Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

      Here’s a ranking of all 6 actors who have portrayed the Joker, arranged from least to most impressive.

      Please note, we are considering only film portrayals and not animated versions.

      Have a different opinion? Great! That's what the comments section is for. Let's dive in.

      **Joaquin Phoenix**

      In Joker, Joaquin Phoenix delivered a highly acclaimed performance, achieving commercial success with a billion-dollar box office and winning an Oscar for Best Actor. However, many argue that his interpretation of The Joker was difficult to watch, presenting a disjointed character influenced by previous films like Taxi Driver and Fight Club. Visually striking, Phoenix’s portrayal had an emaciated appearance that overshadowed his lines, creating a disconnection from reality and ultimately rendering him a boring version of the Joker.

      **Jared Leto**

      Jared Leto's portrayal of The Joker in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League took a unique angle, presenting a version of the character that resembled a glamorous influencer. He lacked subtlety, even sporting the word “Damaged” tattooed on his forehead. Personally, we favor the idea of The Joker as an outcast who cannot thrive in society, whereas Leto’s rendition felt more suited to a modeling career than a life of crime. While his fashion sense and tattoos drew from East L.A. gang culture, perhaps he should have been an original character instead of the Joker.

      **Barry Keoghan**

      In 2022’s The Batman, Barry Keoghan depicted The Joker with a complex skin condition, giving him a disturbing appearance alongside a twisted smile. While we admire Keoghan as an actor, his role was reduced to a cameo as an Arkham inmate, primarily supporting Paul Dano’s impressive Riddler. Although there exists a deleted scene where he has a greater presence, his interpretation leans more towards a state of depression rather than embodying the vibrant energy typically associated with The Joker.

      **Jack Nicholson**

      Jack Nicholson's appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary reminded audiences of his captivating screen presence. In Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, he portrayed The Joker with a sense of enjoyment but avoided delving into the character's darker complexities. What stood out about Nicholson’s version was his actual pale skin and green hair, a result of a chemical accident. However, his interest in art and the notion of him murdering Bruce Wayne's parents felt too clichéd.

      **Cesar Romero**

      Cesar Romero portrayed the Joker in the 1966 Batman film and television series, and some may criticize his choice to keep his mustache. However, we view this as a quintessentially Joker move, showcasing a chaotic commitment to the character. Romero's Joker exuded a distinct creepiness, combining suave charm with grotesqueness. His unique voice and laugh were memorable, and his confident demeanor suggested a vanity that added an unsettling narcissistic element. While some might argue his portrayal was overly broad, he established a foundational archetype for future Jokers.

      **Heath Ledger**

      Heath Ledger’s remarkable performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight captures the essence of the character, balancing comic book legacy with a grounded realism. Ledger presented a pragmatic, detached Joker who refrained from revealing his origin story, instead offering multiple conflicting versions. This unpredictability enhanced his persona as a chaotic force. Despite his scruffy look, he was an astute planner, pulling off elaborate heists and moral dilemmas. Michael Caine, Ledger's co-star, noted that Ledger's excellence elevated the performances of those around him, creating an engaging dynamic between The Joker and Batman. Ledger posthumously won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this role, having tragically passed away before the film's release.

      **Did You Enjoy This Ranking of All 6 Joker Actors?**

      You might also appreciate our ranking of all 7 Batman actors from worst to best.

      Main image: Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale alongside Jack Nicholson as The Joker in Batman. Warner Bros.