Who Was the Best Joker?
The Joker, Batman’s greatest nemesis, is widely regarded as one of the best comic book villains of all time. His murky, often non-existent backstory granted a number of actors the freedom to shape the character through their own artistic lens.
From the 1960’s live-action TV show ”Batman,” to Mark Hamill’s appearances in multiple animated Batman projects, this group of actors who portrayed the Joker, all delivered impressive performances.
Who was the best Joker? Continue on and decide for yourself.
Mark Hamill | Batman: The Animated Series
The actor most famous for playing Luke Skywalker has another long-running gig under his belt. Since his first portrayal of the Joker in the 1992 show “Batman: The Animated Series,” Hamill has voiced the part of the Joker in four movies, eight video games and nine TV shows.
Photography: Warner Bros.
Cameron Monaghan | Gotham
Since Fox’s hit series “Gotham” couldn’t legally use the likeness of certain DC Comics characters, the show featured a pair of twins named Jerome and Jermaine Valeska — both of whom resembled the appearance of the menacing villain. Monaghan delivered a stellar performance as two versions of the character during the show’s five-season run.
Photography: Fox
Jack Nicholson | Batman (1989)
The Joker’s appearance in the 1989 blockbuster, “Batman,” was iconic for a few reasons. For starters, Jack Nicholson defined the Joker in the character’s first film appearance. Also, Nicholson’s over-the-top showmanship of the Joker’s psychotic behavior helped make his performance one for the ages. Some would argue his performance stole the show from Michael Keaton’s Batman.
Photography: Warner Bros.
Cesar Romero | Batman (1966)
An unexpected choice for the role, Cesar Romero began playing the Joker in the 1960s TV show “Batman” at the age of 59. He was the first person to ever play a live-action version of the clown prince. The show revitalized Romero, who was already well-known for his Hollywood films during the 1930s and 40s.
Photography: ABC
Heath Ledger | The Dark Knight
As he prepared to take on a role that had last been played by Jack Nicholson in 1989, the late Heath Ledger went to great lengths to ensure a rock-solid performance. From getting seriously involved in makeup and costume choices, to isolating himself for over a month, Ledger worked hard to create his own version of Gotham’s most psychotic criminal. Unfortunately, Ledger passed before the movie’s release, but his performance is widely regarded as legendary.
Photography: Warner Bros.
Jared Leto | Suicide Squad
For the 2016 summer hit “Suicide Squad,” Jared Leto took the method approach to prepare for the role. Aside from remaining in full character and costume for the duration of shooting, he introduced himself to the cast by having a Joker-esque henchman drop a dead hog in the middle of the room. Will Smith, who played Deadshot in the film, says he never actually met the real Jared Leto. The character also made a brief cameo in the infamous Zach Snyder cut of 2017's Justice League.
Photography: Warner Bros.
Zach Galifianakis | The LEGO Batman Movie
Will Arnett’s Batman squared off against the Joker, voiced by Zach Galifianakis, in the super-successful “The LEGO Batman Movie.” Originally Galifianakis was bummed out, believing he was up for a live-action role. He quickly moved past his disappointment and gave a hilarious performance as the Joker.
Photography: Warner Bros.
Joaquin Phoenix | Joker
Director Todd Phillips and Golden Globe award-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix received a green light from Warner Bros. Pictures to flesh out an elaborate origin story for Batman’s most notorious villain. The film’s exploration of the main character’s backstory, as well as the critically-acclaimed performance by Phoenix, make this a must-see movie.
Photography: Warner Bros.
