Throughout DC’s history, the Joker has done some truly awful things, many of which have been adapted to movies and television shows. The Joker is one of the most infamous villains in comic book history, known for his chaotic and sadistic nature. Over the years, DC movies and TV shows have brought the Joker to life in ways that showcase his cruelty and madness, often going beyond villainy to the downright horrifying.
DC’s animated and live-action universes have provided countless adaptations of the Joker, each presenting a new perspective on his sinister psyche. Across the DC timeline, from Batman: The Animated Series to The Dark Knight and beyond, the Joker has committed atrocities that leave even the most seasoned viewers reeling. His actions often test the limits of morality, forcing his adversaries – especially Batman – to confront impossible choices. Unlike other villains who seek power or revenge, the Joker’s motivations are often rooted in anarchy and the sheer pleasure of causing pain.
One of the Joker’s most notable schemes is threatening to detonate a nuclear bomb in Gotham City, as seen in Batman: The Animated Series. He hijacks a casino and reveals that he has rigged the city with a nuclear device, demanding ransom in exchange for the lives of its citizens. This act exemplifies his love for chaos over any tangible reward.
In the TV series Gotham, the Joker’s origin is explored through the characters of Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska. Jerome, a clear precursor to the Joker, begins as an unstable and sadistic criminal, but his worst act comes when he orchestrates the descent of his twin brother, Jeremiah, into madness. Using a specially designed toxin, Jerome ensures that Jeremiah inherits his own psychotic tendencies, transforming him into a darker and more calculated version of himself.
The Joker’s brutal murder of Jason Todd, the second Robin, is one of his most infamous crimes. In the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood, this horrific event is brought to life with chilling detail. The Joker kidnaps Jason and mercilessly beats him with a crowbar before leaving him to die in an explosion. This act not only robs Batman of his protégé but also leaves him with a profound sense of guilt and failure.
In the movie Injustice, the Joker tricks Superman into killing his pregnant wife, Lois Lane, using a combination of fear toxin and kryptonite-laced gas. This act not only devastates Superman but also drives him to become a tyrannical ruler, fundamentally altering the course of the DC universe.
The Joker’s most infamous act is his paralyzing and assaulting of Barbara Gordon, as seen in The Killing Joke. He shoots her in the spine, leaving her paralyzed, and then subjects her to psychological torture. The Joker photographs Barbara in various states of undress, using these images to torment her father, Commissioner Gordon.
This act is a chilling demonstration of the Joker’s sadism and his ability to inflict both physical and emotional pain. Barbara’s assault is one of the most graphic and unsettling moments in DC’s animated history, sparking debates about the depiction of violence against women in comics and animation. Despite its controversial nature, this moment underscores the Joker’s role as a villain who thrives on pushing his enemies to their breaking points, leaving lasting scars on his victims and their loved ones.
