Best Joker Voice Actors

Key Takeaways

Mark Hamill is the ultimate Joker voice actor, setting the standard for all other portrayals.
Different actors brought unique twists to the Joker, such as more sinister or comedic takes.
Voice actors like Jason Spisak captured the Joker’s sinister playfulness, but need more recognition.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some remarkable voice actors bring the iconic character of The Joker to life, but none have left quite as lasting an impact as Mark Hamill. With his extensive background in acting and a knack for creating unique voices, he breathed life into the Clown Prince of Crime like no other.

Initially introduced in “Batman #1” back in 1940, The Joker has been inseparably linked with Batman ever since. Over time, he’s earned a reputation as one of the most iconic comic book villains globally and one of the most renowned villains across all fiction. Given his status, it’s not unexpected that he’s ventured beyond his comic roots to appear in live-action films, animation, and numerous video games.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say that when it comes to bringing the Joker to life, Heath Ledger’s portrayal in live-action is undeniably top-notch. But when we switch gears to animated versions, opinions can vary quite a bit. A variety of talented voice actors have lent their voices to the Joker over the years, and each has brought something unique to the character. The standout performances are not necessarily due to the quality of the projects they were part of, but rather the distinct flair they added to this iconic role.

10 Jason Spisak

Captured The Joker’s Sinister Playfulness, But We Need To Hear More

Most notable appearance: Batman: Hush

When people talk about the Batman movies with the best stories, they tend to forget the animated movies, which is a real disservice. Compared to the live-action films, DC’s animated Batman movies have adapted some of his best comic book arcs. An excellent example of this is 2019’s Batman: Hush.

One notable aspect that distinguishes this movie is that the Joker isn’t extensively featured; instead, he appears sparingly. However, Jason Spisak’s portrayal of the Joker still manages to make a lasting impact. He masterfully captures the Joker’s dark wit and successfully brings to life his sinister playfulness, as well as his peculiar bond with Batman.

Some spectators found his portrayal of Joker to be somewhat nasal, yet the majority of critics commended Spisak for his performance. Regrettably, Spisak hasn’t been afforded many opportunities to repeat the role. Given the limited evidence, it’s impractical to place him higher in rankings, but he undeniably possesses the capability to do so in the future.

9 Brent Spiner

Takes The Performer Out Of The Joker

Most notable appearance: Young Justice

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for the show “Young Justice”. It deserves way more recognition than it gets. Initially, people might have dismissed it as just another kids’ Saturday morning cartoon, but they couldn’t be more wrong.

In a less intimidating yet clear manner: The character portrayed by Spiner as the Joker is a ruthless madman who derives pleasure from causing pain to others. This Joker is truly wicked and surprisingly frightening. Furthermore, Spiner’s performance in these roles is impressive due to some well-written monologues that highlight his acting skills. However, due to limited screen time, it’s challenging to evaluate him more favorably compared to other voice actors on the list. Like other less prominent voice actors, Spiner has the potential for a stronger presence in future projects.

8 Kevin Michael Richardson

A High-Energy Joker With a Terrifying Growl

Most notable appearance: The Batman

In 2004, when CW unveiled The Batman, they had the opportunity to capitalize on the success of Batman: The Animated Series. However, the producers chose a different path, making significant alterations to the hero’s villainous crew, particularly the Joker. This portrayal was markedly more energetic than Hamill’s and could stand toe-to-toe with Batman in combat. Additionally, this Joker had an intriguing appearance that sparked debate among fans of the original series.

Regardless of whether you are a fan or critic of the portrayal of Joker in ‘The Batman’, it’s hard to deny that Richardson has done an impressive job. Initially, his Joker might seem overly similar to Hamill’s interpretation, but there’s a significant distinction. In moments when this version of the Joker is on the verge of performing a particularly perilous act, a deep, menacing growl can be heard in his voice. It’s a subtle detail, yet it effectively complements this more dynamic depiction of the character.

7 Troy Baker

A Joker Inspired By The Best

Most notable appearance: Batman: Origins

It is impossible for anyone to label Troy Baker as lazy; instead, he is one of the most active voice actors globally. Nevertheless, when it comes to voicing the Joker, he opted for a “leave well enough alone” strategy rather than making changes. He first voiced the Joker in Batman: Arkham Origins, a prequel to Rocksteady’s Arkham series that can be considered the ugly duckling. Given that Hamill had previously played the Joker in the initial two games, Baker essentially followed Hamill’s lead, as he had limited options to do otherwise.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that this fresh take on the Joker in “Origins” seems a tad edgier compared to the one portrayed in the main Arkham games. Troy Baker does an impressive job of emulating Hamill’s performance, yet manages to make his Joker unique. If we were ranking performances solely based on this one, Baker might be a bit further down the list. However, since he has played the Joker several times more after Origins, he’s been gradually refining his interpretation. At the moment, his Joker is average, but with more practice, I believe he’ll reach perfection.

6 Zach Galifianakis

Proves Lego Batman Isn’t Just For Kids

Most notable appearance: The Lego Batman Movie

Ranking Galifianakis’ portrayal of the Joker presents a challenge. Some people might claim that a Joker adaptation tailored primarily for children has been oversimplified and shouldn’t be placed so high, let alone above Baker’s version. However, unlike our previous examples, Galifianakis brought a fresh perspective to the villain. If you can overlook the Lego-inspired elements, Galifianakis’ Joker exhibited a rich depth as well.

The film cleverly explores the peculiar, intertwined dynamics between Joker and Batman in a humorous manner. Initially, Joker appears menacing yet appropriate for younger viewers, but as the story unfolds, he evolves into a more empathetic and fragile character. With his knack for comedy, Galifianakis brings this lighter portrayal of the Joker to life effectively. The film maintains enough darkness to cater to mature audiences. A potential adult-oriented version of the character with deeper themes would be intriguing, but for now, Galifianakis’ interpretation of one of Batman’s most wicked adversaries can’t surpass it.

5 Anthony Ingruber

A More Sympathetic Take On The Villain

Most notable appearance: Batman: The Telltale Series

In the game “Batman: The Telltale Series,” actor Troy Baker, who voiced the Joker, had an extraordinary challenge – not just one, but multiple portrayals of the character within the same game. Remarkably, he managed to deliver a compassionate and relatable version of the clown, leaving fans impressed with his performance. This Joker was undeniably captivating and stands out as one of the most memorable in the series.

Tasked by the game developers, Ingruber was challenged to design a Joker character that incorporated aspects from Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Hamill, while still offering something fresh and unique. This wasn’t an easy feat. Ingruber’s portrayal of the Joker initially appears as “John Doe” in the opening episode, and then develops based on the player’s choices – either becoming the classic antagonist or a vigilante ally to Batman. To ensure players became emotionally invested in the Joker’s journey, Ingruber focused on giving the character deep emotions without losing the essence of who he is. So far, no other voice actor has managed to make fans care about the Joker quite as much as Ingruber has done.

4 Alan Tudyk

The Funniest The Clown Prince Of Crime Has Ever Been

Most notable appearance: Harley Quinn

Over the past few years, DC and Warner Bros have exploited Harley Quinn to their maximum benefit, yet this doesn’t diminish the fact that the Harley Quinn series is remarkably fantastic. Offering a sharp critique of typical villain and hero storylines, the show’s Joker could have been monotonously one-dimensional, but luckily, they cast Tudyk in the role instead. An exceptionally talented comedic actor, Tudyk elevates the Joker to new heights with his captivating performance.

In a delightfully humorous yet chilling interpretation, Tudyk’s take on the Joker in the show stands out without compromising the character’s dangerous core. The script provides ample opportunities for the actor to shine, revealing aspects of the Joker that would be considered blasphemous elsewhere. What truly sets this apart is the evident enjoyment Tudyk derives from embodying the character. Tudyk was exceptional in Doom Patrol, one of DC’s top television productions, and among all voice actors for the Joker, he might be the most fitting for a live-action adaptation. The main reason he doesn’t rank higher is because he has only portrayed the Joker in one series, and his interpretation is so distinct from traditional depictions that it’s challenging to make direct comparisons.

3 John Di Maggio

A Menacing Mix Of Hamill And Ledger

Most notable appearance: Batman: Under the Red Hood

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but recognize the name Di Maggio – it echoes in my mind as the voice behind the unforgettable Bender from Futurama. His talent doesn’t stop there; he’s also lent his vocal prowess to the Joker on two separate occasions, in Batman: Under the Red Hood and Batman: Death in the Family. Each time, he breathed new life into the role by honoring two of the most cherished interpretations of the iconic villain.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate the darker, grittier take on the Joker in these movies. Unlike other interpretations, this version seems less focused on maintaining the clown facade and more intent on causing Batman endless torment. Unlike some voice actors who opt for a charming, high-pitched portrayal, Di Maggio’s Joker has a deep, gravelly voice that echoes Heath Ledger’s iconic performance. However, what truly sets this Joker apart is his laugh, which bears a striking resemblance to Mark Hamill’s portrayal. This results in a Joker who feels significantly more chilling than usual, given the sinister actions we witness in both films.

2 Michael Emerson

An Older, Calmer But Just As Insane Joker

Most notable appearance: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 And 2

These days, it’s important to be mindful when discussing “The Dark Knight Returns.” Although Frank Miller produced exceptional comics, his reputation has become more contentious as years passed, a factor that has cast a shadow on some of his masterpieces. However, there’s no disputing that “The Dark Knight Returns” stands among the best Batman tales ever told, featuring one of the most intriguing Joker portrayals. Similarly, its animated versions were equally impressive.

In a stark contrast to Hamill’s interpretation, Emerson’s Joker is more composed instead of chaotic. Unlike the usual crazed versions, he steps onto a talk show after waking from a long coma, giving an impression of sanity at times. However, Emerson’s skillful acting subtly suggests the turmoil beneath his calm facade. When the genuine Joker emerges, he’s as terrifying and unhinged as conventional depictions, albeit still not quite reaching Hamill’s iconic status. DC should consider giving him another opportunity to portray this complex character.

1 Mark Hamill

The G.O.A.T. Of Joker Voice Actors

Most notable appearance: Batman: The Animated Series

Mark Hamill is synonymous with the Joker for countless Batman fans, much like how Robert Downey Jr. embodies Iron Man and Hugh Jackman personifies Wolverine. Hamill brought the maniacal clown to life in the critically acclaimed DC animated series, “Batman: The Animated Series,” and continued to voice the character in significant animated films as well as Rocksteady’s “Arkham” video game series.

Mark Hamill’s portrayal of the Joker has set an unrivaled standard for anyone attempting to embody the character. Deviations too similar to his interpretation are met with criticism as imitations, while deviations from the norm often fall flat. In essence, Hamill has set a bar that is difficult to surpass. He gave the Joker his iconic laugh, which he refers to as an instrument. Remarkably, Hamill’s Joker boasts numerous variations of this laugh, each showcasing one of the villain’s dangerous moods. Regrettably, Hamill has announced that he is finished with the role, citing discomfort for his throat as the reason. It’s surprising to think that Luke Skywalker would eventually become the ideal Joker.

2024-11-18 10:34