Though Harley Quinn originated inBatman: The Animated Series, she is now a much bigger part of theDC Universe. Harley has become so popular that she’s both starred in and headlined many shows and films over the past 32 years.Her very first appearance was in theBatman: The Animated Seriesepisode “Joker’s Favor,“where she was played by the late Arleen Sorkin. Per Harley co-creator Paul Dini,Sorkin inspired the characterthrough a dream sequence showing her dressed as a harlequin onDays 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:
Though she was not technically Harley Quinn, Ecco is important to mention. Played by Francesca Root-Dodson, she first appeared inGothamseasons 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 toJack Nicholson’s Joker.Gothamcreated 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 inGotham, currently available to stream on Max and Tubi.
15Birds of Prey
Portrayed By Mia Sara
The very first live-action Harley Quinn was played byFerris Bueller’s Day Offstar Mia Sara in the short-lived seriesBirds 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.
Birds Of Prey 20 Years Later: 10 Comics Characters You Forgot Were In The Series
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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 Preyis streaming for free on Tubi.
14The Lego Batman Movie
Portrayed By Jenny Slate
Harley Quinn’s appearance inThe Lego Batman Moviekeeps her largely relegated to the background. The film primarilyfocuses 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 Moviecan be watched on Max.
13Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Superheroes Unite
Portrayed By Laura Bailey
UnlikeThe Lego Batman Movie, 2013’sLego Batman: The Movie - DC Superheroes Uniteis a direct-to video spinoff of theLego Batmangames. 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 theLego Batmangames.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 Uniteis available to stream for free on Tubi.
12Batman: Caped Crusader
Portrayed By Jamie Chung
Batman: Caped Crusaderis an unusual entry into the Batman canon.The series intentionally tries to bring new and different elements to its characters. As a result,Caped Crusader’sHarley 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 inBirds Of Prey.
DC’s Latest Batman Show Completely Changes Harley Quinn’s Origins & It’s For The Better
DC’s new Batman show puts a unique spin on Harley Quinn that changes her origin story, but takes the character in an interesting direction.
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’sHarley is far from the definitive version, but she is a unique incarnation that is worth checking out for fans of the character.Batman: Caped Crusaderis streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
11Batman Vs. Two-Face
Portrayed By Sirena Irwin
Harley Quinn’s role inBatman & Two-Faceis very small, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its merits.Harleen Quinzel is introduced to theBatman ‘66franchise 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-Faceteased 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 passing caused the Joker’s return to be left as a dangling thread. TheBatman & Two-Facesequel was never made, and this version of Harley didn’t get the Joker team-up she deserved.Batman & Two-Faceis streaming for free on Tubi.
10Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Portrayed By Tara Strong
Harley Quinn made the cut to appear inBatman 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 Turtlesis not included in any streaming services, but it can be rented on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
9DC Superhero Girls
When considering the best versions of Harley Quinn,DC Superhero Girlswouldn’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 Girlsis available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
8Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Portrayed By Meghan Strange And Tara Strong
Batman: The Brave and the Boldputs 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 Jokerfrom 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.BothBatman: The Brave and the BoldandScooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Boldis available to watch on Max.
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 inJoker: 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 thatLee 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.
Does Harley Quinn Exist In Joker 2 Or Is She Just In Arthur’s Mind?
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 Deuxis currently still in theaters.
