The DC universe is filled with powerful characters. Whether they fall on the side of good, bad, or somewhere in between, these characters are some of the most impressive in film, television, and comic book history. Some of the most formidable individuals in the DC universe are women. And when they fall on the side of evil, they can prove to be a major hassle for even the most intimidating superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman.

This list will delve into an assortment of impressive female villains. Each of them is strong in their own way. Some may wield all the power in the universe, while others have access to incredible intelligence or resources. Without further ado, here are 10 of the strongest female villains in the DC universe.

10. Poison Ivy

There have been many incarnations of this classic Batman villain. In almost every case, Pamela Lilian Isley, AKA Poison Ivy, is immune to practically any poison, meaning that she has a superhuman immune system. This, matched with her chemistry skills, allows her to use toxins in ways that most people can't. She can also produce pheromones that work as a mind control power, which is particularly effective on men.

In certain storylines, Poison Ivy can even mentally control all plants. This means that she can cause them to grow at any rate, come-alive, and attack her enemies. As outlandish as some of her skills sound, they have proven to be effective weapons.

9. Morgaine le Fey

This DC villain is based on the arch-enemy and half-sister of Arthur and Merlin in the Arthurian Legends. Just like the witch, she's based on, Morgaine le Fey is a supreme sorceress. Her spells can control even the most powerful superheroes such as Super Man and Batman. She was even capable of transporting Wonder Woman to another dimension in order to battle her for her powers.

Although the immortal Morgaine usually fights for her own desires, other times she attempts to put her son Mordred on the universal throne. Regardless of who she's battling for, she almost always proves herself to be a major obstacle for the Justice League.

8. Granny Goodness

Although this character may have a downright silly name, as well as appear as intimidating as that bossy resident of your grandparents' nursing home, she's one of the most powerful characters in the DC universe. Yes, Granny Goodness is a formidable foe. She's an immortal cosmic deity from Apokolips who often aides Darkseid on his quest for universal domination.

Goodness has almost every physical superhuman ability one can think of. This includes superhuman strength, speed, and agility. Add those skills to her being a weapons expert, an excellent tactician, and a relentless fighter, and you have one powerful villain. She can also effectively teach her skills to others, creating an army of foes for the Justice League.

7. Lady Shiva

Lady Shiva may not have the superpowers that villains like Granny Goodness or Poison Ivy have, but she is one of the most skilled fighters in all of the DC universe. She is a mindblowing martial artist, trained in several different styles. Shiva has trained under some of the best in the world. This has allowed her to fully understand body movements, meaning that she can sense what her opponent is going to do before they do it. This gives her an incredible upper hand.

Shiva is completely ruthless, which aids her as an assassin for hire. She usually comes into conflict with Black Cannery, Nightwing, and Batman. Each time, she proves to be a formidable opponent for them.

6. Grail

When it comes to DC villains, Darkseid is pretty much the most powerful. Therefore, it's easy to claim that his daughter, Grail, is also one of the best around. After all, she's absorbed a lot of his skills by osmosis. She was also prophesied to bring great destruction on behalf of her father. In short, she's the real deal when it comes to villains.

Grail doesn't have the exact array of powers as Darkseid. But the two are similar. Not only is Grail a weapons expert, but she has all the abilities of occult Amazon rituals. This allows her travel inter-dimensionally, summon her father at will, and revive others from their demise. She also has superhuman speed, agility, strength, and senses.

5. Blackfire

Not all sisters get along. This is certainly the case with Starfire and her villainous sibling, Blackfire. Much like her sister, Blackfire has all of the abilities of her Tamaranian ancestry. This means she can absorb ultraviolet energy and project it at will. There's no shortage of creative and destructive ways she can emit the energy. When she absorbs it, she gives her superhuman strength, agility, speed, enhanced endurance, and stamina. Additionally, she's nearly invulnerable. Her powers may be on par with her Teen Titan sister, if not superior.

Blackfire, like all Tamaranians, also has the ability to assimilate languages simply by touch. This means she can more easily manipulate those who others can't understand.

4. Catwoman

Catwoman is on this list not because she has the superpowers of some of the others, but because her brains match her brawn. Not only is she an excellent fighter, but she may be one of the best tacticians in the DC universe. Catwoman can mentally outmaneuver some of the best heroes and villains, which makes her formidable as she's often out for herself. Although she's not impervious to harm.

As for her physical abilities, Catwoman is a trained Ninja along with an Olympic-level gymnast. This means that she can silently evade her enemies and attack them before they know she does. Catwoman is also famous for her use of sharp claws and a bullwhip that is both a weapon and a tool to escape dire scenarios.

3. Silver Banshee

This ghoulish Superman villain was granted superpowers from a mysterious entity known as "The Crone". Her most famous power is the supersonic blast she emits from her mouth, hence her name, Silver Banshee. The blast reduces the energy and powers of all that hear it. She's also described as a succubus, as she likes to the drain the powers of her enemies and absorbs them for herself. Each time she does this, she grows stronger.

Although her greatest foe has some of the best powers in the superhero universe, she also has superhuman strength, agility, and the power of flight. This makes her a formidable foe for the Man of Steel.

2. Talia Al Ghul

Talia al Ghul is one of the best opponents for The Dark Knight due to the fact that the pair loves each other. Since Talia is a master manipulator, she can easily best Batman by appealing to his heart. Additionally, Talia is one of the most connected villains on this list. Not only has she had her entire life to learn the physical and intellectual skills of her father, but she also has access to his vast network of assassins, financiers, and weapons experts.

Talia, herself, is trained in almost all forms of hand-to-hand combat. In some cases, she has overcome both her father, Ra's al Ghul and Batman. Most importantly, Talia is one of the most well-educated characters in the DC universe.

1. Enchantress

Sure, Enchantress in the Suicide Squad movie was a total bore, but her comic book counterpart is far more engaging. She's also one of the most impressive villains in the DC universe. Her powers are hard to define. This is because the dark magic that she wields can be manipulated in a number of ways. For example, Enchantress has the ability to teleport herself to other locations and dimensions. She also can heal herself from many injuries and walk through walls.w

In the comics, multiple heroes have attempted to defeat her. But Enchantress is capable of battling multiple characters at once and still come out on top. This is one of the reasons she's one of the strongest female villains in DC's history.