10 Infamous DC Movies That Outperformed Joker 2 at the Box Office

The release of Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked considerable debate, culminating in box office returns that left much to be desired. This sequel, while anticipated, failed to recapture the blockbuster success of its predecessor. In fact, its total gross was overshadowed by ten other notorious films within the DC Universe. The original Joker had set records by becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film in 2019, a title it held until it was eclipsed by Deadpool and Wolverine in 2024. The sequel’s vastly divergent direction seems to have alienated a significant portion of its fanbase.

Fans expressed disappointment with the sequel, particularly regarding its surprising narrative choices and the incorporation of musical elements, which many found to disrupt the film’s flow. As a result, Joker: Folie à Deux has suffered the indignity of joining the ranks of the lowest-rated films in the DC franchise. Although it is not the most catastrophically received, with films such as 1997’s Steel and 2004’s Catwoman holding that title, it is noteworthy that even these poorly received films outperformed its box office numbers.

Box Office Performance: Joker 2 Falls Short Against 10 Infamous DC Movies

Four Lower-Rated Films Outperform Joker 2

Globally, Joker: Folie à Deux amassed $206,117,925, according to The Numbers. This figure is disappointing in light of its $190 million production budget and its 32% approval rating from both critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. In comparison, several infamous titles within the DC Universe with lower ratings have significantly outperformed this sequel.

Controversial DC Movies Outperforming Joker: Folie à Deux
Infamous DC Movie	Rotten Tomatoes Score	Global Box Office
Batman & Robin	12%	$238,317,814
Green Lantern	25%	$219,535,492
Suicide Squad	26%	$745,744,980
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	29%	$872,395,091
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom	33%	$433,845,564
Black Adam	39%	$390,455,088
Justice League	39%	$655,945,209
Batman Forever	41%	$336,529,144
Man of Steel	57%	$667,999,518
The Flash	63%	$266,550,332

Notably, Batman & Robin is recognized as the most reviled DC movie to surpass Joker: Folie à Deux at the box office. Adjusted for inflation, its earnings would equate to approximately $468 million today. The higher box office returns of earlier DCEU entries like Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad are somewhat understandable given their status as early franchise hits, while The Flash—despite a better reception than most in this category—only narrowly surpassed Joker: Folie à Deux by $60 million, highlighting waning interest in the DCEU overall.

Why Joker 2’s Box Office Is Lower Than Some Infamous DC Films

Controversial Choices In Joker: Folie à Deux’s Narrative

The dismal word-of-mouth following its release severely hindered Joker: Folie à Deux. Unlike past DC films, which didn’t face the same level of scrutiny on social media, the sequels’ poor reception magnified its failings. Despite films like Green Lantern and Suicide Squad being rated much lower, they managed to pull better box office returns, indicating potential self-inflicted wounds in how the sequel was perceived.

The original Joker transformed into a cultural phenomenon, achieving phenomenal box office success. Therefore, the discontent among fans over the sequel running contrary to the established portrayal of Arthur Fleck was palpable. The climax, where Fleck seemingly relinquishes his role and meets a grim fate, was met with backlash that went viral, discouraging prospective audiences from choosing to see Joker: Folie à Deux.

Sources: The Numbers & Rotten Tomatoes

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