12 Remarkable Films Featuring Characters in Cat Costumes

      Here are 12 notable films featuring characters in cat costumes.

      While cats may not be considered “man's best friend,” most would agree that cat costumes often appear more appealing than dog costumes. This might account for the abundance of cat costumes in film, ranging from sleek to absurd.

      Here’s a list of 12 movies that feature people dressed as cats. Pour yourself a glass of milk and keep reading.

      **Batman Returns (1992)**

      Tim Burton’s film Batman from 1989 played a significant role in rejuvenating the superhero genre, granting him considerable creative liberty for the sequel.

      In this installment, he introduced two iconic villains from Batman’s rogues gallery: Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.

      As typical of Catwoman portrayals, Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle exhibits villainous traits but ultimately desires to redeem herself.

      The costume design for Catwoman, notable for its prominently visible stitching, stands as one of the artistic highlights of Burton’s gothic Christmas action film. Although Batman Returns is stranger than its predecessor and less focused on Batman himself, it has garnered a loyal following.

      **Catwoman (2004)**

      Finding advocates for Catwoman proves to be more challenging. In this film, Catwoman takes on more of an antihero role. While she dons a cat costume and engages in criminal activities, she simultaneously aims to bring down the nefarious cosmetics magnate portrayed by Sharon Stone.

      In this narrative, Patience Phillips, also known as Catwoman, embodies feline characteristics. The film leans into this concept more than the campy, comedic 1960s Batman television series. Regrettably, Catwoman was not embraced as a fun campy movie, resulting in its box office failure.

      Nonetheless, Halle Berry’s portrayal of Catwoman led to a memorable moment at an awards show. After winning the Best Actress Oscar for Monster's Ball, Berry won the Worst Actress title at the Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies) for her role in Catwoman.

      She humorously accepted her Razzie in person.

      **The Cat in the Hat (2003)**

      The Cat in the Hat stands out as a quintessential Dr. Seuss tale, with Mike Myers sporting an elaborate cat costume to portray the titular character in this live-action version.

      How did this come to be? Myers turned down a film based on his Saturday Night Live sketch "Sprockets," and to resolve that and avoid legal troubles, he agreed to star in The Cat in the Hat.

      Interestingly, a new adaptation of The Cat in the Hat is on the way, featuring another SNL alum, Bill Hader, as the voice of the mischievous cat, though this version will be animated instead of live-action.

      **Josie and the Pussycats (2001)**

      This film features not just one but three characters dressed as cats. An overlooked comedy about selling out, Josie and the Pussycats stars Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid, and Rachael Leigh Cook as bandmates navigating the tension between art and commerce.

      Originating from the Archie Comics series, it could have taken a cute and silly approach but instead cleverly incorporated messages about remaining true to oneself and resisting corporate influence. This ambition earns the film a spot on our list of Smart Movies Disguised as Dumb Movies.

      Additionally, the music features power pop hits, particularly “3 Small Words,” which features Letters to Cleo vocalist Kay Hanley leading, with Cook, Reid, and Dawson providing backup.

      **The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)**

      While this is an animated feature, a human character does dress as a cat. This might be the most successful film featuring 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.

      At one point, the beloved Italian plumber battles Donkey Kong. To aid in his fight, Mario wears the Cat Suit introduced in the 2013 game Super Mario 3D World.

      The Cat Suit not only assists Mario in defeating Donkey but also serves as the centerpiece of a comedic scene in the film. Many appreciated the Cat Suit reference, and the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie promises even more Easter eggs.

      **Night of the Demons (2009)**

      Returning to the beginning, the cult classic horror film Night of the Demons debuted in 1988. Despite its low-budget appearance and inconsistent acting, it gained a devoted following. A remake was eventually produced in 2009.

      The plot revolves around teenagers hosting a Halloween party, which is interrupted by demons. Among the characters is a female character, played by former Guess? model Diora Baird, appearing in a cat costume.

      The film also stars Shannon Elizabeth and Edward Furlong and is a reimagining of the original cult classic.

      **Cat People (1942)**

      A landmark in early