The most animated DC character

DC Comics For decades, live-action movies have brought iconic comic book characters to the big screen, so it’s no surprise that some of the most recognizable DC characters continue to appear. With a variety of universes and actors taking on the roles, DC movies have consistently entertained viewers with new portrayals of these iconic characters over the years.

DC heroes, villains, and supporting characters are integral to the DNA of some DC Comics titles. It’s no wonder that they’ve been given new faces over the years. With so many DC movies and more on the way, which DC characters have appeared in the most live-action films?

8 Catwoman

The cat burglar and Batman's romantic interest appears five times.

Catwoman has always been an interesting character in the Batman mythos. An anti-hero and sometimes a villain, she has always made Batman question his loyalty to the city with her seductive behavior and crimes. Catwoman is essential to Batman’s complex war on crime in Gotham City, so it’s no surprise that she’s made a few appearances.

Catwoman hasn’t appeared as often as other characters, and she’s never had the most screen time, but she’s had a lasting impact across the decades. Whether it’s the ’60s, ’90s, or 2020s, Selina Kyle’s Catwoman blends beautifully into Batman’s storyline, while adding enough complexity to her own story.

7 Wonder Woman

DC's most iconic female superhero has appeared in one universe seven times

Wonder Woman is one of the top three DC Comics heroes alongside Superman and Batman, so she certainly qualifies as the most on-screen hero in live-action. But it's funny to think that she's the only heroine with all of these appearances, played by the same actress, Gal Gadot, in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

Gal Gadot became Wonder Woman. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) was released, and while the film received mixed reviews, everyone at the time wanted to see more of Gadot's Wonder Woman, leading to her playing the iconic electric cello theme in almost every subsequent DCEU film.

6 lex luthor

Superman's selfish enemies appear 8 times

Superman's dark curls and charming smile can thrill audiences everywhere, but Superman needs a villain to contrast his attitude and motivations, and who better than his balding, rich nemesis Lex Luthor? Luthor has appeared in several movies over the years, and there's always something about him, whether it's as the main antagonist or a minor teaser for the future. Bald cap or not.

Lex Luthor brings an interesting dynamic to the screen thanks to his ego and genius, providing the audience with a villain who may not be able to beat Superman with brawn but will challenge him with brains. Luthor always brings something to the table thanks to his wealth and determination to defeat Superman, and he is a great addition to James Gunn's superman.

5 joker

Batman's Nemesis and Clown Prince of Crime Appears 8 Times

The Joker seems to be the character every actor wants to sink his teeth into. He's a villain who's won two Academy Awards for his work as a legendary actor, and the complexity and scope of the Joker's chaos and madness make him an interesting character to chew on. The Joker is a character who thrives on chaos, and how much of it can ruin Batman's life and bring down Gotham City. There's a reason this villain is so beloved, and his multiple appearances are always exciting.

The Joker has always been an interesting one. The Clown Prince of Crime and Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker, has had his own successful movie starring as the main character, and it will be interesting to see how this incredible villain can do it again. Joker: Polly a Deuce Released on October 4, 2024.

4 James Gordon

Gotham City Police Commissioner, 11 appearances

To prove that Batman is not alone in his fight against crime, there is reliable good cop Jim Gordon, often portrayed as Gotham City's police commissioner. Jim Gordon is another character who has appeared in numerous Batman films over the years, and for good reason. He represents that not everyone is corrupted by the criminal system that rules Gotham, and he is a cop who cannot be bought.

Jim Gordon helps Batman fight crime, but they don't always see eye to eye. Both characters are lucky to meet each other in this fight, and if Jim isn't seen on the Bat-Signal, he's probably trying to investigate an unsolved case that could help Batman and his city.

3 superman

DC's most iconic superhero appears 13 times

Superman is integral to the DNA of superhero culture, and it’s no wonder that he’s appeared in so many live-action films in the first place. There’s a respect and awe for the man in the red cape and red boots, and over the decades that responsibility has fallen to some incredibly talented people, each bringing their own unique flair to a character that’s been around for over 85 years in comic books.

Even in a world where people are against the idea of ​​a superhero saving a cat from a tree, Superman's love for humans makes him endearing. Even though the film is released on July 11, 2025, director James Gunn superman Superman's hopeful smile will return, just like Christopher Reeve did in the 70s.

2 Alfred Pennyworth

Bruce Wayne's faithful butler appears 14 times

What would Batman be without his loyal and faithful butler? Alfred Pennyworth has been with the Wayne family for decades, and Batman’s loyal friend for decades in the film industry. Every Batman needs an Alfred, and no Batman movie is possible without him. Alfred is the heart that Batman needs, a supportive and realistic father figure who helps and criticizes Bruce when he goes too far.

It can be difficult to humanize Gotham City’s one-man war on crime, which is why Alfred’s role in the DC mythos is so important. Every Batman deserves and needs an Alfred, so it’s no surprise that he shows up in the Batcave, helping Batman on his missions and ironing his cape.

1 batman

Bruce Wayne's Dark Knight appears 15 times

Of all the DC characters, no one has resonated with fans as much as Batman. Batman is an iconic figure both on and off screen, and there’s a reason he’s been portrayed so many times in live action. Batman’s popularity extends beyond the big screen, but with 15 appearances on the big screen, the emergence of the DCU is inevitable. Brave and daring And Matt Reeves' Batman: Part 2.

Batman has endured and evolved on screen, with many iconic performances from Adam West to Robert Pattinson. With 85 years of history and nearly 60 years on the big screen, Batman remains one of the most popular heroes across the multiverse thanks to his villainous, combative, and crime-fighting stories.