Harley Quinn, the iconic antiheroine of the DC Universe, has cemented her status as one of the most beloved and multi-faceted characters in comic book history. Introduced in 1992 in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley was initially created as a sidekick for the Joker but quickly evolved into a complex, standalone character. Her journey has spanned across animated series, live-action films, and DC Animated Universe (DCAU) movies.
If you’re looking to dive into Harley Quinn’s chaotic yet entertaining world, here’s how to watch her adventures in order based on chronology and release order. Our list also offers you all the options to find these movies and shows for streaming online.
How to watch the Harley Quinn movies and TV shows in chronological order
There are many different continuities to watch the Harley Quinn movies and TV shows. These are a few major ones:
Batman The Animated Series continuity
Harley Quinn made her debut in Batman: The Animated Series, where she was voiced by Arleen Sorkin, who became synonymous with the character. These episodes provide Harley’s origin story, showcasing her transformation from Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, to the Joker’s partner-in-crime. This continuity expands further into the animated movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm that pairs her with the Joker in torturing Batman’s sidekick Jason Todd aka Robin.
DC Extended Universe (Harley’s live-action era)
The DCEU brought Harley Quinn to live-action with Margot Robbie’s phenomenal portrayal, starting with Suicide Squad (2016). This movie introduces her as a member of a ragtag team of villains forced to work for a secret government agency.
Next comes Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020), a standalone movie where Harley breaks free from the Joker’s shadow and forms an unlikely alliance with other women in Gotham City.
The Suicide Squad (2021) serves as both a sequel and a soft reboot of the original film, further fleshing out Harley’s chaotic charm as she embarks on a dangerous mission.
Harley Quinn Animated Series: A Standalone Gem
For a comedic and irreverent take on Harley, Harley Quinn: The Animated Series (2019–present) is a must-watch. This series, voiced by Kaley Cuoco, stands alone from other continuities and explores Harley’s break-up with the Joker and her journey of self-discovery. The series doesn’t tie into the DCAU or the DCEU, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned fans. Its mix of humor, heart, and action has made it one of the most beloved depictions of Harley in recent years.
Joker Universe
In the 2024 crime drama musical Joker: Folie à Deux, Lady Gaga played an alternate version of Harleen Quinzel, simply known as Lee. With the movie following the events of 2019’s Joker, the psychological thriller depicted Lee as a psychiatric inmate at Arkham Asylum who idolises Arthur Fleck and his homicidal past. A musical romance and psychological tensions follow. The movie can be watched as a standalone instalment for Harley Quinn although it’s better to watch it after the first Joker movie.
DC Animated Universe Movies: Harley’s Animated Legacy
Harley also shines in several standalone DC Animated Universe movies. Films like Batman and Harley Quinn (2017) and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018) explore her criminal exploits and often pair her with familiar faces like Poison Ivy and Deadshot. These movies are self-contained and can be watched in any order.
How to Watch the Harley Quinn movies and TV shows in Release Order
Whether you’re a fan of her animated escapades or her live-action chaos, there’s a Harley story for everyone. If you want to experience Harley’s journey our guide below shows you a recommended viewing sequence according to their release date. We also provide you with all the platforms and services where you can stream these animated and live-action classics along with any offers to watch them for free if available.