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All 5 Batman and Joker actor pairings ranked from worst to best

By Cody Schultz

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Film goers watch The Dark Knight featuring Heath Ledger during a public tribute outdoor movie night to the late actor at Burswood Park on February 12, 2011 in Perth, Australia. Australian actor Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in the movie The Dark Knight. Ledger died from an accidental toxic combination of prescription drugs on January 22, 2008. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Film goers watch The Dark Knight featuring Heath Ledger during a public tribute outdoor movie night to the late actor at Burswood Park on February 12, 2011 in Perth, Australia. Australian actor Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in the movie The Dark Knight. Ledger died from an accidental toxic combination of prescription drugs on January 22, 2008. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) /
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Batman, Michael Keaton, Batman 1989
Photo: Batman / Warner Bros. Studios, Image Courtesy Fathom Events Press (Batman 80th Anniversary) /

We’ve seen some iconic actors play off one another on the big screen as Batman and The Joker, but who had the best chemistry?

Batman is no stranger to the big screen, having appeared in countless film adaptations over the last several decades.

Within his many appearances, the Dark Knight has faced off against some of his most iconic rogues going head-to-head with the best of the best including The Riddler, Catwoman, The Penguin, Two-Face, Bane, Ra’s al Ghul, Poison Ivy, and more.

While Batman’s conflicts with these rogues were all unique and exciting in their own way, there is no denying that few of these pairings have been able to hold a candle to the magic that has come when Batman faced off against his most iconic adversary: The Joker.

On their own, these are two complex and rich characters who never fail to captivate audiences through their journeys and unique stories. When they come together? Well, that’s when the real magic happens.

Joker has a way of pushing Batman to his limits and getting under his skin in a way no other villain is able to. He challenges Batman and, more often than not, everything he stands for. It’s why those tasked with bringing Batman to the big screen often deliver their best work when writing stories that find Batman at odds with the Joker.

Over the years, we’ve seen Batman and Joker face off in a number of movies with various actors stepping into the iconic roles. These pairings have gifted fans with some of the most iconic performances in comic book cinematic history, with each bringing their own unique spin to the characters’ dynamics. But of the many Batman and Joker pairs we’ve met on the big screen, who holds the title of the best of the best?

Note: For the purpose of this list, we’re currently only looking at the live-action Batman and Joker combos that unfolded on the big screen. It’s for this reason alone that you won’t see the likes of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill or other pairings from any animated features.’

Now, let’s get into the rankings!

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