The 10 Best Joker Actors of All Time, Ranked by Fans

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As a connoisseur of all things Joker, I must say, I find myself utterly captivated by this list! It’s a veritable feast for the comic book enthusiasts and cinema aficionados alike.

Ranker serves as an online platform where individuals can rank various topics according to their preferences, at their own convenience. It’s a fan-centric ranking system that doesn’t have any direct ties to the creators of the projects being ranked. A comprehensive survey was conducted on Ranker, aimed at identifying the top Joker performances across movies and TV shows throughout history. The results list consists of 20 names, but in our analysis, we will be highlighting the top ten performances as selected by Ranker’s users, along with our personal insights and opinions to enrich the report further.

Absolutely, given that this list showcases some remarkable performances, we thought it would be fitting to share the highlights with you. So, we’re going to present the top 10 standout portrayals from this list, ranked in descending order, starting with the tenth and culminating at first place, which represents the finest of the lot. Please note that since this isn’t a list confined to one universe, you’ll find characters who played the Joker across various works. We hope you find it enjoyable!

10. Kevin Michael Richardson

The list starts off with a voice actor who portrayed Joker in The Batman, a relatively unknown animated series from the mid-00s, as well as in an almost-forgotten animated movie. This was a solid performance, but the take on the character was so different that we have little to add here. He does deserve to be on this list when you look at the competition, but it’s not one of the best performances of all time.

9. Troy Baker

For a spell, Troy Baker was often thought of as a potential successor to Mark Hamill in voice acting roles. However, despite their many similarities and the exceptional work he put into his performances, Baker didn’t quite achieve the same iconic status. Known for voicing the Joker in various animated series and video games, while Baker is undeniably talented, he doesn’t rank among the most unforgettable Jokers ever portrayed. When compared to some other actors on this list, we might place him slightly higher, but he still falls short of reaching the legendary status that Hamill holds.

8. John DiMaggio

It’s puzzling how John DiMaggio outshone Troy Baker in some aspects, yet he voiced characters from multiple animated Lego DC productions. His acting was commendable, though not exceptionally memorable. When comparing his performance to others, we find it more appropriate to draw parallels with Richardson’s portrayal rather than Baker’s, which is why we rank him ninth on our list.

7. Zach Galifianakis

In the authentic Lego Batman film, Zach Galifianakis delivered a unique and captivating portrayal of the character, The Joker. While he may not be everyone’s top pick for the role (Troy Baker would likely hold that spot), his interpretation of the character is deserving of recognition. His Joker was undeniably memorable and well-liked by many.

6. Cameron Monaghan

In Gotham, Cameron Monaghan played not just one Joker, but two – Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska. These characters were interpretations of the Joker within the show, and Monaghan delivered exceptional performances that demonstrated his ability to handle a complex role. While we might place him in our top five, this ranking is still impressive if you consider it.

5. Cesar Romero

Instead of substituting Monaghan’s Joker for Romero’s, we might opt for a swap, but we appreciate the cultural significance of Romero’s portrayal since he was the original. This performance was both campy and amusing, yet impressive overall, aligning well with the comics of that era. There’s no denying this interpretation carries historical importance, which is why we won’t voice too many objections regarding this particular depiction.

4. Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck as a troubled comedian was spot-on, although he deviated from our conventional image of the comic book Joker. The film offered a fresh perspective on the character, and it was indeed remarkable. Phoenix excelled in bringing the complexities of a mentally ill character to life, making this performance a strong contender for the top five in our opinion.

3. Jack Nicholson

In a groundbreaking turn, Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of the Joker in the first mainstream live-action adaptation seamlessly blended the theatrical flair of Romero’s Joker with the brooding intensity of the comic book character from the ’80s and ’90s. This exceptional performance further solidified Nicholson’s status as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history.

2. Mark Hamill

Although Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker for today’s audience was undeniably impressive, Mark Hamill’s voice performance continues to stand out as the ultimate Joker for us. Hamill truly excelled in his role and created a character that future generations will recognize and recall fondly. There’s no question that he belongs among the very best.

1. Heath Ledger

Although we might have preferred Hamill in first place personally, Ledger’s Oscar-winning portrayal of the Joker was truly exceptional. It was a contemporary take on the character that resonated with today’s audience. He masterfully combined an engaging storyline, convincing interpretation, and a sense of turmoil that made his performance worthy of this recognition. Regardless of our individual preferences, Ledger’s portrayal has earned its place in history. Indeed, it is a momentous occasion to remember.

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2024-09-01 16:44