Every Animated Version of The Joker, Ranked

When it comes to comic book villains, Joker is in a class of his own. Over the decades, he has been reimagined countless times across movies, TV, and even video games. But perhaps the most enduring versions of Batman’s greatest foe have come through animation. From Batman: The Animated Series to more experimental projects, each iteration has given fans something unique—whether it’s bone-chilling menace, slapstick comedy, or psychological complexity.

We’re ranking every animated version of the Joker from worst to best, drawing from his many appearances in DC’s animated projects. For this list, we’re sticking strictly to animated versions of the Clown Prince of Crime —no comics, live-action, or video game versions allowed. And there’s a lot of Jokers in the pack; some you may not have even realized existed. But even though there’s no shortage of Jokers to choose from, only one can reign supreme.

16) The Adventures of Batman – Larry Storch

Way back in 1968 Hanna-Barbera (yep, the person who brought you The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo) put out The Adventures of Batman, which was also the Joker’s first animated appearance. And it shows. Voiced by actor and comedian Larry Storch, this version of Joker leaned heavily into the camp villain style made famous by Cesar Romero’s portrayal from the 1960s live-action Batman series. Storch’s Joker was more prankster than criminal mastermind, with little of the menace we associate with the character today.

While historically important, this Joker is easily the weakest on the list (by modern standards anyway), as he was more of a novelty than a fully fleshed-out villain. Fans respect the series for paving the way, but it hasn’t aged well.

15) The New Adventures of Batman – Lennie Weinrib

Just a few years later, Filmation revived the animated series under the very original title: The New Adventures of Batman, and with it, Joker returned. Lennie Weinrib’s take kept the Batman’s arch nemesis goofy and mischievous, though the voice acting had more energy than Storch’s performance. Still, this Joker remained far from terrifying, often staying at the level of a Saturday morning cartoon nuisance.

He’s remembered fondly by some fans for nostalgia’s sake, but his lack of depth and more silly approach keeps him low down on the list.

14) Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Jeff Bennett

Again, this Joker matched the campy, Silver Age-inspired tone of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Voiced by Jeff Bennett, he was zany, theatrical, and colorful. While entertaining in context, this version was never meant to be chilling, but rather a throwback to classic comic antics.

Bennett’s voice work was fun, but this Joker lacks the layered menace that makes other interpretations so memorable.

13) Justice League Action – Mark Hamill

When you think of Joker in animated form, Mark Hamill is the first name that springs to mind (and you’ll notice his name a lot in this list), having voiced him in various IPs from 1992 to 2019. When Justice League Action premiered in 2016, fans were thrilled to see Hamill return. However, the show’s lighter, kid-friendly tone didn’t give him much room to explore Joker’s darker side as he had done in other versions. This Joker was more of a trickster, and often seen as the punchline in ensemble adventures.

While Hamill’s voice is iconic, this entry is simply overshadowed by his more definitive work elsewhere.

12) Young Justice – Brent Spiner

Yep, that Brent Spiner (famous for playing Data in Star Trek) delivered an eccentric and unsettling Joker in Young Justice. The cartoon character’s design was wiry and unnerving, and his personality felt unpredictable. Still, fans were divided. Some appreciated Spiner’s unique spin, while others felt he was too over-the-top.

11) DC Super Hero Girls  – Jeremiah Watkins

In DC Super Hero Girls, Joker is reimagined for a younger audience. Voiced by Jeremiah Watkins, this version is silly and cartoonish, designed more for comedic effect than genuine villainy. While certainly not frightening, it works within the show’s lighter framework.

He’s not a fan favorite among Joker enthusiasts, but his presence makes sense for the target audience, and that is worth placing him at the 11^th spot.

10) Batman Unlimited  – Troy Baker

Though Troy Baker may be better known for his video game work (which includes voicing Joker in Arkham Origins, he did step back behind the mic for the straight-to-video series of Batman Unlimited movies. These were created essentially, to help sell Batman action figure toys and that comes across in the story.

Baker’s Joker was solid: energetic, menacing enough for kids, but nowhere near the psychological depth fans expect from higher-tier Jokers or the versions he’d portrayed in the gaming world. He clearly brought talent to the role, but the material limited him. Fans generally see this as a middle-of-the-road version.

9) The Batman – Kevin Michael Richardson

Aside from Brent Spiner’s turn in the purple suit, Kevin Michael Richardson’s Joker in The Batman was one of the most divisive versions. With his dreadlock-inspired hair and barefoot design, this Joker broke from tradition. Richardson delivered a deep, booming voice, making him a more physically intimidating Joker, compared to other animated Jokers.

Some fans hated the redesign, while others appreciated the bold change. Over time, it has earned more respect as a creative reimagining, even if it’s not universally beloved.

8) The LEGO Batman Movie – Zach Galifianakis

LEGO movies are always created with a tongue-in-cheek whimsy and love of the Franchise its emulating, and The LEGO Batman Movie is no exception. Zach Galifianakis hit the brief perfectly and brought a fresh comedic energy to Joker. His version leaned into parody but also managed to give us some surprisingly emotional depth, exploring Joker’s need for acknowledgment from Batman. Fans loved the dynamic, which played Joker’s obsession with Batman as both hilarious and oddly heartfelt.

Galifianakis’ Joker might not be terrifying, but he’s endlessly entertaining. And in a film built on satire, he stands out as one of the highlights.

7) Justice League / Justice League Unlimited – Mark Hamill

Get ready for the Hamill run! Justice League and Justice League Unlimited saw Joker play a role, but Hamill’s talent kept him significant. Whether teaming up with Lex Luthor or causing chaos solo, this version maintained the perfect blend of humor and menace.

Fans loved seeing Hamill’s Joker interact with the wider DC Universe, though the focus on ensemble stories meant he wasn’t as central as in earlier Batman projects.

6) Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker – Mark Hamill

This direct-to-video movie shocked fans with its dark, brutal take on Joker. In Return of the Joker, Hamill gave one of his most chilling performances, especially during the infamous flashback sequence. Here, Joker was unleashed to be a truly sadistic monster.

The film remains a fan favorite, and Hamill’s performance cemented Joker’s legacy in the Batman Beyond timeline.

5) Batman: The Killing Joke – Mark Hamill

Adapting Alan Moore’s controversial story was always going to be divisive, but Hamill’s performance was a highlight. He brought terrifying weight to Joker’s infamous monologues, including the unforgettable “one bad day” speech.

While the film itself received mixed reviews, Hamill’s Joker was praised as a faithful and haunting adaptation of the source material.

4) Batman: Under the Red Hood – John DiMaggio

Known best for his work as the voice of Bender in Futurama, John DiMaggio gave a chilling and brutal portrayal as Joker in Under the Red Hood. His voice was gravelly, sarcastic, and cruel—a perfect match for the darker story. The film explores Joker’s role in Jason Todd’s tragic fate, and DiMaggio’s performance made it all the more devastating. Fans and critics alike rank this among the best Joker portrayals outside Hamill, specifically praising DiMaggio’s intensity in the role. Hence it’s placement in the top 5.

3) Batman: The Animated Series – Mark Hamill

For many fans, this is the definitive Joker. Mark Hamill’s performance in Batman: The Animated Series set the standard for how the character would be portrayed in animation for decades. His voice captured the manic energy, humor, and terror of Joker, making him unpredictable in every scene.

The show also gave us classic episodes like “The Laughing Fish” and “Joker’s Favor,” solidifying this version as iconic. For many, Hamill is their favorite Joker.

2) The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 & 2 – Michael Emerson

While Hamill may be the most beloved Joker, Michael Emerson’s version in The Dark Knight Returns just pips him to the silver medal spot. Emerson, best known for his work on Lost and Person of Interest, delivered a chilling, understated performance that fit Frank Miller’s grim story perfectly.

This Joker was older, quieter, but far more terrifying. Every word dripped with menace, and his showdown with Batman remains one of the most ruthless and haunting Joker moments in animation. Fans and critics agree that Emerson’s performance showed a side of Joker that was both sophisticated and horrifying.

1) Harley Quinn  – Alan Tudyk

Topping the list is Alan Tudyk’s Joker from the Harley Quinn animated series. This version balances comedy and cruelty in ways few others have managed. Switching between caricature, camp, and downright menacing, Tudyk’s Joker is wildly unpredictable and that’s what makes him entertaining and absolutely terrifying. He perfectly fits the show’s irreverent tone while still reminding audiences why Joker is one of the deadliest villains in Gotham.

Fans have praised Tudyk for making the role his own, especially in a series that gives Joker plenty of screen time opposite Harley. His unpredictable energy, combined with sharp writing, has made this iteration stand out as a modern favorite and arguably the most well-rounded animated Joker to date.

Which Joker do you think should wear the crown in the top spot? Let us know! Add us as a preferred source in Google for all your favorite nerd news – HERE.

Every Live-Action Version Of The Joker, Ranked