30 Penguin Quotes from 'Batman Returns' to Help You Become a Villain (2024)

Penguin is the main antagonist in the classic film "Batman Returns." His performance is one for the history books. Although a villain, he also delivers lines that can make one take notes on how to become one. Here are 30 Penguin quotes that best describe him.

The role of Penguin in the 1992 movie, "Batman Returns," is played by Oswald Cobblepot. Penguin, who has a penguin-like appearance, is a villain who is into politics and is running for Mayor in Gotham City. While at it, he also attempts to eliminate his enemies. Here are 30 Penguin quotes that show the type of villain he is.

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "Bats with wings do your thing." | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

Penguin Quotes Filled with Inspiration to Commit Atrocities

"Just relax. I'll take care of the squealing, wretched, pinhead puppets of Gotham!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"The heat is getting to me, I'll kill you momentarily." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Burn baby, burn!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"My dear penguins, we stand upon a great threshold! It's alright to be scared; most of you won't be coming back. But, thanks to Batman, the time has come to punish ALL of God's children! 1st, 2nd, 3rd AND 4th-born! Why be biased? Male and female! Hell, the sexes are equal... BLOWN SKY HIGH! FORWARD MARCH! THE LIBERATION OF GOTHAM HAS BEGUN!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Volunteer Bimbo: You're the coolest role model a young person could have!

The Penguin: And you're the hottest young person a role model could have." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "You didn't invite me, so I CRASHED!" | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

"They wouldn't put me on a pedestal, so I'm layin' them out on a slab!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Batman: You're not the mayor.

The Penguin: Things change.

Batman: What do you want?

The Penguin: Ah, the direct approach. I admire that from a man with a mask.

The Penguin: You don't really think you'll win, do you?

Batman: Things change." — "Batman Returns"

"Bats with wings do your thing." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"The Penguin: Check it out. We're going to disassemble the Batmobile — turn it into an H-bomb on wheels.

Catwoman: No, he'd have even more power as a martyr. To destroy Batman, we have to turn him into what he hates the most. Namely us." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Catwoman: Batman napalmed my arm, and knocked me off a building just when I was starting to feel good about myself. I want to play an integral part in his degradation.

The Penguin: A plan is forming.

Catwoman: I want in. The thought of busting Batman makes me feel all... dirty. I think I'll give myself a bath right here." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "But when it comes down to it, who is holding the umbrella?" | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

Penguin Quotes Full of Lessons in Anger at the World

"I am NOT a human being, I am an animal!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"You got to admit I've plagued this stinking city like a hawk from hell." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Catwoman: Not even in office yet and already an enemies list, hmm?

The Penguin: Those names aren't for prying eyes. Say, why should I trust some cat-broad, anyway? Maybe you're just some screwed-up sorority chick who's trying to get back at her daddy for not buying her that pony when she turned sweet sixteen." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"It's true I was their number one son... but they treated me like number two!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Catwoman: We need to talk. You see, you and I have something in common.

The Penguin: Sounds familiar. Appetite for destruction? Contempt for the czars of fashion?..

Catwoman: Batman. The thorn in both our sides. The fly in our ointment. The Penguin: Ointment! Scented or unscented?" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "Just relax. I'll take care of the squealing, wretched, pinhead puppets of Gotham!" | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

"Actually, this is all just a bad dream. You're at home, in bed, heavily sedated, resting comfortably, dying from the carcinogens you personally spewed in a lifetime of profiteering. Tragic irony or poetic justice, you tell me." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"You didn't invite me, so I CRASHED!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"(Penguin has crashed Max Shreck's Christmas ball to kidnap Max's son) Penguin: I've personally come for Gotham's favorite son, Mr. Chip Shreck! You're coming with me, you great white dope, to die way down in the sewer!!

Max: Not Chip! If you have an iota of human feeling, take me instead!

Penguin: [hesitates] I don't! So no!

Max: I'm the one you want! Ask yourself. Isn't it Max Shreck who manipulated and betrayed you, eh? Isn't it Max, not Chip, who you want to see immersed to his eyeballs in raw sewage?

Penguin: [hesitates again] Okay, you've got a point." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"You're just jealous because I'm a genuine freak and you have to wear a mask." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "I am NOT a human being, I am an animal!" | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

Penguin Quotes and Exclamations to Become a Self-Confident Villain

"I believe the word you are looking for is "Aaahh"!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"You don't really think you'll win... do you?" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"The Penguin: By the way, how's Fred Atkins, your old partner?

Maximillian 'Max' Shreck: Fred? I believe he's... on extended vacation. He's good.

The Penguin: Good?

The Penguin: Hi, Max! Remember me? I'm Fred's hand! You wanna greet any other body parts? Remember, Max. You flush it. I flaunt it." — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"No! It's a lot!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

[One of Penguin's men hands him a grimy Christmas stocking]

"Penguin: Ah, what have we here?... [takes out a flask, opening it and pouring an eerie green liquid out that dissolves a slab of stone] A batch of toxic waste, from your "clean textile plant". There's a whole lagoon of this crud in the back!

Max: [slightly nervous] That could've come from anywhere.

Penguin: What about the documents that prove you own half the firetraps in Gotham City?

Max: If there were such documents - and that's not an admission — I would have seen to it they were shredded.

Penguin: [grins] Good idea... [shows shredded papers stuck back together] But a lot of tape and a little patience make all the difference. By the way, how's Fred Adkins, your old partner?

Max: [rattled] Fred? Fred's actually... I believe he's on extended vacation. He's, uh, he's good.

Penguin: [chuckles sinisterly] "Good"[...] Remember, Max: you flush it, I flaunt it.

Max: [reconsiders] You know what, Mr... Penguin... Sir? I think perhaps I could help orchestrate a little welcome-home scenario for you. And once we're both back home, perhaps we can help each other out.

Penguin: You won't regret this, Mr. Shreck. [shakes Max's hand and leaves Max holding it]" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "I believe the word you are looking for is "Aaahh!" | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

"But when it comes down to it, who is holding the umbrella?" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot: [to Shreck] I wasn't born in the sewer, you know. I come from... [indicates to a broken skylight, then turns to Max] Like you. And like you, I want some respect. A recognition of my basic humanity. But most of all... I wanna find out who I am. By finding my parents, learning my human name. Simple stuff that the good people of Gotham take for granted!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"Penguin: These are the names of the firstborn sons of Gotham City, just like I was. And like me, a terrible fate waits for them: tonight, while their parents party, they'll be dreaming away in their safe cribs, their soft beds. And WE WILL SNATCH THEM...!" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

[After escaping from a botched rally, Penguin returns to his underground lair. The place is packed with penguins, who rush to greet him] "Penguin: My babies... did you miss me?" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

"The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot: ...I need a cold drink of ice water... [he keels over on the edge of the bank. Six emperor penguins waddle up to him and slide his body into the water]" — Penguin, "Batman Returns"

Penguin's quote from "Batman Returns" : "Touring The Riot Scene. Gravely Assessing The Devastation. Upstanding Mayor Stuff." | Source: facebook.com/BatmanReturnsFilm

Legendary actor Danny DeVito portrays the role of Penguin in "Batman Returns." Even though his character is villainous, he also delivers funny lines in the film, as proven in the quotes.

Penguin's intention in Gotham City is to wreak havoc and rule it with the help of Max Schreck (Christopher Walken), a tycoon, but the film's hero, Batman (Michael Keaton), steps in to prevent the takeover from happening. He has the help of the new heroine Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer).

If you enjoyed reading quotes from this supervillain, read more from another villainous character on "43 Arthur Morgan Quotes."