Ranking of All 8 Catwoman Actresses

      Here are the eight actresses who have portrayed Catwoman, ranked.

      We are focusing solely on live-action performances, encompassing all TV shows and films featuring Batman and Catwoman.

      So, let’s get started. But first…

      A Note

      Julie Newmar was the first actress to take on the role of Catwoman in the Batman TV series, produced by ABC – Credit: 20th Century Fox.

      In our opinion, there aren't any bad Catwoman actresses. However, we have enjoyed varying interpretations of the iconic character — first introduced as "The Cat" in Batman #1 in 1940 — more than others.

      Catwoman stands apart from most of Batman's foes, as she embodies more of an antihero — or even a hero who has taken a wrong turn. Her relationship with Batman involves a subtle push and pull, where she sometimes tries to lead him into a life of crime, while he consistently attempts to guide her toward the light.

      A common thread throughout most portrayals is that while Bruce Wayne/Batman comes from immense privilege, Catwoman has always been self-reliant, facing compromises that the Dark Knight does not. This often makes her a more compelling character than Batman, presenting him with one of his most fascinating challengers.

      Now, let’s rank the Catwoman actresses from least to most impressive.

      8 – Camren Bicondova in Gotham (2014-2019)

      Fox

      We have no problems with Camren Bicondova’s portrayal in the series — but the entire Gotham concept feels misdirected to us. The show focuses on the early years of Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) alongside characters, including Bicondova’s young Selina Kyle.

      We just aren't fond of the “young Batman” idea or the notion that Batman and Catwoman have had a relationship since childhood. We prefer the traditional narrative where Batman is an established crimefighter whose assumptions about criminals are complicated by the sympathetic figure of Catwoman, who engages in theft to survive.

      Bicondova performs her role well. It’s the overall Gotham concept that we don’t appreciate.

      7 – Zoë Kravitz in The Batman (2022)

      Warner Bros.

      We have no criticisms of Kravitz’s performance. However, it evokes Heath Ledger’s Joker’s line: Why so serious?

      The Batman reflects a view of Catwoman reminiscent of Frank Miller’s brilliant series Batman: Year One, where Kyle is portrayed as a thief from the streets who turns to masked crime as an alternative to sex work.

      While The Batman doesn’t push the character to the extremes seen in Year One, it does emphasize that Kyle has limited options in her life. She serves as an effective counterbalance to billionaire Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson).

      The only drawback in our perspective is that this film's depiction of Catwoman lacks her characteristic wit. One appealing aspect of Catwoman is her dark humor, which shines even in the face of adversity. Her cynically humorous outlook enhances her allure.

      6 – Halle Berry in Catwoman (2004)

      Warner Bros.

      Halle Berry is the only actress to portray Catwoman in a standalone feature, and in an ironic twist, she received a Razzie for Worst Actress shortly after winning a Best Actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball.

      We’re not fans of the Razzies, as they often fail to recognize the essence of strong performances, which was the case with Catwoman. Berry portrayed the character as if she were an actual cat — guided by instinct — while the movie suffers from its early 2000s rapid cuts and style, not her acting.

      Regardless, the iconic actress demonstrated a Catwoman-like bravery — and a great sense of humor — when she personally accepted her Razzie award.

      5 – Eartha Kitt in the Batman TV Show (1967-68)

      ABC

      Eartha Kitt’s interpretation of Catwoman feels more cartoonish than realistic, yet her total dedication is captivating.

      More than any other Catwoman, the singer-actress truly understood the raw charisma of the character. She embraced the fun of dressing up in a mask and catsuit to steal diamonds. Kitt infused more glamour and camp into the role than any other Catwoman actress, and we cherish her for it. She is pictured above with one of our favorite Joker actors.

      Kitt assumed the role during the third season of the Batman series, taking over from the next actress on our list.

      4 – Julie Newmar in the Batman TV Show (1966-1967)

      ABC

      Julie Newmar created the live-action, swinging ’60s version of Catwoman and deserves significant recognition for laying the groundwork for future portrayals.

      Her alluring interpretation of the character made her one of the most seductive Catwomen: Her character sought to entice Batman (Adam West) into a life of crime, and we would all have understood if he had given in.

      We also appreciated her interactions with Pussycat (Lesley Gore), who functioned as a