6. Cameron Monaghan
Appearances: Between 2014 and 2019 in the series Gotham
Gotham is a series that unleashes the well-known Batman villains on a young James Gordon. Although Jerome Valeska was never allowed to officially call himself the Joker, he is clearly one. He has a certain trashy flair, yet his appearances are filled with ideas that can be found in the comics.
In terms of design, it is heavily influenced by the comics and offers various live-action interpretations of familiar comic designs. This Joker may often be over the top, but those who enjoyed the series will likely be satisfied with this Joker.
5. Zack Galifianakis
Appearances: 2018 in Lego Batman
Many are probably wondering when Zack Galifianakis played the Joker? In the original version of Lego Batman. While it is essentially a family film without much violence or terrible things caused by the Joker, the Lego Joker showcases the iconic relationship between him and Batman in a child-friendly manner.
As silly as the Lego Joker’s dialogues are, they are also fitting when it comes to the fanatical relationship with Batman. The Joker is obsessed with Batman; he exists as the counterpoint to Batman, and the Lego Joker portrays this quite well.
Galifianakis voices the Joker perfectly and fits the Lego design flawlessly. Unfortunately, Gronkh, who voices the villain in the German version, does not quite measure up.
4. Jack Nicholson
Appearances: 1989 in Batman
Jack Nicholson is a gifted actor, as he already showed in The Shining. As the Joker, he is excellent because he uses the gags in his actions to exert his violence. This creates an expectation, as one never knows how the innocuous-looking gag will develop, along with Tim Burton’s fantastic set design.
The interaction between Batman and the Joker is even narratively addressed in the film, as both are responsible for the creation of the other.
The costume design also deserves praise. Classic Joker designs from the comics have been adapted perfectly to fit the Gothic Gotham aesthetic.
3. Joaquin Phoenix
Appearances: Joker, Joker: Folie à Deux
When Joker was released in 2019, people were surprised that there was still an excellent Joker on the big screen. Here he is given more context. It is the story of a man who is rejected by society. This is a refreshing interpretation of the villain that still sparks many discussions today.
The design and his dance on the stairs are iconic, and Phoenix’s performance is fantastic (even in the sequel). While the interaction with Batman is absent in the films, the interaction here is established with the city of Gotham itself and with the audience.
