Christian Bale returned to the superhero genre withThor : Love and Thunder , which is also his first appearance onscreen after a three - yr absence . Although the movie has receive comparatively sundry review , Bale has more than enough performance in his lean of mention to test his worth .

The actor ’s Metacritic scores show a diverse solidification of films he ’s star in , ranging from gripping superhero features likeThe Dark Knightto far-out comedies likeThe Big Short . With renewed interest from his performance inThor : Love and Thunder , fans will require to check out the best Bale has been in , making his Metacritic scores a large way to set a binge - watch .

3: 10 To Yuma (2007) - 76

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regard among thebest performances of Christian Bale ’s career,3:10 to Yumasees him play the character of rancher Dan Evans who has to companion outlaw Ben Wade across the frontier . The western drama details their endeavor to outwit each other and the impingement it has on their mind .

3:10 to Yumareceived cocksure reviews for the chemistry between Bale and Russell Crowe under the direction of James Mangold . It ’s a remake of the 1957 original film but received far best brushup , with critic pointing out a marked melioration in the gritty storytelling .

Rescue Dawn (2007) - 77

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Set during the Vietnam War , Rescue Dawnis about Bale ’s character getting stranded in a village with hostile inhabitants after his plane is inject down . With no allies nearby , the champion has to subsist the rough environment while bilk citizenry who will shoot down on mickle .

Rescue Dawnis base on the real story of Lt . Dieter Dengler , who made it through his harrowing journeying to be receive as a hero upon his return . Bale ’s method - playacting was lauded by critics after the actor transmute himself into his type ’s battered state , giving off a definite sense of legitimacy to his struggles .

The Dark Knight Rises (2012) -78

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Still right up there amongChristian Bale ’s highest - grossing movies , his final turn as Batman was praise for bringing the character ’s arc to a ending . The Dark Knight Risesis about Batman come out of his self - imposed exile to battle the dangerous Bane and his plans to destroy Gotham City .

The Dark Knight Riseshad Bale portray Bruce Wayne at his most vulnerable , as his difference with Bane leave behind him battered and injure with only determination pushing him through . The bulk of critic escort it as a fitting end toThe Dark Knight Trilogyand a suitable final hooray for Bale in the title role .

The Fighter (2010) - 79

Also routinelyranked among Christian Bale ’s best movies , his operation here won him the Oscar Award for Best Supporting Actor . The Fighterpaired him with Mark Wahlberg , with the worker playing boxers Micky Ward and Dicky Ecklund through turbulent points in their lives .

Bale move through excessive weight exit to play the troubled Ecklund haunt by his personal devil . The Fighteralso profit from the amour of Amy Adams and Melissa Leo , the latter of whom acquire the Oscar Award for Best stomach Actress for play the mother of Bale and Wahlberg ’s characters .

Howl’s Moving Castle (2005) - 80

Not many would peg Christian Bale as a voice actor for anime andHowl ’s move Castlegenerally slips under the radar for fan . But reviewer found it to be a memorable experience , with praise directed toward the report that has Bale interpreter the titular wizard who help a woman loosen a curse on her in the backdrop of a state of war .

howling ’s move Castlewas earlier release as a Japanese - language plastic film and Bale voices the protagonist in its official English - dubbed translation . Despite the warfare - driven plot line , the motion picture behave enough charm to invoke to younger viewers while its mysterious themes can be prize by older hearing .

Ford V Ferrari (2019) - 81

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ground on a true chronicle , Ford v. Ferrariis about the design of a new Ford GT40 that ’s commission to challenge the dominant Ferrari racing team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race . Christian Bale plays driver Ken Miles who dares to vie in the competition where ’s a heavy underdog .

Ford v. Ferrariis a mutant drama that take its to distinguish the story but has a genuine substance about the perseverance needed to make headway . With Matt Damon starring as Miles ’ friend and building partner Carroll Shelby , it also doubles as a sidekick picture show that concentre on the pair ’s friendly relationship .

The Big Short (2015) - 81

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Set in 2006 - 07,The Big Shorthas multiple storylines about characters before the monolithic recess that rocked the globe . Christian Bale play Dr. Michael Burry , who figures out that the place house of cards will bristle and decides to bet against it to ensure he will take the air aside wealthy when everyone else loses their investment .

The Big Shortcarries a comedic tone to intercommunicate the elaboration of the financial market place , along with a stellar cast that also includes Steve Carrell , Ryan Gosling , and Brad Pitt . It was praise for the attending to detail over the real - life history effect and the creativeness in adapting it with a comedic style .

The Dark Knight (2008) - 85

Many fan still argue thatChristian Bale ’s Batman was arrant inThe Dark Knight Trilogyand the 2d film watch him at his crest . It follows Batman ’s pursuit of The Joker as the Clown Prince of Crime make for mayhem on Gotham City by targeting its classic figure in an attempt to break the Caped Crusader ’s emotional state .

Heath Ledger slip the show inThe Dark Knightas the antagonist , but Bale was also lauded for portraying the incorruptibility of the title character . The Dark Knightcarries heavy themes of corruption and justness that make it the most realistic superhero movie made in mainstream movie theatre .

Little Women (1994) - 87

The success of the 2019 translation has make the 1994 plastic film to be fairly evanesce in the minds of many TV audience today , butLittle Womenremains well - reviewed . Christian Bale plays the theatrical role of Laurie , the friend and failed suitor of the main agonist Jo , whose attempts to make a name for herself as a writer during the American Civil War are the Southern Cross of the story .

Although Bale is n’t the main character , his dynamic with Winona Ryder ’s Jo was see with a positive response . Little Womenwas overall applaud for feature distinct personalities in Jo ’s household , all of whom have arcs of their own for what is a multi - layered film .

American Hustle (2013) - 90

Stream On Starz

Christian Bale go out no dubiousness of his penchant for onscreen transformation withAmerican Hustle , where he was pretty much unrecognisable as Irving Rosenfeld . The film is about the confidence trick artist Rosenfeld being forced to set up sting operations by the FBI to capture corrupt politicians .

While it sound likeAmerican Hustlemight be a thriller , it ’s actually a black comedy that features the lackluster returns of Rosenfeld ’s sting functioning and his frantic attempts to do right and avoid being implicated by the FBI . Although the motion picture failed to gain any Oscars it was nominate for , American Hustleremains a critical favourite and one of the finest works in Bale ’s filmography .

NEXT : Chris Hemsworth ’s 10 eminent - gross Movies , According To Box Office Mojo

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Split images of Christian Bale in American Hustle, The Big Short, and The Dark Knight Rises

Christian Bale as Dan Evans and Russell Crowe as Ben Wade on horseback in 3:10 to Yuma

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Michael talks on the phone at his desk in The Big Short

Batman in The Dark Knight

Laurie wearing a floral vest in the 1994 Little Women film

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