Ranking the Live-Action Jokers (SPOILERS FOR JOKER 2)

So I saw Joker 2 over the weekend, the sequel to runaway box office hit Joker. At the time of writing this, it’s the worst box office flop for a superhero movie ever (even worse than Morbius). But I figured I should get something out of the experience, so why not a listicle. Also, SPOILERS for Joker 2 (starring Lady Gaga) so be warned. Let’s start!

1. Jack Nicholson

Yes, I’m starting this list at the top, trust me it’s funnier that way. And isn’t that what the Joker would want? Anyways, Jack Nicholson’s Joker (or Jack Napier) is a classic for a reason. He’s funny, he’s creepy, he has an oversized revolver that fires out a bang flag, what’s better than that?

2. Cameron Monaghan

Now, you could make an argument that this is quantity over quality, but Monaghan genuinely knocked it out of the park with his take(s) on Joker. And he runs the gamut with them too, from scarred psychopaths to more classical suit and grease paint wearing clowns, so no matter what kind of Joker you prefer, he’s probably played it haha

3. Heath Ledger

It’s going to be controversial that I didn’t put him in first place, but I gotta be honest. As great as this Joker is, the effect it had on the comics, and the worst guy at every Halloween party prior to 2016 must be counted against it. Also my favourite Ledger movie is A Knight’s Tale, so don’t @ me.

4. Cesar Romero

Being totally serious, I’ve never watched this show. Also, according to google, this Joker had a moustache because Romero didn’t want to shave before doing the make-up. Unbothered king.

5. Barry Keoghan

Also being serious here (why so serious haha amirite) I forgot about this one until right before I finished writing this so I had to go back and adjust the ranking. The make-up feels like way too much and it just feels like a worse retread of Ledger’s take with what we’ve seen so far, but he’s literally only had 5 minutes of screentime (if you count his deleted scene) so hopefully it gets better.

SPOILERS FOR JOKER 2 (THE ONE WITH LADY GAGA) FOLLOW

5. The guy who stabbed Arthur at the end of Joker 2

Haha get it, Joaquin Phoenix wasn’t even playing the real Joker! Isn’t that clever?? You watched two movies about nobody! I hope Todd Philips is proud of himself for this twist, because nobody else is.