Who is the best Joker? Ledger or Nicholson?

After watching Batman and The Dark Knight again, not being hyped about Ledger. I found Jack Nicholson to be the better Joker(pleasedon'tkillmehohgod!!!!), seeing as The Dark Knight came out just after(or not too long after, can't remember) Heath Ledger's death, maybe he was a bit overrated?
Don't get me wrong, Ledger is amazing, but i just found Jack to be more creepy. Just my opinion, anyone agree with me?

Who do you think is the best?

As the fan of just about every Joker, I'd say you can't compare them. They're all unique in their own way, so it's impossible to truly define the "best" Joker out of all of them. Personally, I'd say Nicholson was the closest to the comics, if that's what you mean, but Ledger's was completly different, yet a truly remarkably developed one, taking examples from some other versions, but remaining fresh for himself. In terms of voice, it would no doubt be Mark Hamill, since his voice expresses a lot of action, and his laughs are truly memorable. I never grew up wit the 60s version of the tv, but seeing some clips made it look goofy, yet I'm sure that image was acceptable then.

Overall, I think all are great.

Jack's had some very memorable moments, but Heath's clinches it for me. Jack's has the flamboyance, but Heath's has the Batman fixation, which I think is more central to the character.

Of course, if Mark Hamill were on the list he'd have my vote, and be winning by a country mile.

Where's Mark Hamill on that list?

I love all the Jokers, even Romero, but I have to go with Nicholson. He was closest to the comics, yet he was still original. He also has some of the most memorable lines in any movie I've seen.

"Where does he get those wonderful toys?"
"You can call me... Joker. And as you can see, I'm a lot happier."
"I have given a name to my pain, and it is Batman."
"I now do what other people only dream. I make art until someone dies. See? I am the world's first fully functioning homicidal artist."
"He stole my balloons!"

Mark Hamill

for the reasons other people put, plus he was my first joker.

Nicholson's Joker was creepy, but Ledger's joker was just downright terrifying. So Ledger all the way. Makes Nocholson look like Romero.

Why the hell isn't Mark Hamil on that list.

He plays the role the best by far.

Originally Posted by Black Magician Girl

Where's Mark Hamill on that list?

I love all the Jokers, even Romero, but I have to go with Nicholson. He was closest to the comics, yet he was still original. He also has some of the most memorable lines in any movie I've seen.

"Where does he get those wonderful toys?"
"You can call me... Joker. And as you can see, I'm a lot happier."
"I have given a name to my pain, and it is Batman."
"I now do what other people only dream. I make art until someone dies. See? I am the world's first fully functioning homicidal artist."
"He stole my balloons!"

You missed "Oh, I got a live one here!"

To add to the list: Mark Hamill. Easily. No contest.

Read *the* definitive Joker story: The Killing Joke. First, read it in Heath Ledger's Joker voice. It works, no question. But now read it in Mark Hamill's Joker voice. It's perfect. Exactly what the character was clearly meant to sound like.

Heath Ledger, of course! I love the realistic, frightening portrayal he gave.

You must state why you chose whoever it is you chose if you want your post to stick around.

Originally Posted by CWP

You missed "Oh, I got a live one here!"

The best one was "I'm glad you're dead!"

Twilight Joker is the best joker! ^_^

Ah I vote for Heath Ledger. >_>

OMG this is a contest?!? It's obvious that Heath Ledger is the best. He makes the Joker seem funny yet disturbing at the same time! ANd believe me that is hard to pull off!

Originally Posted by Sailboat

Why the hell isn't Mark Hamil on that list.

He plays the role the best by far.

Yeah i would have to agree. Hamill was not only a classic, but he brought the Joker to life like no other actor could. Ledger and Nicholson were both good, but Hamill takes the cake.

Heath Ledger has got the acting down and Hamill's got the voice. It's hard to decide between the 2.

The lack of Nicholson votes is depressing. How many of you scrubs have actually seen the Tim Burton Batman film? If not, you shouldn't let the recent hype of the latest Batman film sway you. Analyze the two a lot deeper.

First of all I choose Ledger.... but NOT because I think he was a better actor. Both movies were presented differently. Tim Burton's Batman was more of a super-heroey, good-guy vs. bad-guy thing. Nolan's Dark Knight, however was a more realistic, mature, insightful film.

Where as Nicholson's Joker was portrayed more as a clown who really couldn't be taken seriously(make no mistake, he was GREAT), Ledger's Joker was more of an evil, mysterious, overall threatening character. Ledger's Joker was who flat out doesn't care. He answers to no one, and has no fears. The type of guy who wreaks havoc for the sake of wreaking havoc.

It was more about how the scripts and storyline were written, rather than the actors who played Joker. Nicholson's Joker would not have worked for the Dark Knight, and likewise, Ledger's Joker would not have worked in Batman.

They were both good in their respective films, but because I liked the Dark Knight better, Ledger automatically takes the win.

Not the biggest fan of Batman, and haven't seen many other performances, but knowing what the Joker is supposed to be like, I have to admit I was very, VERY surprised with Heath Ledger's performance. At first I thought it was overhyped because he died (sadly), so I was like "meh, maybe it's just a good performance". But I finally watched it, and was amazed with his performance. He was dark, sinister, clever, and still functioned as the perfect madman who will kill just about anything to get anything done.

I also loved the trick he pulled off in the movie with the pen. That, alone, made me like his character.

Jack Nicholson is the best joker. Heath Ledger was "meh", then again the new batman movies are "meh" too.

Change Christian Bale already! He sucks! - (best Batman = Michael Keaton)