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These Joker actors are no joke. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the actors who’ve brought Batman’s greatest nemesis to life.
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00:00Hello, Gotham! Joker's back in town!
00:06Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking at the actors who've brought Batman's greatest nemesis, the Joker, to life.
00:13We're taking every form of media into consideration, so film, TV, and video game performances all count.
00:20Never rub another man's rhubarb.
00:21Larry Storch will always remain the very first voice we've heard of the Clown Prince of Crime in animation.
00:38With his Joker leaning more toward family-friendly material, Storch plays the villain as a true prankster.
00:44Raise your doubts, my whip-footed friend. This time the Joker will have the last laugh.
00:49This Joker isn't overtly diabolical or malicious.
00:54He sticks to smaller crimes just for the fun of it, even going against the Scooby-Doo gang of all people.
01:00It would have been easy for Storch to play the character with uninhibited wackiness,
01:04but the actor doesn't shy away from adding range to the character,
01:07as the Joker's mood varies between humor, frustration, and annoyance.
01:12It's all the penguins' fault. I never want to see that bird-brained buzzard again!
01:16It's the sort of performance that shows the villain as the bad guy he is, inviting viewers to laugh at his antics.
01:24Number 19. James Patrick Stewart, Justice League, Crisis on Two Earths
01:29We've seen the Joker antagonize people time and again, but how many times have we seen him as a hero?
01:35James Patrick Stewart portrays an alternate take on the character called Jester.
01:39As a member of the Justice League, Jester is firmly one of the good guys.
01:44Still, he retains his penchant for inappropriate jokes, propensity for violence, and wisecracking attitude.
01:51Stewart turns Jester into a likable character, while remaining true to the Joker's personality.
01:56It's time to get serious, Lace.
01:58No, we can make it together. We can do this.
02:02Get your shiny bald head out of here. It's hurting my eyes.
02:04You get the sense that Jester can easily get on your nerves, yet the actor also humanizes him to an extent.
02:10It's a shame Jester has a small role in the movie, although Stewart's performance is impactful as long as it lasts.
02:17I'm down to my last joke anyway.
02:21But this one will kill you.
02:24Number 18. Frank Welker, The Super Powers Team, Galactic Guardians
02:29Along with sharing the screen with Scooby-Doo, the Joker has also shared a voice actor with Scooby.
02:35Frank Welker voices the character in this short-lived series.
02:39The show is slightly darker than other versions of DC's Super Friends, and Welker's version reflects this change.
02:45Although appearing in just one episode, the actor steals the show.
02:49His take on the character combines Joker's over-the-top mannerisms with a noticeable mean streak.
03:02Welker brings out the baddie's cruelty without compromising on his slapstick tendencies.
03:07This Joker's annoying habits are on a larger scale, even irritating universal threats like Darkseid.
03:13No more surprises at Joker.
03:15Fans still had a few years before Joker's more dangerous exploits in 1989's live-action Batman,
03:28but Welker offers the perfect snippet to keep them prepared.
03:32Number 17. Anthony Ingruber, Batman The Enemy Within
03:36The Joker is a lot of things, but a sympathetic character is not one of them.
03:41However, Anthony Ingruber's version certainly comes close.
03:45Named John Doe in this incarnation, the character is an Arkham inmate who idolizes Bruce Wayne.
03:51Ingruber brings a boyish charm in his performance, portraying John as a misguided man who just wants a friend.
03:57It hasn't, um, it hasn't been easy for me out here, you know?
04:06I'm the new guy now.
04:09But the actor leaves enough room for the Joker's tendency to make people uncomfortable.
04:13It's unclear exactly what John's thinking, always seeming on edge or ready to burst.
04:20There's a fascinating duality about him that the game explores.
04:23Can it be old Sally the Weezer the Lestra?
04:28It's been a dog's age.
04:31They wanted me to do something completely original, to sort of play it more subtle.
04:34Depending on players' choices, John either becomes the fiendish Joker or a tragic villain.
04:40Ingruber shines in both scenarios, offering a fresh glimpse into the mind of Batman's most enduring nemesis.
04:47Number 16.
04:49Zach Galifianakis
04:50The Lego Batman Movie
04:51At a time when the Joker's despicable behavior was normalized to audiences, it was fun to see the character in a different light.
04:59Considering the young target audience for this movie, it's easy to see why Galifianakis' Joker is relatively harmless.
05:06But we still get a peek behind his madness, as the film explores why he's antagonized Batman all these years.
05:12Do you realize that you have never once said the words, I hate you, Joker?
05:20Thanks to the solid chemistry between Galifianakis and Will Arnett's Batman, the pair comes across more as estranged friends than rivals.
05:28Galifianakis plays up the villain's comedic talents, filling the movie with lighthearted jokes.
05:33The actor solidifies the Joker as a multifaceted character, connecting with audiences at a surprisingly deeper level than expected.
05:40Can you leave this in there, editor?
05:42They asked me to do this.
05:44So when the viewer at home was like, why is he doing that?
05:47Because they asked me.
05:49Number 15.
05:50Alan Tudyk
05:50Harley Quinn
05:51Thanks to Harley Quinn's hard R rating, we see the Joker in all his unbridled glory.
05:58Alan Tudyk's version is a pompous, arrogant drama queen to whom violence is second nature.
06:03Leaning into the series' humorous tone, the Joker's evil is played for laughs.
06:07Tudyk's comedic prowess ensures that we don't see the Joker as a complete monster even with his long list of crimes.
06:14Don't you think I would have done that had I wanted to?
06:18Half the fun of our relationship was the mystery!
06:20With an overarching storyline across multiple seasons, Tudyk showcases different sides of the clown prince of crime.
06:27Whether you're partial towards the villain's classic sadistic streak or more layered dynamics, the actor has us covered.
06:33After decades of the Joker's on-screen exploits, Tudyk's version is a much-needed reinvention, and we are all game for more.
06:41Let me try to maniacally laugh.
06:45Number 14.
06:46Barry Kyogen
06:47The Batman
06:48If you think about it, the Joker isn't supposed to be funny.
06:52The character uses humor as a weapon, with jokes that feed his own sick sense of humor.
06:57Barry Kyogen understood the assignment and then some.
07:00While his scene didn't make the final cut, it shows the Joker's powerful presence in all his menace.
07:06Kyogen plays the character as unhinged beyond redemption.
07:09You two have so much in common.
07:14Masked Avengers.
07:17So easy for more, right, Jason?
07:21This version of the Joker embraces his dark impulses with absolute relish, coming across as the DC Universe's version of Hannibal Lecter.
07:29Performing in contrast to Robert Pattinson, Kyogen gives us a glimpse of the Joker's symbiotic relationship with Batman.
07:35No matter how long it takes to see the character in full, you just know Kyogen will knock it out of the park.
07:41You think they deserved it, huh?
07:44You think they deserved it?
07:48Number 13.
07:49Richard Epcar
07:50Injustice
07:51Gods Among Us
07:52It wouldn't be the Joker if he didn't get under a superhero's skin.
07:56The Injustice universe takes Joker's mastery of manipulation to its greatest peak.
08:01Richard Epcar's version successfully manipulates both Batman and Superman.
08:06The actor maintains subtlety in his performance, never going full maniacal but keeping it right on the surface.
08:12I was going to enjoy the fireworks from a safe distance.
08:15But now that you're here, let's say we have one last dance.
08:19The cogs spinning in Joker's head seem to run at a breakneck pace.
08:25Instead of wreaking havoc on a whim, this version relies on his genius intellect.
08:30Because of this, Epcar portrays the Joker as a quiet but deadly force,
08:34having a way with words few others possess.
08:37So big, so dumb.
08:42Now run along, so I can break out of here.
08:45I've got lots of planning to do to top this.
08:47Responsible for turning the Man of Steel evil, Epcar's Joker is derangement personified.
08:53Number 12
08:54Cameron Monaghan
08:55Gotham
08:56Gotham splits Joker's personality into two.
08:59The nihilist and the anarchist.
09:01Brothers Jerome and Jeremiah represent the most striking aspects of the character.
09:06Although there is a distinct method to both of their madnesses.
09:09Y'all could go insane with just one bad day.
09:12I guess with you, it's more like one bad spray.
09:18You'll see.
09:21Cameron Monaghan disappears into the dual role, virtually unrecognizable whichever twin he portrays.
09:27From initial clues to his true nature to eventually shedding all traces of humanity,
09:32Jeremiah in particular represents the monster that the Joker is.
09:36The character's final form is easily among the most terrifying depictions of the villain.
09:40With some impressive character design, Monaghan embodies the antagonist with gruesome accuracy.
09:46Joseph, John, Jay.
09:49I don't know, I just, I feel something new crawling from the primordial ooze that wants me.
09:55Something beautiful.
09:59It's a shame we didn't see him square off against Batman,
10:01but Monaghan's performance is strong enough to stand out in its own right.
10:05Number 11
10:06Brent Spiner
10:07Young Justice
10:08He's forever remembered and associated with his role as Lieutenant Commander Data in Star Trek The Next Generation,
10:15so it might surprise you to hear that he has actually done other things.
10:18As the wild card of the Injustice League in the TV series Young Justice,
10:22Joker wastes no time trying to spread his patented Joker venom around the world.
10:26We interrupt your regularly scheduled mayhem to bring you this important announcement from the Injustice League.
10:38Spiner's disposition is a perfect match for the Joker's creepy, unpredictable personality.
10:44Despite being a cartoon aimed at younger audiences,
10:47this version of the Joker does not hold back,
10:49and he definitely made our skin crawl.
10:51I've got a new routine sure to entertain the good guys and the bad.
10:56I'm telling you, Vandy,
10:58I think this act will just slay.
11:03Number 10
11:03Michael Emerson
11:04Batman The Dark Knight Returns
11:07Michael Emerson is no stranger to playing the antagonistic role,
11:11so he was the perfect candidate for the clown prince in the film adaptation of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
11:16I don't know why he indulges in it, except for his own pleasure, I think, really, too.
11:22Because he's a force for chaos.
11:25Taking place in the future, Joker had fallen into a catatonic state for 10 years.
11:31But when news hits about Batman coming out of retirement,
11:34he wastes no time going back on a rampage.
11:36I want people to get me.
11:39All right, then.
11:43That's why I'm gonna kill everyone in this room.
11:48Emerson's Paul Lynde imitation brilliantly gives life to an incarnation of the Joker so twisted,
11:53he goes on an amusement park shooting spree before framing Batman for killing him by breaking his own neck.
12:00Number 9
12:00Troy Baker
12:01Batman Arkham Origins and Batman Assault on Arkham
12:05Troy Baker's had some experience voicing Batman,
12:08so it's quite a surprise to realize that he voices the Bat's arch-enemy as well.
12:12I don't think there's ever been another time when an actor's been given the opportunity to play both Batman and the Joker.
12:17It's just, you never would have thought to cast somebody to do double duty like that before.
12:22Baker was called in to voice a younger clown prince in the prequel spinoff of Rocksteady Studios' Arkham Games.
12:27As the Arkham video game series Joker was already portrayed by Mark Hamill,
12:32Baker's role is to replace that performance as a younger-sounding version,
12:36and he's doing a really damn good job at it.
12:38You just can't get it through your thick skull.
12:43We both exist because of them!
12:46A year later, he would reprise his role in 2014's Batman Assault on Arkham,
12:51and again pulls off a performance that you would almost swear was Mark Hamill,
12:55albeit a little bit more restrained.
12:57For someone who's not Batman,
12:59Kevin Michael Richardson has had his share of villainous roles with his deep and menacing voice,
13:13and his portrayal of Joker in 2004's animated series The Batman is no exception.
13:19This clown prince of crime is wild in every possible way,
13:22from his insane laugh,
13:24harebrained schemes,
13:25and monkey kung fu fighting style.
13:27What rational being dresses like you?
13:31Speaking of threads,
13:32think this is a good look for me?
13:34Who are you?
13:35Joker.
13:36It's a truly unique version of the Joker,
13:38and Richardson is more than able to keep up.
13:41All the world's a stage for this cuckoo clown,
13:44and he lives to be the center of attention
13:46while he drives everyone else as crazy as he is.
13:49I've indulged you only because it amused me!
13:52Yes, sir!
13:53Oh, you little imp!
13:58I can never stay that cute!
14:00Number 7.
14:01Jeff Bennett
14:01Batman, The Brave and the Bold
14:04Jeff Bennett's voiced some hilarious characters over the years,
14:07which makes him the perfect candidate to voice the Joker
14:10in the more light-hearted series Batman, The Brave and the Bold,
14:13a series that serves as the Joker's more comedic side
14:15seen in the early comics and 60s TV series.
14:18As eccentric as they come,
14:20Joker is all over the place in the series,
14:23even teaming up with Batman to defeat Owlman.
14:26Bats?
14:27Based on this little adventure,
14:29if you weren't the Star Wars hero
14:31and I wasn't the homicidal maniac,
14:33we could have been friends.
14:35He could drop crime and be a hero,
14:38but where's the fun in that?
14:39In his twisted eyes,
14:41this Joker is the villain that the other crooks look up to,
14:44and with the right power,
14:45even taking over his own animated world.
14:48And now, ladies and gentlemen,
14:50I give you the death of Batman!
14:56Number 6.
14:57John DiMaggio, Batman Under the Red Hood
15:00Everyone knows John DiMaggio as Bender from Futurama
15:03or Jake from Adventure Time,
15:05but DC fans will recognize him
15:07for his creepily fantastic portrayal
15:09of the Joker in Batman Under the Red Hood.
15:11You're gonna do it this time,
15:13or you're just gonna put me in another body cast
15:16for six months.
15:17He already makes a great first impression
15:19by killing off the infamous second Robin,
15:22Jason Todd.
15:23He depicts the Joker as a much more calculated villain,
15:26with clinical insanity replaced with genuine malice and cruelty.
15:30With his deep, mocking voice,
15:32DiMaggio nails it at portraying one of the darkest incarnations
15:35of the sadistic jester.
15:36I'm the only one who's gonna get what he wants tonight!
15:40Yes!
15:41Bing, bang, boom!
15:43We all go out together!
15:44Don't you just love a happy ending?
15:47Number 5.
15:49Cesar Romero, Batman
15:50How could we talk about the Joker
15:52without mentioning the first actor
15:54to bring the iconic laugh into everyone's homes?
15:57The 1960s Adam West series
15:58was the very first Batman show,
16:01and it doesn't get any more self-aware than this.
16:03So it only fits that a campy Batman
16:05should fight a campy Joker
16:07armed with shocking joy buzzers,
16:09sneezing powder,
16:09and plenty of creative death traps.
16:11The grand finale!
16:13The climax of my performance!
16:16The zenith of my career!
16:21This felonious funny man
16:22is more of a prankster
16:23than his sociopathic successors.
16:25But Romero's boundless energy
16:27and shrieking laughter
16:28left a powerful impression
16:29that served as a foundation
16:31for all future Jokers to follow.
16:33Look, you boobs!
16:35Look and laugh!
16:37Examination papers!
16:43Number 4.
16:44Joaquin Phoenix
16:45The Joker duology
16:46True, 1989's Batman
16:49features a live-action Joker origin story.
16:52But Joaquin Phoenix
16:53shows us a true look
16:54into a spiral into insanity.
16:56Phoenix's Arthur Fleck
16:57is an unflinching portrayal
16:59of how cruelty can transform a man
17:01into a monster.
17:02The actor draws our sympathy
17:03with a raw and torturous depiction
17:05of his character's plight.
17:06Of course,
17:07all that goes out the window
17:08once he sheds all traces of humanity.
17:10How about another joke, Murray?
17:12No, I think we've had enough of your jokes.
17:14What do you get?
17:14I don't think so.
17:15When you cross
17:16a mentally ill loner
17:18with a society
17:19that abandons him
17:20and feeds him like trash!
17:21Phoenix holds viewers
17:22in the palm of his hand
17:24throughout the film,
17:25steering our emotions
17:26with every plot twist.
17:27With glowing reviews
17:28for his performance,
17:30Phoenix emulated Heath Ledger
17:31to bag a more than
17:32well-deserved Oscar win.
17:34The sequel may have drawn
17:35mixed feelings,
17:36but Phoenix's commitment
17:37to the role
17:38remains second to none.
17:39You want to tell it to me?
17:47You wouldn't get it.
17:49Number 3.
17:50Mark Hamill
17:51The DC Animated Universe
17:52Now we come to the king
17:55of Joker voice actors,
17:56Mark Hamill.
17:57Making his debut
17:58as the clown prince
17:59in Batman the Animated Series,
18:01Hamill treats Joker's laugh
18:03like a musical instrument,
18:04and seeing him at work
18:05in the recording studio
18:06is truly magical.
18:08He continued the role
18:09throughout most
18:10of the DC Animated Universe features
18:12and became the most recognized
18:14and iconic voice.
18:15Oh no,
18:16your old eyes
18:17do not deceive you, Brucie.
18:20After all,
18:21you know me better than you.
18:22Even though we've just gone over
18:24some really good
18:25animated performances,
18:26anytime we hear the Joker
18:27and it's not Mark Hamill,
18:29there is always a little bit
18:30of disappointment.
18:31He keeps trying to retire
18:33from the role
18:33and they always bring him back,
18:35and we hope he will always
18:36be around to give us the crazy.
18:38No one expected Michael Keaton to nail the role of Batman in Tim Burton's 1989 movie,
18:56but Jack Nicholson's Joker really steals the show here.
19:08Nicholson is no stranger to depicting unbridled insanity,
19:12and the mental breakdown that turns Joker from wildcard crook to insane crime boss
19:17is one of the character's most memorable moments ever.
19:20Not only does he ace the Joker's creepiness,
19:23he also shows off boundless energy that even rivals that of Cesar Romero.
19:26Always trying to outshine the Dark Knight and steal the spotlight,
19:41Nicholson's performance is both theatrical and authentic.
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20:04Taking the number one spot is inarguably the most realistic and terrifying portrayal
20:09of the Joker in Batman history.
20:20While Batman's origin story may have been examined in detail
20:23during Christopher Nolan's now-classic trilogy,
20:26his version of the Joker is that of a character with purpose,
20:29but seemingly no cause.
20:31Ledger manages to portray the Joker as believably real,
20:34without having to sacrifice any of the character's well-established quirks,
20:38honoring the source material while building upon it at the same time.
20:41It was a long day, and we walked out back to our trailers,
20:47and Heath was here, and I was walking, and he puts his hand on my shoulder,
20:49and he goes, that's what acting's all about.
20:51Showcasing every facet of the Joker's demented mind,
20:54and adding some touches of color of his own.
20:56The sheer spectrum of talent on display here is nothing short of spectacular.
21:00See, madness, as you know, is like gravity.
21:06All it takes is a little push.
21:10Which version of the Joker haunts your nightmares?
21:13Let us know in the comments.
21:15If you don't like the movie, I've got slides.
21:18Did you enjoy this video?
21:20Check out these other clips from WatchMojo,
21:22and be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
21:26We'll see you next time.
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