Top 20 Joker Portrayals

20: Larry Storch

“The Adventures of Batman” (1968-69) & “The New Scooby-Doo Movies” (1972-73)

Larry Storch will always remain the very first voice we’ve heard of the Clown Prince of Crime in animation. With his Joker leaning toward family-friendly material, Storch plays the villain as a true prankster. This Joker isn’t overtly diabolical or malicious. He sticks to smaller crimes just for the fun of it, even going against the Scooby-Doo gang of all people. It would’ve been easy for Storch to play the character with uninhibited wackiness. But the actor doesn’t shy away from adding range to the character, as the Joker’s mood varies between humor, frustration, and annoyance. It’s the sort of performance that shows the villain as the bad guy he is, inviting viewers to laugh at his antics.

19: James Patrick Stuart

“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” (2010)

We’ve seen the Joker antagonize people time and again. But how many times have we seen him as a hero? James Patrick Stuart portrays an alternate take on the character called Jester. As a member of the Justice League, Jester is firmly one of the good guys. Still, he retains his penchant for inappropriate jokes, propensity for violence, and wisecracking attitude. Stuart turns Jester into a likable character while remaining true to the Joker’s personality. You get the sense that Jester can easily get on your nerves, yet the actor also humanizes him to an extent. It’s a shame Jester has a small role in the movie, although Stuart’s performance is impactful as long as it lasts.

18: Frank Welker

“The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians” (1985)

Along with sharing the screen with Scooby-Doo, the Joker has also shared a voice actor with Scooby. Frank Welker voices the character in this short-lived series. The show is slightly darker than other versions of DC’s “Super Friends” and Welker’s version reflects this change. Although appearing in just one episode, the actor steals the show. His take on the villain combines Joker’s over-the-top mannerisms with a noticeable mean streak. Welker brings out the baddie’s cruelty without compromising on his slapstick tendencies. This Joker’s annoying habits are on a larger scale, even irritating universal threats like Darkseid. Fans still had a few years before Joker’s more dangerous exploits in 1989’s live-action “Batman,” but Welker offers the perfect snippet to keep them prepared.

17: Anthony Ingruber

“Batman: The Enemy Within” (2017)

The Joker is a lot of things, but a sympathetic character isn’t one. However, Anthony Ingruber’s version certainly comes close. Named “John Doe” in this incarnation, the character is an Arkham inmate who idolizes Bruce Wayne. Ingruber brings a boyish charm in his performance, portraying John as a misguided man who just wants a friend. But the actor leaves enough room for the Joker’s tendency to make people uncomfortable. It’s unclear exactly what John’s thinking, always seeming on edge or ready to burst. There’s a fascinating duality about him that the game explores. Depending on players’ choices, John either becomes the fiendish Joker or a tragic villain. Ingruber shines in both scenarios, offering a fresh glimpse into the mind of Batman’s most enduring nemesis.

16: Zach Galifianakis

“The Lego Batman Movie” (2017)

At a time when the Joker’s despicable behavior was normalized to audiences, it was fun to see the character in a different light. Considering the young target audience for this movie, it’s easy to see why Galifianakis’s Joker is relatively harmless. But we still get a peek behind his madness, as the film explores why he’s antagonized Batman all these years. Thanks to the solid chemistry between Galifianakis and Will Arnett’s Batman, the pair comes across more as estranged friends than rivals. Galifianakis plays up the villain’s comedic talents, filling the movie with lighthearted jokes. The actor solidifies the Joker as a multi-faceted character, connecting with audiences at a surprisingly deeper level than expected.

15: Alan Tudyk

“Harley Quinn” (2019-)

Thanks to “Harley Quinn”’s hard R-rating, we see the Joker in all his unbridled glory. Alan Tudyk’s version is a pompous, arrogant drama queen to whom violence is second nature. Leaning into the series’ humorous tone, the Joker’s evil is played for laughs. Tudyk’s comedic prowess ensures we don’t see the Joker as a complete monster even with his long list of crimes. With an overarching storyline across multiple seasons, Tudyk showcases different sides of the Clown Prince of Crime. Whether you’re partial toward the villain’s classic sadistic streak or more layered dynamics, the actor has us covered. After decades of the Joker’s onscreen exploits, Tudyk’s version is a much-needed reinvention and we’re all game for more.

14: Barry Keoghan

“The Batman” (2022)

If you think about it, the Joker isn’t supposed to be funny. The character uses humor as a weapon, with jokes that feed his own sick sense of humor. Barry Keoghan understood the assignment and then some. While his scene didn’t make the final cut, it shows the Joker’s powerful presence in all his menace. Keoghan plays the character as unhinged beyond redemption. This version of the Joker embraces his dark impulses with absolute relish, coming across as the DC Universe’s version of Hannibal Lecter. Performing in contrast to Robert Pattinson, Keoghan gives us glimpses of the Joker’s symbiotic relationship with Batman. No matter how long it takes to see the character in full, you just know Keoghan will knock it out of the park.

13: Richard Epcar

“Injustice: Gods Among Us” (2013)

It wouldn’t be the Joker if he didn’t get under a superhero’s skin. The “Injustice” universe takes Joker’s mastery of manipulation to its greatest peak. Richard Epcar’s version successfully manipulates both Batman and Superman. The actor maintains subtlety in his performance, never going full maniacal but keeping it right on the surface. The cogs spinning in Joker’s head seem to run at a breakneck pace. Instead of wreaking havoc on a whim, this version relies on his genius intellect. Because of this, Epcar portrays the Joker as a quiet but deadly force, having a way with words few others possess. Responsible for turning the Man of Steel evil, Epcar’s Joker is derangement personified.

12: Cameron Monaghan

“Gotham” (2014-19)

“Gotham” splits Joker’s personality into two: the nihilist and the anarchist. Brothers Jerome and Jeremiah represent the most striking aspects of the character, although there’s a distinct method to both of their madness. Cameron Monaghan disappears into the dual role, virtually unrecognizable whichever twin he portrays. From initial clues to his true nature to eventually shedding all traces of humanity, Jeremiah, in particular, represents the monster that the Joker is. The character’s final form is easily among the most terrifying depictions of the villain. With some impressive character design, Monaghan embodies the antagonist with gruesome accuracy. It’s a shame we didn’t see him square off against Batman, but Monaghan’s performance is strong enough to stand out in its own right.

11: Brent Spiner

“Young Justice” (2010-13; 2019-22)

To be forever remembered and associated with his role as Lt. Commander Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation, it might surprise you to hear that he has actually done other things. As the wildcard of the Injustice League in the TV series “Young Justice,” Joker wastes no time trying to spread his patented Joker Venom around the world. Spiner’s disposition is a perfect match for The Joker’s creepy, unpredictable personality. Despite being a cartoon aimed at younger audiences, this version of the Joker does not hold back and he definitely made our skin crawl.

10: Michael Emerson

“Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” (2012-13)

Michael Emerson’s no stranger to playing the antagonistic role – so he was the perfect candidate for the Clown Prince in the film adaptation of Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns.” Taking place in the future, Joker had fallen into a catatonic state for ten years; but when news hits about Batman coming out of retirement, he wastes no time going back on a rampage. Emerson’s Paul Lynde imitation brilliantly gives life to an incarnation of The Joker so twisted, he goes on an amusement park shooting spree before framing Batman for killing him, by breaking his own neck.

9: Troy Baker

“Batman: Arkham Origins” (2013) & “Batman: Assault on Arkham” (2014)

Troy Baker’s had some experience voicing Batman, so it’s quite a surprise to realize that he voices the Bat’s archenemy as well. Baker was called in to voice a younger Clown Prince in the prequel spin-off of Rocksteady Studios’ Arkham games. As the Arkham video game series’ Joker was already portrayed by Mark Hamill, Baker’s role is to replace that performance as a younger-sounding version and doing a really damn good job at it. A year later he would reprise his role in 2014’s “Batman: Assault on Arkham,” and again pulls of a performance that you would almost swear was Mark Hamill, all be it a liiiiitle bit more restrained.

8: Kevin Michael Richardson

“The Batman” (2004-08)

Kevin Michael Richardson’s had his share of villainous roles with his deep and menacing voice, and his portrayal of Joker in 2004’s animated series “The Batman” is no exception. This Clown Prince of Crime is wild in every possible way: from his crazy dreadlocks, insane laugh, harebrained schemes and monkey kung-fu fighting style. It’s truly a unique version of the Joker and Richardson is more than able to keep up. The world’s a stage for this cuckoo clown, and he lives to be the center of attention while he drives everyone else as crazy as he is.

7: Jeff Bennett

“Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (2008-11)

Jeff Bennett’s voiced some hilarious characters over the years, which makes him the perfect candidate to voice the Joker in the more light-hearted series: “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.” Serving as a tribute to his more comedic side seen in the early comics and 60’s TV series. As eccentric as they come, Joker is all over the place in this series, even teaming up with Batman to defeat Owlman. He could drop crime and be a hero, but where’s the fun in that? In his twisted eyes, This Joker is the villain that the other crooks look up to; and with the right power, even taking over his own animated world.

6: John DiMaggio

“Batman: Under the Red Hood” (2010)

Everyone knows John DiMaggio as Bender from “Futurama” or Jake from “Adventure Time,” but DC fans will recognize him for his creepily fantastic portrayal of the Joker in “Batman: Under the Red Hood.” He already makes a great first impression by killing off the infamous second Robin – Jason Todd. He depicts the Joker as a much more calculated villain, with clinical insanity replaced with genuine malice and cruelty. With his deep mocking voice, DiMaggio nails it at portraying one of the darkest incarnations of the sadistic jester.

5: Cesar Romero

“Batman” (1966-68)

How could we talk about The Joker without mentioning the first actor to bring the iconic laugh into everyone’s homes? The 1960’s Adam West series was the very first “Batman” show, and it doesn’t get any more self-aware than this. So it only fits that a campy Batman should fight a campy Joker armed with shocking joy buzzers, sneezing powder, and plenty of creative deathtraps. This felonious funnyman is more of a prankster than his sociopathic successors, but Romero’s boundless energy and shrieking laughter left a powerful impression that served as a foundation for all future Jokers to follow.

#4: Joaquin Phoenix

“Joker” Duology (2019-24)

True, 1989’s “Batman” features a live-action Joker origin story. But Joaquin Phoenix shows us a genuine look into his spiral into insanity. Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck is an unflinching portrayal of how cruelty can transform a man into a monster. The actor draws our sympathy with a raw and torturous depiction of his character’s plight. Of course, all that goes out of the window once he sheds all traces of humanity. Phoenix holds viewers in the palm of his hand throughout the film, steering our emotions with every plot twist. With glowing reviews for his performance, Phoenix emulated Heath Ledger to bag a more than well-deserved Oscar win. The sequel may have drawn mixed feelings, but Phoenix’s commitment to the role remains second to none.

3: Mark Hamill

DC Animated Universe (1992-2006)

Now we come to the king of Joker voice actors: Mark Hamill. Making his debut as the clown in “Batman: The Animated Series,” Hamill treats Joker’s laugh like a musical instrument, and seeing him at work in the recording studio is truly magical. He continued the role throughout most of the DC Animated Universe features, and became the most recognized and iconic voice. Even though we’ve just gone over some really good animated performances, anytime we hear the Joker and it’s not Mark Hamill, there is always a little bit of disappointment. He keeps trying to retire from the role and they always bring him back, and we hope he will always be around to give us the crazy.

2: Jack Nicholson

“Batman” (1989)

No one expected Michael Keaton to nail the role of Batman in Tim Burton’s 1989 movie, but Jack Nicholson’s Joker really steals the show here. Nicholson is no stranger to depicting unbridled insanity, and the mental breakdown that turns Joker from wild card crook to insane crime boss is one of the character’s most memorable moments ever. Not only does he ace The Joker’s creepiness, but he also shows off boundless energy that even rivals that of Cesar Romero. Always trying to outshine The Dark Knight and steal the spotlight, Nicolson’s performance is both theatrical and authentic.

1: Heath Ledger

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

Taking the number one spot is unarguably the most realistic and terrifying portrayal of The Joker in Batman history. While Batman's origin story may have been examined in detail during Christopher Nolan's now-classic trilogy, his version of the Joker is that of a character with purpose, but seemingly no cause. Ledger manages to portray the Joker as believably real, without having to sacrifice any of the character's well established quirks - honoring the source material while building upon it at the same time. Showcasing every facet of The Joker’s demented mind and adding some touches of color of his own, the sheer spectrum of talent on display here is nothing short of spectacular.

Which version of the Joker haunts your nightmares? Let us know in the comments.