Although Harley Quinn was born in Batman: The Animated Seriesshe’s a much bigger part now DC Universe. Harley has become so popular that she has starred in and headlined many shows and movies over the past 32 years. Her first appearance was in Batman: The Animated Series episode “Joker’s Favor” where she was played by the late Arlene Sorkin. According to Harley co-creator Paul Dini, Sorkin inspired the character through a dream scene in which she is dressed as a harlequin. Days of our lives.
Dini explained: “At the time, I was thinking of a character similar to her personality – an edgy and witty blonde.Harley has certainly changed since she appeared as the Joker’s henchwoman, with Margot Robbie, Lady Gaga and many others leaving their mark on the character. However, having so many interpretations begs the question: who did it best? Curator, revisiting previous DC media, Here is a ranking of film and television adaptations of Harley Quinn:
16
Honorable Mention: Ecco in Gotham
Played by Francesca Root-Dodson
While she wasn’t technically Harley Quinn, it’s important to mention Ecco. Played by Francesca Root-Dodson, she first appeared in Gotham seasons 4 and 5. Her character serves as the in-universe inspiration for Harley’s character; “just a sketch, really” if you want to call back Jack Nicholson’s Joker. Gotham created the character largely out of necessity due to DC not allowing him to use either Harley or the Joker. She reappeared in the show’s final season as Joker Jeremy Valeska’s sidekick and devotee, much like Harley does for her pudding.
Aesthetically, Ecco is very similar to Harley, wearing her colors and clown-themed costumes. Since she is not Harley, the character is not ranked. Visit Ecco at Gothamis currently available to stream on Max and Tubi.
15
Birds of Prey
As Mia Sara
Played the very first live-action Harley Quinn Ferris Bueller’s Day Off star Mia Sara in the short-lived series Birds of Prey. This version of Harley was the psychiatrist of Helena Wayne, the daughter of Batman and Catwoman. After Helena reveals her secret superhero identity 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 was eventually thwarted by the Birds of Prey, but only after she had hypnotized all of New Gotham City.
Sarah may have first brought the character to life in live-action form, but her portrayal has been largely forgotten due to it being in an older, lesser-known series. Birds of Prey streaming for free on Tubi.
14
Lego Batman Movie
As Jenny Slate
Harley Quinn’s appearance Lego Batman Movie keeps her largely in the background. The film focuses on Lego Batman, his family, and his rivalry with the Joker. As a result, Lego Harley, voiced here by Jenny Slate, doesn’t have much to do. However, she still makes for a fun take on the character, serving as the Joker’s loyal henchwoman. Notably, this Harley is the only Batman villain who supports the Joker throughout his plan.
Visually, Lego Harley has a unique design with red and black hair, a domino mask and roller skates, and she wears several outfits such as a nurse’s uniform. While Lego Harley doesn’t stand out from other Harleys, it is a fun addition to this list. Lego Batman Movie You can watch it on Max.
13
Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite
As Laura Bailey
Unlike Lego Batman Movie2013s Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite is direct video output Lego Batman games. While it doesn’t have the same polish and heart as the first, the film is enjoyable, especially for younger viewers. His Harley gets the benefit of being the same iteration of the character from Lego Batman games. However, again, this Harley has limited agency and is pretty much tied to the Joker throughout the series.
The game’s version of the character gets bonus points for accurately portraying Harley, even wearing her iconic jester costume. Her character doesn’t develop much, but her presence enhances 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: The Caped Crusader
Portrayed by Jamie Chung
Batman: The Caped Crusader is an unusual entry in the Batman canon. The series deliberately tries to bring new and different elements to its characters. As a result, Crusader’s Cloak Harley is deprived of ties to the Joker. Moreover, creator Bruce Timm intentionally made her the opposite of her previous portrayals. Her Harley is dark and intense, while her therapist alter ego is fun and lively. Additionally, her motive is to rob Gotham’s elite to benefit the poor. Interestingly, Harley also uses hypnosis to achieve her goals and treats a Wayne family member in therapy, as in Birds of Prey.
These parallels are likely unintentional, but it is interesting to note the similarities between the various Harleys. Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities end; This Harley lacks both the aesthetics and personality that fans love. Crusader’s Cloak Harley is far from the final version, but she is a unique incarnation that is worth checking out for fans of the character. Batman: The Caped Crusader streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
11
Batman Vs. Two-Face
As Sirena Irvine
Harley Quinn’s role in Batman and Two-Face very small, but this does not mean that it is devoid of its merits. Harleen Quinzel meets Batman ’66 franchise alongside fellow prison doctor Hugo Strangewhich is an interesting choice. Having Harley’s connections in the larger Batman world that aren’t entirely dependent on her relationship with the Joker will always be a plus. Speaking of Joker, Batman and Two-Face teased a more traditional portrayal of Harley in the sequel with a post-credits scene showing her breaking the Joker out of prison. Unfortunately, there was no continuation.
The tragic death of Adam West has left the Joker’s return a dangling thread. Batman and Two-Face a sequel was never made and this version of Harley didn’t get the Joker cast she deserved. Batman and Two-Face streaming for free on Tubi.
10
Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
As Tara Strong
Harley Quinn was able to appear in Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The crazy crossover balances the light-hearted Turtles with the serious Batman, while also incorporating a huge rogues’ gallery. Harley herself again plays second fiddle to the Joker, who develops a new variant of the Joker toxin. As a result, at the climax, several characters become mutated animal hybrids somewhat similar to turtles, and she becomes a spotted hyena hybrid. Considering Harley’s history of keeping hyenas as pets, this reference makes her already funny appearance more fitting.
This Harley isn’t as flashy as some others; however, she is a pleasant enough addition to the film. Unfortunately, Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles not included in any streaming servicebut it can be rented on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home and Apple TV.
9
DC Superhero Girls
As Tara Strong
Looking at the best versions of Harley Quinn, DC Superhero Girls wouldn’t top most fans’ lists. In the series, created specifically for little girls, DC’s heroes and villains attend a high school where they are taught to be superheroes. Harley appears as a troublemaker with a penchant for playing pranks. Her ties to the Joker are severed, and she’s not so much evil as she is mischievous. Additionally, the series portrays her and Poison Ivy as adorable best friends.
Obviously this adaptation is one of the less faithful takes on the character, but it is a fun version that suits the needs of the target audience. DC Superhero Girls available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
8
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Starring Meghan Strange and Tara Strong
Batman: The Brave and the Bold puts Harley in the all-too-familiar role of Joker’s sidekick. Voiced by Megan Strange, she only appears in a single story, “Emperor Joker!” from the second season. Despite this, the solid character redesign and the actual relevance of the story puts it higher on the list. This Harley gets a fun flapper-themed outfit and an achromatic color scheme that fits with the episode’s plot. Besides, Harley is the one who saves the Joker from his Bat-Mite equivalent during the episode’s climax.
Her character later returned in a small cameo role in the crossover film. Scooby-Doo! and Batman: The Brave and the Boldin which Tara Strong will replace Strange. Both Batman: The Brave and the Bold And Scooby-Doo! and Batman: The Brave and the Bold available for viewing on Max.
7
Joker: Folie à Deux
As Lady Gaga
This section contains spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux.
Perhaps the most unusual entry on this list. Harley is almost a different character. 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. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Lee is more interested in the Joker character than in Arthur manipulating the circumstances that contributed to their romance. Leigh has willingly taken it upon herself to become closer to Arthur, and she repeatedly lies to him in order to maintain their connection. However, she leaves him after he gives up the Joker mantle.
Lee’s personality change makes her look less like Harley and more like the Joker’s less popular girlfriend, Punchline. Despite this, Lady Gaga is a talented performer and is considered the highlight of the film despite being underused. Joker: Folie a Deux is currently still in theaters.
6
DC Animated Film Universe
Actors Hynden Walch and Tara Strong
The DC animated film universe is growing, so it’s no surprise that Harley Quinn appears a couple of times. In particular, she appears in Suicide Squad: Hell’s Toll And Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. Both films show Harley in her anti-hero era as part of Task Force X. Additionally, this film Harley eventually assumes leadership of Task Force X. after the death of Amanda Waller. By this point, Harley becomes much more heroic and is even willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good.
With fun character designs and memorable lines, DCAMU’s Harley is a solid adaptation of the character. She is a more modern interpretation of the character than the classic henchwoman. WITHSuicide Squad: Hell’s Toll can be purchased or rented on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home and Apple TV, and Justice League Dark: Apokolips War available at Max.
5
Batman
Portrayed by Hynden Walch
Possibly controversial placement, Batman Harley Quinn was the first version of the character to receive a major overhaul. Instead of meeting the Joker by being his psychiatrist, Harley is a TV personality hosting a psychology talk show. She and the Joker meet after she publicly loses her job, and then their relationship blossoms as they hatch a plan for revenge. Harley remains the Joker’s henchwoman for the rest of the series.
The decision to include Harley in this series was also important because it helped establish the belief that she would not be a relic of the past. Batman: The Animated Seriesbut a vital antagonist to Batman.
Although Batman Harley isn’t reinventing the wheel, her story is a good example of how to take the core components of her character and create something new. The decision to include Harley in this series was also important because it helped establish the belief that she would not be a relic of the past. Batman: The Animated Seriesbut a vital antagonist to Batman. Batman available to stream on Netflix and Max.
4
Batman: Assault on Arkham (and the Arkham Universe)
Portrayed by Hynden Walch
Set in the same continuity as Batman: Arkham games, Batman: Assault on Arkham sees Harley Quinn on a mission with Task Force X to take down the Riddler. The film depicts a love triangle. Harley seduces Deadshot and uses him to make Mister J jealous. Surprisingly, it works – which is unusual in their shared stories – and the Joker takes every opportunity to fight Deadshot. Although Harley decides to stay with the Joker throughout this time, the film focuses on showing her indecision and anxiety in the relationship.
Batman: Assault on Arkham creates a compelling story around Harley. Likewise, Arkham Games provide Harley with a lot of screen time. Because the franchise is a spiritual successor to the Batman Animated Series., this version of Harley is just as chaotic and memorable as her cartoon counterpart. Batman: Assault on Arkham watch for free on Tubi.
3
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series
As Kaley Cuoco
Possibly the penultimate Harley Quinn introduction of the 2010s, the series of the same name stars Kaley Cuoco as the fiercest and most irreverent Harley ever created. The series begins with Harley giving up her relationship with the Joker and relying on Poison Ivy to help her get through her heartbreak. Her goal is to make a name for herself as a villain without the Joker. For all her abrasive behavior and crude humor, Harley has a big heart. Harley Quinn doesn’t shy away from exploring why she fell in love with someone like the Joker and the psychological effects of abuse.
Moreover, the most special aspect of this episode is that it allows Harley to move on. She and Ivy have a twisted but exciting romance that’s much healthier, and seeing Harley with a partner who appreciates her is a highlight of the series. Harley Quinn available to stream on Max.
2
DC Extended Universe
As Margot Robbie
The DCEU has been riddled with hits and misses, including in 2016. Suicide Squad. Unfortunately, this film marked Margot Robbie’s first appearance as Harley Quinn. Like Assault on Arkham, Suicide Squad puts Harley Quinn on Task Force X and the Joker foils her mission. Her next appearance was in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)in which she reeled after breaking up with the Joker. The Joker’s lack of protection leads criminals to pursue Harley, and she ends up with an unlikely team of heroes, including Huntress and Black Canary.
Harley will return once again for James Gunn. Suicide Squadonce again a member of Task Force X. This film was better received than the previous two and finally gave Robbie a film worthy of her performance. Robbie is loved as Harley Quinn because she exudes the character’s charming yet chaotic personality. Birds of Prey and Suicide Squad are available on Max, and Suicide Squad available on Netflix and Max.
1
DC Animated Universe
Starring: Arlene Sorkin, Tara Strong and Melissa Raunch.
Despite how much Harley Quinn has grown as a character, none of this would have been possible without a strong foundation. Batman: The Animated Series built. In the original series, Harley is depicted as the Joker’s henchwoman and girlfriend, whom he is abusive towards. Subsequent DCAU shows further clarify their dynamic by showing how the Joker manipulated Harley into becoming a criminal and falling in love with him. It is noteworthy that Harley is usually portrayed as sympathetic, and even Batman himself expresses concern for her. Additionally, Harley and Ivy’s romance only exists because of their strong friendship in Batman: The Animated Series.
Harley’s introduction to DC was memorable from the very first episode. Her striking appearance and unique voice set her apart from other disposable lackey villains, but what truly made her iconic was the love and care put into her character. See where her story begins Batman: The Animated Series on Max or Amazon Prime Video.
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