Ranking All 6 Joker Performers from Least to Most Impressive

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

      It's important to note that we are only considering the film versions, excluding animated characters.

      Have a different opinion? Perfect, that's what the comments are for. Let's dive in.

      Joaquin Phoenix

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

      The truth is revealed. We acknowledge that Joaquin Phoenix’s interpretation of The Joker in Joker was a tremendous hit, grossing over a billion dollars and earning Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor.

      However, many were mistaken. Watching Phoenix’s Joker struggle with a confusing psychological disorder that felt borrowed from better films like Taxi Driver and Fight Club was difficult.

      Visually, Phoenix’s Joker was striking — his gaunt physique was more impactful than any of his lines — but his imitation of Travis Bickle felt so detached from any genuine human emotion that both he and his film lacked meaningful stakes. He exemplified the last quality the Joker should possess: dullness.

      Jared Leto

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

      What if The Joker had a more attractive appearance? This seems to be the bizarre approach taken with Jared Leto’s Joker in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. He resembled a glamorous influencer perpetually claiming depth and complexity. He exhibited little subtlety — he's The Joker — and even sported the tattoo "Damaged" across his forehead.

      This is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but we prefer envisioning The Joker as a misfit unable to thrive in polite society who adopts the Joker persona out of desperation. Leto’s Joker could have simply pursued modeling instead of crime.

      That said, there were some appealing aspects to Jared Leto’s Joker. He had the most stylish outfits of any Joker, and we appreciated his fashion and tattoo influences from East L.A. gang culture. But perhaps he should have been an original character rather than The Joker.

      Barry Keoghan

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

      In 2022’s The Batman, the depiction of The Joker contrasted sharply with Jared Leto’s seductive version, presenting him as someone with a complex skin condition resembling a mix of burns and syphilis, alongside his unsettling smile.

      We regard Barry Keoghan as one of the finest actors today, yet we cannot support the choice to give him a minimal cameo role as an Arkham inmate who merely supports Paul Dano’s (excellent) Riddler.

      Many interpretations of The Joker suggest a comedic facade concealing deep despair, but Keoghan’s portrayal seems purely sad and lacking in energy. He does not possess the undeniable presence seen in the most memorable Jokers.

      He is expected to return in the next Batman film, where hopefully he will have a more prominent role.

      Jack Nicholson

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

      It was enjoyable to see Jack Nicholson make an appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary show, reminding everyone of his captivating screen presence.

      Regarding his performance, he appeared somewhat above the material in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman — while he didn’t deliver a lazy performance, he shied away from exploring any real pain or complexity in his rendition of the Clown Prince of Crime. He seemed to be having a blast.

      One characteristic we particularly appreciate about Nicholson’s Joker is that, unlike the others, he truly had pale skin and green hair, a result of a lengthy immersion in a large vat at Axis Chemicals. We were less convinced by his artistic inclinations, which felt excessive, or the implication that he murdered Bruce's parents, which came off as overly obvious.

      We actually favor Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, who ranks high on our list of Catwoman portrayals.

      Cesar Romero

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

      Some may criticize Cesar Romero for not shaving his mustache to portray The Joker in the 1966 Batman film and the accompanying TV series from 1966-68. However, we find it endearing: it’s the most Joker-like move he could have made. It represents a delightfully anarchic, defiant commitment — or refusal to commit — emblematic of the Joker.

      Romero’s Joker possesses a distinctive creepiness unmatched by other incarnations. He carries a suave charm that makes him even more grotesque. His voice, both sinewy and gravelly, is captivating, and his laugh stands out among all Jokers. His hair, especially when bouncing with his fits of rage, is also the best.

      He conveyed the impression that he believed his outfit — the purple suit and green hair — looked fantastic. Instead of appearing embarrassed by his look, he exuded vanity, adding an unsettling