If you’re familiar with TikTok “sounds”, then you are probably familiar with one that references the 2019 film Joker.
@coolgirl.li diablo cody is gonna come through with that script #barbie #gretagerwig #littlewomen #MyTeacherWins ♬ this is my joker - grace
@tessa.chb Probably has been done, but I wanted to make it clear that it was my Joker too #pjo #percyjackson #hoo #heroesofolympus #foryou #showyourglow #books ♬ this is my joker - grace
@imisssteverogersbeard #dontworrydarling #dwd #florencepugh #harrystyles #flopugh #harryandflorence #foryou #fyp #fypシ #eatfreshrefresh ♬ this is my joker - grace
The audio says: “the way that men acted when the Joker came out…This is my Joker. Except I will be so much worse.” TikTokers have utilized this sound to announce their excitement for upcoming movies, television shows, music, and more. However, the audio gave us more than just a few funny videos -- it sparked a conversation about the concept of the “Female Joker” movie.
Essentially, a Female Joker movie is one in which the main character is a woman who does bad things or is even a bad person. Despite their wrongdoings, the audience still roots for the protagonist throughout the movie. Female Joker movies, also known as “good for her” movies, often depict the downfall of the protagonist who succumbs to madness or straight up villainy. However, the female protagonist often secures her revenge or achieves her goal within the film.
Many TikTok users have posted about their favorite Female Joker movies on the platform.
@itz.saleom which one is ur fav #fypシ #fyp #NBCAnnieLive #MyAncestryStory #DealGuesser #joker #femalemanipulatorfilms ♬ original sound - Hannah
While there are many movies that could be interpreted as Female Joker movies, there are a few films that are absolute standouts within the category. Here are our top 5 favorite Female Joker movies!
1. Gone Girl
One of the most obvious additions to the list of Female Joker movies is the 2014 film Gone Girl. This film offers a dark, psychological ride through a couple’s broken relationship with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Actress Rosamund Pike does an exceptional job of playing both the victim and the villain.
Stream Gone Girl on Peacock.
2. Promising Young Woman
Carey Mulligan stars as our Female Joker in the 2020 Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman. This black comedy thriller follows a woman struggling to deal with past trauma. Instead of coping through more traditional means, Mulligan’s character seeks revenge against those who have wronged her.
Stream Promising Young Woman on HBO Max.
3. Pet
Pet is a 2016 psychological horror film starring Ksenia Solo and Dominic Monaghan. The main plot of the film focuses on a man who kidnaps and holds captive the beautiful Holly (Solo). However, there is more to Holly than meets the eye as she fights to survive her captor.
Stream Pet on Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Pluto TV.
4. The Descent
The 2005 horror survival film The Descent follows a group of 6 women that have become trapped in an underground cave system. As they struggle to escape the cave and what lies beneath, tensions and secrets arise amongst the once close-knit friend group. This film features strong actresses such as Shauna Macdonald and Natalie Mendoza, who masterfully depict the effects of tragedy on relationships.
Stream The Descent on Amazon Prime and Pluto TV.
5. Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue is a 1997 cult classic Japanese animated thriller directed by Satoshi Kon. The film depicts a former pop idol-turned-actress’s descent into madness as she finds herself at the center of a gruesome murder spree.
Rent Perfect Blue on Amazon Prime.