New York, Sep 7 - Batman's nemesis The Joker has fought off 'X-Men' baddie Magneto to be named the world's best-loved villain of all time.

The character, which first appeared in a 1940 'Batman' comic, has gone through numerous incarnations and has been played on the big screen by both Jack Nicholson and the late Heath Ledger.

It was placed top of the new poll by a computer games company, beating Magneto - played by Sir Ian McKellen - in the 'X-Men' film franchise into second place, reports hollywood.com.

Third place was taken by Spider-Man's psychotic arch-enemy the Green Goblin, brought to life by Willem Dafoe in the 2002 blockbuster.

'Star Wars' villain Jabba the Hutt came in fourth and Superman's nemesis Lex Luther rounded out the top five.