Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

      Here are all 6 portrayals of the Joker ranked from least to most impressive.

      This ranking includes only film versions of the Joker, excluding animated interpretations.

      Feel free to share your differing opinions in the comments. Here we go.

      **Joaquin Phoenix**

      Joaquin Phoenix in Joker. Warner Bros. – Credit: Joaquin Phoenix in Joker, Warner Bros.

      The criticism is straightforward: Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of The Joker in Joker was highly successful, grossing a billion dollars and earning him an Oscar for Best Actor.

      However, many viewers felt it was overrated. Watching Phoenix’s Joker, with his exaggerated psychological issues borrowed from superior films like Taxi Driver and Fight Club, was hard to endure.

      Visually, Phoenix’s Joker was striking — his gaunt figure resonated more than his lines — but he resembled a poorly executed Travis Bickle, lacking any genuine connection to humanity, making his character dull. He became the last thing The Joker should ever be: tedious.

      **Jared Leto**

      Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Jared Leto as The Joker in Suicide Squad. Warner Bros.

      What if The Joker were attractive? That seems to be the unusual direction taken with Jared Leto’s Joker in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, where he appears akin to a trendy influencer trying to come across as “deep” and “complicated.” In true Joker fashion, he even has “Damaged” tattooed on his forehead.

      This is subjective, but we prefer the interpretation of The Joker as a misfit who can't fit into civilized society, driving him to adopt the Joker persona out of necessity, while Leto’s version feels as if he could simply have pursued a modeling career.

      There were definitely likable aspects of Leto’s Joker — he sported the best outfits of any Joker and drew fashion and tattoo inspiration from East L.A. gang culture. Yet, perhaps he should have been crafted as a new character rather than being The Joker.

      **Barry Keoghan**

      Barry Keoghan as The Joker in The Batman. Warner Bros.

      The 2022 film The Batman took a different route than Leto’s attractive Joker, depicting The Joker with a complex skin condition resembling a mix of burns and syphilis, along with a twisted smile.

      While we believe Barry Keoghan is a remarkable actor, we disagree with his relegation to a cameo role as an Arkham inmate simply cheering on Paul Dano’s (excellent) Riddler. A deleted scene grants Keoghan more substance, which should have made it into the final cut.

      Many interpretations of The Joker tend to use humor to hide deep sorrow and despair; however, Keoghan’s version appears genuinely downcast and lethargic. He lacks the commanding presence that the greatest Jokers possess.

      He’s reportedly set to return in the next Batman installment, and we hope he will have a more substantial role.

      **Jack Nicholson**

      Kim Basinger as Vicki Vale and Jack Nicholson as The Joker in Batman. Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      It was delightful to see Jack Nicholson make an appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary show on Sunday, reminding everyone of his enduring cool screen presence.

      When discussing cool: In Tim Burton's 1989 Batman, he seemed slightly detached from the film; he didn’t necessarily phone in his performance but avoided delving into any true pain or complexities with his portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime. He merely appeared to be enjoying himself.

      We particularly appreciate that Nicholson’s Joker, unlike others, authentically had pale skin and green hair, a result of a dip in a large vat at Axis Chemicals. However, we were less convinced by his interest in art, which felt too excessive, and his implication in the murder of Bruce’s parents seemed a bit too overt.

      **Cesar Romero**

      Cesar Romero as The Joker and Phyllis Douglas as Josie Miller in Batman. ABC

      Some might dock points for Cesar Romero’s choice not to shave his mustache to portray The Joker in the 1966 Batman film and the 1966-68 TV series. However, we find it rather fitting; it's the most Joker move imaginable. It showcases a rebellious level of commitment—or non-commitment—that is inherently Joker-like.

      Romero’s Joker also has an effortlessly creepy quality unmatched by any other iteration. He exudes a suave charm that paradoxically makes him even more grotesque. His voice, switching between sinewy and gravelly, is captivating. Plus, his laugh is the best among all portrayals. His hair, especially when it bounced as he shook with rage, was outstanding.

      You get the feeling he believed his entire outfit — the purple suit and green hair — was sharp. Rather than feeling embarrassed by his look, he seemed vain, adding an unsettling touch of narcissism. While one might argue his portrayal was too exaggerated, bear in