Every Movie Joker Performance Compared

It's time to find out which cinematic version of the Clown Prince of Crime is the best. In this installment of Versus, we’re pitting Heath Ledger vs. Jack Nicholson vs. Jared Leto vs Joaquin Phoenix to determine who is the best live-action Joker. We’ll look at everything from their laughs to lackeys to decide which version of the Clown reigns supreme. Who is YOUR favorite Joker? Let us know in the comments!

Watch more great Joker videos here:

Have Your Idea Become A Video!

Subscribe for more great content!

Visit WatchMojo Club for Great Deals!

Your trusted authority for Top 10 lists, reviews, tips and tricks, biographies, origins, and entertainment news on Film, TV, Video Games, Comics, Celeb, Music and Superheroes.

#Film
#Joker
#Versus

[WatchMojo]

Who is YOUR favorite Joker? Let us know in the comments!

[mr.decencykeepinitreal]

It's been over 13 years, Heath Ledger may be gone, but not forgotten.

[SuuaCPunchrose]

Heath Ledger is still the most villainous Joker by far while Joaquin Phoenix’s is perhaps the most realistic Joker yet and they both won Oscars for their roles!

[hunterkiller]

Nicholson: Mob boss with bleaches skin and has a crush on a reporter chick.
Ledger: Insane terrorist with twisted philosophical ideals.
Leto: Gangster with bleached skin, makes cat purring noises and Jim Carrey impressions.
Phoenix: Disturbed man who has been abused and ostracized all his life and he finally breaks.

[Mark-xgzn]

Joker is one among very few fictional characters where every actor who potrays him can be vastly different but yet source material accurate. That's why Joker is such a memorable character.

[Silent_Fool]

R.I.P Heath Ledger. You’re perfect as Joker.

[ApexofWar_]

Heath and Joaquin are neck and neck. They both put everything they had into the Joker, both won an Oscar for the role, and we have two unforgettable movies as a result.

[wantedbounty]

Does anybody else think it's funny how Jared Leto's only win was a carry by HQ😂😂😂

[SanctumExE]

Heath ledger would’ve definitely gotten another Batman movie deal, he genuinely blew it out of the water. R.I.P

[rubenavila]

every joker laugh is iconic expect for leto.s, sounds like a squeaky door without oil

[BlueEyedMatt]

I’m still wanting to see Mark Hamill as a live action Joker. Best maniacal laugh.

[Melacanth]

Heath ledger was perfection incarnate. Jacks Nicholsons is amazing but more nostalgic than anything, Joaquin Phoenix was a modern take, amazing but not perfect. Jared leto...no comment

[michaellynes]

Heath Ledger will always be remembered as the most famous Joker in the Batman franchise. Ledger is the king of the Jokers

[justapeacefulmanwhosbornin]

Heath Ledger did an amazing job as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight', one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.
For over 13 years, his family, his friends, and his fans everywhere are still miss him alot.

[ChristopherJohn]

I think if Heath Ledger saw Phoenix's performance and the movie in general, he would be so complimenting.

[TheProtagonistDies]

Dark knight best joker.
Suicide squad worst joker.
Simple...

[SuuaCPunchrose]

To me, Jack Nicholson is still the most comic book accurate Joker of all-time!

[shainewhite]

I grew up watching Nicholson as the Joker. He was perfectly cast in the role as an artist and madman, while Ledgers Joker was considered an anarchist and terrorist, Phoenix's Joker was more of a mentally unstable individual wanting to fight back against a corrupt society. Leto's Joker was more like a gangster wanting more in life, while spreading madness and mayhem.

[VKouts]

Heath just played the joker like anyone before...totally another level..much respect for the others but he's the best joker for me

[thequiet]

We can all agree Jared Leto's Joker is the worst