23/10/2024
Nicole Newton

Joker actors ranked from worst to best

With Joker: Folie à Deux flopping at the box office earlier this month, we thought we’d take a moment to go back in time and rank the many actors who’ve played this iconic villain. The Joker has always been a fan favourite, and while The Joker sequel may not have lived up to expectations, there’s no denying that each portrayal of the character has brought something unique to the role.

So, who played the best Joker? From the controversial Joker of Suicide Squad to the unforgettable performances in The Dark Knight and more, keep reading to find out who’s come out on top!

In this blog:

9. Jared Leto – Suicide Squad (2016)

Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad brought a gangster-style twist to the character. While this version of the Joker was certainly bold, it didn’t resonate with many fans.

His look, featuring flashy grills and tattoos, stirred controversy, and while his performance was pretty intense, it just didn’t live up to expectations. Though Leto’s Joker remains memorable, if you’re asking who played the best Joker, this version is far from the top of the list.

8. Zach Galifianakis – The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

In a comedic spin on the character, Zach Galifianakis voices the Joker in The LEGO Batman Movie, giving fans a lighthearted and fun interpretation. While this version doesn’t have the dark edge of other portrayals, Galifianakis’s Joker is still packed with charm and humour. It’s perfect for a younger audience or anyone looking for a more playful take on the character, but when ranking the best versions of the Joker, this one doesn’t hold up to the dark and more complex interpretations.

7. Cameron Monaghan – Gotham (2015-2019)

Cameron Monaghan’s portrayal of Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in Gotham gave fans a taste of the Joker’s madness without being officially named as the character. Despite not getting an official Joker title, we’re going to let this one slide – after all, he donned the iconic red grin and white face paint.

Monaghan’s intense and unhinged performance was a standout in the show, showcasing the evolution of a Joker-like figure. While his take isn’t the definitive Joker from The Batman universe, it brought a chilling and chaotic energy to the screen that earned it a spot on this list.

6. Alan Tudyk – Harley Quinn (2019-present)

For fans of the animated Harley Quinn series, Alan Tudyk’s Joker provides a satirical version of the character. Tudyk’s Joker is less terrifying and more comedic, but it aligns with the show’s playful and cheeky tone.

While it’s not the iconic portrayal that other actors have delivered, it fits perfectly within the world of the show and provides a fresh perspective on the Joker’s relationship with Harley Quinn.

5. Cesar Romero – Batman (TV, 1966-1968), Batman: The Movie (1966)

For many fans, Cesar Romero was the first actor to bring the Joker to life in a live-action format. His campy, over-the-top portrayal in the 1960s Batman TV series gave us a fun-loving, prankster version of the Joker.

Romero’s refusal to shave his moustache (which was painted over with white makeup) became iconic in its own right. Though his Joker lacks the darker, more sinister edge of later interpretations, his role paved the way for future portrayals and is forever embedded in pop culture.

4. Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (2019), Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

Joaquin Phoenix’s deep and disturbing portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker won him an Academy Award and left a lasting impact on audiences. His portrayal is a raw exploration of mental illness, isolation and society’s role in shaping villains.

While some fans question if Phoenix’s version is truly ‘the’ Joker, his chilling descent into madness was nothing short of brilliant. Despite the disappointing reception of Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix’s performance remains one of the strongest and most original takes on the character.

3. Mark Hamill – Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995), Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000), Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)

Mark Hamill’s Joker might not be live-action, but for many, he is the definitive voice of the character. Hamill’s Joker in Batman: The Animated Series and various other animated projects deliver the perfect blend of humour, menace and madness. His laugh is instantly recognisable, and his take on the Joker’s personality has influenced generations of fans.

2. Jack Nicholson – Batman (1989)

For years, Jack Nicholson’s version of the Joker was considered the gold standard. His performance in Tim Burton’s Batman brought a perfect mix of charm, terror and theatricality.

Nicholson’s Joker had a dangerous unpredictability and his version of the character was larger than life. With a devilish grin and menacing laugh, Nicholson’s portrayal was both entertaining and terrifying, making him one of the most iconic Jokers in cinematic history.

1. Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight (2008)

There’s no question that Heath Ledger’s Joker is the best of all time. Ledger’s portrayal in The Dark Knight is nothing short of legendary, earning him a posthumous Academy Award and redefining the character for a new generation. His Joker was chilling, anarchic and chaotic, with a performance so haunting it remains one of the best villain roles in movie history.

If you’re wondering who was the best Joker, Heath Ledger’s take is universally praised and still resonates with audiences today. In fact, the portrayal was so good, it’s argued that Ledger’s Joker will remain unbeatable.

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