The sequel to the new Joker film is out this week. In honor of the release, I’m giving my ranking of the previous films to feature a live-action Joker. I have them ranked in order of my preference for the performance in ascending order.

No. 5: Ceasar Romero
About: Romero tackled the role in not only the Batman TV series, but the original film in the 1960s. Of course, this was a different style of film and a different style of world. It’s a little more slapstick. He does a fine job, but it’s not as much my cup of tea.

No. 4: Jared Leto
About: Leto appeared in a couple films as Joker. His Joker is definitely unique, and while I like those films, I’m not sure it has a ton to do with him and this performance. I liked his work in the part more than most, though.

No. 3: Joaquin Phoenix
About: Yes, he won the Academy Award. Yes, he does a nice job. But I really did not enjoy the first Joker film. Still, Phoenix does a nice job in creating the complexity of Arthur Fleck and that laugh is certainly memorable.

No. 2: Jack Nicholson
About: I am a big fan of the Tim Burton Batman film from 1989, where Nicholson had the role of The Joker. His Joker is menacing and memorable, and the closing confrontation with Batman works really well. Nicholson is great in the role.

No. 1: Heath Ledger
About: Ledger was the first to win an Oscar for playing The Joker. He also appears in the best of the Batman films, The Dark Knight. His performance is incredible, and his character is so dynamic. It’s easily the performance of Joker we measure the rest against.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.