All 7 Joker Movies & Appearances, Ranked

The Joker is easily one of the most iconic villains of all time, both in and out of comics. Just like Batman, there have been countless versions of Joker on the big screen, both in animated and live-action. Batman and Joker have been at each other’s throats in the comics since the 1940s and in movies since the 1960s, having one of the longest-running rivalries in fiction. Here are all the movies featuring Joker ranked from worst to best! 

7. ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

Whether or not the Ayr Cut of this film exists, this was, without a doubt, the worst version of Joker. It is very well known that Jared Leto gave all of his co-stars certain “gifts” as a form of method acting when in reality he should have just focused on delivering a good performance. Leto wasn’t entirely to blame, as the writing and editing for this film were just abysmal.

Shot to look like a music video, the ‘Suicide Squad’ is the definition of style over substance. Too many flashy colors and character cards with not enough character development to have any sort of interest in anyone. Apart from the costume design being great and Margot Robbie being a standout as Harley Quinn, this movie didn’t hit the mark.

6. ‘Batman The Movie’ (1966)

While not a bad movie at all, this is a product of its time. When the Joker, Riddler, Catwoman, and the Penguin plot to take over the world, they try every way imaginable to kill Batman so he doesn’t intervene with their scheme.

From Catwoman impersonating a Russian journalist in order to kidnap Bruce Wayne to a shark filled with explosives that are stopped with shark repellent, this movie without a doubt, the wackiest Batman movie in the best way possible. Ceaser Romero delivers a performance of the Joker, which greatly represents the more comedic side to the side character, which is true to the very early comics of the 40s to the 60s.

While it’s not the Batman and Joker that we are used to today, it is still an entertaining movie that shows how far the character has come.

5. ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (2017)

When ‘The Lego Movie’ was a massive success in 2014, not only did it get a sequel, but it also got a spin-off for one the funniest characters in the movie, Batman. Not only did Will Arnett give a great performance as the caped crusader, but Zach Galifianakis absolutely killed it as the Joker. Delivering a hilarious performance that actually stayed true to the character, albeit a version more suitable for children.

Filled with amazing action sequences, a great soundtrack, and just an absolute love letter to Batman through the years, ‘The Lego Batman Movie’  was a great treat to fans. 

4. ‘Joker’ (2019)

Released in 2019, “Joker” was a great take on the iconic character, and was able to have him stand on his own without Batman being part of the origin story. This film focused on Arthur Fleck, whose surroundings and upbringing caused a descent into madness, turning him into the Joker.

Joaquin Phoenix was absolutely fantastic in this role, able to make Fleck seem like a friendly, sympathetic, and unassuming guy at the start of the film to then have him become a psychotic killer towards the end.

One of the things this movie did extremely well was having Gotham City be this grimy and ugly place that seemed like hell on earth, really emphasizing the fact that Joker was a product of Gotham City for this interpretation. As much as this is a standalone movie, it did have a lot of great little easter eggs and nods to other characters from the Batman mythos.

3. ‘Batman’ (1989)

Until 1989 audiences were used to the campy and over-the-top version of Batman made popular by Adam West. When Tim Burton was tasked with directing a Batman film, he completely reinvented the character and introduced moviegoers to the dark and gritty Batman that had been in the comics for almost the last two decades.

Giving the caped crusader an all-black costume and really delving into the emotional trauma of Bruce Wayne. Of course, with a new Batman comes a new Joker, played amazingly by Jack Nicholson. Nicholson added a psychotic gangster element to the Joker while still keeping the classic characteristics of the clown prince of crime that we know and love.

One minute he’s praising his henchmen, then the next, he’s shooting them in the face in hysterical laughter, really honing the unpredictable nature of the character.

2. ‘Batman Mask of the Phantasm’ (1993)

Not only is the 90’s Batman animated series one of the best interpretations of Batman outside the comics, but it also led to the creation of one of the best Batman films of all time. ‘Batman Mask of the Phantasm’ introduces audiences to an original new villain who is a great addition to the Batman rogues gallery, being menacing and also having a great personal connection to Bruce Wayne.

As much as the movie focuses on the Phantasm, Joker plays a pivotal role. Voiced by the legendary Mark Hamil, Joker has a great feud with both Batman and the Phantasm, which shows just how formidable of an opponent he is for both characters. They could have easily shoehorned the Joker in an unmeaningful way but managed to integrate him perfectly in order to serve the story.  

1. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Not only held as one of the greatest comic book movies of all time but one of the greatest movies of all time, period. Heath Ledger gives a masterful performance as the Joker in this film, perhaps the most intimidating version outside the comic books. In every scene he is in, his presence dominates.

From the bank’s opening scene to the end of the film, Ledger delivers an outstanding version of the character that is both new and unique while still keeping the key characteristics from the comics. The rivalry between Batman and Joker in this film is handled so well, especially the interrogation scene, which is undoubtedly one of the best scenes in comic book history.

The cat and mouse scenario is so engaging, with Joker always being so unpredictable, and the reverse psychology he pulled on Batman to get him to save Harvey Dent instead of Rachael was a fantastic moment. Having Joker be the cause of Two Face’s creation was a great addition to the story and shows how dangerous this version of the character is.

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