There are two Joker movies: Joker (2019) and Joker: Folie à Deux (2024). Both were directed by Todd Phillips and star Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. That count covers films released in theaters with the Joker as the title character. The Joker also appears in many Batman films, but those movies are not Joker movies because Batman is the lead and the title refers to him.
Joker Online: A Comprehensive Guide
Joker (2019)
This is the first standalone Joker film. It shows Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian in Gotham City, and his slow break from reality. The movie won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix.
- Pros: Phoenix gives a focused performance. The story works without any prior Batman knowledge. The film is a dark character study with a clear arc.
- Cons: The violence and bleak tone divide viewers. Some critics say it borrows from earlier films like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. It does not connect to the main DC universe.
Use case: Watch Joker if you want a self-contained psychological drama about one man's decline. It is the best starting point for anyone new to the character.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
This sequel continues Arthur Fleck's story. It adds Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn and mixes courtroom drama with musical numbers. The film takes a different approach from the first movie.
- Pros: It follows Arthur's story after the first film. Lady Gaga brings a new energy to Harley Quinn. The musical scenes offer a bold change of style.
- Cons: The film received mixed reviews. The pace is slower. The musical format may not appeal to fans of the first Joker.
Use case: Watch Joker: Folie à Deux if you liked the first film and want to see the next chapter, even if the genre changes.
Other films with the Joker (not Joker movies)
- Batman (1989): Jack Nicholson plays the Joker, but the film is a Batman story.
- The Dark Knight (2008): Heath Ledger's Joker is a supporting antagonist, not the title character.
- Suicide Squad (2016): Jared Leto appears as the Joker in a smaller role.
- Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021): Leto returns in a cameo.
- The Batman (2022): A deleted scene features the Joker, played by Barry Keoghan.
How to count Joker movies
Count only films where the Joker is the title character and the main focus. By that standard, the answer is two. If you count any film where the Joker appears, the number rises to several, but that is a different question. As of 2024, Warner Bros. and DC Studios have not announced a third Joker film.
Quick answer
Two Joker movies exist as of 2024: Joker and Joker: Folie à Deux. Any other count usually includes Batman films or cameo roles.