Ranking All 6 Joker Actors from Least Impressive to Most Impressive

      Here are all six actors who portrayed the Joker, ranked from worst to best.

      Note that we're focusing exclusively on film portrayals of the Joker, excluding animated versions.

      Feel free to disagree; that’s what the comments section is for. Let’s dive into the rankings of all six Joker actors.

      Jared Leto

      What if the Joker was attractive? That seems to be the unique angle of Jared Leto’s portrayal in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. He came across like one of those trendy influencers who insists they are “deep” and “complex.” Leto’s version lacked subtlety—after all, he is The Joker—and he even had the word “Damaged” tattooed on his forehead.

      This is subjective, but we prefer the concept of The Joker as a misfit who could never fit into civilized society, no matter what, forced to adopt the Joker persona out of desperation. Leto’s Joker seemed more suited to a modeling career than a life of crime.

      There were certainly some appealing aspects of Jared Leto’s version, such as his stylish outfits and the way he drew fashion and tattoo inspiration from East L.A. gangsters. However, perhaps he should have been portrayed as an entirely new character rather than The Joker.

      Joaquin Phoenix

      The emperor has no clothes. We acknowledge that Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal in Joker was a significant success, grossing over a billion dollars.

      Yet for us, it was challenging to watch Phoenix’s Joker indulge in a nonsensical psychological condition pieced together from superior films like Taxi Driver and Fight Club.

      Visually, Phoenix’s Joker was striking—his gaunt figure resonated more than any of his dialogue—but his imitation of Travis Bickle felt so removed from a real human being that both he and his movie lacked tension. He embodied the last thing The Joker should be: dull.

      Of course, many disagree, as he is one of only two actors to receive an Oscar for portraying the character.

      Barry Keoghan

      In 2022’s The Batman, the depiction of The Joker took a different route from Jared Leto’s attractive version, showing him with a complex skin condition resembling burns and syphilis, along with his deranged grin.

      We consider Barry Keoghan to be an excellent actor, but we take issue with his role being reduced to a glorified cameo as an Arkham inmate who supports Paul Dano’s (fantastic) Riddler.

      Many iterations of The Joker use humor to conceal deep despair and depression, but Keoghan’s version comes off as merely depressed and lacking energy. He doesn’t possess the undeniable presence seen in the best Jokers.

      He is reportedly set to return in the upcoming Batman film, so perhaps he will have more significant involvement, which may elevate his standing on our list of Joker actors.

      Jack Nicholson

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

      Regarding his role: Nicholson seemed a little detached from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman. He didn’t completely mail it in, but he also avoided delving into any genuine pain or complexity in his version of the Clown Prince of Crime. It appeared as if he was simply having fun.

      One thing we particularly admire about Nicholson’s Joker is that, unlike the others, he truly had pale skin and green hair due to a prolonged fall into a massive vat at Axis Chemicals. His interest in art felt a bit excessive, and the idea that he killed Bruce’s parents seemed somewhat obvious.

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

      Cesar Romero

      Some might take points away from Cesar Romero for not shaving his mustache to portray The Joker in the 1966 Batman film and the 1966-68 TV series.

      However, we love it: It’s the most Joker-like thing he could have done. It reflects a kind of anarchic commitment—or lack of commitment—that is quintessentially Joker.

      We also find Romero’s Joker effortlessly creepy in a way that no other portrayal achieves. He has a suave demeanor, which adds to his grotesque nature. His voice is a captivating mix of smooth and gravelly, and his laugh is the best of any Joker. He also sported the best hair, particularly when it bounced as he shook with rage.

      You got the impression he thought his entire ensemble—the purple suit and green hair—looked fantastic. Rather than appearing ashamed of his look, he seemed vain, adding an unsettling layer of narcissism. You might argue his portrayal was too exaggerated, but remember: He’s a criminal who dresses as a clown to entertain the audience.

      He set the benchmark for all future actors portraying The Joker.

      Heath Ledger

      The most outstanding of all Joker actors honored the character's comic-book legacy while grounding him in reality.

      In Christopher Nolan