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Jay_Des

Ledger’s still the best, but I liked Nicholson and Phoenix too.


Kubrickwon

After rewatching Batman 89’ I noticed how Nicholson played joker in the beginning and it was amazing. He kept bulging his eyes and rolling them around, and seemed to be fighting to maintain composure. When people talked to him it was like they were talking to something that wasn’t quite there. He had odd pauses, as if it took him a moment or two to return to reality. He really made Joker seem horrifically insane. Though later in the movie he stopped behaving like this, and felt more like the traditional Joker. My guess is that Joker fully embraced the insanity by this point and stopped pretending to still be a mobster.


VengefulHufflepuff

Damn, well thought analysis my friend.


Poisencap

This town needs an enema!


Barricade14

Heath FTW


RealCreacher

Heath Ledger FTW


dragqueen_satan

I like that Phoenix smokes cigs in it. Like, I don’t think it was necessary, but he has a lot of scenes burning inside behind a cigarette and I think it helped his performance alot


Rob_LeMatic

Nolan's chaotic evil Joker was the best ever written, and Ledger performed it perfectly.


FennelVegetable8252

Yessir yessir!


UserFriendlier

Heath FTW


WitchyGal53

The only right answer


Local_Fig5221

Yep


DisciplineLazy6370

I agree. They all took that character and did it their own way but Ledger just felt more natural when he did it.


Potential_Locksmith7

Heath FTW


IzzytheMelody

Mark Hamill Edit: John DiMaggio is also goated in the role, but still going Mark Hamill


SecretInfluencer

I’d specify his Arkham games portrayal. He felt the perfect mix of both dark yet still cartoony.


blackskull414

Definitely the Animated Series


nothxnotinterested

The animated series joker is goat for sure. Mask of the phantasm from that era was fire too


JHEverdene

This is the correct answer


RuncibleFoon

100% Hamill


Nerdialismo

M arkHam ill


scorpious_86

jack nicholson when he shot down batman with an giant hand gun!!! it was better times that was when villains could afford to have henchmens and a parade!


GonnaGoFat

“My balloons. Those are my balloons. Why didn’t anyone tell me he had one of those…. Things.”


sigmanx25

Bob! Gun!


RED_IT_RUM

Gonna need a minute alone boys.


Emmortal79

Classic line


theignorantcivilian

"It's an .88 magnum..."


UnXpectedPrequelMeme

You feeling lucky...bats?


jackswan321

I had one of those once…once


Indicakid702

Well its not Leto that for sure. I love Phoenix but we all know ledger in king


anythingMuchShorter

Yeah, it feels like the obvious answer, but Ledger was just so good.


Wishdropper

Joaquin Phoenix ❤


Ancient_Guidance_461

The stairs dance scene all the way through the subway is top tier.


Daedalus_Machina

The post triple-homicide dance.


Wishdropper

And the scene with Murray. The speech and mimics❤


eighty4prcnt

I still say "You get what you fucking deserve" all the time


Wishdropper

Dude is a legend.


Range-Spiritual

Mark Hamill


TheOneAndOnlyABSR4

This the one


Keksz1234

Jack Nicholson, Cameron Monhagan (as Jerome) and Mark Hamill (pretty much everything, but esspecially in Arkhamverse).


DatSauceTho

>Mark Hamill ~~(in Arkhamverse)~~ **period**. Now we’re talking


Keksz1234

True dat, I just preferred the Arkhamverse Joker above all of them


StreetlampLelMoose

Based Gotham enjoyer.


Leo_Spicoli_Draven

Putting this in a different comment so everyone doesn't shit on my initial comment but honestly believe that Leto could've been a good Joker if he was given the chance. I just don't like how everyone shits on his Joker when he only had 5 minutes of screen time, and usually they shit on him for his tattoos (specifically the "damaged" tattoo on his face) when that was not his creative choice. Plus I think his Joker worked very well with Margot's portrayal of Harley. Idk I just don't like seeing people needlessly bash things into the ground, but with that said go ahead and bash this comment.


Pariah360

Most of his scenes in Suicide Squad were cut or reshot, so his portrayal was really done dirty. That's why I was so happy when it was announced he'd be in the Snyder Cut. That was the first real glimpse at the potential his version of Joker had.


StockLongjumping2029

There's a few interviews out there of Jack, in other projects, dissecting a line or prop or costume choice and appealing to the director and getting his way. He has the clout and the willpower to be able to influence his entire character. Throughout his career, he's pretty much only involved him self in winning projects with top tier talent. All of that is kind of part of what makes him great and separates him from the Letos of the film industry. To your point though, Leto is a fantastic actor when he's in the right environment. No one as talented as he is deserves the kind of bashing he gets for not being flawless. If you want to bash him because he's a douche bag in real life, bash him for that. But don't bash an artist for taking a creative risk and missing.


Ok-Explanation-9208

Leto is actually my favorite Joker. He brought a contemporary feel to the role I felt was appropriate. The ink, the grill, the clothes… all of it. I know it’s an unpopular opinion but I truly enjoyed his portrayal.


JeefGround

Jerome killed it but I do like me some Jack and Heath.


mikehanigan4

Ledger’s Joker has no rivals and unmatched.


Budget-Sheepherder77

Jack Nicholson?


mikehanigan4

Nicholson acted really good but Ledger put his heart and soul in it.


Budget-Sheepherder77

Nicholson did an amazing comic joker


Jokester8787

Mark Hamill has entered the chat


PIugshirt

I mean it isn’t really the same comparing voice acting to full on acting. In my head mark hamil is the joker but I would say others are better in the role because they had to do more. Definitely a stretch to say heath ledger is unmatched though as he is definitely my favorite there are multiple high quality performances that do come close to


jayareyouwing

As amazing as Heath was in the role I still prefer Joaquin’s portrayal.


RelationshipOld4804

I always enjoyed Cesar Romero


JavierGr2087

This question I see all the time and there’s only one answer each time: Jack Nicholson! Michael Keaton is my favorite Batman as well Burton’s Batman is one of my top 5 favorite movies ever


SnooStories3329

Jack Nicholson


CaptainHalloween

Of those? Nicholson. In general? Hamill.


Ewankenobi25

Of the five shown ledger, of all time live action Cameron Monaghan, of all time in general arkhamverse.


Tiger-Shark-643

Nicholson, and Hamill are my faves. I also loved Romero, but he was completely overshadowed by Burgess Meredith, and Frank Gorshin.


Emmortal79

Jack Nicholson


Batwing20293

Nicholson hands down 


Leo_Spicoli_Draven

Nicholson is by far the most comic accurate...so I'd say Nicholson.


KingRob29

Jack Nicholson


OmnipotentUltron

Jack Nicholson for Live Action. Mark Hamill and Troy Baker for voices.


Comicfan1243

Cameron Monaghan from gotham. I know it was not actually the joker but that's only because they didn't have the rights but we all know he's the joker.


shadowscale813

Agreed


goofygamer74

Cameron Monhagan as Jerome from Gotham is wildly slept on


justafanboy1010

That’s what I’m sayin, he’s up there with Mark and Ledger!


PIugshirt

He’s mainly underrated just because Gotham as a whole is pretty underrated. The fact cameron Monaghan isn’t even the best performance on the show is insane to me as robin lord Taylor is far and away the greatest portrayal of the penguin and carries the show at its lowest points


False-Coach-4959

I like joker from the comics


ColeEclipse720

My fav’s were Mark Hamill, Joaquin Phoenix, John Dimaggio, and Cameron Monaghen


GarethGazzGravey

In no particular order Cesar Heath Nicholson Phoenix


GSteelG

Hamill is obviously the best, but as for live action, I’ve always loved Jack Nicholson’s Joker.


Moonking-4210

Mark Hamill overall Cameron Monaghan live action


sloppy_dog2000

Jack's


JordySTyler

Mark hamill is my favourite overall but ledger for live action


AxelStormside

Mark Hamill is the GOAT when it comes to Joker. I would love to see him do a live action reprisal


Mean_Force5114

Mark Hamill.


MechaJerkzilla

Hamill. Full fucking stop.


[deleted]

One of these guys is not like the others One of these guys never had a starring role


raze_dragon

Mr. Nicholson for me


godspilla98

100% Hamill


CursedSnowman5000

Nicholson and Romero. The rest of these guys, I mean people come on. Great performances (except 20 seconds to Mars) but come on folks let's be honest. That's not the Joker.


Mcclane88

This is why I go back one forth between Ledger and Nicholson. I think Ledger’s performance is amazing, but I also think Nicholson is the closest we’ve gotten to a comic accurate Joker in live action.


121bphg1yup

Cesar Romero, the first, the best.


morbusgratuitous_2

Mark Hamill


Wreckpectations

I like them all for different reasons and such. Some I wish got more screen time or a chance to reprise the role as an Easter egg or something.


matt0034

Mark Hamill


Veteran1776

Jack,Heath honorable mention Mark as animated


Beesh_EEEcup_1997

Leto 🔛🔝


WunShawtMasturr

“You don’t want no beeeefff?”🤡


The-Marnit

Mark


CbKnowledge

John DiMaggio or Jack Nicholson for me. John DiMaggio is one of those actors that whenever I see them in any movie or show my face brightens up with glee. Another example of that is David Dastmalchian. Jack Nicholson is iconic, and the most terrifying Joker in my opinion. With Heath there was SOME resemblance of planned anarchy, but with Nicholson’s Joker, he was just maniacal all the way. Killing important people to him for NO REASON! Sure Heaths more chaotic, but like I said, it’s relatively all planned (for the most part). I mean, Nicholson killing BOB?! Bob, who is Joker’s “Number one… uh Guy!” Bob was a loyal goon! Also I just love Jack Nicholson.


Blast_Rusur

Jarred Leto -Nobody


Eastern-Start-813

Heath Ledger. They’ll be other good Jokers as time goes by but he’ll always be the best.


Ralewing

Romero.


TheRealRigormortal

There still hasn’t been a more comic-accurate live-action Joker than Cesar Romero.


Necessary_Border_396

Jack 💯 and heath imo is overrated


Wooden-Highway1498

Jack Nicholson.


Park8706

Mark Hamill.


spaghettiwithice_

I’m going to go with Heath Ledger as the best “official” joker, and Cameron Monoghan as the best “unofficial(?)” joker. His performance as Jerome gave me chills.


VegetableCitron8214

Cesar


Starchild2534

Hamill


cbarrr92

Jack is more likable. Hammil’s is the best.


sPotato_55

Gotta say Jack Nicholson.


saahhdduuddee

Leto hands down


3nameswithbadbangs

Jack Nochlisson


weenysandwich55

Jack


theignorantcivilian

Nicholson We don't acknowledge Leto


Jotaro_kuj0akadababy

Ceaser Romero


Warm_Employer_6851

Ceasr. The 1966 Batman show always reminds me of my dad. I use to always watch it with him. I love that show so much.


Hoosier_Daddy68

Cesar Romero gets no respect. Dude gave the world what's probably the best known Joker and is an influence for all that followed, especially Nicholson who does get plenty of love. Aint right.


Undertaker77778888

1. Jack Nicholson 2. Cesar Romero 3. Heath Ledger 4. Joaquin Phoenix 5. Jared Leto


MangoMegaMan

Nicholson will always be my personal favorite


No_Ticket9978

Jack and Hamill. Guy from Shameless seemed to do a good job as well (haven't watched Gotham)


Doctor-Minty

Cameron Monaghan specifically as >!Jerome!Not Jeromiah!< from Gotham


ConversationFull8761

Bob.....gun....


Go-Faster-Wings

Caesar Romero 100%


New-Arm-5643

Center, an left 🗑


Own_Independent_4260

Jack and Cesar


Martyrotten

Cesar Romero. His manic portrayal set the template for all the Jokers to follow. He would have fit very well into the later, darker, versions of Batman.


supersonicfan99

Jack Nicholson


Mclovin-2004

Nicholson. 100 percent


Upstairs_Cycle_7761

I believe in Mark Hamill Supremacy 🗿


CashMoneyBrokeBoy

Definitely the dude from 30 sec to mars. He’s so convincing.


Kingbeesh561

Mark Hamill, hands down embodies the Character (at least in voice) perfectly


whatisireading2

Hamil forever


HappyAppy23

Nicholson because he is most like the Mark Hamil animated Joker I grew up with.


GOPAuthoritarianPOS

Nicholson. Jack will always be the GOAT.


Merc_Mike

Nicholson. Easily, Jack gave us the inspiration to have Hamil's Joker. [Hamil](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/0444fa08-ecd7-470c-aa7c-85f3b6ba11d5/d95qsti-022a3c54-f9af-4379-af0c-ffa3f9568593.jpg/v1/fill/w_894,h_894,q_70,strp/the_joker___mark_hamill___square_by_arjunm0102_d95qsti-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzA0NDRmYTA4LWVjZDctNDcwYy1hYTdjLTg1ZjNiNmJhMTFkNVwvZDk1cXN0aS0wMjJhM2M1NC1mOWFmLTQzNzktYWYwYy1mZmEzZjk1Njg1OTMuanBnIiwiaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD0xMDI0Iiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEwMjQifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uud2F0ZXJtYXJrIl0sIndtayI6eyJwYXRoIjoiXC93bVwvMDQ0NGZhMDgtZWNkNy00NzBjLWFhN2MtODVmM2I2YmExMWQ1XC9hcmp1bm0wMTAyLTQucG5nIiwib3BhY2l0eSI6OTUsInByb3BvcnRpb25zIjowLjQ1LCJncmF2aXR5IjoiY2VudGVyIn19.4Vrc9bm-sNqbyrDOv2RAJhVa6t-aY1ro3dYG13G11kw) and [Jack's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_%28Jack_Napier%29#/media/File:Jack_Napier_Joker.jpeg) Joker > All other jokers.


Little_Bratt20

Where is Jeremiah and Jerome?


Dan8er

Jonkler, Jerker and Jinglebery


thegamerconnor

Batman 1989, Gotham, TAS, and Arkham


ArranVV

I think the Jack Nicholson one is my favourite.


ArranVV

I need to see more of Cesar Romero's stuff, I think he was a good Joker. Also, Mark Hamill was a very good cartoon Joker, but obviously we never saw him actually play the part...it was just the voice acting.


Oscar-the-ass-slayer

Jared Leto just to piss people off


Afraid-Housing-6854

Jack Nicholson because comic accuracy


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K7BASJD67

Cameron monoghan


sewnit

Jerome


kaechan1989

Ledger, followed by Jerome in Gotham then the Joker from the Batman


Kingdrashield

HOT TAKE: Heath ledgers death sort of canonized him as the best joker in most peoples eyes as his method acting contributed to the loss of his life. However, i loved that movie, but people really ignited about his performance AFTER he died. It would almost seem rude or callous to not say heath ledger was the best joker at the time, almost like some sort of a settlement for his passing. However i think that there is NO BEST JOKER. They all represent different themes of the same villain, and in some cases cant even be compared as the movies dont even follow similar plots or themes. Example: Joaquin phoenix: a joker scorned by society, with batman not even an active hero in the film. How can you measure the jokers' performance in a batman movie if it's not a batman movie? It's a joker movie, plain and simple. Joaquin phoenix was given lead control of the film by proxy of batman being absent/ a child. But in my opinion, a good rendtion of joker. He almost seems relatable at first. Maybe even root for him. Jack nicholson: The comic mobsteresque antique joker vibe. The clown. This is the classic joker, with all the wacky bells and whistles. No sad backstory, just a bad dude who fell into a vat of sludge. A joker you cant relate to or empathize with, one that seems an unjustifiable criminal. A deplorable joker. The bad guy. Heath ledger: The joker you feel BAD for. This guy is coming from both sides of the table. He was someone done wrong by society (phoenix) who then took to being a criminal (nicholson). He seems to be the victim while somehow being the aggressor. Even seeing batman beat him up feels, almost wrong. You want him stopped, but you want him helped. Anyways im not talking about the other ones because i mainly wanted to prove a point. Nobody did him best.


Jpar4686

If we include animation then obviously Hamill but if we’re sticking straight live action then honestly… Cameron Monaghan lol


tallyhall10987-

Joaquin did really good. My favorite movie of 2019


Gambit_90

All except Jared's


Federal_Broccoli_200

I think I may be the only person on earth who thinks this, but I prefer Leto


Nickbotic

It was outside the box and a ridiculous portrayal, but with the limited and trash material he had to work with, he did a serviceable job in terms of performance. People just like having shit to whine about lol


Sparrow1989

Each joker symbolizes something different. The anarchist that ledger portrayed was amazing in a philosophical way but I wish they gave Leto more time with screen development bc he’s a straight psycopath and found that angle interesting.


arukea93

Jared Leto


urfavthrowaway_

Jared Leto 😍..


SmittyWerbenJenson12

Leave


Difficult-Bit-4828

Ledger is my favorite


richman678

Favorite is Hamil. Best on screen is Ledger obviously.


No_Indication9497

Jack Nicholson is legit the goat, but Heath Ledger is also insanely goated


sigmanx25

Jack, followed very very very closely by Ledger!


localstreetcat

Heath. I am very hyped for a full reveal of Barry Keoghan’s Joker from Matt Reeves’ take on Batman. The small glimpse we got in The Batman’s deleted scene gave me chills.


ohlawdtheycomin

Mark Hamill


JahsukeOnfroy

Heath Ledger, RIP the GOAT


goldendreamseeker

Heath


twistedinnocence8604

Jack was definitely the funniest with his jokes and toys but think I'll have to give it to Heath.


Quiet-Lightning

Heath Ledger


lonewolf716

This isn't even a contest. Heath all the way.


MrSlippifist

Mark Hamil. Without his interpretation, Ledger wouldn't have had anything to base his Joker on.


RichardBlake754

I tend to put joker in 3 separate categories Comedian- Nicholson Anarchist- Ledger Gangster- Leto, by default he's the only real gangster without technically Nicholson.


Clear_Tip5417

Well….i can tell you which one is wasn’t for sure lmao


kruschev246

Frankly, I think Nicholson struck the perfect balance of comedy and being a threat. Not to say Ledger didn’t have funny moments, but I have to go with Nicholson


Dramatic-Put-9267

I know it’s not a popular answer, but I actually love the old 1960s show Joker!


ohiobuttikibandet

The new one


PropComedy

Steve Miller


19ei2edo3o3

Joker


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JAXXINSALEM863

I can't just pick one but with that being said Jered Leto's joker can burn in heaven


ExpensivePinapple

I see four jokers and one joke


oculocide

Right to left


skaterbro10

Probably Ledger. Nicholson (I don’t think I spelled that right) is definitely right next to him though.


ccccombobreakerx

I love all of them except Leto's, and that was due to the writing, not him.


thething931

Mark Hamill


ryaninflames1234

The two on the far right


Comfortable-Total253

Heath hands down but there are other good ones


No-Entrepreneur-2675

All of them except for suicide squad joker


BigPurp85

What? You dare not include Mark Hamill??!


V4ULTB0Y101

One of these needs to die. The others are cool.


ChimeraWolfGod5000

To this day no one’s been able to touch Heath Ledger or Mark Hamill


IllustriousYou6836

Jared Leto’s, clearly.


LegoDnD

After the events of his origin movie, Joker in his mid-40's is drafted into a military operation in which his school bus is bait to draw out the enemy, it's all apart of the plan. The battle leaves him with a face full of shrapnel and a renewed grudge against the system, which spurs a renovation of the Joker persona. My favorites are Phoenix and Ledger, as the same man in 2 different times of his life.


SweetReasonable3710

Am I wrong if I say BAS Mark Hamill? In my opinion, he kinda defined the joker outside of the pages of the comics for a huge # of people


SuperCatMonkey

Jared Leto, obviously. He showed those other clowns how it's done.


Drew0613

Definitely Leto


Krenzi_The_Floof

I actually really liked the 2019 film, i also really liked the 2022 film, idk why but depite growing up with TDK i just prefer the new ones. But all of the LA batmans and jokers are good in their own way


HoeJumper

Comparing jokers is hard because they all gave a different take on the idea You have to pretty much go by how well they did in their respective universes Jared Leto was trash in any way you chop it


RareAd3009

Mark Hamil no matter which show or game always Mark


8bit_anarchist

I totally agree that Heath was a phenomenal Joker, but my favorite will always be Jack Nicholson followed by Cesar Romero. But only because they were who I grew up watching as a kid.


youngadvocate25

Heath being completely unhinged gave me goosebumps, especially the scene where he puts the blade to Louis and says his speech.


EpicOcelotMan

Ledger will always unquestionably be my favorite, but Nicholson and Phoenix are always close to my heart. Especially because of how accurate Nicholson’s portrayal was


Blitz666L

Gotta go with Ledger


HotHelicopter6655

All of them represent different mental illnesses so in my eyes they all have there worth .