How Batman Outsmarts Every MCU Villain: A Brutality Ranking

Few figures inspire as much caution among their peers as the Caped Crusader. Even the Justice League treads carefully around him, and it’s a relief he’s not on the wrong side of the law. With a combination of patience, intellect, and a formidable skill set, this vigilante—lacking any superhuman abilities—has proven a match for the likes of Superman. But what if he were to cross over into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, pitted against its most infamous antagonists?

Let’s imagine a world where the Dark Knight is unleashed upon Marvel’s rogues’ gallery. Would he outwit them all? Here’s a look at how he might dispatch each villain, from the most straightforward to the downright savage, sometimes with a little help from his own universe. Expect a few familiar faces to lend a hand along the way.

Tech Takedowns and Tactical Triumphs

Obadiah Stane, first seen in the 2008 Iron Man film, is a power-hungry schemer whose only real asset is a cumbersome suit. Against Batman, he wouldn’t stand a chance. A quick press of an electromagnetic pulse would leave Stane powerless, his suit as useful as a paperweight.

Mysterio, on the other hand, relies on elaborate illusions and drone technology. Batman’s advanced goggles would easily cut through the trickery, exposing the drones behind the spectacle. Even if his tech were compromised, his sheer determination would see him through—much like his encounters with Scarecrow.

Loki, the god of mischief, would require more preparation. Batman would seek out Odin, study the weaknesses of Frost Giants, and develop a unique countermeasure. To ensure he’s facing the real Loki, he’d employ detectors to distinguish between illusion and reality, before delivering a decisive blow.

Psychological Warfare and Ingenious Solutions

Red Skull, the product of a failed super soldier experiment, would find his powers reversed by Batman’s ingenuity. Perhaps a collaboration with Captain America and Wonder Woman would finally put an end to his reign.

Aldrich Killian, once a mild-mannered scientist, would be met with compassion. Batman would simply devise an antidote, neutralising his threat without unnecessary cruelty.

Ultron, a self-important artificial intelligence, would be outmanoeuvred through a combination of Stark technology and a bit of help from J.A.R.V.I.S. Batman would infiltrate Ultron’s programming, perhaps even reprogramming him for good.

Yellowjacket, with no personal vendetta, would be swiftly neutralised by another well-placed electromagnetic pulse.

Escalating Stakes: From Sorcery to Sheer Force

Kaecilius, a sorcerer of considerable menace, would find himself trapped in a technologically enhanced prison, designed to keep his powers in check indefinitely.

Vulture, who once bested a young Spider-Man, would face a Batman equipped with alien technology and support from the likes of Bruce Banner and Tony Stark. The resulting suit would more than level the playing field.

Killmonger, a formidable adversary, would be stripped of his technological advantages and physical prowess, leaving him a shadow of his former self. Batman’s approach would be methodical, targeting both mind and body.

Yon Rogg, played by Jude Law, would be consigned to an endless dream, reliving his victories in a coma from which he’d never awaken.

Ghost, whose abilities are more tragic than villainous, would be contained within a chamber of ultrasonic shockwaves, unable to phase through her prison walls.

The Most Ruthless Defeats

Taskmaster, famed for mimicking her opponents, would be stymied by Batman’s stealth. By vanishing from sight, he’d leave her with nothing to copy, rendering her skills useless.

Thanos, stripped of his Infinity Gauntlet, would be brought down by toxins sourced from his own ruined homeworld. Batman would craft a bullet from these deadly substances, ending the Mad Titan’s threat in a single, clinical act.

Abomination, a monstrous figure reminiscent of Bane, would be forced back towards his human form with a specially designed antidote. The result would be a painful existence—neither fully monster nor man, condemned to suffer endlessly.

Hela, whose strength is tied to Asgard, would be banished to a pocket dimension devoid of her power source. There, she’d be left to plot her revenge, powerless and isolated.

Finally, Galactus, the devourer of worlds, would be ensnared in a dimension crafted with the help of Reed Richards. Trapped for aeons, he’d pose no further threat to the universe.

Every MCU entry is available to stream on Disney+.