Which Batman and Joker Are The Best?

Hello my friends. This is an interesting post. Here I have analyzed all the definitive Batmans and Joker of each generation for the theatrically released films. Yes that even includes Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill`s interpretations because of Mask of the Phantasm. With that said, let us see who I think is the best incarnation of each character.

Adam West/Cesar Romero (1966-1968)

The 1960s tv show obviously has a flair of comedic theatre aka commedia dell’arte which I have recently learned about through my schooling in acting (wink wink). Joker is a dead wringer to Arlecchinno while Batman is the counterpart to Il Capitano. It is easy to see that Romero influenced Hamill. It is also interesting hearing joker with an English RP dialect, another thing I learned in my acting program at school (wink). The 1960s show is like cartoons brought to life. It`s definitely silly but also knows when to be serious. Most definitely a product of its time and it works. Unfortunately because it’s a product of its time, it lacks what can make Batman come more to life but must be recognized for setting the foundation.

Michael Keaton/Jack Nicholson (Kilmer/Clooney) (1989-1997)

Now we get darker. Keaton is very iconic, more brooding and is undoubtedly a killer which makes him a badass. He’s iconic for his time. Same as Nicholson, the prankster. He’s theatrical and flamboyant. He’s not maniacal, and is composed in relation to Ledger. Since Kilmer and Clooney are in the same continuity, they’ll be counted here. Kilmer is easily the worst because of his deadpan delivery. I think there is unfair judgment towards Clooney because he definitely was charming but the style and tone of the film was unmatching for him. He ‘s too suave. Not a good fit but not his fault and I would not say he was bad.

Kevin Conroy/Mark Hamill (1992-1999)

So like I said, I watched Mask of the Phantasm. It is hard to compare animated versions to live action. These two are the definitive animated incarnations of their characters. Conroy has a piercing tone and edge to his voice that embody an agent of the night, someone you don’t want to cross and intimidating. Imagine Batman as your dad- dad energy but badass dad energy. Joker is easily Mark Hamill’s definitive voice role. He sounds crazed and unhinged but also intelligent. He’s crazy but not insane to the point he’s pure untamed chaos. He’s methodical and the perfect bane to Batman. He’s Batman if he went crazy. Mark Hamill does brilliant with the laughs which make you afraid of what he’ll do next. Unpredictable.

Christian Bale/Heath Ledger (2005-2012)

Bale makes play for a good businessman, and charming. He’s a great Bruce Wayne and a good Batman. He has the physicality. He’s a better Bruce than Keaton in my opinion and a better Batman because he went hard in Dark Knight. He’s got a level of coolness. Joker evolved from Romero to Nicholson to Ledger. Ledger is a psychopath, ruthless, intimidating, intelligent, calculating, chaotic, and the most rounded Joker. Very stylistic and unique and added onto Nicholson’s incarnation.

Affleck/Leto (2016-2023)

Batman v Superman, Justice League, and Suicide Squad. The physically largest incarnation of Batman. Largest suit which makes it look like his hits would hurt. Batfleck is edgy, angry, ruthless, and scary. He just may be the best Batman. Batfleck is based on the Dark Knight Returns graphic novel version by Frank Miller. He’s more grizzled and he’s been there and done that. Experienced. Alfred himself said he turned cruel from feeling powerless. I appreciate the edgy take on both Alfred and Batman. We see Batfleck staying fit and may be to date the best and only workout montage of a live-action theatrical Batman. Now Leto’s joker, what even is that? Not Joker, let me tell you. Just a gangster who literally emulates a clown with flashy apparel, green hair, makeup, and grill with a tattoo on his forehead. He wasn’t even a secondary character in Suicide Squad and he’s memorable for all the wrong reasons, otherwise it’s a very forgettable role and does nothing in JL.

Battinson/Phoenix (2019/2022)

The noir aspect along with the whodunnit and the tone of groundedness really worked for this Battinson’s version. It’s even more realistic than Nolan’s version who already broke ground. It’s psychological. The voiceover adds the element of detective which is essentially who Batman is. Now, if we really think about it, Joaquin Phoenix’s character is not truly a Joker. He’s nothing alike to the original Joker and I don’t think it’s accurate to say that he is an adaptation of Joker. This character is Arthur Fleck. The title of the movie shares the same name as the comic book character but it’s more appropriate to say that Arthur is inspired by Joker, not an adaptation of Joker himself. Arthur Fleck has elements of the sad clown. He’s very human. The most human of all the Jokers here. A nerve was touched when Thomas Wayne calls Arthur a coward on live tv for murdering the 3 men. Arthur is ridiculed by everyone to no end and that isolation and being shunned by society makes him snap. He gets no help or support from anyone for the mental health he struggles with. I don’t condone or justify him killing Murray but the man had enough. But him not seeming remorseful…..we know the man has the capacity to care so he’s not a sociopath but perhaps the message is indicative that when push comes to shove, how far will one go when it comes to committing an action?

Well amigos, the verdict is in. And the results for best Joker is……………Heath Ledger but the case can be made that Hamill edges over but JUST BARELY. Extremely neck and neck. Now for best Batman…….this is tougher. Drum roll please………….it was close between choosing between Battinson or Conroy but the decision is Conroy. Why? While both of them have the detective element to them and the noir and dark atmospheres, Conroy is more seasoned and we see him in action ALOT longer. Battinson is still finding his footing. Bale would have to come third and Batfleck 4th. Why? Because with Bale we see both Bruce Wayne and Batman whereas with Batfleck it’s basically just Batman. We got to spend a whole trilogy with Bale whereas with Batfleck his presence and characterization was more limited. In terms of the other Batmans, Keaton is the last Batman I care about and the other can fall in line wherever. With Jokers it would have to be Nicholson, Phoenix, Romero, and Leto in last. Have a good night my friends.