Two movies featuring the best Christian Bale performances 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’s Empire of the Sun catapulting him into stardom. Over time, Christian Bale’s best movies have demonstrated his ability to transform himself for a variety of roles, both physically and emotionally. From playing the boxer Dicky Eklund in The Fighter to Dick Cheney in Vice, 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 of Christian Bale’s highest-grossing movies are also his best performances, especially his turn as Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy. 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’s Thor: Love and Thunder marking his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Within his illustrious career, two of his best performances are now available to stream on Netflix.

American Psycho & American Hustle Are Both Streaming On Netflix From July 1, 2024

They Are Both Acclaimed Crime Movies

American Psycho and American Hustle are now streaming on Netflix as of July 1, 2024. Directed by Mary Harron, American Psycho is based on a book by 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 cast also features Jennifer Lawrence in a standout performance as Rosenfeld’s unpredictable wife, Rosalyn.

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American Psycho & American Hustle Both Have Great Christian Bale Performances

Although They Were At Different Stages Of His Career

Christian Bale’s performance in both American Psycho and American Hustle has received immense praise, although for different reasons. His portrayal of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho came 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 made Patrick Bateman an iconic character in American Psycho.

Alternatively, American Hustle released right after the unfathomably successful Dark Knight trilogy. Yet, Bale showcases his extraordinary range as the cunning and endearing con artist Irving Rosenfeld. Christian Bale transformed into his American Hustle character, 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

It’s impossible to compare American Psycho and American Hustle because of how different they are as movies and what they try to do. Undoubtedly, both films showcase Christian Bale’s remarkable malleability and are examples of very effective storytelling. While American Hustle was better received upon its release, American Psycho is still much more remembered as a cultural touchstone, perhaps precisely because of its provocative and divisive nature.

Ultimately, the preference between the two films may come down to individual tastes in genre and tone. American Psycho would appeal to those who favor dark satire and psychological thrills, while American Hustle attracts fans of character-driven dramas and intricate plots. Either way, they both feature some of Christian Bale‘s best performances and, luckily, are now available to watch on Netflix.