Top 10 Underrated Joker Performances: Hidden Gems of Gotham’s Clown Prince!

The character known as “Joker” is one of the most well-known and productive figures in comic book lore, spanning a 58-year career across both movie and TV adaptations of DC comics. Some of these adaptations are often overlooked but deserve more recognition. As the DC Universe (DCU) prepares for its official launch with the release of “Superman” in July, fans can look forward to another portrayal of the Joker as the DCU’s Batman is introduced in the new cinematic series. The actor chosen to play the Joker will face a significant challenge, as performances like Heath Ledger’s have set an extremely high standard.

To put it simply, Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker is so iconic that it often steals the spotlight from other versions. So far, there have been nine live-action adaptations of the Joker, excluding dubious characters like the one at the end of “Joker: Folie à Deux”. Animated versions of the character are frequently disregarded. However, I believe both forms of media contain their share of undervalued interpretations of the character.

10. Harley Quinn’s Joker

Voiced By Alan Tudyk

In the series titled “Harley Quinn”, the main antagonist, Harley, is portrayed as she breaks free from her harmful relationship with the Joker. Although the Joker was crucial in establishing the plot, he largely plays a supporting role to Harley’s critically praised solo storyline. However, the Joker does get his moment in the spotlight, particularly when he decides to run for Mayor of Gotham against Commissioner Gordon and surprisingly wins the election.

In the vein of dark humor, it might be easy to underestimate the portrayal of the Joker in Harley Quinn, but I believe overlooking Alan Tudyk’s performance would be an oversight. Instead, let me say that Harley Quinn presents an unexpectedly relatable take on the character, especially when depicting his contented family life with two stepchildren. Tudyk’s portrayal is a strong contender for Mark Hamill’s legendary interpretation of the character and, in fact, elicits more laughter.

9. Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm’s Joker

Voiced By Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill once again takes on the role of the Joker in the standalone animated film titled “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm“. This movie was produced between seasons 1 and 2 of “Batman: The Animated Series“, where Hamill solidified himself as one of, if not the most cherished, Joker performers. In this film, Hamill’s portrayal of the anarchic Joker causes chaos as the Phantasm, the main character, plots revenge against him.

I think this interpretation of the Joker often gets overshadowed due to the strong impact of Mark Hamill’s portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series. While Batman: Mask of the Phantasm initially flopped at the box office, it has since gained significant recognition as one of the best DC animated films ever produced, largely thanks to the success of the series. Hamill’s Joker, with his energetic and comedic portrayal of the character, remains relevant even today.

8. Gotham’s Joker(s)

Played By Cameron Monaghan

In Gotham, the classic Batman villain, the Joker, is given a fresh, distinctive interpretation by separating him into two characters. The characters Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska are identical twins who each embody distinct aspects of the Joker’s personality. Jerome, a reckless and brutally violent psychopath, perishes in Gotham’s fourth season. In his absence, Jeremiah assumes control, possessing physical characteristics more reminiscent of the Joker and exhibiting a more strategic and calculated criminal mindset. Later on, after being submerged in acid, Jeremiah transforms into a blend of both Valeska twins, thereby coming even closer to embodying the actual Joker.

In Jerome’s introduction, there was some debate, but I adore his innovative yet loyal interpretation of the Joker legend. Having the character portrayed by two individuals reflects the Joker’s fractured mental state, and Jerome’s optimistic acceptance of death due to the Joker’s survival is a powerful depiction of the Joker’s insidious nature. The chilling appearance of Jeremiah at the end of Gotham is also quite captivating.

7. The Batman Series Joker

Voiced By Kevin Michael Richardson

In contrast to the movies sharing the same title, “The Batman” refers to an animated series that aired from 2004 to 2008. The Joker portrayed in this show followed a familiar narrative for his origins, with his previous normal self turning insane and acquiring his iconic color scheme after falling into a vat of acid. However, the Joker in “The Batman” stands out due to his unconventional characteristics such as long matted hair, bare feet, and an increased agility compared to traditional interpretations of the character.

It’s great to note that this portrayal of the Joker is particularly memorable due to its distinctiveness. The Batman series had a lot to live up to after the success of Batman: The Animated Series, and fans often rank the Joker from that show at the top of their lists. However, I believe Kevin Michael Richardson’s interpretation of the character should receive significant praise for offering a fresh take on a character that is commonly adapted.

6. The Dark Knight Returns Part 2’s Joker

Voiced By Michael Emerson

As a fervent admirer, let me tell you about my experience with “The Dark Knight Returns,” a two-part animated masterpiece that sees Batman reemerge onto the vigilante scene after more than a decade of retirement. At 55 years old, he grapples with the physical limitations age imposes upon him, but his return stirs the Joker from his catatonic slumber in Arkham Asylum.

In an orgy of chaos, the Joker unleashes a reign of terror that claims numerous lives, reaching its peak with the cold-blooded murder of several innocents at a fairground. The climax unfolds as a brutal, intense confrontation between Batman and his arch-nemesis. Ultimately, Batman emerges victorious, delivering a blow that partially snaps the Joker’s neck, but expresses remorse over not ending him sooner. In a final, tragic twist, the Joker completes the act by fully breaking his own neck.

In this portrayal, The Joker shows us his most unsettling side. It’s hard to imagine a scarier version of Batman’s longtime nemesis than the one depicted by Michael Emerson. His Joker gleefully carries out a killing spree, solely to provoke Batman. Throughout their final confrontation, his signature wit is on full display as he relentlessly goads the Dark Knight. The line he delivers before breaking his own neck, “See you in hell“, deserves more recognition within the world of Batman than it currently has.

5. Batman: The Brave and the Bold’s Joker

Voiced By Jeff Bennett

In a different yet appealing manner, “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” deviates from the seriousness found in most Batman animated series. Instead, this version of the Joker emphasizes his comical side over the dark psychopathy typically portrayed in modern live-action adaptations. He becomes a frequent character throughout the show’s 3 seasons and 65 episodes.

Although Jeff Bennett’s Joker might not match the one-of-a-kind Joker in “The Batman”, he skillfully embodies a more traditional take inspired by the Golden Age of Comic Books. I appreciate that the Joker in “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” showcases a stronger comedic touch, staying truer to his name than many others. Even though he follows in the footsteps of Mark Hamill’s legendary portrayal, Bennett delivers a performance that deserves equal recognition.

4. Suicide Squad’s Joker

Played By Jared Leto

2016’s “Suicide Squad” has been one of the most contentious live-action portrayals of a DC character, and Jared Leto’s Joker played a significant role in sparking criticism. Similar to how animated Jokers struggle to measure up to Mark Hamill’s performance in “Batman: The Animated Series,” live-action Jokers will always be judged against Heath Ledger’s acclaimed portrayal in “The Dark Knight.” Despite its flaws, Leto’s Joker created a unique persona that stands out significantly, though it shares only a few recognizable traits with the original, such as green hair.

I frequently find that Joker from “Suicide Squad,” portrayed by Jared Leto, receives an excessive amount of criticism. From the get-go, I admired his efforts to create a distinct Joker, and what he presented was a Joker who showed signs of being equally chilling as Heath Ledger’s, displaying a sinister edge that is frequently overshadowed by his propensity for anarchy. In my opinion, this grounded, gangster-influenced interpretation of the character deserves further exploration, and I’m convinced that Leto’s Joker would have gained more support had he been given more opportunities on screen and better writing.

3. The Batman’s Joker

Played By Barry Keoghan

In 2022’s The Batman, The Joker doesn’t play a significant role, but Barry Keoghan’s enigmatic debut, though largely concealed in the final edit of the film, sparked anticipation for future installments of the franchise. Even without his name being mentioned, fans could identify the secretive prisoner due to his distinctive laughter. Interestingly, a deleted scene from The Batman offers a more detailed glimpse at the character as he is interrogated (while remaining partially hidden) by Batman in an effort to unravel the Riddler’s psyche.

I can’t wait to discover the direction Matt Reeves and Barry Keoghan plan for their grittier interpretation of the Joker in upcoming films. Although we only catch a glimpse of him, it’s clear that this portrayal will be the most scarred version of the character ever brought to life on screen, hinting at an intriguing backstory I’m eager to explore further in “The Batman – Part II”. It remains uncertain if Keoghan will reprise his role as the main antagonist in that sequel, but I’m looking forward to watching him utilize his impressive acting abilities.

2. The LEGO Batman Movie’s Joker

Voiced By Zach Galifianakis

The LEGO Batman Movie is a spin-off from the hugely popular The LEGO Movie. Unlike its predecessor, it presents a comedic reimagining of the Batman universe, with the darker aspects being toned down since all characters are made of plastic toys and the film is primarily aimed at children. This results in a side-splitting portrayal of the Joker, voiced by renowned comic actor and stand-up comedian Zach Galifianakis, who brings to life a Joker feeling rejected by Batman’s indifference towards their rivalry.

In a variety of interpretations, the Joker has been quite amusingly portrayed, like Jeff Bennett’s version in Batman: The Brave and the Bold. However, Galifianakis’ portrayal undeniably takes the cake as the funniest. What makes it even more appealing is that he refrains from using a high-pitched voice for the character. Moreover, I find myself drawn to the design of the LEGO Joker, which features pointed teeth in addition to his classic green and purple attire.

1. Joker: Folie à Deux’s Joker

Played By Joaquin Phoenix

While the 2019 movie “Joker” turned into a significant cultural event, breaking records as the first R-rated film to earn $1 billion worldwide and receiving praise from audiences, its follow-up, titled “Joker: Folie à Deux“, didn’t build on this success. Both films feature the central villain, Arthur Fleck, who is portrayed as a tormented character in this darker universe, but fans quickly grew disappointed with him in his second major screen appearance. Granted, the Joker character had limited screen presence, which may have been one reason for the negative reaction.

Despite some differing opinions, I stand firm in my belief that “Joker: Folie à Deux” and its titular character were superior to popular opinion might imply. The film concludes with Arthur discarding the Joker identity and another Arkham inmate potentially taking over, but the despair driving Arthur’s decision is crucial. In essence, the movie presents the darkest portrayal of the character yet, and although I didn’t exit the DC film feeling joyful, I still believe it offers one of the most captivating and intriguing interpretations of the character ever produced.

2025-05-12 04:30