So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of Gotham’s most notorious villain, the Joker. But if you’re new to the Batman franchise, you might be wondering where to start and what order to watch the movies in.
First things first, who is the Joker?
The Joker is one of the most iconic comic book villains of all time and has been a staple in the Batman franchise since his introduction in Batman #1 back in 1940. He is known for his clown-like appearance, unpredictable behavior, and chaotic nature. The Joker has been portrayed on screen by various actors throughout the years, each bringing their unique take on the character.
Now let’s get into the viewing order.
The Batman franchise has had many iterations over the years, including films, TV shows, and animated series. To fully understand and appreciate the Joker’s character arc and his relationship with Batman, it’s important to watch certain movies in a specific order.
Option 1: Chronological Order
One option is to watch all of the movies chronologically based on their release date. This would mean starting with Tim Burton’s “Batman” from 1989 and ending with “Joker” from 2019.
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Batman Forever (1995)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- Suicide Squad (2016) – while not directly related to Joker or Batman films, it does feature Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker
- Joker (2019)
Watching in chronological order allows you to see the progression of both Batman and the Joker’s characters over time. You can witness how their relationship evolves and see how different actors bring their own interpretations to these iconic roles.
Option 2: The Dark Knight Trilogy
Another option is to focus solely on Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy, which features Christian Bale as Batman and Heath Ledger as the Joker. This trilogy has become a fan favorite and is often considered one of the best superhero movie series ever made.
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
This viewing order allows for a more in-depth look at the relationship between Batman and the Joker, as well as the evolution of Bruce Wayne’s character throughout the series.
Option 3: Standalone Joker
Lastly, there is the option to watch “Joker” as a standalone film. While it is not directly related to any of the Batman movies or TV shows, it provides an origin story for the Joker that delves into his mental state and motivations.
Regardless of which viewing order you choose, it’s important to remember that each iteration of Batman and the Joker brings something unique to their story. The key is to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching one of pop culture’s most iconic rivalries unfold before your eyes.