Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

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,

Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

Other articles

If there’s a counterpoint to the purported decline of the music press, it is the significant surge in the popularity of music books. When CLASH was in its early years—around the turn of the Millennium—bookstores typically featured no more than half a dozen music titles, mainly focusing on The Beatles, The Stones, and Queen. Fast forward about twenty years, and the landscape has vastly broadened, allowing even niche artists like Felt's Lawrence to be the focus of best-selling biographies. These publications are in print, convey long-form narratives, and pack an impact. What else are those shelves but an extension of the music press? CLASH compiles the 10 best music books we've encountered in 2025. — Keith Cameron – 168 Songs of Hatred and Failure As the title indicates, Cameron’s book is structured around nearly half of the Manic Street Preachers’ catalog throughout their 35-year journey, offering concise and thoughtful entries supplemented by insights from Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield. It steers clear of idealizing the band, pointing out misses like the lackluster studio version of ‘Methadone Pretty’ and ‘flimsy’ lyrics in ‘There by the Grace of God.’ The behind-the-scenes perspectives are the real highlight for both devoted and casual fans: anxieties over charts, responses to press criticism, and the unexpected origins of particular tracks. The meticulous care put into the book is evident, rewarding dedicated fans with explorations of demos, B-sides, and lesser-known tracks, while Cameron’s sharp writing and candid reflections from the band craft a vibrant narrative of continual reinvention for one of Britain’s enduring rock ensembles. Richard Bowes — Billy Bragg & Iain Key – A People’s History Instead of a conventional autobiography, ‘A People’s History’ provides a vivid, chronological depiction of Bragg’s life, intertwining 700 fan recollections with insights from friends, collaborators, and Bragg himself. It charts his evolution from punk beginnings with Riff Raff, through his political awakening in the 1980s, Red Wedge activism, and decades of impactful songwriting. The text is enriched with photographs, memorabilia, and a gigography, while anecdotes capture the humor, humility, and grounded essence that characterize The Bard of Barking. For fans of Bragg’s politics, the array of stories delivers a shared history reflecting his lasting influence on music and politics worldwide, showcasing a life shaped by conviction, community, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Richard Bowes — Mike Joyce – The Drums With Andy Rourke’s recent passing and the prospect of a reunion becoming increasingly unlikely, The Smiths are taking on an even more legendary status. We’ve heard from the iconic guitarist and the less-celebrated singer and lyricist, making Joyce’s narrative a compelling read. In his account, Joyce confesses to being the band’s biggest fan, and his enthusiasm shines through the pages. He avoids rehashing the infamous court case, opting instead to celebrate the band’s creativity from 1983 to 1987. Anecdotes and humor depict the emotional realities of life within the band, all conveyed with the honesty of a devoted fan. The stories of their experiences remain captivating. Richard Bowes — Stuart Maconie – With A Little Help From Their Friends There has been no shortage of literature on The Fab Four throughout the years. What distinguishes Stuart Maconie's comprehensive entry is the emphasis on both intimate and peripheral figures in the band’s narrative. From family members to rival musicians and friends who came and went, it illustrates that more than just Paul, John, George, and Ringo shaped The Beatles and their world-conquering success. It’s a fast-paced, humorous read that, instead of resembling another book about the quartet, provides genuinely fresh insights. Chris Connor — Cameron Crowe – The Uncool Before becoming an Oscar-winning director known for films like Jerry Maguire, Singles, and Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe was among the youngest writers at Rolling Stone magazine, interviewing a variety of stars in the 1970s. Almost Famous beautifully captured this through his journey with the fictional band Stillwater. In reality, Crowe hit the road with The Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin, sharing his experiences as a journalist in his memoir, The Uncool. It reads almost like a fictionalized version of the film, filled with amusing anecdotes often featuring familiar names. Highlights include an interview with the Eagles before their rise to fame and Crowe following Bowie around LA during his transition away from Ziggy Stardust. Chris Connor — Robbie Robertson – Insomnia Best known as the guitarist and central figure of The Band, Robbie Robertson also had a successful partnership with the famed director Martin Scorsese. His posthumous memoir, Insomnia, delves into their brotherly bond and chaotic lifestyle while living together. It mainly chronicles If there’s a counterpoint to the purported decline of the music press, it is the significant surge in the popularity of music books. When CLASH was in its early years—around the turn of the Millennium—bookstores typically featured no more than half a dozen music titles, mainly focusing on The Beatles, The Stones, and Queen. Fast forward about twenty years, and the landscape has vastly broadened, allowing even niche artists like Felt's Lawrence to be the focus of best-selling biographies. These publications are in print, convey long-form narratives, and pack an impact. What else are those shelves but an extension of the music press? CLASH compiles the 10 best music books we've encountered in 2025. — Keith Cameron – 168 Songs of Hatred and Failure As the title indicates, Cameron’s book is structured around nearly half of the Manic Street Preachers’ catalog throughout their 35-year journey, offering concise and thoughtful entries supplemented by insights from Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield. It steers clear of idealizing the band, pointing out misses like the lackluster studio version of ‘Methadone Pretty’ and ‘flimsy’ lyrics in ‘There by the Grace of God.’ The behind-the-scenes perspectives are the real highlight for both devoted and casual fans: anxieties over charts, responses to press criticism, and the unexpected origins of particular tracks. The meticulous care put into the book is evident, rewarding dedicated fans with explorations of demos, B-sides, and lesser-known tracks, while Cameron’s sharp writing and candid reflections from the band craft a vibrant narrative of continual reinvention for one of Britain’s enduring rock ensembles. Richard Bowes — Billy Bragg & Iain Key – A People’s History Instead of a conventional autobiography, ‘A People’s History’ provides a vivid, chronological depiction of Bragg’s life, intertwining 700 fan recollections with insights from friends, collaborators, and Bragg himself. It charts his evolution from punk beginnings with Riff Raff, through his political awakening in the 1980s, Red Wedge activism, and decades of impactful songwriting. The text is enriched with photographs, memorabilia, and a gigography, while anecdotes capture the humor, humility, and grounded essence that characterize The Bard of Barking. For fans of Bragg’s politics, the array of stories delivers a shared history reflecting his lasting influence on music and politics worldwide, showcasing a life shaped by conviction, community, and an unwavering sense of purpose. Richard Bowes — Mike Joyce – The Drums With Andy Rourke’s recent passing and the prospect of a reunion becoming increasingly unlikely, The Smiths are taking on an even more legendary status. We’ve heard from the iconic guitarist and the less-celebrated singer and lyricist, making Joyce’s narrative a compelling read. In his account, Joyce confesses to being the band’s biggest fan, and his enthusiasm shines through the pages. He avoids rehashing the infamous court case, opting instead to celebrate the band’s creativity from 1983 to 1987. Anecdotes and humor depict the emotional realities of life within the band, all conveyed with the honesty of a devoted fan. The stories of their experiences remain captivating. Richard Bowes — Stuart Maconie – With A Little Help From Their Friends There has been no shortage of literature on The Fab Four throughout the years. What distinguishes Stuart Maconie's comprehensive entry is the emphasis on both intimate and peripheral figures in the band’s narrative. From family members to rival musicians and friends who came and went, it illustrates that more than just Paul, John, George, and Ringo shaped The Beatles and their world-conquering success. It’s a fast-paced, humorous read that, instead of resembling another book about the quartet, provides genuinely fresh insights. Chris Connor — Cameron Crowe – The Uncool Before becoming an Oscar-winning director known for films like Jerry Maguire, Singles, and Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe was among the youngest writers at Rolling Stone magazine, interviewing a variety of stars in the 1970s. Almost Famous beautifully captured this through his journey with the fictional band Stillwater. In reality, Crowe hit the road with The Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin, sharing his experiences as a journalist in his memoir, The Uncool. It reads almost like a fictionalized version of the film, filled with amusing anecdotes often featuring familiar names. Highlights include an interview with the Eagles before their rise to fame and Crowe following Bowie around LA during his transition away from Ziggy Stardust. Chris Connor — Robbie Robertson – Insomnia Best known as the guitarist and central figure of The Band, Robbie Robertson also had a successful partnership with the famed director Martin Scorsese. His posthumous memoir, Insomnia, delves into their brotherly bond and chaotic lifestyle while living together. It mainly chronicles Ranking at number 23 on our list of the 100 most-anticipated films of 2025, Christopher Nolan's grand project, The Odyssey, seems to be another significant venture in his career filled with such opportunities. Following exclusive theatrical previews, Universal Pictures has now shared the initial trailer online. Here’s a short synopsis: "Christopher Nolan’s How Shifts in Digital Entertainment Preferences Are Altering Audience Expectations - MovieMaker Magazine Attention is no longer focused in a single area. A film now competes not only with other films but also with all the other content that occupies a viewer's digital time. Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas releases its first teaser trailer. Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas releases its first teaser trailer. Curzon has released the initial teaser trailer for Bitter Christmas, the newest film by renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, featuring a cast that includes Aitana Sánchez-Gijón and Milena Sm… Michael Jai White portrays Oscar Shaw in the trailer for the upcoming action thriller. Michael Jai White portrays Oscar Shaw in the trailer for the upcoming action thriller. Samuel Goldwyn Films has unveiled a poster and trailer for Oscar Shaw, the forthcoming action thriller directed by R. Ellis Frazier and Justin Nesbitt. The film features Michael Jai White and Tyrese Gibson in leading roles… A New Era of Excellence for John le Carré A New Era of Excellence for John le Carré Chris Connor discusses the emerging golden age of adaptations of John le Carré's works… John le Carré continues to be one of the most esteemed and impactful spy novelists of both the 20th and 21st centuries. Titles such as The Spy Wh… Cinematographer William Rexer Discusses His Work on The Testament of Ann Lee, Focusing on Capturing Dance and His Faith in Mona Fastvold. Cinematographer William Rexer Discusses His Work on The Testament of Ann Lee, Focusing on Capturing Dance and His Faith in Mona Fastvold. The Testament of Ann Lee presents a biography with striking clarity and urgency, chronicling the life of the 18th-century Shakers' founder. The film oscillates between stark violence and moments of ecstatic revelation, capturing audience interest. It was penned by Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet, who previously worked together on The Brutalist, and is directed by Fastvold.

Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Worst to Best

Here is a ranking of all six Joker actors, listed from least to most impressive.