Top 10 Iconic Joker Moments
#10: First Encounter
Batman #1 (1940)
The character we all know today is largely defined by his first comic appearance. His theatrical flair, clownish costume, and ongoing rivalry with Batman all of it was established here and have kept him iconic ever since. Even his signature Joker venom, the poison that leaves his victims with a grin, made its debut in this issue. While many DC villains have changed over time, the Jokers core traits have remained consistent. His humor and chaotic schemes still captivate us, making this one of the most influential character introductions of all time.
#9: Jokers Query
Batman (1989)
In Tim Burtons take on the mythos, its revealed that the man who killed Batmans parents is none other than the Joker. While the twist adds a layer of intrigue, theres a line that truly made the character stand out. After shooting Thomas and Martha Wayne, he asks a young Bruce if hes ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight. He threatens him again years later, asking the same question. The line is powerful and evocative, but what exactly does it mean? In true Joker fashion, he admits that he doesnt know. The line perfectly captures his showmanship and dark sense of humor. While his transformation in the film is also memorable, its just not as quotable.
#8: The Joker Breaks Superman
Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013)
NetherRealms fighting game begins with a grim opening scene. In one of his most twisted schemes yet, the Joker tricks Superman into killing Lois Lane, triggering a bomb that destroys Metropolis. The tragedy shatters the Man of Steel and sets him on a dark path. In a fit of rage, Superman kills the Joker, but even in death, he still gets the last laugh. This act is the first of many that would transform Superman into the worlds greatest threat. In just a few minutes of screen time, Injustice Joker reminds us that after seventy years, he can still defy our expectations. And who knew he'd make for a great Superman villain?
#7: Remember, Thats Life
Joker (2019)
Joaquin Phoenix had a lot to live up to when taking on the role. Heath Ledgers Joker is legendary, and the less said about Jared Leto the better. Thankfully, the Oscar-winning actor took the character in a bold new direction. In the films final act, Arthur dons a clown suit and dances down a now iconic stairwell. When he finally makes it to the talk show, he succumbs to his madness and kills host Murray Franklin for the whole world to see. This scene proved that the character can be compelling without Batman in the picture. It also showed us that he can be redefined for a new generation and still be just as scary as previous versions.
#6: The Death of Jason Todd
Batman #427/A Death in the Family (1988)
Joker has committed many terrible acts, but one in particular had a huge effect on Batman and readers alike. In this infamous storyline, the Joker brutally beats Robin, aka Jason Todd, with a crowbar and then leaves him to die in an explosion. This moment revealed a side of the Joker that we hadnt seen before. Killing a core Batman character was also unheard of in this era, making the Joker an instant icon for doing what no one else could. The event was so shocking that it sparked controversy and even pushed DC to shift their stories in a darker direction. Has any villain ever had that big of an impact?
#5: The Interrogation
The Dark Knight (2008)
Few can argue that this solidified one of cinemas greatest rivalries. In a tense interrogation, the Joker lays out his goal: to prove that humanity is inherently chaotic and cruel. He also conveys his deranged affection for Batman, a trait that may have become widely known thanks to this scene. His ability to manipulate is on full display. Even as the Joker is physically beaten, he remains in full control and cant help but laugh about it. In just a few minutes, the Joker was elevated from a comic book supervillain to a pop culture symbol of anarchy. To this day, it remains the gold standard for a compelling Batman and Joker dynamic.
#4: Jokers Eulogy
Batman: The Animated Series (1992-95)
In the episode The Man Who Killed Batman, the Joker believes that a lowly crook finally offed his arch-nemesis. Youd think hed be happy that hes out of the picture. Instead, he holds a funeral lamenting his dream of killing Batman in the funniest way possible. The dialogue reveals a lot about their complex relationship. Despite being enemies, the Joker sees Batman as essential to his life and criminal schemes. This episode is one of the most popular and early depictions of their symbiotic bond. In fact, its so essential that Mark Hamill himself has said that it deepened his understanding of the character.
#3: The Final Laugh
The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
Despite Batmans no-kill rule, the Joker has met his end across various adaptations. One of his deaths takes place in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. Perhaps his most memorable is in the pages of this Frank Miller comic. When Batman comes out of retirement, he inadvertently wakes Joker from his catatonic state. Their final confrontation ends with Batman severely injuring the clown. This doesnt end like your typical hero-villain clash. Refusing to lose again, the Joker snaps his own neck, framing Batman for his murder. This puts him in the crosshairs of both the police and a government-controlled Superman. Its one of the most famous stories where the Joker wins in his own twisted way, cementing his legacy with a victorious laugh.
#2: The Joker Gets Batman to Laugh
Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)
The Joker is known for his comedy and theatrics, but this famous storyline reveals that beneath the clown makeup is a tragic character. In the final pages of the Alan Moore comic, Batman offers to help rehabilitate him. In a brief moment of sanity, Joker sadly declines, saying that he cant change who he is. He then cracks a joke that even the Dark Knight finds amusing. Its an eerie scene that ends with an ambiguous image of Batmans hands around the Joker. This left fans wondering if Batman killed him or if they simply shared a laugh. In any case, Jokers fleeting lucidity actually made us feel bad for him, making this one of the most stand-out chapters in his history.
#1: Why So Serious?
The Dark Knight (2008)
As much as we enjoy a Joker with a sad origin, Heath Ledgers version took a different approach. In a chilling confrontation with the mob boss Gambol, Joker recounts the story behind his scars with a terrifying quote from his father. Its not until later we learn that he was probably lying about his backstory, but that only makes this moment even more intriguing. The three-word phrase has become synonymous with the character, and remains one of the greatest movie quotes of all time. Lets be honest, when most people think of the Joker, theyre likely thinking about this unforgettable line.
Which version of the Joker do you think is the most iconic? Let us know in the comments!
