The Joker is of course the arch-nemesis of Batman, and that fact is undeniable. While the Caped Crusader masquerades as the terrifying bat of the night, the Clown Prince of Crime instead dresses up as a jester, with vibrant clothing and the gadgets to match. The iconic look of the Joker has been etched in cinema history. Audiences have not gotten a full look at Barry Keoghan's rendition yet, but they are excited to see what becomes of the character in the universe of The Batman.
Over the years, there have been plenty of variations of Joker, each of which has brought a unique flavor to both the performance and the wardrobe of the character. Whether it's an over-the-top version, or perhaps a grittier take, these wardrobe choices really helped to sell the ideology of the Arkham Asylum mainstay.
Suicide Squad (2016)
The version of Joker developed for differences from other DC Jokers, left a lot to be desired. While the performance of Jared Leto was mixed, the costumes and general look of the character took quite a large departure from the source material. Most of the attires weren't worth mentioning, but there is one very Joker-esque suit towards the end of the film.
The purple garb complete with a white shirt and matching gloves is absolutely perfect for the character. It plays on the classic look of Joker, even with a small flower, perhaps used to spray acid. The tattoos might have taken away from the look, and it's been outclassed since, but this is a great beginning point to build from, in regards to comic book imagery.
Batman (1966-1968)
Some of the classic villains from the original Batman TV show have boasted looks that feel like they've been drawn from the comics, even if they are a little cheesy and dated. That's the case for the Joker, who was portrayed by Cesar Romero in a thrillingly vibrant and charismatic performance.
The character had to match the fun tone of the world, and the bright greens and purples certainly helped to deliver on that. While a lot of the other costumes in the show looked cheap, there was a slightly more expensive feel to Joker's uniform, which lacked some of the details the character is known for today but still represented the character well. The quality of the fabric certainly helped.
Gotham - Jerome (2014-2019)
There have been a few different evolutions of Joker within the context of the TV show Jerome might have deserved a more fitting ending, the design of his Joker was absolutely inspired but still broke from tradition. He wore a lot of costumes throughout his time.
The most distinctive version of Jerome, played by Cameron Monaghan, featured a tailored red suit with a yellow flower and intricate detailing across the attire. It felt like a Joker who had found his feet, and there was no makeup used to take away from the scarring and smile that became such a distinctive feature of the character. This was really a brilliant yet unique look.
Joker (2019)
Joaquin Phoenix, in one of his best roles, created a different variation of Joker, who didn't fight against Batman in quite the same way, nor was he the kingpin of crime that the character was in the comics. The costume itself, though, was heavily influenced by what's been seen on the page.
The bright colors were carefully chosen, with yellow, green, blue, and red all constituting the primary colors, clashing against one another in a garish fashion. The suit itself feels like the most expensive thing that Arthur has ever bought, and while it hasn't been tricked out, it's not hard to imagine a few blades and other such weapons being sewn in. The costume doesn't quite capture the Joker fans are familiar with, though.
Gotham - Jeremiah (2014-2019)
Jeremiah was the twin of Jerome and the second incarnation of the Joker, played by the same actor. While he briefly boasted a purple costume that really felt accurate to the character, it was his final look that became the most impressive, combining a number of familiar attires.
There's a little bit of every Joker in this costume, from the colors being used to the kind of suit that's been fashioned. The yellow gloves are a brilliant touch, and the prosthetics used to transform Jeremiah into the clown-like monster are nothing short of exceptional. Unfortunately, this incarnation still hasn't become quite as iconic as those that have been featured on the big screen, despite how gorgeous the design is.
Batman (1989)
Jack Nicholson is one of the most famous actors to have taken on the role of Joker and has really left his own unique legacy on the character. The wardrobe for this iteration of the Harlequin of Hate was nothing short of exceptional, with every detail from the flower to the cane thought out with great complexity.
The orange and purple was a combination rarely seen in live-action but worked effectively, while the hat is one of the few times that a headpiece was used and pulled off really well. The grin and white skin of the Joker really pull the look together, and there's no shortage of great gags stored within the costume, much like in the comics.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Heath Ledger's portrayal of Joker is exceptional in every capacity, and the look of the character married into the tone of the film and the type of performance the actor was looking for. There's a realism to the piece and, yet, something quite whimsical with the choice of colors.
There are even a few tricks hidden across the costume, like the knife in the boot, and it all comes together once that longer jacket adorns the wardrobe. Couple this with the unique makeup, and the result is a Joker costume that pays homage to the source material and tells the story of this particular character, all while bringing something new to the table.
