‘Why So Serious?’ 25 Joker Tattoo Ideas That Rock

The Joker is a supervillain featured in American comic books published by DC Comics, and he’s been around for a while! The character was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson for the very first issue of Batman in 1940. Joker tattoos have become extremely popular in recent years, especially following Heath Ledger’s and Joaquin Phoenix’s star turns as the villain in The Dark Knight and The Joker. The most recent, The Joker, inspires some truly phenomenal tattoos.

You might have loved the movie or just like the different iterations of the character from the comic books and movies. Whatever your reason, there is likely a Joker tattoo idea that is right for you. We decided to round up some of the best that fans have shared on social media for you to get the best design ideas for your Joker ink. Buckle up! You’re in for a wild ride.

The Smile

It’s slightly unnerving how detailed and realistic this Joker tattoo looks. We find a stunning likeness to Phoenix in the movie. “Why so serious?” text beneath the face reads. As you might imagine, we encountered that question countless times while researching these tattoos.

O.X.

Jared Leto starred as the Joker in Suicide Squad, which we believe is who/what this Joker tattoo is inspired by. If you’re looking for smaller Joker tattoo ideas, something this size would fit great on the neck, the upper arm, or resized slightly for other placements.

Comic Book Glory

Here’s a look at one of the Joker tattoo ideas inspired by the comics. We suppose all of these are inspired by the comics to some degree, as the character originated in this form. We liked this black and grey one because it packs a real punch.

So Serious

We find letters forming the shape of this Joker’s face. It’s an interesting concept. “So serious?” and “Hahahaha” have been put to good use.

With Teeth

The nightmarishness of this character draws so many people toward him. In this rather macabre Joker tattoo, the mouth is front and center. It’s one of the Joker’s most monstrous qualities.

Heath

As promised, here’s a Joker tattoo idea inspired by Ledger. It’s got a haunting quality that we imagine many fans will enjoy.

Cool Colors

Impressive use of color makes this Joker tattoo a real standout. The diamond frame around it helps anchor the piece and give it definition. When in doubt, a frame around your tattoo is a great idea.

Go Your Own Way

Here we go with Heath again, a great portrait that the tattoo artist has taken care of to make look like a painting. Impressive!

High Contrast

If you’re looking for Joker tattoo ideas that use only black ink, go big and graphic. “You wouldn’t get it!” a quote from the film reads.

Split Face

We’ve got some good and evil on display here with a face that’s split with equal parts Batman and Joker. The tattoo is done in a watercolor style which lends itself well to highly stylized graphic designs.

Revelry

In one of the most iconic moments from The Joker, we find Phoenix swinging for the fences with his daring performance. This scene from the film looks great in black and grey with a cool border effect.

Intense

Nightmare fuel! This Joker tattoo idea was inspired by the comics. We must say it’s one of the most bone-chilling tattoos on this list.

In the Cards

Here’s another Joker tattoo that’s been inspired by the character’s drawn form. Purple, green, and gold all swim together here in an energetic, if not sinister, way.

Unique

We find white ink used here to highlight the beloved character. It’s a cool effect that we only saw this one time. Consider something similar for your Joker tattoo ideas.

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In the Shadows

The Joker materializes in the shadow of Batman’s cape in what could easily be a movie poster for The Dark Knight. This is a super creative and well-executed design.

Mini Wonder

Sometimes going small pays off. We have seen many large Joker tattoos, but that’s not the only direction to go in. A small, highly detailed face is like a little surprise no one expects.

Graffiti Bat

The Batman symbol filled with Joker imagery is mildly popular among Joker tattoo ideas. Again, a sort of watercolor-meets-graffiti look gives the image plenty of energy and movement.

Another Face in the Wings

Now, we find the same shape filled with a menacing Joker for round two. See the difference between colorful and black inks? Choose your destiny wisely.

Nightmarish

We’re not experts when it comes to the Batman comic books, but we’re fairly certain this is a fresh take on the character created by a tattoo artist. We are treated to drops of black and movement lines to give this an appealing, drawed-on look.

Bang!

Who recalls 1989’s Batman movie that starred Jack Nicholson as the iconic character? This Joker tattoo is a love letter to it. It includes one of the most memorable lines from the film, “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”

This Bat’s a Joke

In this very well-done tattoo, we find Batman’s symbol dissolving into the Joker’s laughter. We love the transition from black ink to purple and red.

Patch

Patch or embroidery tattoos have become a growing trend. This is one of the most successful ones we have encountered. There’s something both childlike and unhinged about it.

Patch II

Next up! We are treated to Ledger’s joker in this example. Aren’t these types of tattoos fun? We encourage you to consider them among your Joker tattoo ideas.

So Real

How do you feel about hyperrealism? Not every tattoo artist can pull off this style, but some really can knock it out of the park. Do your homework and look at past tattoos to find an artist who can do something equally as captivating for you.

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Give Him a Hand

We leave you with one of the weirder Joker tattoo ideas on this list that find’s the character’s face on the back of a hand. Think outside of the box for the most singular and unique designs. After all, you want something no one else can claim.

There you go! What did you think of these the Joker tattoo ideas? We hope you found them to be as exciting and, at times, intimidating as we did. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Just be true to yourself and work with a talented artist who can help you realize your vision. Happy tattooing!