12 Films Featuring Characters in Cat Costumes - MovieMaker Magazine
Here are 12 films featuring characters dressed as cats.
While cats may not be considered "man's best friend," there's a general consensus that outfits resembling felines often outshine those of canines. This might clarify the prevalence of cat attire in cinema, showcasing styles from the sleek to the silly.
Here are 12 movies that spotlight individuals in cat costumes. Grab your milk and keep reading.
**Batman Returns (1992)**
Tim Burton’s 1989 film Batman revitalized the superhero genre, allowing him creative freedom for the sequel. This time, he introduced two iconic villains from Batman’s gallery: Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.
As is common in portrayals of Catwoman, Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle displays villainous traits but ultimately seeks redemption.
The costume design for Catwoman, notably accentuated by bold stitching, stands out as one of the artistic triumphs of Burton’s gothic Christmas action film. Although Batman Returns is stranger and less focused on Batman than its predecessor, it has earned its share of loyal fans.
**Catwoman (2004)**
Finding defenders for Catwoman is more challenging. This titular character serves as an antihero, donning a cat suit and engaging in criminal activities while attempting to take down the evil cosmetics mogul portrayed by Sharon Stone.
Patience Phillips, also known as Catwoman, adopts feline characteristics, pushing the envelope further than even the campy ’60s Batman television series. Unfortunately, Catwoman was not perceived as a fun, campy film and failed at the box office.
Still, Halle Berry’s portrayal led to a notable awards moment. Following her Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball, Berry was recognized as Worst Actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards for Catwoman. She humorously accepted her Razzie award in person.
**The Cat in the Hat (2003)**
The Cat in the Hat is arguably the quintessential Dr. Seuss tale. In this live-action version, Mike Myers wears an elaborate cat costume for the leading role.
The story behind this casting? Myers turned down a film based on his Saturday Night Live skit “Sprockets,” and to settle this and avoid legal troubles, it was agreed that he would star in The Cat in the Hat.
Interestingly, a new Cat in the Hat film is on the way, featuring a different SNL alum, Bill Hader, voicing the mischievous cat, though this adaptation will be animated rather than live-action.
**Josie and the Pussycats (2001)**
This film features not just one but three characters dressed as cats. An underrated comedy about selling out, Josie and the Pussycats stars Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid, and Rachael Leigh Cook as bandmates navigating the balance between art and commerce.
Based on the Archie Comics series, it could have taken the cute and silly route but instead cleverly incorporated messages about authenticity and resisting corporate pressures. This ambition earns the film a spot on our list of Clever Movies Disguised as Stupid Movies.
Plus, the soundtrack includes power pop hits—especially “3 Small Words,” led by Letters to Cleo vocalist Kay Hanley, with Cook, Reid, and Dawson providing backup vocals.
**The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)**
While this is an animated film, it features a human character dressed as a cat. This may be the most successful film to include a human in a cat costume: the Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed $1.361 billion globally, making it the second-highest-grossing film of the year.
In one scene, Mario faces Donkey Kong. To gain an advantage, he wears the Cat Suit from the 2013 game Super Mario 3D World. While the Cat Suit helps Mario defeat Donkey, it also plays a central role in a comedic moment within the film. Viewers appreciated this nod, and the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises even more Easter eggs.
**Night of the Demons (2009)**
Starting from the beginning, the 1988 cult classic horror film Night of the Demons features low-budget aesthetics and lackluster acting but has gained a dedicated following. The film spawned sequels before Hollywood remade Night of the Demons in 2009.
This version, like its predecessor, revolves around teenagers throwing a Halloween party that gets interrupted by demons. Among the costumed characters, one female, played by former Guess? model Diora Baird, dresses as a cat.
The film, which also stars Shannon Elizabeth and Edward Furlong, is a remake of a 1998 cult favorite.
**Cat People (1942)**
A landmark in early horror cinema, Cat People tells the story of a woman who believes she descends from a tribe of Cat People capable of transforming into panthers when emotionally triggered. This belief complicates her life.
Today, Cat People is viewed as a significant
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12 Films Featuring Characters in Cat Costumes - MovieMaker Magazine
Here are 12 films featuring characters dressed as cats.
