Ranking the different portrayals of Joker, one of the most iconic villains in comic book history, is subjective and varies depending on personal preferences and criteria like acting, writing, and impact on the character. However, here’s a general ranking of the most well-known live-action and animated versions of the Joker from best to worst, based on their cultural significance, performances, and overall reception:
1. Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight, 2008)
Performance: Heath Ledger’s Joker is widely regarded as the best interpretation of the character. His portrayal is chaotic, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling. Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. His Joker was dark, menacing, and emotionally complex, setting a new standard for comic book villains.
- Impact: His version of Joker is often seen as the definitive portrayal, with influence that stretches far beyond the world of comic book movies.
2. Mark Hamill (Animated Series and Various Media)
Performance: Mark Hamill’s voice acting as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series (1990s) is legendary. He captured the Joker’s manic energy, sadistic humor, and psychotic nature while also providing a unique depth. Hamill has voiced the character across multiple films, video games (Batman: Arkham series), and animated shows.
- Impact: Hamill’s Joker is beloved by fans for his iconic laugh and ability to seamlessly switch between hilarious and terrifying. He is one of the most influential voices in animation history and continues to voice the Joker in various formats.
3. Joaquin Phoenix (Joker, 2019)
Performance: Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal in Joker is completely different from the other interpretations, offering a deep, tragic, and character-driven story of the character’s transformation from Arthur Fleck to the Joker. Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this role.
- Impact: The film took a more psychological and dark approach, focusing on societal issues and mental illness, which received widespread acclaim. It’s a different take on the character but resonated with a modern audience.
4. Jack Nicholson (Batman, 1989)
Performance: Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman was an instant classic. Nicholson combined humor and menace, creating a memorable villain who was flamboyant yet menacing. His Joker was very much a product of the ‘80s with a mix of campy humor and dark undertones.
- Impact: His portrayal helped solidify the Joker as a pop culture icon and is often remembered for his grandiose performance and memorable lines.
5. Cesar Romero (Batman TV Series, 1966-1968)
Performance: Cesar Romero’s Joker in the 1960s Batman TV series is often seen as the most campy and over-the-top version of the character. While his performance was intentionally lighthearted and comedic to fit the tone of the series, it still had a lasting impact on the character’s portrayal in popular culture.
- Impact: Romero’s Joker set the tone for a more lighthearted interpretation of the character, which influenced future portrayals, especially in animation.
6. Jared Leto (Suicide Squad, 2016)
Performance: Jared Leto’s take on the Joker in Suicide Squad was polarizing. His version was more contemporary, featuring tattoos, grills, and a gangster-inspired style. Some found his portrayal to be too eccentric and disconnected from the traditional essence of the character, while others appreciated the boldness of his approach.
- Impact: While Leto’s Joker has a unique aesthetic, it was divisive among fans and critics. His Joker didn’t have the same lasting impact as some of the others on this list.
7. The Joker (1989-1992 Batman Animated Series, Various Appearances)
Performance: In this version, Joker’s voice was portrayed by a mix of different actors over time, but each version, even if lesser-known than Hamill’s, still made an impact through the iconic design of the Joker. The portrayal is memorable but ultimately feels more like a setup for the Joker’s numerous transformations across media.
While these rankings vary, most people place Ledger and Hamill at the top due to their iconic performances, while others, like Leto and Romero, are divisive depending on tastes.
