Few roles in cinema are as iconic or challenging as the Joker. Over the years, several actors have donned the clown makeup and unleashed madness on Gotham City, each bringing something unique to the character. Some performances became legendary, while others fell flat. In this article, we rank the best actors who played Joker from worst to best, diving into what made each performance stand out—or miss the mark.
Actors Who Played The Joker (Worst To Best)
8 – Jared Leto (DCEU)
Appeared In: Suicide Squad (2016), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker in the DCEU has been one of the most polarising. Leto opted for a more modern, gangster-inspired take, complete with tattoos, a flashy wardrobe, and a disturbing demeanour. However, this interpretation was marred by an underdeveloped script and limited screen time. The Joker’s erratic nature felt forced, lacking the nuanced insanity that fans expected. While Leto’s dedication to method acting was undeniable, his portrayal ultimately didn’t resonate with audiences, placing him at the bottom of our ranking.
7 – Barry Keoghan (The Batman)
Appeared In: The Batman (2022)
Barry Keoghan’s Joker made a brief but impactful appearance in The Batman, leaving fans curious about what’s to come. His portrayal hinted at a version of the Joker who is already broken, disfigured, and fully entrenched in Gotham’s criminal underworld. Though we only saw glimpses of Keoghan’s Joker, his unsettling energy and raw intensity suggest that he could bring something fresh and chilling to the character in future films. However, with limited screen time so far, it’s difficult to place him higher on this list just yet.
6 – Cesar Romero (1966)
Appeared In: Batman: The Movie (1966), Batman TV Series (1966–1968)
As the first live-action Joker, Cesar Romero’s version was colourful, campy, and delightfully over-the-top. Known for his refusal to shave his moustache (which was simply painted over), Romero’s Joker embraced the goofy, lighthearted spirit of the 1960s Batman series. While far from the dark, complex interpretations we see today, Romero’s portrayal remains a nostalgic favourite. His laugh and mischievous pranks became synonymous with the character, but his Joker never dove into the darker, psychological elements that later actors would explore.
5 – Zach Galifianakis (Lego Batman Movie)
Appeared In: The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
Zach Galifianakis brought a unique comedic twist to the Joker in The Lego Batman Movie. This animated version leaned into the playful, lighter side of the character while still retaining his obsession with Batman. Galifianakis’ Joker is self-aware and deeply insecure, desperate for Batman’s recognition, which plays hilariously against the film’s meta-humour. While this portrayal didn’t have the gravitas of other performances, it worked perfectly within the Lego universe, providing a fresh, family-friendly take on the Clown Prince of Crime.
4 – Jack Nicholson (1989)
Appeared In: Batman (1989)
Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of the Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman was larger than life. Nicholson played the character with a blend of menace and camp, bringing his signature charisma to the role. His Joker was a gangster-turned-psychopath, embodying both the terrifying and flamboyant aspects of the character. Nicholson’s performance was pivotal in bringing a darker, more dangerous Joker to the screen after decades of lighter interpretations. His wild grin and chilling one-liners helped define the Joker for a new generation, but as brilliant as it was, it now stands slightly overshadowed by more modern, psychological takes on the character.
3 – Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
Appeared In: Joker (2019), Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker (2019) was a transformative moment for the character, offering a deeply unsettling look at a man spiraling into madness. Phoenix’s raw performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his place among the greats who’ve played the Clown Prince of Crime. In Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), Phoenix returns to the role, this time in a striking musical sequel that explores the relationship between Arthur and Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn. The film pushes the Joker’s character further, delving into the psychological chaos and blending it with musical elements that make this version stand out. Phoenix’s portrayal continues to redefine the Joker as a character rooted in societal collapse and personal turmoil, making his take one of the most original and haunting in film history.
2 – Mark Hamill (Voice in Animated Series)
Appeared In: Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995), Mask of the Phantasm (1993), Arkham Video Games
Though primarily known as a voice actor for the Joker, Mark Hamill has arguably given one of the most iconic portrayals of the character. Hamill’s Joker in Batman: The Animated Series is both chilling and charismatic, perfectly balancing humour and malevolence. His maniacal laugh became legendary, and his voice work in the Arkham video games added even more depth to the character. While his portrayal was animated, Hamill’s performance captured the essence of the Joker in a way that few live-action actors have matched. For many fans, Hamill is the definitive Joker.
1 – Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Appeared In: The Dark Knight (2008)
Heath Ledger’s Joker is the gold standard. His Oscar-winning performance in The Dark Knight remains one of the most iconic and transformative roles in film history. Ledger’s Joker was anarchic, chaotic, and deeply unpredictable, embodying the pure essence of the character’s madness. His chilling voice, terrifying physicality, and twisted philosophy made him a perfect foil for Christian Bale’s Batman. Ledger’s portrayal was not only a highlight of The Dark Knight, but it also redefined what a comic book villain could be on-screen. The depth and intensity of his performance left an indelible mark on cinema, making Heath Ledger’s Joker the best of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered the best Joker actor?
Heath Ledger’s portrayal in The Dark Knight is widely regarded as the best Joker due to its intensity and iconic performance.
Why is Jared Leto’s Joker ranked so low?
Leto’s Joker in Suicide Squad was divisive due to limited screen time, underdeveloped character, and an overly flashy interpretation that didn’t resonate with audiences.
How did Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker differ from others?
Phoenix’s Joker was a deep psychological exploration of a man driven to madness by society. It’s more of a character study than a traditional comic book villain.
Why is Mark Hamill’s Joker so iconic if he never appeared on-screen?
Hamill’s voice acting in Batman: The Animated Series and the Arkham games perfectly captured the Joker’s mix of humour and menace, making his portrayal beloved by fans.
