Though Harley Quinn originated in Batman: The Animated Series, she is now a much bigger part of the Sorkin inspired the character through a dream sequence showing her dressed as a harlequin on Days Of Our Lives.
Dini explained: “I thought about a character kind of like her persona at the time, which was the snappy, wisecracking blonde." Harley has certainly evolved since her introduction as the Joker's henchwoman, with Margot Robbie, Lady Gaga, and more putting their stamp on the character. However, having so many interpretations brings the question: who did it best? Curated by revisiting previous DC media, here are the film and television adaptations of Harley Quinn ranked:
16 Honorable Mention: Ecco in Gotham
Portrayed By sca Root-Dodson
Though she was not technically Harley Quinn, Ecco is important to mention. Played by sca Root-Dodson, she first appeared in Gotham seasons 4 and 5. Her character serves as an in-universe prototype of the Harley character; "just a sketch, really," if you want to call back to Jack Nicholson's Joker. Gotham created the character largely out of necessity due to not being allowed by DC to use either Harley or the Joker. She recurred in the show's final season as Joker stand-in Jeremiah Valeska's assistant and devotee in much the same was as Harley does for her puddin'.
Aesthetically, Ecco is very similar to Harley, wearing her colors and clown-inspired costumes. Since she isn't Harley, the character doesn't make the cut for the ranking. Check Ecco out in Gotham, currently available to stream on Max and Tubi.
15 Birds of Prey
Portrayed By Mia Sara
The very first live-action Harley Quinn was played by Ferris Bueller's Day Off star Mia Sara in the short-lived series Birds of Prey. This iteration of Harley was the psychiatrist to Helena Wayne, the daughter of Batman and Catwoman. After Helena reveals her secret superhero persona to Harley, the latter conspires to take over New Gotham City and destroy the Birds of Prey. This Harley later becomes a metahuman with hypnotic powers, which is a huge departure from her previous characterization. She's eventually thwarted by the Birds Of Prey, but only after she hypnotizes the entirety of New Gotham City.
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Sara may have brought the character to life in live-action form first, but her portrayal is largely forgotten due to being in an older, less well-known series. Birds of Prey is streaming for free on Tubi.
14 The Lego Batman Movie
Portrayed By Jenny Slate
Harley Quinn's appearance in The Lego Batman Movie keeps her largely relegated to the background. The film primarily focuses on Lego Batman, his family, and his rivalry with the Joker. As a result, Lego Harley, here voiced by Jenny Slate, doesn't have a whole lot to do. However, she's still a fun take on the character, serving as the Joker's loyal henchwoman. Notably, this Harley is the only Batman villain who stands by the Joker throughout his entire plan.
Visually, Lego Harley has a unique design with red and black hair, a domino mask, and roller blades, and she wears a few outfits, such as a nurse's uniform. While Lego Harley doesn't stand out when compared to the other Harleys, she's a fun addition to the list. The Lego Batman Movie can be watched on Max.
13 Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Superheroes Unite
Portrayed By Laura Bailey
Unlike The Lego Batman Movie, 2013's Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Superheroes Unite is a direct-to video spinoff of the Lego Batman games. While it doesn't have the same polish or heart as the former, the movie is a fun watch, particularly for younger viewers. Its Harley gets a leg up for being the same iteration of the character from the Lego Batman games. Once again, though, this Harley has limited agency and is largely tied to the Joker for the whole series.
The games' version of the character scores bonus points for being an accurate portrayal of Harley, evem wearing her iconic jester suit. Her character doesn't evolve much, but her presence adds to the overall experience of the games and films. Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Superheroes Unite is available to stream for free on Tubi.
12 Batman: Caped Crusader
Portrayed By Jamie Chung
Batman: Caped Crusader is an unusual entry into the Batman canon. The series intentionally tries to bring new and different elements to its characters. As a result, Harley is devoid of ties to the Joker. Moreover, creator Bruce Timm intentionally made her the inverse of her previous depictions. Her Harley is grim and intense, while her therapist alter ego is cheerful and lively. Additionally, her motive is to steal from Gotham's elite to benefit the poor. Interestingly, Harley also uses hypnosis to further her goals and treats a Wayne family member in therapy, like in Birds Of Prey.
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Those parallels are likely unintentional, but it's interesting to note similarities between the various Harleys. Unfortunately, that's where the similarities stop; this Harley is missing both the aesthetic and the personality fans love. Caped Crusader's Harley is far from the definitive version, but she is a unique incarnation that is worth checking out for fans of the character. Batman: Caped Crusader is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
11 Batman Vs. Two-Face
Portrayed By Sirena Irwin
Harley Quinn's role in Batman & Two-Face is very small, but that doesn't mean it's without its merits. Harleen Quinzel is introduced to the Batman '66 franchise alongside fellow penitentiary doctor Hugo Strange, which is an interesting choice. Giving Harley connections within the larger Batman world that don't entirely rely on her relationship with the Joker will always be a plus. Speaking of the Joker, Batman & Two-Face teased a more traditional portrayal of Harley in a sequel, with a post-credit scene showing her breaking the Joker out of prison. Sadly, a continuation was not to be.
Adam West's tragic ing caused the Joker's return to be left as a dangling thread. The Batman & Two-Face sequel was never made, and this version of Harley didn't get the Joker team-up she deserved. Batman & Two-Face is streaming for free on Tubi.
10 Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Portrayed By Tara Strong
Harley Quinn made the cut to appear in Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The zany crossover balances the lighthearted Turtles with the serious Batman while incorporating the latter's immense rogue's gallery. Harley herself is again playing second fiddle to the Joker, who is developing a new variant of the Joker toxin. As a result, the climax sees multiple characters become mutated animal hybrids somewhat akin to the Turtles, she becomes a spotted hyena hybrid. Given Harley's history of keeping hyenas as pets, this reference makes her already fun appearance more fitting.
This Harley isn't as impactful as some of the others; however, she's an enjoyable enough addition to the film. Unfortunately, Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is not included in any streaming services, but it can be rented on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
9 DC Superhero Girls
Portrayed By Tara Strong
When considering the best versions of Harley Quinn, DC Superhero Girls wouldn't top most fans' lists. As a series designed specifically for little girls, it features DC heroes and villains attending a high school that trains them to be superheroes. Harley is reimagined as a troublemaker with a penchant for pranks. Her ties to the Joker are removed, and she's less so evil than she is mischievous. Additionally, the series depicts her and Poison Ivy as adorable best friends.
Obviously, this adaptation is one of the less accurate takes on the character, but it's a cutesy version that suits its target audience's needs. DC Superhero Girls is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
8 Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Portrayed By Meghan Strange And Tara Strong
Batman: The Brave and the Bold puts Harley in the all-too-familiar role of helping the Joker. Voiced by Meghan Strange, she only features in a singular story, "Emperor Joker!" from season 2. Even so, a solid character redesign and actual story relevance place her higher on the list. This Harley gets a fun flapper-themed outfit and an achromatic color scheme that ties into the episode's plot. Additionally, Harley is the one who saves the Joker from his equivalent of Bat-mite during the climax of the episode.
Her character later returned for a small cameo in the crossover film, Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold, in which Tara Strong takes over for Strange. Both Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold is available to watch on Max.
7 Joker: Folie à Deux
Portrayed By Lady Gaga
This section contains spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux.
Arguably the most unusual entry on this list, Harley is practically a different character in Joker: Folie à Deux. Instead of being the Joker's psychiatrist, Harley, called "Lee" in this film, is an Arkham inmate like Arthur Fleck. Lee and Arthur form a relationship. The further it progresses, it becomes clear that Lee is more interested in the Joker persona than in Arthur, manipulating the circumstances that fostered their romance. Lee voluntarily committed herself to get close to Arthur, and she repeatedly lies to him to keep their connection going. However, she abandons him after he renounces the Joker mantle.
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Joker: Folie a Deux frequently blurs the line between reality and illusion, but Harley Quinn’s existence is a little bit more complicated.
Lee's change in personality makes her come across less like Harley and more like the Joker's less popular girlfriend, Punchline. Regardless, Lady Gaga is a talented performer, and she is considered a highlight of the film despite being underutilized. Joker: Folie a Deux is currently still in theaters.
