The question of “how many movies of Joker are there” isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Currently, there are two standalone films specifically centered on the character of the Joker: Joker (2019) and Joker: Folie à Deux (2024). However, the Joker has appeared as a prominent antagonist or supporting character in numerous other DC Comics films, making a precise count dependent on definitional criteria.
The Standalone Jokers: Origin and Evolution
The two films that unequivocally qualify as “Joker movies” are those that focus primarily on the Joker’s character arc, exploring his origins and motivations in detail.
Joker (2019): A Descent into Madness
Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Joker (2019) presents an origin story for Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill aspiring comedian whose life spirals into violence and chaos in 1980s Gotham City. This film is notable for its gritty realism, its focus on the societal factors contributing to Fleck’s transformation, and Phoenix’s Oscar-winning performance. Joker exists outside of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) continuity, offering a completely independent interpretation of the character. Its success prompted Warner Bros. to greenlight a sequel.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024): A Musical Mayhem
The highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, also directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, promises a drastically different experience. Early trailers suggest a musical element interwoven with the psychological drama, co-starring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. This film will further explore the Joker’s psyche and his relationship with Harley Quinn, presumably inside the walls of Arkham Asylum. Its release is generating substantial buzz and speculation about its narrative direction and musical style. This film will likely cement Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker as a defining interpretation for a generation.
The Wider DC Universe: Joker’s Appearances Beyond Standalone Films
Beyond these two standalone films, the Joker has been a pivotal figure in numerous other DC Comics movies, albeit not as the central protagonist. These appearances significantly contribute to the character’s overall cinematic history.
Defining “Joker Movie”: A Matter of Perspective
Whether these films “count” as “Joker movies” depends on the definition being used. If the criterion is a movie primarily about the Joker, then the list remains at two. However, if any film featuring a significant appearance by the Joker qualifies, the count expands considerably. The Joker’s portrayal can vary drastically between these appearances, contributing to the multifaceted and often contradictory nature of the character.
Notable Appearances in Batman Films
The Joker has been a recurring antagonist in the Batman film franchise. His most iconic appearances include:
- Jack Nicholson in Batman (1989): Nicholson’s portrayal is a classic, blending dark humor with operatic villainy. His Joker is a flamboyant gangster with a penchant for chaos and theatricality.
- Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008): Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance redefined the Joker for a new generation. His Joker is an agent of anarchy, driven by a nihilistic philosophy and a desire to expose the inherent corruption in society.
- Jared Leto in Suicide Squad (2016) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021): Leto’s portrayal was controversial, featuring a heavily tattooed, gangster-inspired Joker. His appearances are generally considered less impactful than Nicholson’s or Ledger’s.
These films, while not solely focused on the Joker, contribute significantly to his overall cinematic legacy and offer diverse interpretations of the character.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Joker’s Cinematic History
The complexity of the Joker’s appearances in film often leads to numerous questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
Q1: Will there be more Joker movies after Joker: Folie à Deux?
The future of the Joker franchise beyond Joker: Folie à Deux is currently unknown. Warner Bros. has not officially announced any further sequels. The success of the sequel will undoubtedly influence any future decisions regarding the franchise. However, given the success of the first film, it is highly probable that more installments will be considered.
Q2: Is the Joker in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)?
The character of the Joker has appeared in the DCEU, portrayed by Jared Leto in Suicide Squad (2016) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021). However, the Joker (2019) film and Joker: Folie à Deux are not part of the DCEU and exist in their own separate continuity.
Q3: Why are there so many different versions of the Joker?
The Joker’s enduring popularity lies in his malleability. Different writers and actors have brought their unique interpretations to the character, reflecting different societal anxieties and artistic visions. The lack of a definitive origin story in the comics allows for creative freedom in his cinematic portrayals.
Q4: Who owns the rights to the Joker character?
DC Comics, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, owns the rights to the Joker character. This allows them to create and distribute films, comics, and other media featuring the character.
Q5: Which Joker actor is considered the best?
The “best” Joker actor is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Heath Ledger is often cited as the best due to his intense and unsettling performance in The Dark Knight. However, Jack Nicholson’s portrayal remains iconic, and Joaquin Phoenix’s version has also garnered widespread acclaim.
Q6: Is Harley Quinn in Joker (2019)?
No, Harley Quinn does not appear in Joker (2019). She is a central character in Joker: Folie à Deux.
Q7: What is “Folie à Deux” and why is it the title of the sequel?
“Folie à Deux” is a rare psychiatric syndrome in which two or more individuals share the same delusional beliefs. The title suggests that Joker: Folie à Deux will explore the shared psychosis between the Joker and Harley Quinn.
Q8: Is Joker: Folie à Deux a musical?
While not definitively confirmed as a full-fledged musical, trailers suggest significant musical elements interwoven into the narrative of Joker: Folie à Deux.
Q9: Where can I watch the Joker movies?
Joker (2019) is available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. Availability may vary depending on your region. Joker: Folie à Deux will be released in theaters on October 4, 2024.
Q10: How do the Joker’s appearances in animated movies factor in?
The Joker has also appeared in numerous animated movies and series. While these are not technically “live-action Joker movies,” they contribute significantly to the character’s overall cultural impact and should be considered when discussing the Joker’s influence. Examples include Batman: The Animated Series and Batman: Under the Red Hood.
Q11: What is the future of the DCEU Joker after the changes at Warner Bros.?
The future of Jared Leto’s Joker within the revamped DC Universe (formerly DCEU) under James Gunn and Peter Safran is currently uncertain. It’s possible he will be recast or his storyline may be discontinued. New movies will likely feature a new iteration of the Joker.
Q12: Does each Joker movie exist in its own separate universe?
Not every Joker movie exists in its own separate universe. For instance, Suicide Squad and Zack Snyder’s Justice League both occur within the original DCEU continuity. However, Joker (2019) and Joker: Folie à Deux exist outside of any established cinematic universe, operating as standalone stories. This separation allows for greater creative freedom and distinct interpretations of the character.
By acknowledging both the dedicated Joker films and his influential appearances in other DC properties, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the Clown Prince of Crime’s remarkable cinematic legacy. The character’s enduring appeal ensures that the question of “how many Joker movies are there” will continue to evolve as new interpretations emerge on the big screen.