Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

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

      We are only considering portrayals from films, excluding animated versions.

      Feel free to disagree; that’s what the comments are for. Let’s dive in.

      **Joaquin Phoenix**

      Joaquin Phoenix in Joker. Warner Bros.

      The reality doesn’t align with popular belief. While Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of The Joker in *Joker* was a massive hit, grossing a billion dollars and earning him an Oscar for Best Actor, many missed the mark. Watching Phoenix’s Joker overact through an incoherent psychological backstory borrowed from films like *Taxi Driver* and *Fight Club* was excruciating.

      Visually, Phoenix’s Joker had a striking appearance — his gaunt frame resonated more than any of his lines — but his imitation of Travis Bickle felt completely detached from any authentic human experience, resulting in a lack of stakes in the film. He ended up being the last thing the Joker should be: tedious.

      **Jared Leto**

      Jared Leto as The Joker in *Suicide Squad*. Warner Bros.

      What if The Joker were attractive? That seems to be the unusual approach taken with Jared Leto’s portrayal of The Joker in *Suicide Squad*, *Birds of Prey*, and Zack Snyder’s *Justice League*. He resembled one of those alluring influencers who repeatedly claims to be “deep” and “complex.” Leto, not known for subtlety — after all, he is The Joker — went as far as tattooing the word “Damaged” on his forehead.

      This is subjective, but we prefer The Joker as a misfit who is incapable of fitting into polite society, regardless of his efforts, ultimately embracing the Joker persona out of desperation. Leto’s Joker seemed more suited for a modeling career than a life of crime.

      That said, there were some redeeming qualities in Leto’s portrayal. He sported the best wardrobe of any Joker and drew tattoo and fashion inspiration from East L.A. gangsters. However, perhaps he should have been depicted as a new character altogether instead of The Joker.

      **Barry Keoghan**

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

      In 2022’s *The Batman*, the portrayal of The Joker took a markedly different route from Jared Leto’s alluring interpretation, presenting him with a perplexing skin condition resembling both burns and syphilis, coupled with a sinister grin.

      While we believe Barry Keoghan is an outstanding actor, we cannot support his relegation to a mere cameo as a fellow Arkham inmate, merely cheering on Paul Dano’s (excellent) Riddler. Keoghan’s more substantial role in a deleted scene would have been a better fit in the film.

      Many incarnations of The Joker might use humor to obscure deep despair, but Keoghan’s rendition felt simply dispirited and lethargic. He didn’t possess the commanding presence exhibited by the best Jokers.

      He is rumored to return in the next Batman film, and we hope he will have a larger role.

      **Jack Nicholson**

      Jack Nicholson as The Joker in *Batman*. Warner Bros.

      It was delightful to see Jack Nicholson appear at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary, showcasing his undeniable cool screen presence.

      In regards to coolness: Nicholson seemed slightly aloof in Tim Burton’s *Batman* (1989) — he didn’t entirely check out, but he also sidestepped exploring any genuine pain or complexity in his version of the Clown Prince of Crime. He appeared to simply enjoy himself.

      What stands out about Nicholson’s Joker is that, unlike the others, he truly had pale skin and green hair, a direct consequence of a long submergence in a massive vat at Axis Chemicals. We were less convinced by his artistic inclinations, which felt excessive, or the idea that he murdered Bruce’s parents, a notion that seemed a bit too direct.

      **Cesar Romero**

      Cesar Romero as The Joker in *Batman*. ABC

      Some may deduct points for Cesar Romero’s refusal to shave his mustache for the 1966 *Batman* film and the subsequent TV series from 1966-68. Yet, we appreciate it: it’s perhaps the most quintessentially Joker-like decision possible. It represents an anarchic, rebellious commitment level — or a lack thereof — that embodies the Joker spirit.

      Romero’s Joker exudes an effortless creepiness not found in other portrayals. He possesses a suave charm that, paradoxically, renders him more grotesque. His voice, fluctuating between sinewy and gravelly, is captivating, and his laugh is the best of all the Jokers. He also boasted the finest hair, particularly when it bounced with rage.

      He radiated a sense of pride in his entire look — the purple suit,