Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

      Here is a ranking of all 6 Joker actors, from worst to best.

      For this list, we are only considering movie portrayals and excluding animated versions.

      Do you disagree? That's what the comments section is for. Let’s begin.

      **Joaquin Phoenix**

      In "Joker," Joaquin Phoenix delivered a performance that was a massive commercial success, earning over a billion dollars and winning him an Oscar for Best Actor.

      However, we believe that the praise was misplaced. Watching Phoenix's portrayal of The Joker, who seemed to be suffering from a convoluted psychological issue seemingly inspired by classic films like "Taxi Driver" and "Fight Club," was painful.

      While visually intriguing, with his gaunt physique conveying more than his lines, Phoenix's imitation of Travis Bickle felt vastly disconnected from any genuine human experience, rendering both him and the film unengaging. Ultimately, he embodied the last thing The Joker should be: dull.

      **Jared Leto**

      In "Suicide Squad," "Birds of Prey," and Zack Snyder’s "Justice League," Jared Leto presented a version of The Joker that emphasized a trendy, attractive image. He resembled one of those alluring influencers who constantly proclaim their depth and complexity.

      Leto's portrayal, lacking subtlety, even featured the word “Damaged” tattooed on his forehead.

      While personal preferences vary, we lean towards viewing The Joker as a rogue incapable of fitting into polite society, adopting his persona from a place of desperation. Leto's version, however, felt more suited to modeling than criminality.

      Admittedly, Leto’s Joker had some commendable attributes, such as his stylish wardrobe and fashion inspiration drawn from East L.A. gangsters. However, it might have been better if he had been portrayed as an original character rather than The Joker.

      **Barry Keoghan**

      In 2022's "The Batman," Barry Keoghan took The Joker in a different direction, depicting him as having a complicated skin condition that appeared to merge burns with syphilis, alongside his unsettling grin.

      While we regard Barry Keoghan as a remarkable actor, we are less impressed with the choice to restrict him to a glorified cameo as an Arkham inmate who supports Paul Dano’s (excellent) Riddler. Keoghan showcased more of his talent in a deleted scene that ideally should have been part of the film.

      Many iterations of The Joker portray him as using humor to conceal deep sadness and despair. Keoghan’s version, however, felt merely depressed and lethargic, lacking the compelling presence of the top Jokers.

      He is expected to return in the next Batman installment, and we hope he will have a more significant role.

      **Jack Nicholson**

      Jack Nicholson’s appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary show highlighted his enduring cool screen presence.

      Regarding his portrayal in Tim Burton’s 1989 "Batman," Nicholson appeared somewhat above the material — not entirely disengaged, yet he largely sidestepped any genuine exploration of pain or complexity in his representation of the Clown Prince of Crime. He appeared to simply enjoy the role.

      One particular aspect we appreciate about Nicholson’s Joker is that, unlike the others, he truly had pale skin and green hair as a result of a long immersion in a massive vat at Axis Chemicals. However, we were less convinced by his artistic interests, which felt a bit excessive, or the idea that he was responsible for Bruce’s parents' demise, which seemed too overt.

      **Cesar Romero**

      Cesar Romero starred as The Joker in the 1966 "Batman" film and the television series. Some might criticize his refusal to shave his mustache for the role, but we find this choice endearing: it's an anarchic commitment mirroring The Joker’s essence.

      Romero’s Joker comes across as creepily charming in a way that is unique among portrayals. His combination of suave demeanor and grotesqueness is captivating. His voice, with its mix of smoothness and grit, is compelling, and his laugh is the best of any Joker. His vibrant hair especially stood out as it bounced during moments of rage.

      It felt as though he relished his vibrant ensemble — the purple suit and green hair — displaying a sense of vanity that added a disturbing layer of narcissism. Critics might argue his portrayal was excessively exaggerated, but after all, he is a criminal clad like a clown to entertain, setting the benchmark for all Jokers that followed.

      **Heath Ledger**

      Heath Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker in "The Dark Knight" is unparalleled, successfully honoring the character’s comic-book roots while firmly grounding him in reality. Ledger’s Joker, marked by a Gen X detachment, presents a figure who's so removed from reality that he appears almost meta.

      He reveals no origin story, opting to provide multiple, thus preserving a continuous sense of menace. The thrill of "The Dark Knight" lies in discovering