Although Harley Quinn originated in Batman: The Animated SeriesShe is now a much bigger part of that DC Universe. Harley has become so popular that she has both starred in and headlined numerous shows and films over the past 32 years. Her very first appearance was in the Batman: The Animated Series Episode “Joker’s Favor,” where she was played by the late Arlin Sorkin. Per Harley co-creator Paul Dini, Sorkin inspired the character through a dream sequence that shows her dressed as a Harlequin on Days of our lives.
Dini explained: “I was thinking about a character like her persona at the time, which was the snappy, smart 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 begs the question: Who did it best? Media, Here are the film and TV adaptations of Harley Quinn ranked:
16
Honorable mention: Echo in Gotham
Portrayed by Francesca Root-Dodson
Although she’s not technically Harley Quinn, Ecco is worth mentioning. Played by Francesca Root-Dodson, she first appeared in Gotham Seasons 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 Jack Nicholson’s Joker. Gotham Created this character largely out of necessity because the DC wasn’t allowed to use either Harley or the Joker. She recurred in the last season of the show as Joker standing in for Jeremiah Valeska’s assistant and devotee in much the same way Harley does for her puddin’.
Aesthetically, Ecco is very similar to Harley, wearing her colors and clown-inspired costumes. Since she’s not Harley, the character doesn’t make the cut for the ranking. Check out Ecco GothamCurrently available to stream on Max and Tube.
15
Birds of prey
Portrayed by Mia Sara
The very first live-action Harley Quinn was played by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Mia Sara stars in the short-lived series Birds 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 Bird of Prey. Harley later becomes a metahuman with hypnotic powers, Which is a huge departure from her previous characterization. She is eventually thwarted by the Birds of Prey, but only after she hypnotizes all of New Gotham City.
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Sara may have brought the character to life in live-action form first, but her portrayal has been largely forgotten due to being in an older, lesser-known series. Birds of prey is streaming for free on tubei.
14
The Lego Batman Movie
Portrayed by Jenny Slate
Harley Quinn’s appearance in The Lego Batman Movie Keeps you largely relegated to the background. The film focuses primarily on Lego Batman, his family, and his rivalry with the Joker. As a result, Lego Harley, here voiced by Jenny Slate, doesn’t have much to do. However, she is 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 during his entire run.
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. Although Lego Harley doesn’t stand out when compared to the other Harleys, she is a fun addition to the list. The Lego Batman Movie Can be watched on Max.
13
Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite
Portrayed by Laura Bailey
Not similar The Lego Batman Movie2013s Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Superheroes Unite is a direct-to-video spinoff of the Lego Batman Games. While it doesn’t have the same polish or heart as the former, this movie is a fun watch, especially for younger viewers. His Harley gets a leg up for being the same iteration of the character of the Lego Batman Games. Again, however, this Harley has limited agency and is largely tied to the Joker for the entire series.
The game version of the character scores bonus points for being an accurate portrayal of Harley, 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 Unite is available to stream for free on YouTube.
12
Batman: Caped Crusader
Portrayed by Jamie Chung
Batman: 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, Caped Crusader’s Harley is no match for the Joker. Furthermore, creator Bruce Timm deliberately made her the opposite of her previous depictions. Her Harley is rough and intense, while her therapist alter ego is cheerful and lively. Furthermore, 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, as in Birds of prey.
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The parallels are likely unintentional, but it is interesting to note similarities between the various Harleys. Unfortunately, the similarities end there; This Harley is missing both the aesthetic and the personality fans love. Caped Crusader’s Harley is far from the definitive version, but she’s a unique incarnation worth checking out for fans of the character. Batman: Caped Crusader is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
11
Batman Vs. Two-faced
Portrayed by Serena Irwin
Harley Quinn’s role in Batman and Two-Face Is very small, but that does not mean that it is without its merits. Harleen Quinzel was introduced to the Batman ’66 Franchise alongside fellow penitentiary doctor Hugo StrangeWhich is an interesting choice. Giving Harley connections in the larger Batman world that don’t completely rely on her relationship with the Joker will always be a plus. Speaking of the Joker, Batman and Two-Face A more traditional portrayal of Harley was teased in a sequel, with a post-credits scene showing her breaking the Joker out of prison. Unfortunately, there was no sequel.
The tragic passing of Adam West led to the return of the Joker being left as a dangling thread. The Batman and Two-Face A sequel was never made, and this version of Harley didn’t get the Joker team-up she deserved. Batman and Two-Face is streaming for free on tubei.
10
Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Portrayed by Tara Strong
Harley Quinn made the cut to appear in Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The zany crossover balances the lighthearted Turtles with the serious Batman while incorporating the latest in the mighty rogues gallery. Harley herself is once 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 hybrid. Given Harley’s history of loving hyenas as pets, this reference makes her already fun appearance more fitting.
This Harley is not as impressive as some of the others; However, she is a nice enough addition to the film. unfortunately, Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Is not included in any streaming servicesBut it can be rented on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home and Apple TV.
9
DC Superhero Girls
Portrayed by Tara Strong
When considering the best versions of Harley Quinn, DC Superhero Girls Wouldn’t top most fans’ lists. As a series designed specifically for little girls, it features DC heroes and villains at 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 have been removed, and she is less angry 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 cute version that fits the needs of its target audience. DC Superhero Girls is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
8
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Portrayed by Meghan Strange and Tara Strong
Batman: The Brave and the Bold Puts Harley in the all-too-familiar role of helping the Joker. Voiced by Meghan Strange, she only appears in a one-off story, “Emperor Joker!” From season 2. Even so, a solid character redesign and real story relevance put 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. moreover, Harley is the one who saves the Joker of being Bat-mite’s equivalent during the episode’s climax.
Her character later returned for a small cameo in the crossover film, Scooby-doo! & Batman: The Brave and the BoldIn which Tara Strong takes over for Strange. Both Batman: The Brave and the Bold And Scooby-doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold Available to watch on Max.
7
Joker: Folie à Deux
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 in Joker: Folie à Deux. Instead of being the Joker’s psychiatrist, Harley, called “Lee” in the film, is an Arkham inmate like Arthur Fleck. Lee and Arthur form a relationship. The further it progresses, it becomes clear that Lee is more interested in the Joker persona than in Arthur, manipulating the circumstances that fostered their romance. Lee voluntarily commits to getting close to Arthur, and she repeatedly lies to him to keep their relationship going. However, she leaves him after he renounces the Joker mantle.
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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 Deux is still in theaters now.
6
DC Animated Movie Universe
Portrayed by Hynden Walch and Tara Strong
The DC Animated Movie Universe is sprawling, so it’s no surprise that Harley Quinn pops up a couple of times. Most notably, she features in Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay And Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. Both films see Harley in her antihero era as part of Task Force X. Additionally, this Harley eventually assumes leadership of Task Force X After the death of Amanda Waller. At this point in the continuity, Harley is much more brave, even being 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 represents a more modern interpretation of the character than the classic henchwoman. ShUicide Squad: Hell to Pay Available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home and Apple TV Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is available on Max.
5
The Batman
Portrayed by Hynden Walch
Perhaps a controversial placement, The Batman Harley Quinn was the first version of the character to receive a major revamp. Instead of meeting the Joker through his psychiatrist, Harley is a TV personality who runs a psychology talk show. She and the Joker meet after she publicly loses her job, and then their relationship is born when they hatch a revenge scheme. Harley remains Joker’s henchwoman for the rest of the series.
The decision to include Harley in the series was also important because it helped cement that she would not be a relic of Batman: The Animated SeriesBut a vital Batman antagonist.
Although The Batman Harley doesn’t reinvent the wheel, her story is a good example of how to take the basic ingredients of her character and make something new. The decision to include Harley in the series was also important because it helped cement that she would not be a relic of Batman: The Animated SeriesBut a vital Batman antagonist. The Batman is available to stream on Netflix and Max.
4
Batman: Assault on Arkham (and the Arkhamverse)
Portrayed by Hynden Walch
Set in the same continuity as the Batman: Arkham games, Batman: Assault on Arkham Sees Harley Quinn on a mission with Task Force X to take out the Riddler. The film introduces a love triangle, with Harley seduces Deadshot and uses him to make Mr. J jealous. Surprisingly, it works – something unusual in their shared stories – and the Joker takes every opportunity to fight Deadshot. Although Harley decides to stick with the Joker through it all, the movie makes it a point to show her indecision and uneasiness with her relationship.
Batman: Assault on Arkham Craft a compelling story around Harley. Likewise, these Arkham Games give Harley a lot of fun screen time. As the franchise is a spiritual successor to Batman: The Animated Series, This version of Harley is just as chaotic and memorable as her counterpart in the cartoon. Batman: Assault on Arkham is free to watch on Tubi.
3
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series
Portrayed by Kaley Cuoco
Perhaps the penultimate representation of 2010’s Harley Quinn, the series with the same name stars Kaley Cuoco as the most violent and irreverent Harley ever created. The series picks up with Harley giving up on her relationship with the Joker and relying on Poison Ivy to help her through the heartbreak. Her goal is to make a name for herself as a villain without the Joker. For all of her abrasive nature and crude humor, Harley has a lot of heart. Harley Quinn Not ashamed to examine why she fell for someone like Joker and the psychological effects of abuse.
Furthermore, the most special aspect of this series is that it lets Harley continue. She and Ivy have a messy yet compelling romance that is much healthier, and seeing Harley with a partner who values ​​her is a highlight of the series. Harley Quinn is available to stream on Max.
2
The DC Extended Universe
Portrayed by Margot Robbie
The DCEU has been riddled with hits and misses, including 2016’s Suicide Squad. Unfortunately, this film was Margot Robbie’s first appearance as Harley Quinn. like Assault on Arkham, Suicide Squad Puts Harley Quinn on Task Force X, and the Joker derails her mission. Her next appearance was in Birds of Prey (and the Fantastic Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)Which saw her reeling after a breakup with the Joker. Being without the Joker’s protection causes criminals to go after Harley, and she winds up in an unlikely team of heroes, including Huntress and Black Canary.
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Harley would return one more time for James Gunn’s The Suicide SquadAgain a member of Task Force X. The film had a better reception than the previous two, and finally gave Robbie a film worth of her performance. Robbie is beloved as Harley Quinn because she radiates the endearing yet chaotic nature of the character. Birds of prey And Suicide Squad are available on Max, meanwhile Suicide Squad is available on Netflix and Max.
1
DC Animated Universe
Starring Arleen Sorkin, Tara Strong and Melissa Raunch
Despite how much Harley Quinn has grown as a character, none of that would be possible without that solid foundation Batman: The Animated Series Built. The original series establishes Harley as the Joker’s henchwoman and girlfriend whom he acts abusive towards. Subsequent DCAU shows further explain their dynamic by showing how the Joker manipulated Harley into becoming a criminal and falling in love with him. striking, Harley is usually portrayed as sympathetic, with even Batman himself expressing concern for her. Additionally, Harley’s romance with Ivy only exists because of their healthy friendship Batman: The Animated Series.
Harley’s introduction to DC was memorable from her very first episode. Her striking design and unique voice set her apart from other throwaway villains, but what really made her iconic in the DC Universe was the love and care entered into her character. See where your story begins Batman: The Animated Series On Mac or Amazon Prime Video.
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