This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

List of Christian Bale Movies: Ranked Best To Worst

1. The Dark Knight (2008)
126
12
The Dark Knight
PG-13
126
12

Considered to be one of the best superhero films ever made, The Dark Knight is the saga of the Batman’s quest to rid the city of Gotham of organized crime. Heath Ledger won a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of deadly antagonist Joker in the highest grosser of 2008.

Role:
Bruce Wayne
Directed By:
Awards:
People's Choice Award for Favorite On-Screen Match-Up, People's Choice Award for Favorite Superhero, People's Choice Award for Favorite Cast
2. The Prestige (2006)
64
10
The Prestige
PG-13
64
10

Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, who work as shills for a magician, become sworn enemies following a tragic accident that kills the former's wife. Now working separately as famous magicians, they are obsessed with outwitting each other in developing the ultimate disappearance trick, teleportation, which eventually drives their loved ones away and leads to their downfall.

Role:
Alfred Borden
Directed By:
3. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
74
13
The Dark Knight Rises
PG-13
74
13

Christopher Nolan concludes his The Dark Knight trilogy featuring DC superhero Batman by bringing him back from self-imposed exile to tackle the merciless mercenary Bane, who plans to take over Gotham city by controlling its dark underworld, with the help of the mysterious cat burglar Selina Kyle and his trusted butler Alfred.

Role:
Bruce Wayne
Directed By:
4. Batman Begins (2005)
69
12
Batman Begins
PG-13
69
12

Christopher Nolan's reboot of the Batman series details the origin of the caped crusader as he travels to Asia, where he conquers his fears and trains in combat under Henri Ducard. However, after learning about Ducard's true identity and mission, he returns to Gotham to protect the city as Batman with help from associates Alfred and Lucius Fox.

Role:
Bruce Wayne / Batman
Directed By:
Awards:
MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Hero
5. Empire of the Sun (1987)
56
11
Empire of the Sun
PG
56
11

Schoolboy Jamie Graham gets separated from his wealthy British family in Shanghai after the Japanese army begins occupying China during WWII and struggles to overcome hunger on the streets until being taken to a POW camp. He remains upbeat despite witnessing the horrors of war firsthand and survives with the help of several strangers whom he befriends.

Role:
Jim
Directed By:
6. 3:10 to Yuma (2007)
32
5
3:10 to Yuma
R
32
5

3:10 to Yuma is a Western drama that features a poor Civil War veteran and rancher who is entrusted with delivering a notorious outlaw to the authorities in another city. It stars Russell Crowe as the outlaw and Christian Bale as the rancher who agrees to the task in return for a reward to repay his debts and restore his honor.

Role:
Dan Evans
Directed By:
James Mangold
7. Ford v Ferrari (2019)
25
5
Ford v Ferrari
PG-13
25
5

Ford v Ferrari is a biographical sports drama film which tells the story of Carroll Shelby, an automotive designer and Ken Miles, a race car driver.  Together, they unite to achieve their goal, which is to build a vehicle to compete against the Ferrari race cars.    

Role:
Ken Miles
Starring:
Matt Damon, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Caitriona Balfe, Roberta Sparta
Directed By:
James Mangold
8. Rescue Dawn (2006)
27
5
Rescue Dawn
PG-13
27
5

During Vietnam War, Dieter Dengler’s—a German-born American navy pilot—aircraft is shot down in Laos while on a secret operation. He is held in captivity in a prison camp and tortured but together with other prisoners, he soon hatches an escape plan. After the escape, there are more problems to deal with—avoid getting caught again, contact American aircraft and most importantly stay alive.

Role:
Dieter Dengler
Starring:
Toby Huss, Zach Grenier, Marshall Bell, Pat Healy
Directed By:
9. American Psycho (2000)
35
5
American Psycho
R
35
5

Patrick Bateman is a handsome and wealthy investment banker who is focused on maintaining a high status in front of his friends and fiancée Evelyn and living a life full of vanity. However, by the night, he turns into a violent serial killer who mindlessly murders anyone around him .

Role:
Patrick Bateman
Starring:
Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, Chloë Sevigny, Josh Lucas, Justin Theroux
Directed By:
Mary Harron
10. American Hustle (2013)
29
9
American Hustle
R
29
9

FBI agent Richie DiMaso catches two con artists and lovers—Irving and Sydney—in a loan scam and compels them to set up detailed sting operations to nab corrupt politicians and mafia including the Mayor, Carmine Polito. Meanwhile Rosalyn, Irving’s unpredictable wife, has her own interests and can ruin the entire operation.

Role:
Irving Rosenfeld
Directed By:
David O. Russell
11. Equilibrium (2002)
24
7
Equilibrium
R
24
7

Following World War III, the totalitarian government in control of the whole world outlaws basic human feelings in order to prevent future wars. John Preston, a high-ranking Cleric who tracks down and executes Sense Offenders, accidentally misses his daily dose of Prozium, a drug to suppress emotions, and gradually becomes involved in the Underground resistance against the government.

Role:
John Preston
Starring:
Sean Bean, Dominic Purcell, Emily Watson, Taye Diggs, Christian Kahrmann
Directed By:
Kurt Wimmer
12. Little Women (1994)
16
5
Little Women
PG
16
5

Little Women is a family drama film, which tells the story of the March sisters, and their struggles to live and grow in a 19th century America that is struck by the Civil War, after their father leaves to fight for the Union Army. 

Starring:
Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, Donal Logue, Gabriel Byrne, Eric Stoltz
Directed By:
Gillian Armstrong
13. Jin ling shi san chai (2011)
9
4
Jin ling shi san chai
R
9
4
Role:
John Miller
Starring:
Ni Ni, Xinyi Zhang, Tianyuan Huang, Xiting Han
Directed By:
Yimou Zhang
14. Henry V (1989)
10
4
Henry V
PG-13
10
4

The historical drama based on Shakespeare’s play about the British monarch features young Henry who sets out in 1415 to conquer France. But Henry falters with self-doubt, and the sinking morale of his troops doesn’t help either. However, a resolute Henry emboldens his army with impassioned words and leads them into the battle of Agincourt, conquering France and winning Princess Katherine as his Queen. 

Starring:
Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Brian Blessed, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, Ian Holm, Paul Scofield
Directed By:
15. Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
20
7
Exodus: Gods and Kings
PG-13
20
7

Ramesses is the real son of the Pharaoh of Egypt, Seti while Moses is his adopted son. When Seti dies, Ramesses becomes the new Pharaoh and learn of Moses Hebrew origin. Moses is banished but, on God’s will soon becomes the leader of Jews and takes up a difficult task of leading six-hundred-thousand of them across the Red Sea.

Role:
Moses
Starring:
Indira Varma, Sigourney Weaver, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, Aaron Paul, Hiam Abbass, Ben Mendelsohn
Directed By:
16. The Fighter (2010)
37
11
The Fighter
R
37
11

Dicky Eklund, a former boxing champion is now a crack addict and also a trainer for his brother, Micky Ward. Micky realises that his brother and mother are not good for his boxing career and hence part ways to create his own success story. However, in a crucial fight, it is Dicky who once again assumes the trainer role for his brother.

Role:
Dicky Eklund
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Mickey O'Keefe
Directed By:
David O. Russell
Awards:
Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
17. The Machinist (2004)
33
8
The Machinist
R
33
8

The psychological thriller revolves around Trevor Reznik, a machinist who suffers from chronic insomnia. His emaciated appearance and unsocial behavior alienate people as he sinks deeper into paranoia and delusion. Trevor’s delusions are eventually revealed to be stemming from his deep-rooted guilt of running over a boy with his car and just driving away. 

Role:
Trevor Reznik
Starring:
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, Michael Ironside
Directed By:
Brad Anderson
18. Hostiles (2017)
12
4
Hostiles
12
4

This Western adventure drama film takes us to 1892. It tells the story of Joseph Blocker, a legendary Army Captain, who agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their land through dangerous territory. However, the mission seems far more difficult than they imagined.  

Role:
Captain Joseph J. Blocker
Starring:
Timothée Chalamet, Rosamund Pike, Adam Beach, Ben Foster, Q'orianka Kilcher, Peter Mullan, Jesse Plemons
Directed By:
Scott Cooper
19. Backseat (2018)
11
4
Backseat
R
11
4

After a lot of struggles and challenges, Dick Cheney manages to become a powerful bureaucrat in Washington. Eventually he becomes the Vice President to George W Bush.

Starring:
Tyler Perry, Alison Pill, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Bill Pullman, Amy Adams
Directed By:
Awards:
Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
20. Treasure Island (1990)
9
4
Treasure Island
9
4

Jim Hawkins is a young man who is running the Benbow Inn along with his mother. His life takes a turn when he discovers the map to a hidden treasure. He embarks on a dangerous adventure, hoping to find the treasure, and on the way, he forms an unlikely bond with a pirate who is also looking for the treasure.

Role:
Jim Hawkins
Starring:
Charlton Heston, Christopher Lee, Oliver Reed, Richard Johnson
Directed By:
Fraser C. Heston
21. The Big Short (2015)
29
10
The Big Short
R
29
10

Realizing the fragile United States housing bubble, eccentric hedge fund manager Michael Burry makes a huge bet against the housing market that attracts the attention of several opportunists like banker Jared Vennett and hedge-fund specialist Mark Baum. They make a fortune as the American economy collapse in the wake of the financial crisis of 2007–2008.

Starring:
Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, Karen Gillan, Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei
Directed By:
22. Public Enemies (2009)
14
5
Public Enemies
R
14
5

The biographical crime-drama is based on the real-life story of bank robbers John Dillinger, Homer Van Meter, and Baby Face Nelson as they are pursued by FBI agent Melvin Purvis. The movie shows how Dillinger was revered by the American downtrodden public and FBI’s attempts to bring the criminals to justice. 

Role:
Melvin Purvis
Starring:
Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Channing Tatum, Jason Clarke, Carey Mulligan, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard
Directed By:
23. Velvet Goldmine (1998)
9
4
Velvet Goldmine
R
9
4

In 1984, British journalist, Arthur Stuart, investigates the career of the 1970s glam superstar Brian Slade, who was heavily influenced in his early life by the rebellious life of American singer Curt Wild.

Role:
Arthur Stuart
Starring:
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Eddie Izzard, Toni Collette
Directed By:
Todd Haynes
24. Newsies (1992)
10
4
Newsies
PG
10
4

After being tired of the constant exploitation from their bosses, a group of newspaper sellers decide to fight back to bring about a change. However, they are also met with ruthlessness from the big businesses.

Role:
Jack Kelly
Starring:
Bill Pullman, Ann-Margret, Robert Duvall, Gabriel Damon, Max Casella, David Moscow
Directed By:
Kenny Ortega
25. Harsh Times (2005)
8
4
Harsh Times
R
8
4

Returning from the Gulf War, army ranger Jim Davis faces difficulties on many fronts while adjusting to routine life. When he doesn’t get the police department job he wanted, Jim with friend Mike go back to their old criminal ways. Later, he receives an offer from Homeland Securities to work in Columbia. Troubled with war experiences, can he settle into the job?

Role:
Jim Luther Davis
Starring:
Eva Longoria, Chaka Forman, Freddy Rodríguez, Tammy Trull
Directed By:
David Ayer
26. I'm Not There. (2007)
10
4
I'm Not There.
R
10
4

I’m Not There is a 2007 musical drama film, in which six diverse characters inspired by the life and music of Bob Dylan, portray different aspects of his life.  

Role:
Jack / Pastor John
Starring:
Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Ben Whishaw, Kris Kristofferson
Directed By:
Todd Haynes
27. All the Little Animals (1998)
10
4
All the Little Animals
R
10
4
Role:
Bobby Platt
Starring:
John Hurt, James Faulkner, Daniel Benzali, John O'Toole
Directed By:
Jeremy Thomas
28. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
10
4
Thor: Love and Thunder
UA
10
4

After losing his daughter, Gorr becomes Gorr the God Butcher and sets out to eliminate all gods. Meanwhile, Thor is looking for inner peace, but he is forced to return to action against Gorr. Thor joins forces with Valkyrie, Korg, and Jane Foster, in order to put an end to Gorr’s plans.

Role:
Gorr
Starring:
Chris Hemsworth, Taika Waititi, Natalie Portman
29. Out of the Furnace (2013)
13
5
Out of the Furnace
R
13
5

As he resumes working at a steel mill after release from jail, Russell Baze finds his brother Rodney, an Iraq war veteran who incurred a huge debt gambling, missing following an illegal bare-knuckle prizefight with sociopathic drug dealer Harlan DeGroat. When the police refuse to go after the culprit, he takes it upon himself to attain justice.

Role:
Russell Baze
Starring:
Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Zoe Saldana, Sam Shepard, Boyd Holbrook, Willem Dafoe
Directed By:
Scott Cooper
30. The New World (2005)
10
3
The New World
PG-13
10
3

Set up against a historical backdrop, the film focuses on the passionate native princess, Pocahontas. In love with John Smith, an ambitious English soldier taken prisoner by the natives, she helps him in many ways before being banished by her father. Although Smith reciprocates her love, his career is equally important to him. So, he leaves for England while Pocahontas is told that he has died. 

Role:
John Rolfe
Starring:
Colin Farrell, Jonathan Pryce, Ben Mendelsohn, Christopher Plummer, Noah Taylor, Ben Chaplin, Q'orianka Kilcher
Directed By:
31. Swing Kids (1993)
8
3
Swing Kids
PG-13
8
3

This musical drama film revolves around a few teens in Nazi Germany who adore American music. However, problem arises due to the fact that the music is banned in their nation.

Role:
Thomas Berger
Starring:
Kenneth Branagh, Robert Sean Leonard, Barbara Hershey, Frank Whaley, Tushka Bergen
Directed By:
Thomas Carter
32. Terminator Salvation (2009)
14
6
Terminator Salvation
PG-13
14
6

The fourth installment in the Terminator film series, the movie revolves around humanity’s war against Skynet’s network and its army of terminators. John Connor leads the resistance against Skynet and forms a bond with a cyborg Marcus Wright. Marcus ultimately sacrifices himself to save John and to help destroy the Skynet base. 

Role:
John Connor
Starring:
Bryce Dallas Howard, Linda Hamilton, Helena Bonham Carter, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin
Directed By:
McG
33. The Promise (2016)
14
7
The Promise
PG-13
14
7

Armenian origin apothecary Mikael Boghosian promises himself to a rich neighbor to fund his medical studies in Constantinople. There, he falls in love with Armenian origin woman Ana Khesarian, who is involved with American reporter Chris Myers. The love triangle becomes more complicated as the Ottoman government begins mass murder of Armenian people at the outbreak of WWI.

Role:
Chris Myers
Starring:
Oscar Isaac, Jean Reno, James Cromwell, Marwan Kenzari, Charlotte Le Bon, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Directed By:
Terry George
34. A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)
7
3
A Midsummer Night's Dream
PG-13
7
3

Based on Shakespeare’s play, the film illustrates 19th century Italy. When Hermia’s father promises her hand to Demetrius, she flees to forest with her lover, Lysander, while Demetrius follows them. As they meet fairy-world’s rulers Oberon and Titania, Oberon’s aide Puck creates mischief between the lovers. Even a play troupe rehearsing in the forest is not spared by Puck, thus escalating the confusion.

Starring:
Michelle Pfeiffer, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Kline, Calista Flockhart, Sophie Marceau, Sam Rockwell, Rupert Everett
Directed By:
Michael Hoffman
35. Laurel Canyon (2002)
7
3
Laurel Canyon
R
7
3

Laurel Canyon is a drama film which tells the story of Sam, who moves to Los Angeles to stay in his mother’s house, along with his fiancée Alex. Although Sam expected that his mother would be away, and he and Alex would have the luxurious house to himself, he finds his mother still at their house working on a project with her boyfriend who is a record producer.

Role:
Sam
Starring:
Kate Beckinsale, Frances McDormand, Natascha McElhone, Alessandro Nivola
Directed By:
Lisa Cholodenko
36. Mio min Mio (1987)
6
3
Mio min Mio
PG
6
3

After his mother’s death and his father’s disappearance, Bosse suffers neglect at the hands of his guardians. Eventually, one night, he decides to run away to seek his own father. He soon meets a genie who takes him to a fantasy land where his actual father is the King. He begins to live a happy and comfortable life, but things take a turn when he learns that an Evil Knight has been kidnapping children and turning them into slaves. He decides to set out on a quest to set things right. 

Role:
Jum-Jum / Benke
Starring:
Christopher Lee, Nick Pickard, Timothy Bottoms, Susannah York
Directed By:
Vladimir Grammatikov
37. Metroland (1997)
7
3
Metroland
R
7
3
Role:
Chris
Starring:
Emily Watson, John Wood, Lee Ross, Elsa Zylberstein
Directed By:
Philip Saville
38. Reign of Fire (2002)
10
4
Reign of Fire
PG-13
10
4

At a young age, Quinn witnesses the awakening of fire-breathing dragons and the subsequent death of his mother while protecting him. Two decades later, Quinn is responsible for protecting a group of people from the dragons who have destroyed much of humanity. There appears to be little hope, but when dragon Slayer Van Zan arrives, the two get together to face the powerful monster.

Role:
Quinn Abercromby
Starring:
Gerard Butler, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco, Scott Moutter
Directed By:
Rob Bowman
39. The Portrait of a Lady (1996)
5
3
The Portrait of a Lady
PG-13
5
3

Based on a 1881 novel of the same name, The Portrait of a Lady is a drama film which tells the story of Isabel Archer, a woman who is known for being extremely beautiful. After her uncle passes away, Isabel receives a huge fortune. In order to explore herself, she decides to travel to Europe, where she gets entangled in several misfortunate events.

Starring:
Shelley Winters, Mary-Louise Parker, Viggo Mortensen, John Gielgud, Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey
Directed By:
Jane Campion
40. Mary, Mother of Jesus (1999)
9
4
Mary, Mother of Jesus
PG-13
9
4
Role:
Jesus of Nazareth
Starring:
Geraldine Chaplin, Pernilla August, David Threlfall, Melinda Kinnaman, Simone Bendix
Directed By:
Kevin Connor
41. Shaft (2000)
6
4
Shaft
R
6
4

NYPD Detective John Shaft II arrests Walter Wade, Jr. for the murder of Trey Howard but Wade escapes with a bail. Years later Wade is again arrested by Shaft. Now Shaft must fight corrupt officials, officers, and drug lords to keep the only witness of Trey’s murder safe and bring Wade to justice. 

Role:
Jr. Walter Wade
Starring:
Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa Lynn Williams, Mekhi Phifer, Busta Rhymes, Isaac Hayes, Elizabeth Banks, Lawrence Taylor
Directed By:
John Singleton
42. Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)
6
3
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
R
6
3

A fisherman leaves to fight with the Greek Army against the Italians, during the Second World War. However, during this time, his fiancée starts to fall in love with the local Italian commander.

Role:
Mandras
Starring:
Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz, Irene Papas, John Hurt, Penélope Cruz
Directed By:
John Madden
43. Knight of Cups (2015)
5
3
Knight of Cups
R
5
3

Rick is a successful screenwriter living in Los Angeles, California, but his life is filled with emptiness. He searches for love and for himself via a series of adventures with six different women.

Role:
Rick
Starring:
Isabel Lucas, Dane DeHaan, Dan Harmon, Nick Kroll, Nick Offerman, Joel Kinnaman, Imogen Poots
Directed By:
44. The Secret Agent (1996)
4
3
The Secret Agent
R
4
3
Role:
Stevie
Starring:
Bob Hoskins, Robin Williams, Patricia Arquette, Eddie Izzard, Gérard Depardieu, Jim Broadbent
Directed By:
Christopher Hampton
45. Prince of Jutland (1994)
4
3
Prince of Jutland
R
4
3
Role:
Amled
Starring:
Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, Andy Serkis, Kate Beckinsale, Brian Cox
Directed By:
Gabriel Axel
46. Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna (1986)
6
3
Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna
6
3
Starring:
Amy Irving, Omar Sharif, Rex Harrison, Olivia de Havilland, Elke Sommer, Susan Lucci
Directed By:
Marvin J. Chomsky
47. A Murder of Quality (1991)
5
3
A Murder of Quality
5
3
Starring:
Joss Ackland, Glenda Jackson, Denholm Elliott, Billie Whitelaw, Ronald Pickup
Directed By:
Gavin Millar

TV Shows

Heart of the Country
11
5
Heart of the Country
11
5
Role:
Ben Harris
Starring:
David Buck, Rosalind Bennett, Susan Penhaligon, Sophie Cook
Directed By:
Brian Farnham

Narrator/Dubbing

Mowgli (2018)
13
6
Mowgli
PG-13
13
6

Mowgli is a human child who is raised by a pack of wolves in the Indian jungles. As he learns the rules of the jungle, he is accepted by the animals as their own. However, the tiger Shere Khan doesn’t take a liking to him.  

Role:
Bagheera (voice)
Starring:
Benedict Cumberbatch, Freida Pinto, Naomie Harris, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett
Directed By:

Animation Movies

Hauru no ugoku shiro (2004)
18
4
Hauru no ugoku shiro
TV-PG
18
4

Soon after young milliner Sophie Hatter befriends the wizard Howl, she is cursed by the Witch of the Waste into a ninety-year-old woman. In her quest to end the curse, she finds Howl's moving castle with help from a living scarecrow, befriends fire demon Calcifer who powers the castle, and alters the course of war between two kingdoms.

Role:
Howl (voice)
Starring:
Lauren Bacall, Josh Hutcherson, Blythe Danner, Jena Malone, Jean Simmons, Billy Crystal, Chieko Baishô
Directed By:
The Dreamstone
8
2
The Dreamstone
8
2
Starring:
Gary Martin, Melvyn Hayes, Jacqueline Clarke, Nancy Hendry
Directed By:
Phil Robinson, Martin Gates
Pocahontas (1995)
9
5
Pocahontas
G
9
5

Chief of the Powhatan tribe in North America decides to marry his beautiful daughter Pocahontas to great warrior Kocoum, while the free-spirited woman falls in love with British Captain John Smith. When Kocoum dies at the hand of an English soldier and Smith is captured by the natives, an all-out war gets in the way of the star-crossed lovers.

Role:
Thomas (voice)
Starring:
Billy Connolly, Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt, Jim Cummings, Joe Baker, Irene Bedard, James Apaumut Fall
Directed By:
Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg

Christian Bale Awards

Academy Awards
The Fighter Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role 2011
Golden Globe Awards
The Fighter Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture 2011
Vice Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy 2019
People's Choice Awards
The Dark Knight Favorite Cast 2009
The Dark Knight Favorite Superhero 2009
The Dark Knight Favorite On-Screen Match-Up 2009
MTV Movie & TV Awards
Batman Begins Best Hero 2006