Joker is one of the most popular and iconic villains of all time and an integral part of Batman stories. In Movies, TV series, and even animation, Joker stands out in all departments, and the talented actors behind it deserve huge credit. He has appeared in many live-action DC films over the years. Here’s the ranking of all the Live-action Joker Film appearances from worst to best based on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. Suicide Squad (Jared Leto) 26%
According to Rotten Tomatoes, Suicide Squad is one of the worst DC movies of all time, while the film itself struggled to establish the characters of the Suicide Squad it also gave us the worst Live-Action portrayal of Joker played by Jared Leto. This version of Joker lacks in almost every aspect of the character, he’s not dangerous, he’s not unpredictable, and doesn’t even act like Joker.
6. Joker: Folie à Deux (Joaquin Phoenix) 35%
The sequel no one needed. Sometimes, there is value in leaving well enough alone and quitting while you’re ahead, said by critics. While Joaquin Phoenix himself was amazing as Joker just like in the previous film, it got ruined by the idea of being musical and took away all the fun. Though making your project a musical can be an artistic choice but it didn’t work out for most of people.
5. Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) 68%
Joker (2019) is easily one of the best DC movies of all time and was the highest R-rated film before being surpassed by Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, thanks to Todd Philips’s amazing direction as well as a remarkably brilliant performance by Joaquin Phoenix. Although this is mainly the story of Arthur Fleck and his struggles to become a stand-up comedian later on turns out to be The Joker.
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance was so good that even some fans still compare him with the iconic Heath Ledger’s Joker to this date
4. Batman (Jack Nicholson) 77%
Batman (1989) was the first Batman movie that took Batman’s source material this seriously. of course, Michael Keaton was standout as Batman but Jack Nicholson’s Joker was no less.
Jack Nicholson’s Joker is the most comic-accurate portrayal of the character, from laughing like a menace to carrying gadgets like a Hand Buzzer and Long Pistol, and even the overall appearance of the character is like comic book Joker brought to life.
3. Batman: The Movie (Cesar Romero) 81%
Batman (1966) is the first live-action Batman film. The movie was fine at that time but if you watch it today, it looks no less than a parody. Especially Batman played by Adam West, whereas Cesar Romero’s Joker was no joke, from the common thug and harmless prankster to a full-blown homicidal psychopath, it was one of the best portrayals of the character.
2. The Batman (Barry Keoghan) 85%
Undoubtedly, The Batman (2022) is the best live-action Batman film. Because of its comic-accurate and realistic approach, it instantly became fan favorite. Matt Reeves outdone himself in almost every departure and of course, it would be a shame not to mention Robert Pattinson’s Excellent performance as Batman. But the thing that attracted people the most was Barry Keoghan’s Joker, In minimal time he delivered a very impactful performance. This Joker is very different from the previous iteration of the character, As far as we’ve seen he looks very unpredictable, scary, and gruesome, it looks like he also has a very manipulative influence on Batman, which will be very interesting to see.
1. The Dark Knight (Heath Ledger) 94%
As expected, Heath Ledger’s Joker is the best live-action portrayal of the character. Initially when Heath was cast as Joker, the reaction was mixed some people was in favor and some people thought he wouldn’t pull that off but here we are.
Heath Ledger Joker was perfect in every aspect, from knowing Batman more than himself to telling manipulative stories. This version of Joker was everything that fans ever wanted.
Heath Ledger was so enthusiastic about the character that he even locked himself for 6 weeks straight in a hotel room and prepared a diary for the role of the Joker in The Dark Knight. He even improvised in some scenes of the film.
His hard work paid off, Heath Ledger won the Best Supporting Actor for the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’ in 2009 but unfortunately, he wasn’t there to receive it.
who’s your favorite live-action portrayal of the Joker? Tell us in the comments below.
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