Ranking All 6 Joker Performers from Least to Most Impressive

      Here is the ranking of all six Joker actors, from worst to best.

      Please note that this ranking only includes 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 unconventional direction taken by Jared Leto in his portrayal of The Joker in *Suicide Squad*, *Birds of Prey*, and *Zack Snyder's Justice League*. He came across as one of those glamorous influencers who insist they are “deep” and “complex.” Leto embraced a lack of subtlety — true to his character, he even tattooed the word “Damaged” on his forehead.

      This is a subjective matter, but we envision The Joker as a rogue who cannot thrive in civilized society, regardless of his efforts, turning to this persona out of desperation. Leto’s version could easily have chosen modeling over a life of crime.

      There were some notable aspects to Jared Leto’s Joker, for sure. He boasted the most stylish outfits of any Joker, and we appreciated his fashion and tattoo inspiration from East L.A. gang culture. Yet, perhaps he would have been better off as an original character rather than The Joker.

      **Joaquin Phoenix**

      Perhaps the truth may not be so apparent. We recognize that Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of The Joker in *Joker* was a massive success, grossing over a billion dollars.

      However, for us, watching Phoenix’s interpretation was excruciating as he portrayed The Joker through a confusing psychological lens influenced by superior films like *Taxi Driver* and *Fight Club*.

      Visually, Phoenix’s Joker was striking — his gaunt physique resonated more than his dialogue — but his imitation of Travis Bickle felt so detached from reality that neither he nor the film had any real stakes. He exemplified the last thing The Joker should be: dull.

      Nonetheless, many disagree: he’s one of only two actors to have won an Oscar for portraying The Joker.

      **Barry Keoghan**

      In *The Batman* (2022), the depiction of The Joker strayed from Jared Leto’s alluring version, presenting a character with a complicated skin condition resembling burns and syphilis, combined with a maniacal smile.

      We believe Barry Keoghan is an outstanding actor, but we don’t support his limited role as an Arkham inmate who merely cheers on Paul Dano’s (fantastic) Riddler.

      Many interpretations of The Joker use humor to mask deep despair and sorrow, but Keoghan’s version appears simply depressed and lethargic. He lacks the undeniable presence of the best portrayals of The Joker.

      Reportedly, he will return in the next Batman film, and hopefully, he will have a more substantial role. This may elevate him on our list of Joker actors.

      **Jack Nicholson**

      It was delightful to see Jack Nicholson appear at Saturday Night Live's 50th Anniversary show, reminding everyone of his undeniable screen charisma.

      Regarding coolness: he seemed slightly elevated above Tim Burton’s *Batman* from 1989 — he didn’t deliver a lackluster performance, but he also shied away from delving into the darker aspects of his rendition of the Clown Prince of Crime. He appeared to be enjoying himself.

      One element we particularly appreciate about Nicholson’s Joker is that, unlike others, he genuinely had pale skin and green hair due to a long immersion in a vat at Axis Chemicals. We weren’t completely sold on his passion for art, which felt excessive, nor did we like the idea that he was responsible for the murder of Bruce's parents, which felt overly obvious.

      We actually have a greater affinity for Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, who ranks high on our list of Catwoman portrayals.

      **Cesar Romero**

      Some may penalize Cesar Romero for not shaving his mustache to play The Joker in the 1966 film and the 1966-68 television series.

      However, we find it charming: it’s the most quintessentially Joker move imaginable. It reflects a level of commitment — or perhaps refusal to conform — that embodies The Joker perfectly.

      We also find Romero’s portrayal creepily captivating in a way that sets him apart from all other Jokers. He exudes a suave charisma that adds to his grotesqueness. His voice, both sinewy and gravelly, is compelling, and he has the best laugh of any Joker. His hairstyle was also the finest, especially when it bounced as he raged.

      It’s evident that he believed his entire look — the purple suit, the green hair — was impressive. Rather than appearing embarrassed by his appearance, he seemed vain, adding a disquieting touch of narcissism. One might argue his portrayal was overly theatrical, but really, he’s a criminal who dresses like a clown for