The Joker has been thrilling fans since his comic book debut in 1940. With his iconic ghoulish grin and penchant for chaos, the villain has become one of the silver screen’s most beloved (or hated) baddies.
If you’re looking to watch the Joker movies in chronological order, here’s a definite timeline to follow:
- Batman (1966) – played by Cesar Romero
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995) – voiced by Mark Hamill
- Batman (1989) – played by Jack Nicholson
- The Dark Knight (2008) – played by Heath Ledger
- Suicide Squad (2016) – played by Jared Leto
If you want to experience the chronological history of the greatest mischievous mastermind, continue reading!
Batman: The Movie (1966)
Batman: The Movie (1966): This was the Joker’s first live-action movie appearance and stars Adam West as Batman, Burt Ward as Robin, and Cesar Romero as the Joker.
The movie was colorful and campy, with a good dose of humor. Unfortunately, it did not just feature the Joker himself but also others like the Riddler, Catwoman, and Penguin– leaving him with little attention.
Still, this movie is a great starting point if you want to see how far the character has come since then.
Don’t miss out on Batman: The Movie (1966) if you’re going to watch all Joker movies in sequence.
The Batman Anthology
The Batman Anthology is a collection of four movies that feature everyone’s favorite Caped Crusader – Batman.
Starting with Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989, followed by Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and concluding with Batman & Robin (1997).
Each movie offered something different to the audience, allowing them to see the two sides of Bruce Wayne – his heroic alter-ego and his villainous foe who goes by The Joker.
In each movie, the budget was increased, and so was The Joker’s screen presence. While he appeared only once in the entire anthology in BATMAN, Jack Nicholson took top billing for this role.
He made a very hefty sum for playing this part. Although he wasn’t physically present in others, his alter ego Jack Napier re-appeared briefly in a flashback scene shown during Batman Forever.
Whether you’re looking for violent criminal escapades or comic-book action sequences, The Batman Anthology has it all! So why not watch this collection of notable films today?
The DC Animated Universe
The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) is a fantastic world of crime-fighting superheroes and supervillains established in 1992.
It was home to an array of television shows, including Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and Batman Beyond. As well as these programs, the DCAU produced a range of movie spin-offs, such as BATMAN: Mask of the Phantasm in 1993 and BATMAN BEYOND: Return of the Joker in 2000.
In Mask of the Phantasm, fans witnessed a pivotal role played by the Joker, who went on to “steal every scene he was in”!
His second outing in the DCAU movie sphere came with Return of the Joker, where he faced off against two of his most famous foes – Batman and Bruce Wayne.
With this movie experiencing overwhelming success among fans, it’s certainly no wonder why many people still watch and rewatch these films today!
The Batman
For fans of Batman, Batman is an absolute must-see. Created by Warner Bros.
Animation in 2004, this series offers an authentic look at Bruce Wayne and Gotham City. It also reintroduced the world to one of the most iconic supervillains in history: The Joker!
Batman ran for five seasons and even directly spun off into a movie. It may not have included the Joker’s name in the title, but that didn’t stop him from commanding a vital role in this film.
With its intense atmosphere and iconic characters, Batman is essential viewing for any fan of the Caped Crusader!
DC Universe Original Movies
The DC Universe Animated Original Movies (DCUAOM) is a series of direct-to-video animated movies produced by Warner Brothers that feature famous DC Comics characters.
Since 2007, these features have included Superman: Doomsday (2007), Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (2011), Batman and Harley Quinn (2017), Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (2019), and many more.
Although there are no movies currently dedicated to The Joker himself, he has had his appearances in several of the features, providing a bit of comic relief for fans everywhere.
The DCUAOM provides viewers with an incredible way to watch some great stories featuring iconic DC characters.
Joker fans can rest assured that they can get their dose of Mr. J without waiting for a movie dedicated entirely to him.
The Dark Knight trilogy
This iconic movie series features Heath Ledger as the Joker and includes Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. Ledger received rave reviews for his portrayal of the Clown Prince Of Crime, which earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
All three movies provide a fantastic ride into the world of Batman and are intertwined with clever themes and thrilling action sequences, making it one of the most beloved superhero movie trilogies in recent memory.
If you want to watch Joker in the correct order, start with The Dark Knight trilogy!
Batman Unlimited
Batman Unlimited was a Mattel toy line released between 2015 and 2016 to promote three direct-to-video animated Batman feature films.
These movies are must-sees for any Joker and the Batman universe fan, as they provide insight into some of the classic characters and storylines.
The trilogy consists of “Animal Instincts” (2015), “Monster Mayhem” (2015), and “Mechs vs. Mutants” (2016). It’s essential to watch these movies in the correct order to fully appreciate the story arc they tell.
Giving Batman Unlimited a try is highly recommended for those who haven’t seen them! So queue them up in the correct order, and you’ll finally understand how everything fits together.
The DC Extended Universe
If you’re a fan of DC Comics, then you definitely need to check out the Batman Unlimited franchise.
Beginning with Man of Steel in 2013, this series of blockbuster films tells about the fascinating story behind some of our favorite superheroes like Batman, Superman, and more.
The Joker Movies, a branch within the DCEU, is one that moviegoers all over are sure to love. Suppose you’re looking for your next excellent action movie experience.
In that case, we suggest watching these movies in their proper order – Joker (2019), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – which is sure to give you an unforgettable viewing experience!
So prepare for an epic journey with Batman Unlimited – the perfect way to watch the Joker Movies!
Batman ’66
“Batman ’66” is a part of the entertaining and swinging sixties.
In 2016 and 2017, two animated movies featured everyone’s favorite supervillain, the Joker, and our caped Crusader, Batman!
For all those wanting to understand the history of the Joker or how it all began, look no further than Batman: The Movie (1966).
This featured the Adam West era of Batman and brings us back to when all began for one of DC Comics’ most famous villains.
The movie allows viewers to enjoy nostalgia while reliving classic superhero action and astonishing villainy.
Ordering “Batman ’66” as your first movie when watching any Joker-related films will give more context to his origins and give you an even better overall experience!
Batman Ninja
Batman Ninja is a 2018 animated movie that stars the iconic DC superhero Batman.
It was released in two versions – one aimed at the Japanese market and one altered for Western audiences.
This film offers a different take on the classic Batman story featuring an aged Batman. This film features plenty of action-packed scenes and an exciting, unique plot that will surely keep you hooked throughout its entirety.
As far as watching these movies in order, it is recommended to start with Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, followed by Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, and then end with the newest iteration – Batman Ninja.
All these films offer great insights into various aspects of Batman’s character development, giving fans new and exciting stories to watch and enjoy.
Scooby-Doo
The Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime have been intertwined in pop culture since they first met on The New Scooby-Doo Movies in the 70s.
Two episodes starring the Joker himself, titled The Dynamic Scooby-Doo Affair and The Caped Crusader Caper, saw Scooby team up with Batman to take on their common enemy.
Both episodes are fun and have become iconic for their iconic representation of the chilling villain and their kid-friendly approach to an otherwise dark character.
If you want to experience the original meeting between Batman, Scooby-Doo, and the Joker, make sure these two episodes are top of your list!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
This movie features the famous DC Comics character, The Joker, and an ensemble cast of characters from IDW and DC Comics’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Batman crossover comics.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles play a massive role in this movie as they team up with Batman and other characters to battle against the forces of evil.
Witness their daring adventures and experience thrilling battles between heroes and villains as they try to save Gotham City from destruction!
So make sure you watch this movie before watching any other films featuring The Joker!
The Joker
The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in pop culture, and his story can be experienced on the big screen in all its twisted glory.
Let’s start with The Joker (2019), an origin story that features Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role.
It is a unique take on Batman’s arch-nemesis and even earned an Oscar for Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix’s performance.
From there, viewers can move on to Suicide Squad (2016) and then lastly to the two most recent films: Birds of Prey (2020) and Joker (2022).
All four films provide insight into this incredible character, and watching them chronologically will ensure you have the complete Joker experience!
How Many Joker Movies Are There?
There are two live-action films featuring different Jokers and three DC animated films.
The first live-action movie is “Suicide Squad” (2016), where Jared Leto portrays The Joker. The second one is “Joker” (2019), starring Joaquin Phoenix in the title role.
Regarding DC animated films, there’s “Batman: The Killing Joke” (2016), which marked the return of actor Mark Hamill as The Joker.
Next up was an anthology film called “The Dark Knight Returns Part One & Two” (2012/2013). Lastly, we have “Batman: Hush” (2019), where Jason O’Mara voiced Bruce Wayne and Maury Sterling said The Joker.
So, to sum it up—there are two live-action films featuring different versions of The Joker and three DC animated films that feature him as well!
Which Batman Films Feature The Joker?
The first Batman movie to include The Joker was 1989’s Batman, directed by Tim Burton.
Jack Nicholson played the role of a crime boss eager to take control over Gotham City.
In 1995, Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever had The Joker, also portrayed by Nicholson, but this time as an insane billionaire who becomes obsessed with taking down Batman and eventually meets his demise at the hands of Two-Face.
The next installment to feature The Clown Prince of Crime was Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger as The Joker in what is considered one of the most outstanding performances ever given for a comic book villain.
Last but not least, 2016’s Suicide Squad featured Jared Leto as a maniacal version of The Joker, bent on destroying everything and everyone he deems unworthy to survive past his own chaotic reign.
Which Movies Should I Watch Before Watching Joker (2019)?
When you’re preparing to watch Joker (2019), you must scan the movies in the correct order. To get the whole story, here are the four films that should be observed before viewing this latest installment:
The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Suicide Squad (2016).
These movies set up the context of Joker’s character and tell the story leading up to his final appearance in 2019.
By watching these movies first, viewers can better understand how Joker fits into the universe created by Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder.
They’ll also gain insight into his motivations and how he became who he is at the time of his latest appearance on screen.
So, if you want to enjoy Joker (2019) to its fullest, make sure that you watch these prequel movies in order first!
What Movie Should I Watch After The Joker?
While there are no sequels or prequels to The Joker, several spin-off films and films in the same universe can help build on and expand your understanding of the character.
The first film you should watch is 2016’s Suicide Squad. This film follows several of DC’s supervillains as they work together under high-pressure orders from a secret government agency.
It helps provide more insight into the backstory of The Joker and his lover Harley Quinn, as well as give a sense of context for their relationship within the larger DC universe.
Next should be 2019’s Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn).
This movie focuses on Harley Quinn as she embarks on her journey away from the Joker, helped by a motley crew of other antihero females.
And last but not least, this year’s Justice League prologue Snyder Cut finally features Jared Leto in his role as The Joker from Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice.
While it’s better seen after seeing all three movies mentioned above, watching Justice League can add invaluable context to The Joker’s relationship with Batman before going back in time for an even deeper look at their origins with Joaquin Phoenix’s The Joker origin story.
In What Movie Does Harley Quinn Meet The Joker?
When it comes to watching the Joker movies in order, one of the most commonly asked questions is “In what movie does Harley Quinn meet the Joker?”
The answer is in the 2016 movie Suicide Squad. That is where we first get to see the iconic pairing come together for the first time.
In this movie, we witness Harley Quinn’s transformation into a villainess with some help from the Joker as she embarks on her journey of destruction and chaos.
This movie introduces both characters and their relationship, which continues throughout several other films, including Birds of Prey (2020) and The Dark Knight (2008).
So if you want to watch these two mischievous minds become something more than just enemies, start with Suicide Squad – because that’s when it all begins!
Why Are There So Many Joker Movies?
The Joker is one of comic book history’s most widely recognized and iconic villains. As such, it makes perfect sense that so many movies are centered around him.
Each particular film has its unique take on the character, allowing viewers to experience different iterations of the Clown Prince of Crime.
The original two-part Joker movie starring Heath Ledger set the bar for other Joker films to follow, raising expectations for what a good character adaptation should look like.
Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck in 2019’s “Joker” arguably succeeded in nudging the boundaries for what live-action DC characters can be.
Fans have also recently seen Jared Leto attempt an eerily accurate reinterpretation of the iconic villain in Suicide Squad (2016).
With such an impressive and accomplished list of performances from some real powerhouses of Hollywood acting talent, it’s no surprise that there are so many Joker movies out there.
Each has something unique to offer — whether you’re looking for a classic iteration of Batman’s most prominent foe or something new and innovative.
No matter which takes on The Joker you watch, it’s guaranteed to provide hours upon hours of compelling entertainment!
Which Joker Movie Was Best?
It’s often a hotly contested debate regarding which Joker movie was the best. Some may say that the original version, ‘The Dark Knight,’ was the funniest and darkest of the bunch.
Others might point to ‘Joker’ (2019), which provided a different take on the character and earned widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced take on mental illness.
Regardless, all three iterations of The Joker offer something special, each in its own unique way.
‘Suicide Squad’ (2016) provided an exciting look at how The Joker operated in a supervillain team-up dynamic and received mixed reviews, while ‘The Joker:
The Animated Series had a lot of fans when it aired in the early 2000s and won multiple Emmy Awards for its animation.
Ultimately, it’s your preference that matters when watching these movies in order, so get comfy, queue them up, and stay entertained!
Which Movie Version Of The Joker Was The Most Dangerous?
There’s no definitive answer to which version of the Joker was the most dangerous.
Each movie portrays a different kind of villain; depending on who you ask, any one of them could be considered the most “dangerous” Joker out there.
The original movie from 1989 presented Jack Nicholson’s iconic character as a crazed gangster with a taste for sadistic crime.
In taking inspiration from comic books, this iteration of The Joker had an unpredictable nature that could only be described as genuinely menacing.
Heath Ledger’s portrayal in The Dark Knight took this to another level – his rendition of the clown prince of crime was portrayed as a sociopathic anarchist with an affinity for chaos.
This Joker was defined by his obsession with stirring up havoc around Gotham City, leading to some genuinely harrowing scenes that audiences found unforgettable.
Finally, Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in 2019’s ‘Joker’ went beyond Ledger’s characterization.
It humanized the character while highlighting themes such as mental illness, social alienation, and moral degradation more prominently than ever before.
Arguably his version is the most complex and psychologically disturbing yet – making him perhaps one of the most dangerous Jokers out there.
What Are The Best Batman Animated Movies With Joker?
The best Batman animated movies featuring the Joker include ‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm,’ ‘Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker,’ ‘The Killing Joke’ and ‘Batman: Under The Red Hood.’
Each of these films offers completely different storylines, but all have one thing in common—Joker is the main antagonist.
In addition to these four films, ‘Justice League, Dark Apokolips War’ and ‘Reign of the Supermen,’ are also great options (albeit DC Universe movies).
All these movies feature memorable duels between our beloved caped Crusader and his arch-nemesis! So if you’re looking to satisfy your craving for classic Batman vs. Joker action, these are definitely must-watch picks!
Joker And Harley Quinn Movies
If you’re a Joker and Harley Quinn fan, then you’ll be glad to know that plenty of movies out there feature these iconic characters.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a dark and gritty exploration into their lives, there’s something for everyone.
Of course, it can get tricky if you want to watch these movies in the correct order. After all, some of these movies have overlapping storylines, which makes it difficult to know where to start.
That being said, thankfully, with careful planning and understanding of the series’ timeline, you can ensure that you get all pivotal plot points when it comes time to watch the Joker and Harley Quinn movies in order.
First, fans will want to check out “The Dark Knight,” which follows Joker’s descent into madness as he attempts to take over Gotham City (and its underworld).
This movie is a reasonable basis for what’s to come later in the franchise.
The following two entries in the series – “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” – both feature our dynamic duo heavily.
While they don’t necessarily follow the same timeline or connect story-wise in any significant way other than having lead characters Harley Quinn & The Joker at its core, neither do they actually negate each other, making them both parts of learning more about this ever-changing relationship between two notorious anti heroes/villains/lovers, we’ve all grown to love over time!
Which Joker Is The Best?
When it comes to Jokers, it’s tough to say which is the best. Each Joker brings a different flavor and style to the character, so picking a clear favorite can be difficult.
Heath Ledger’s dark and twisted rendition of the character was undoubtedly iconic. At the same time, Joaquin Phoenix’s more emotionally vulnerable version was unforgettable.
Jared Leto, who played Joker in Suicide Squad, injected some much-needed comedy into the character’s mischievous persona.
And then there is Cameron Monaghan’s fresh take on The Assassination of Harley Quinn – portraying a younger yet unpredictable Joker with an interesting backstory.
Ultimately, it depends on your preference as to which Joker you think is the best – do you like them dark and twisted like Ledger or funny and unpredictable like Monaghan?
Final Thoughts
the Joker movies in the right order can enhance your viewing experience and help you better understand the character’s evolution.
Whether you choose to watch the movies chronologically or in release order, it’s important to keep in mind that each film offers a unique perspective on the iconic villain.
From the gritty realism of “Joker” to the comic book-inspired chaos of “Suicide Squad,” there’s something for everyone in the Joker’s filmography.
