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

Ranker is a popular place on the Internet where people can rank whatever they want, however, they want, and whenever they want. This is always a fan-focused ranking system, and it is never officially tied to the people behind the projects in question. Recently, a large survey was organized on Ranker, whose goal was to determine the best Joker performances of all time, including movies and TV shows. The list includes a total of 20 names, but in our report, we have decided to list the top ten best performances from the site to provide you with better insight, combined with our original comments and opinions, which will add flavor to the whole report.

Of course, since this is indeed an important list, we have decided to report on it, so we are going to bring you the results by listing the top 10 best performances on this list, from 10th to first place, with the first one being the absolute best one; of course, since this is not a universe-specific list, there will be characters from all works in which the Joker appeared as a character. We hope you’ll enjoy it!

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

Another animated voice actor, Troy Baker was considered to be Hamill’s successor for a while, but despite all the similarities and the quality put into the interpretation, he never managed to reach the same level. He portrayed Joker in several animated works and video games, and while we would place him a bit higher on this list when compared to some others, Baker is also not one of the most memorable Jokers of all time.

8. John DiMaggio

How John DiMaggio ended in a better spot than Troy Baker is a mystery, but he did portray him in several animated works, most of which are part of the Lego DC banner. This was a solid performance but not a memorable one, and we’re more inclined to compare it with Richardson’s performance than Baker’s, which is why we would give him the ninth spot on this list.

7. Zach Galifianakis

The Joker from the official Lego Batman movie, Zach Galifianakis brought us a very different and very interesting vocal interpretation of the character. He would probably rank him as the eight-best Joker and give Troy Baker this spot, but regardless of that, he definitely does deserve to be on this list, as his Joker is certainly a memorable one that we liked a lot.

6. Cameron Monaghan

Gotham‘s Cameron Monaghan actually portrayed two Jokers – brothers Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska – who turned out to be the series’ versions of the character. Both performances were amazing, and Monaghan proved himself capable of tackling the complex role. We’d actually put him in the top five of this list, but this is also a solid ranking if you ask us.

5. Cesar Romero

This is the one we’d switch Monaghan’s Jokers with, but we can understand the cultural importance of Romero’s Joker, as he was the first one. This was a campy and hilarious performance, but a great one nevertheless, and one that was in line with the comic books of the time. There is no doubt that this interpretation has historical weight and that is why we won’t be complaining much as far as this one is concerned.

4. Joaquin Phoenix

Phoenix’s interpretation of the failed comedian Arthur Fleck was a perfect one, although he is not the comic book Joker we are used to. The whole movie was a different take on the character, but a brilliant one nevertheless. Phoenix did a great job in portraying the mentally ill Fleck and that is why this performance definitely deserves to be in the top five as far as we’re concerned.

3. Jack Nicholson

The first mainstream live-action Joker, Jack Nicholson combined the campy roots of Romero’s Joker with the dark character of the 80s and 90s comics. It was an unforgettable performance that once again showed why Jack Nicholson is one of the best actors of all time.

2. Mark Hamill

And while we won’t be denying Heath Ledger’s talent and the fact that he portrayed a Joker for a modern audience, Mark Hamill’s voice performance is for us – still – the definitive Joker of all times. Mark Hamill did his best and he portrayed a character that generations will know and remember, which is why there is no doubt that he is among the very best ones.

1. Heath Ledger

And while we would’ve given Hamill the first place personally, Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance was absolutely amazing and this was a new, unorthodox Joker that was made for the modern viewer. He had it all – the story, the interpretation, the chaos – and that is why he rightfully deserves to be here, regardless of our personal opinions. This is one for the history books, for sure.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!