batman foes.
I really want to see a proper adaptation of Heart on Ice in a sequel to The Batman, if not then hopefully just one day on the big screen.
With the Joker, u should add that he was able to control his crazy nature until his twin brother forced him to embrace it (Gotham). I like Calendar Girl, wish they focused more on her then Man. Poison Ivy's tragic story keeps changing too, but in the animated ep "House and Garden" said the cause was her infertilness and through her fake family, for the first time...she found happiness and show her humanity.
Poison Ivy isn't that tragic. Her infertility has nothing to do with the fact that she's always been mentally unstable in the way she values plant life more than human life.
"Heart of Ice" is one of the few Batman: the Animated Series episodes that made me cry. Watching Mr. Freeze moarn for Nora just hit me so hard. Definately the most tragic Batman villian. 😰
1) Victor Fries aka Mr. Freeze and it's all thanks to Michael Ansara.
2) The Joker
3) Harleen Quinnzel aka Harley Quinn
4) Harvey Dent aka Two-Face
5) Waylon Jones aka Killer Croc
6) Pamela Isly aka Poison Ivy
7) Matt Hagen or Basil Karlo aka Clayface
8) Kirk Langstrom aka The Man-Bat
9) Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin
10) Edward Nygma aka The Riddler
11) Jonathan Crane aka The Scarecrow
12) Mary Doll aka Baby Doll
13) Arnold Vesker aka The Dummy/Mr. Ventriloquist
The animated series Mr. freeze was so good. They used his backstory in the Batman Arkham series.
If Mr. Freeze isn't number 1, I'll be completely shocked.
EDIT:
Knew it.
Don't forget that Freeze also became just a living head, and was given a new body in Batman Beyond, which didn't last as he went back to being Freeze before his tragic final end
If Tim Burton chooses to give it another shot to the DC universe, i think he should do a Killer Croc project. He sounds like a character very fitting for him. In fact, he could even make another Edward Scissorhands out of a Killer Croc film or series.
Why not a scarecrow movie directed by Tim Burton.
Scarecrow or Mr Frieze would've suit him better.
Mad Hatter
Joker is not a tragic villain. The killing joke is most likely another story he probably lied about because after all joker really tends lie about these things
Besides, in most depictions he was already a career criminal even before he took his chemical bath.
His multiple choice past is what drives the mystery, maybe parts of them are true, but sifting through what’s truth and what’s lies… maybe even he can’t do that.
I agree absolutely nothing tragic about Joker
True, the only version of the Joker that is even remotely sympathetic is Flashpoint Paradox Joker. Then again, can you blame Martha Wayne for going insane after baby Bruce died in that alley in her universe? Our favorite Bruce is lucky that he doesn't live in Flashpoint universe with his mother being Joker there..
Maybe he’s just an agent of chaos.
If you ask me, Mr Freezes' backstory is flat out heartbreaking!
I agree with that Mr. Freeze is the most tragic. It would be nice to see a film similar to what they did with the joker
Heart of ice was a tragic episode. Mr freeze was such a underated villain.
The DCAU version of Mister Freeze became a tragic one back in the ‘90s.
Mr. Freeze is definitely the one who deserves a better ending. Poor guy.
He has the better ending possible for him in the Harley Quin show
Yeah
What about Ace of Clubs from JLU? The scene where Batman sits with her and holds her hand as she dies so she doesn’t have to go alone is… rough, to say the least.
The Justice league unlimited episode “epilogue”. Amanda Waller explaining to Terry McGinnis why the world needed a Batman and how Bruce as Batman did it with sheer will. Batman was the only one to figure through all the illusions she was just a little girl scared to be alone in her final
moments.
The Batman (2004-08) series was one of my favourites
11:01 I'm pretty sure Red Hood is more of an antihero than a villain!
It was more emotional with Mr Freeze in Arkham Knight that he and his wife both accepted their fate while leaving Gotham?
"...Harvey Dent is probably the most tragic."
-Bruce Wayne
Untold Legend of the Batman
Mr Freeze, Baby Doll from the animated series for sure are the most saddes, alongside Joker from The Killing Joke.. Freeze loses his wife and tried his best to have her back and continuesnto do everything no matter how bad it is for her. Joker wanted to provide for his family and because of that he got taken advantage of and learned about his wife and childs death. Baby Doll isnt treated like a normal person and because of it she goes with the first person she thinks will treat her nice.
We don't know for a fact that the Killing Joker backstory is even real, or if Joker just made it up like he always makes stuff up. Can we even trust the word of a psychotic sociopath who views killing as a joke?
“Think of it, Batman. To never again walk on a summer's day with a hot wind in your face, or a warm hand to hold. Oh yes... I'd kill for that.” - Mr. Freeze
I agree that Freeze deserves #1. And I loved how he had an episode in Batman Beyond, with one of his most memorable exchanges;
BatBeyond (paraphrased): "Freeze! I can't leave you here, you're going to die!"
Mr. Freeze: "Believe me... You're the *only* one who cares."
That hurt so bad
The very end where Terry says to Bruce, "you were right..." and Bruce responds, "we both were."
This is gonna be a excellent list
Mr. Freeze is probably my favorite Batman villain and his episode in Batman Beyond just so happens to be my favorite. I actually thought some villains from that show would show up but I realized this is about his rogues gallery. Not characters in the Bat-verse.
Baby Doll became even more tragic in "The New Batman Adventures," as she finally found the Clyde to her Bonnie with Killer Croc, only for her new beau to accidentally kill himself while fighting Batman.
These "villains" actually speak fair points about why they do what they do
*All it takes is a bad day*
Fun fact for Jason Todd’s original backstory. DC decided to basically push the redo button and gave Jason the same backstory as Dick Grayson, right down to the dead acrobat parents only to be adopted by Batman, in essence making him an unoriginal copy of the original boy wonder, although this time a red head before he started dying it black. Ironically this helped Jason’s popularity, but post-Crisis on Infinite Earths, we got the more familiar backstory and attitude. This did not endear some of the fans, ending up in the Death in the Family storyline after the vote of 5343-5271 in favor of killing him off.
In the words of #10, "If you're going to have an origin story, you're better off making it multiple choice". Also would Ace be considered a Batman villain or Justice League?
Keep it up on your work and this video and channel
Batman TAS was such a masterpiece.
Thanks you for your video and channel
It makes me glad that the Phantasm was an honorable mention. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was a great movie too. I'm also glad that Mr. Freeze was given the #1 spot. I first heard of the character from the very comedic Batman & Robin. Mr Freeze was nothing more than a punch liner. But then I saw that Batman Animated Series episode about Mr Freeze and I saw why he was so tragic.
Mr freeze deserves his own movie
If any Joker deserved a happy ending, its Jack Napier from White Knight comics.
Man just wanted to help Gotham to repay his time as Joker, and wouldve been there for Harleen and their kids if it wasnt for his split personality.
Totally amazing video of tragic Batman villains backstories watch mojo,fantastic job. I would like to see the tragic backstories of superman villains too.
Really shows how deep the 90s Batman series was when it made about half of this list just by itself.
Actually, the 1960's series in spite of its campiness did hint at Mr. Freeze's tragic background. In that backstory it's indicated that Batman feels guilty for Victors condition as it was the result of an accident that occured when he originally went to apprehend him. It's not told with a lot of detail, but Robin tells him its not his fault and that he shouldn't blame himself.
That is true I notice that when I watched episodes of the 1960s batman show
i’ve been waiting for a list like this
Mr. Freeze is always the staple of tragic villains.
The Mr Freeze side story DLC in Arkham Knight is really heartbreaking at the end, wanting to spend his final moments with Nora.
mary dahl legit had the saddest story of them all she had no friends, family, decent income, and sadly no lover too she's living such a sad life
I downloaded the Arkham video game trilogy on the Microsoft store for like $15 and it is probably the best video game purchase I've ever made. I got Arkham asylum, city, and knight. I learned SO MUCH about Batman from those games and now I'm obsessed. Manbat and Mr. Freeze are the 2 most tragic villans I my opinion. Good list!
Poison Ivy also had a bit of a tough life. Except for 1 origin, Pamela Isley was the victim of Jason Woodrue, sometimes also the Fluronic Man, or a frightened child running from killers and falling into chemical laced water.
7) that’s one I’d like to see in a Batman movie-“Mary Dahl (aka “Baby-Doll”)
This is why I love the Batman stories. The villains aren’t bad guys just because they’re bad. They have a complex story on why they became whom they became. And Batman isn’t always there to fight them because they’re bad guys. He’s usually there to stop their antics while also showing empathy. It’s why I love the comics based on Gotham.
3:41 I lost it there. It's bad enough knowing he wasn't in control of the beast, but hearing the guilt and grief in Kirk's voice is too much to bear..
Jason Todd got himself bumped off, Batman told him NOT to confront Joker until he'd gotten there. He didn't and in the book, got both his mother and himself killed!
DC villains with tragic backstories are best DC villains!!!
How is Ace not on this list? She has the most tragic history of any of Batman's villains. Hell, she ranks up there among any villain, ever.
And also brings out Batman's most tender side.
Because Ace and the Royal Flush Gang are more general or Justice League villains than Batman villains.
I just came to realise that it’s Mr freeze that IMO inspired the backstory of Void Knight from Power Rangers Dino Fury. They have similar tropes. The face they both want their girlfriends to live but kept in a vat for life support.
Paul Dini and Bruce Timm’s classic comic book/animated creation will be turning 30 this year.
The DCAU Harley Quinn is still my number one favorite among alternate Harley Quinn versions.
❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤
The first Clayface in "The Batman" has an even more tragic backstory as a police detective who was brainwashed by Joker, only for the later mutation to snap his remaining sanity.
Mr. Freeze is obviously the number one this list. RIP Michael Ansara.
Thx for using mostly the animated series as reference, cuz it's still the best Batman representation on media
Mr. Freeze was always my favourite character. His story was truly tragic.
U should do one on the Spider-Man villains 😎
10) Joker 1:04
9) Man-Bat 2:21
8) Penguin 3:50
7) Baby Doll 5:00
6) Ventriloquist 6:22
5) Clayface 7:42
4) TwoFace 8:58
3) Harley Quinn 10:03
2) Red Hood 10:59
Honorable Mentions 12:20
1) Freeze 13:22
What about Bane? Born in prison, forced to grow up with the absolute worst of the worst.
“I failed u, I wish there were another way 4 me to say it, I can not, I can only beg yer forgiveness n pray u hear some how, some place, some place where a warm hand waits 4 mine” Victor Fries 😢
I was VERY happy to see Man-Bat on this list. He is my favorite underrated Batman villain. :)
I idolized BATMAN when I was a kid but as I grew up the more I understood that his “no kill” code would never work. Jason has a point, “You want to rule them by fear but what do you do with the ones who aren’t afraid??” Joker is the sole example of that code not working. After he revives Ra’s in Arkham Knight Talia’s sister Nyssa tells Batman just before Ra’s kills her that while he may not kill his hands are still soaked with blood!!!
the most accurate list you guys have ever done .
i will never get over how under appreciated and underrated Clayface is.
I like sandman better 😐😐
What about Ace, that little girl who died in Justice League with Batman standing with her to her last moment?
My first thought as well. The scene where he sits down with her and holds her hand so she doesn’t have to die alone is… rough. She was just a kid
She was really Batman villain tho
I would also include Bruce’s cousin, Beth Kane, Batwoman’s twin sister.
1)Calendar was my pick for number 1. Nice to see her in the mentions.
2)Hench wench.
3) just realizing red hood was Jensen Ackles
I really feel bad for Victor Fries AKA Mr. Freeze. He was a scientist who tried to save his beloved wife, Nora. From a disease that she has and yet Fester Boyles took that away the cure and equipment that Victor was using to save his wife.
Mr freeze: you dare mock my suffering
Jason : you think you know suffering!!!
The fact that the top 3 + Clayface became part of the BatFam at one point or another is just *chef’s kiss*