Best Joker: Ranking Every Iconic Portrayal of Gotham’s Clown Prince

Every iconic Joker actor brings their own twisted flavor, and opinions vary wildly—but there are a few standouts consistently at the top. Heath Ledger’s chaotic, anarchic turn in The Dark Knight remains the benchmark. Joaquin Phoenix’s haunting, emotionally raw origin in Joker comes in a close second. Jack Nicholson gave Joker theatrical flair and camp menace in 1989. Mark Hamill transformed the character in animation, adding layers of gleeful wickedness. Every portrayal adds to the legacy of Gotham’s Clown Prince, each unforgettable in its own way.

Ledger’s Chaos: The Defining Joker (Heath Ledger)

Heath Ledger’s Joker shattered expectations. His performance in The Dark Knight wasn’t just iconic—it redefined what a comic book villain could be. His Joker was equal parts terrifying, intelligent, and downright unpredictable. Critics and fans still cite his performance as one of the greatest in superhero cinema—Variety named it the best superhero movie role of the last 50 years .

IMDb polls show strong audience allegiance: Ledger tops with 54% over Phoenix’s 34% . Even when pitting him directly against Phoenix, Ledger dominates a poll 78% to 22% . There’s a good reason many consider him the Joker to beat.

Phoenix’s Descent: A Haunting Origin (Joaquin Phoenix)

Joaquin Phoenix elevated Joker with his raw, psychologically rich origin story. His Arthur Fleck transforms into a menacing force in a film that’s as disturbing as it is empathetic. Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this role . His performance resonated deeply, even if fan polls rank him just behind Ledger .

Hollywood.com ranks him third among Jokers, acknowledging the emotional weight and unique cinematic approach he brought to the role . He’s not just another Joker—he’s a reimagining of what the character could represent.

Nicholson’s Theatrical Flair (Jack Nicholson)

When Jack Nicholson became the Joker in 1989, it felt big, bold, and unforgettable. His Joker brought camp, menace, and a killer grin that still lingers in pop culture. He earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, and the American Film Institute ranked him 45th among greatest movie villains . Hollywood.com ranks him second, noting how Nicholson balanced dark humor with real threat .

Nicholson didn’t transform the Joker—he stylized him. His performance is theatrical, larger-than-life, and absolutely essential.

Hamill’s Voice of Madness (Mark Hamill)

Mark Hamill didn’t don makeup—he wielded his voice to carve a legendary Joker. Beginning with Batman: The Animated Series, his voice work added uncanny energy, shifting seamlessly between playful irony and homicidal glee . Fans on Dexerto place Hamill even above Ledger, calling him the definitive animated Joker .

As Joker particularly shines in video games like Arkham Asylum, Hamill’s impact is undeniable. His version isn’t just fearsome—it’s timeless.

Supporting Cast: Other Noteworthy Portrayals

Cesar Romero (1960s TV series): A campy and playful clown, Romero’s Joker helped define early TV villainy. His unshaved mustache peeking through white makeup is a funny bit of trivia .
Barry Keoghan (The Batman, cameo): He left a chilling tease at the end of The Batman that many hope leads to a full portrayal. Esquire ranks him among rising interpretations .
Cameron Monaghan (Gotham): His dual portrayal of Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska in Gotham gave a gritty, horror-tinged origin story close to Joker’s roots .
Jared Leto (Suicide Squad): Controversial, experimental, and polarizing. Leto’s take was flashy but many felt miscast. Esquire ranked him near the bottom .
Zach Galifianakis (Lego Batman): Lighthearted and wacky—Galifianakis brought comedic vibes to the Joker. Not sinister, but memorable .

Quick Comparison Table

“Every Joker is a window into the character’s many faces—from chaos to comedy to tragedy.”

Conclusion

Heath Ledger holds a near-mythic status for his chaotic, chilling Joker. Joaquin Phoenix reinvented the role through deep psychological layers. Jack Nicholson brought stylish theatricality, while Mark Hamill made it possible to fear just a voice. Each performance stands out, representing a unique era and approach. Whether you lean gritty realism or animated terror, Gotham’s Clown Prince continues to enthrall.

FAQs

Who is considered the best Joker actor?

Heath Ledger is most often considered the best due to his dark, unpredictable performance in The Dark Knight. Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Hamill frequently come in a close second or tied in fan rankings.

Has any Joker won an Oscar?

Yes. Joaquin Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2020 for Joker, and Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for The Dark Knight.

Are animated Joker performances as valued as live-action ones?

Absolutely. Mark Hamill’s voice work is considered iconic and ranks near the top in many fan polls—even surpassing live-action portrayals in emotional range and consistency.

Which Joker is the most campy?

Cesar Romero’s portrayal on the 1960s Batman TV series is the most campy and nostalgic, leaning heavily into humor rather than menace.

Could Barry Keoghan be the next iconic Joker?

He left a memorable tease in The Batman, and if he returns in The Batman Part II, many expect a fresh and possibly iconic take—although it remains to be seen.

That’s the roll call of Gotham’s most unforgettable clown—and why each one still haunts the mind.

Robert Morales

Established author with demonstrable expertise and years of professional writing experience. Background includes formal journalism training and collaboration with reputable organizations. Upholds strict editorial standards and fact-based reporting.