12 most polarizing DC characters ranked

3. Joker

This is low-hanging fruit since this is a big bad, but I’m picking it. There’s no denying the Joker is a fan favorite — let’s face it, he’s also one of the most hated DC characters for a reason. Sure, charismatic and unpredictable, but underneath that maniacal grin lies a dark side that’s hard to ignore. The dude is over the top when it comes to chaos and destruction.

For those who romanticize the Harley Quinn and Joker duo, it’s high time to scrutinize their relationship dynamics. The Joker’s abuse towards Harley is glaring, casting a disturbing shadow over their so-called “love story.” It’s a toxic partnership that’s far from the twisted romance some try to paint it as. And let’s not forget his heinous act of paralyzing Barbara Gordon – a villainous move that still raises eyebrows.

The Joker is a symbol of chaos whose actions rocked the foundation of the DC Universe one too many times. He’s not one of the villains that’s easy to empathize with. Of course, he has a tragic backstory of a comic who tried but failed to make it. He got caught up with the wrong crowd and dropped in acid then BAM.

And then there’s a movie like The Joker which will only help with his popularity and bring forth the complex conversation about becoming the product of your environment. No matter how you slice it, it’s hard to like a guy that uses his past to justify some sick actions.