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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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Ben Affleck (Batman / Bruce Wayne) in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max /

5. Ben Affleck and Jared Leto

Let’s be honest, Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman and Jared Leto’s version of the Joker failed to meet fan expectations. The two characters weren’t exactly standouts on their own, so we can’t say we should be surprised the duo were flops together as well.

Call me a hater, but Affleck’s Batman lacked the brooding depth and complexity that fans associate with the character which we had seen in the many adaptations before and even those after. His portrayal veered toward a more aggressive and brutal persona, straying away from the balanced duality that defines Batman and makes him the compelling character we love.

Then there is Leto’s Joker. Leto’s interpretation played up a flamboyant and eccentric gangster persona that fell flat and lacked the psychological terror that fans expect from Joker. The questionable design choices, including that godawful “damaged” forehead tattoo, led to what has been the most disappointing Joker we’ve seen on the big screen.

As both Affleck and Leto’s portrayals fell short of expectations, it’s to be expected that their pairing also led to an underwhelming representation of this iconic duo.

The limited screen time of this Batman-Joker duo hindered the development of their dynamic, with their potential never fully being realized.

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