The Jokers, Ranked from Worst to Best (3 of 5)

4. Jack Nicholson—Batman (1989)

Jack Nicholson basically got paid a mountain of cash for playing Batman’s #1 enemy, and he did … well? He’s always front and center, hamming it up and dancing to Prince songs. His Joker is more of a performer than an unhinged psycho, but Nicholson’s natural menace still peeks through. Even when he’s wearing a giant purple hat and defacing art galleries, he’s got that ‘come closer and I’ll stab you’ glint in his eye. Definitely over the top, but still fun to watch.

5. Cameron Monaghan—Gotham (2015-2019)

We hear you yell, “Um, actually, Jerome is not the Joker!” Okay, yes, technically, the word “Joker” was never officially spoken about Cameron’s character, but come on! It’s like saying the young Bruce Wayne was not Batman because the show didn’t have the rights to use that name. Monaghan’s portrayal mimics Heath Ledger’s vibe but never crosses that unseen line where it’s just a parody, and that’s why the fans loved him so much.