10 On-Screen Characters Of The Joker, Ranked
There’s just something about the Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime could be wreaking havoc with twisted schemes one moment and delivering bone-chilling monologues the next—some of Hollywood’s boldest performances. But not all Joker characters leave that effect. Let’s look at ten jokers that have left us grinning, cringing, or somewhere in between.
Nathan Dashwood, “Batwoman”
Blink, and you might miss Nathan Dashwood’s Joker in “Batwoman.” With only fleeting appearances, his version felt more like a nod to the character’s legacy than a true portrayal. Dashwood’s take lacked the screen time to explore the Joker’s chaotic essence, leaving fans with a mere whisper of the Clown Prince’s potential.
Zach Galifianakis, “Lego Batman”
The Joker, as a parody? That’s Zach Galifianakis in the “Lego Batman”. That hilariously insecure take on the villain is undeniably entertaining, but it’s about as menacing as a toddler’s tantrum. While fun in its own bizarre way, Lego Joker barely scratches the surface of the iconic character’s darker depths.
Caesar Romero, “Batman TV Series”
Blame the show’s nature rather than the actor, whose refusal to shave his mustache was iconic in its own right. Caesar Romero’s Joker from the 1960s TV show is a technicolor whirlwind of cackling mischief. Romero’s performance sparkles with charisma, but the campy tone of the series reduced this Joker to a lovable prankster.
Jared Leto, “Suicide Squad”
Jared Leto’s Joker is infamous for all the wrong reasons. The edgy look screamed “mall goth” gone rogue, and those “method” antics on set felt more cringe-worthy than inspired. While bold, his performance felt forced and left the audience bewildered rather than terrified. The Joker deserves chaos, not caricature.
Cameron Monaghan, “Gotham”
In “Gotham,” Cameron Monaghan delivered a dual-pronged Joker homage through Jeremiah and Jerome Valeska. Both characters teased the Joker’s psyche without officially becoming him. Monaghan’s performances captured the unpredictability and mania fans adore, but the show’s reluctance to name him outright kept this portrayal from reaching its full potential.
Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
Phoenix turned the Joker into a tragic figure and earned an Oscar in the process. Arthur Fleck was haunting, raw, and achingly human, which offered a deep dive into mental illness and societal neglect. But the gritty realism of Joaquin’s version veered away from the Joker’s theatrical chaos and divided fan opinions.
John DiMaggio, “Batman: Under the Red Hood”
Voice actor John DiMaggio brought a sinister, gravelly edge to the Joker in “Batman: Under the Red Hood.” This animated character leaned into the character’s malicious streak, which delivered one-liners that lingered long after the credits rolled. While less celebrated, DiMaggio’s Joker is a hidden gem in the villain’s animated repertoire.
Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”
In “The Dark Knight,” Heath Ledger’s Joker redefined villainy. His chilling voice, unpredictable mannerisms, and philosophical anarchy made his performance unforgettable. Ledger didn’t just play the Joker; he became him. Ledger’s Oscar-winning role remains a truly iconic presentation of the character and proves chaos can be an art form.
Mark Hamill, “Batman The Animated Series” & Others
Hamill’s maniacal laugh and pitch-perfect delivery have haunted fans for decades. This Joker is equally terrifying and hilarious and manifests the character’s duality with masterful precision. Mark Hamill’s character in the animated series is the definitive voice of the Clown Prince. It’s no wonder fans adore this animated legend.
Jack Nicholson, “Batman”
Tim Burton’s “Batman” is a cinematic powerhouse. From his devilish grin to his dark humor, Nicholson brought an unsettling menace to the character’s flamboyance with effortless charm. His theatricality and outright villainy set the standard for on-screen characters. That makes Jack’s version the gold standard performance against which all else is measured.
