All Live-Action Jokers, Ranked From Worst To Best

Ever bumped into a comic book baddie as legendary and chaotic as the Joker? We’d hazard a guess that your answer is no. From the goofy charm of Cesar Romero in the groovy 60s, to Joaquin Phoenix’s riveting deep dive into the Joker’s disturbed psyche in 2019: the Joker’s evolution is nothing short of show-stopping. Aand let’s face it, it pretty much mirrors our society on a disturbing level.

Anyhoops, in this piece, we’re going to do a fun little deep dive into those unforgettable live-action Joker portrayals. So hang on to those popcorn buckets, strap in, and stop being so serious, cause we are going to put a smile on that face.

6 Jared Leto

Jared Leto took an… interesting path in his incarnation of the Joker in Suicide Squad, presenting a spin on the character that was unique in both looks and behavior. Sporting some weird grills, edgy tattoos, and neon-green hair, this Joker was all about a “modern gangster aesthetic” (like that worked). But did it fly well with audiences? Not exactly. Some of ’em liked the attempt at a fresh portrayl, but the general public was less than enthusiastic, arguing that these changes were skin-deep, stealing away the quintessential chaotic charm of the Joker.

His restricted screen presence in the movie didn’t help either, leaving little room for his Joker to carve out a tangible story or emotional depth. For many, the Joker felt like a minor thread, failing to etch a memorable imprint on the Joker’s cinematic history.

Fast-forward to Snyder’s Justice League, Leto got another shot at playing the character, although that was kind of in a dream scene and with a complete facelift, which meant no tattoos, disarrayed looks… you know, the works. Now this cameo was more heartily received, hinting at a possibly more layered Joker in the making.

Leto’s Joker, in all his infinite wisdom, was also known for his brilliant, turn of the century lines, such as “We live in a society” and “Hunka hunka!” These lines, as memorable as they may seem, were… 100 percent cringe-worthy and out of character for the Joker. You know what, let’s just move on.

The Batman (2022) made a brief introduction of Barry Keoghan’s Joker, but we’ve held off from including this cameo in our ranking. With such fleeting screen time, it’s not quite fair to place his cameo up against the robust portrayals experienced by other actors. But don’t worry, if that ever pans out, we’ll make sure to come back and update the list!

5 Cameron Monaghan

Okay, okay, we know this is “not really the Joker cause they don’t say it”, but come on, credit where it is due. Cameron Monaghan’s portrayal of the characters Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in Gotham draws some seriousinspiration from the Clown Prince of Crime, even though he’s never actually called by that name (was it a copyright thing?). The nuanced performances dished out by Monaghan have definitely gotten a lot of praise for successfully giving a unique spin to the Joker template (something which, ahem, our previous candidate tried to do).

In the early seasons, we meet Jerome Valeska, a charming yet chillingly psychopathic murderer who mirrors the Joker’s infamous traits – think maniacal laughter, innate desire for chaos, and a disturbing sense of humor. The raw, unpredictable intensity Monaghan infused into Jerome had critics and fans hooked.

As the series progresses, Monaghan takes us into the mind of Jeremiah Valeska – Jerome’s twin on the surface, but a whole different beast inside. Contrasting Jerome’s impulsiveness, Jeremiah is more calculated, calm, and every bit as threatening. Donning the hat of Jeremiah offered Monaghan a chance to explore a colder, more methodical variant of the Joker personality, yet one that still echoes the chaotic ethos his brother lived (and died) by. A brilliant actor if we’d ever seen one.

4 Cesar Romero

Alright, now this one’s from the 60s but Cesar Romero’s depiction of the Joker holds a special place in a lot of hearts. Unlike the rather ominous versions of the Joker we’ve seen in later years, Romero’s version was actually this high-spirited, colorful antagonist, who embodied the decade’s comic book essence with its joviality and comical madness. His theatrical laughter, and almost caricature-like facial expressions made his performance unforgettable.

Instead of going down the whole “I must instill fear” road, Romero’s Joker was crafty and naughty, often coming up with complex plans that struck a cool little balance between hilarious and wicked. His chameleon-like antics were a counterbalance to Adam West’s equally amusing Batman.

What stayed with fans over the years, is an eccentric feature of Romero’s Joker – his mustache. Romero decided against shaving it off for the character, letting the makeup artist chalk it up instead, and what do you know? It ended up adding to the charisma.

3 Jack Nicholson

Let’s talk about a standout Joker performance that often tops the charts – Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton’s Batman. Known for his signature blend of sinister menace and tongue-in-cheek humor, Nicholson was a criminal genius who absolutely owned the theatricality of the Joker and delivered on the iconography, all while adding a personal touch of bat-crap-craziness.

Like really, this man comes up with the perfect cocktail of unpredictability and strategy, perfectly nailing down the Joker’s inherent chaos, and boy, does it leave you guessing! This Joker’s all about grand gestures – delighting in his own destructive antics, all the while deploying one-liners with a sassy, Nicholson-style (there is no other adjective to it, to be frank) sharpness.

Nicholson darts deftly from amusing scenes (like the hilarious museum scene with Prince’s music) to chilling sequences. You’re left both enchanted and terrified. The terrifyingly brilliant white skin, psychotic green hair, frozen, maniacal smile, it was…perfect. Gotham has gone through a lot of baddies, but Nicholson’s Joker? He’s something else. He questions heroism, probes at the fine line between sanity and insanity, and fellas, he’s got you mulling over it.

2 Joaquin Phoenix

If you thought you knew the Joker, think again. In Todd Phillips’ Joker, Joaquin Phoenix dives headlong into the mind of Arthur Fleck, the man who would become the Joker, taken on a breathtaking journey that charts his descent into insanity, ultimately bringing his notorious alter ego. This ain’t your typical comic book film, either. Oh no, this is a gritty, raw, and utterly riveting psychological thriller.

The film doesn’t pull any punches. It takes its time, leading us by the hand, pleading with us to witness Arthur’s life. He is a struggling comedian and a part-time clown for hire in a place that blurs the line between metaphor and reality with its decay.

Phoenix’s performance could be a masterclass in the gradual decline of sanity, as Arthur’s raw emotions swing from an almost pathetic despair to full-blown psychotic ecstasy. What begins as painfully coerced laughter morphs into a symbol of rebellion and cries out for a new identity, mocking the very system that has let him down.

There are moments in the film that leave a lasting impact, where you can almost taste and feel the discomfort. Be it his cringe-worthy attempts at stand-up comedy or the astonishing climax on a talk show that brutally and irrevocably forges his transformation into the Joker. Every tiny bit of this film bears the mark of Phoenix’s utter dedication and investment in the role. The portrayal hits the right chord, not just on a personal level, but it resonates universally, sparking dialogues on the feelings of alienation and the quest for identity.

Yes, the character is deeply distressed and alarmingly violent, but it also mirrors our society, one that would rather avert its eyes when it comes to confronting mental illness and disfranchisement.

1 Heath Ledger

When it comes to Oscar-worthy performances that leave an indelible mark on cinematic history, you don’t have to look any further than Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Joker in The Dark Knight. Ledger’s performance… elevates this chaotic force into something way more complex, fascinating, and downright terrifying. His posthumously awarded Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor speaks volumes about the depth he brought to the role.

Wondering how Ledger nailed such an incredible portrayal? Well, let us spill the tea. He infamously holed himself up in a hotel room for weeks, and spent all his time figuring out the Joker’s persona down to the smallest quirks. All those signature details you know and love (or fear)—the hysterical laughter, the foreboding voice, the tics, the walk, the swagger, all of these iconic mannerisms were born out of Ledger’s dedication to making the character both realistic and incredibly unnerving.

Ledger’s Joker is the literal embodiment of chaos. You might call him unkempt and unconventional, but his wild appearance, complete with iconic smeared makeup and everything, highlights his disdain for structure and order. He pushes, prods and provokes, constantly testing the boundaries of morality, nudging others into the darkest corridors of their minds and their society. And let’s not forget that chilling smile of his, a disturbing plot point that keeps us guessing about his cryptic past.

And some scenes remain forever in our memories (rent-free)… Like the unexpected clapping in the police station, the disturbing pencil “magic trick”, or even the opening heist scene, but what’s truly mesmerizing is Ledger’s talent for swapping between spine-chilling humor and imminent threat. Every moment with him on screen promises an unforgettable give-and-take. So here’s to Mr. Ledger, an unstoppable force that could dare move an immovable object.

And with that, the 2024 season of ranking Jokers comes to an end. We hope you liked giving this a read. Stay tuned for more awesome updates and happy trails!