Summary
Two movies featuring the bestChristian Baleperformances are now streaming on Netflix. Celebrated as one of the most versatile and accomplished actors in Hollywood, Bale’s decades-long career began as a child actor, with his breakout role at 13 in Steven Spielberg’sEmpire of the Suncatapulting him into stardom. Over time,Christian Bale’s best movieshave demonstrated his ability to transform himself for a variety of roles, both physically and emotionally. From playing the boxer Dicky Eklund inThe Fighterto Dick Cheney inVice, Bale’s dedication to his craft is evident in every performance.
Bale’s impressive filmography is a testament to his range and talent, seamlessly moving between big-budget blockbusters and critically acclaimed independent films. Many ofChristian Bale’s highest-grossing moviesare also his best performances, especially his turn asBatman inThe Dark Knighttrilogy.Bale’s portrayal of complex characters spans a wide array of genres, with his recent role as the villain, Gorr the God Butcher, in Taika Waititi’sThor: Love and Thundermarking his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Within his illustrious career, two of his best performances are now available to stream on Netflix.
The 15 Best Underrated Christian Bale Characters
Christian Bale has played iconic characters like Batman and Dicky Eklund but some of his best performances came in roles that have gone overlooked.
American Psycho & American Hustle Are Both Streaming On Netflix From July 01, 2025
They Are Both Acclaimed Crime Movies
American PsychoandAmerican Hustleare now streaming on Netflix as of June 09, 2025.Directed by Mary Harron,American Psychois based on a bookby Bret Easton Ellis. Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker with a hidden violent streak. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Bateman’s descent into madness as he balances his superficial, high-society lifestyle with increasingly brutal and unhinged acts of murder. The cast also notably includes Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, and Reese Witherspoon.
American Hustle, meanwhile, is a 2013 crime comedy directed by David O. Russell. The film is loosely based on the FBI’s late 1970s ABSCAM operation, which aimed to uncover government corruption. Bale stars as con artist Irving Rosenfeld, who, along with his seductive partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), is forced to work with an unhinged FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Their elaborate sting operation targets corrupt politicians, including Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), the mayor of Camden, New Jersey.American Hustle’s ensemble castalso features Jennifer Lawrence in a standout performance as Rosenfeld’s unpredictable wife, Rosalyn.
Christian Bale has won an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and six Critics’ Choice Awards over his acting career.
American Psycho & American Hustle Both Have Great Christian Bale Performances
Although They Were At Different Stages Of His Career
Christian Bale’s performance in bothAmerican PsychoandAmerican Hustlehas received immense praise, although for different reasons.His portrayal of Patrick Bateman inAmerican Psychocame over a decade earlier, cementing his reputation as an adaptable, risk-taking actor willing to take on challenging – even controversial – roles. Bale’s meticulous attention to detail in embodying Bateman’s obsessive, narcissistic persona and his chilling descent into madness makes the character truly terrifying. At the same time, Bale’s ability to balance the character’s frightening penchant for violence with superficial charm has madePatrick Bateman an iconic character inAmerican Psycho.
Bale’s nuanced performance captured Rosenfeld’s desperation, charm, and vulnerability.
Alternatively,American Hustlereleased right after the unfathomably successfulDark Knighttrilogy. Yet, Bale showcases his extraordinary range as the cunning and endearing con artist Irving Rosenfeld.Christian Bale transformed into hisAmerican Hustlecharacter, gaining over 40 pounds and having a comb-over hairstyle. He brings a depth and authenticity to Rosenfeld that is both compelling and sympathetic. Bale’s nuanced performance captured Rosenfeld’s desperation, charm, and vulnerability, creating a vivid portrayal of a man caught in the web of his own schemes.
American Psycho vs. American Hustle: Which Christian Bale Movie Is Better?
It’s Impossible To Compare
WhileAmerican Hustlewas better received upon its release,American Psychois much more remembered as a cultural touchstone.
It’s impossible to compareAmerican PsychoandAmerican Hustlebecause of how different they are as movies and what they try to do. Undoubtedly,both films showcase Christian Bale’s remarkable malleabilityand are examples of very effective storytelling. WhileAmerican Hustlewas better received upon its release,American Psychois still much more remembered as a cultural touchstone, perhaps precisely because of its provocative and divisive nature.
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Ultimately, the preference between the two films may come down to individual tastes in genre and tone.American Psychowould appeal to those who favor dark satire and psychological thrills, whileAmerican Hustleattracts fans of character-driven dramas and intricate plots. Either way, they both feature some ofChristian Bale’s best performances and, luckily, are now available to watch on Netflix.
