10 Christian Bale Performances You Must See Before You Die

Christian Bale is widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation. He's certainly among the most dedicated, often gaining or losing incredible amounts of weight in his efforts to physically become the characters he plays. As we wait for Bale's latest incredible transformation in "Backseat," here are ten performances you absolutely have to see to believe.

10. Batman in 'Batman Begins' (2005)

The problem with a lot of Batman movies is that the Dark Knight himself tends to be overshadowed by his more flamboyant villains. "Batman Begins" marked the first time where Bruce Wayne and his troubled past were truly at the forefront. In terms of Bale's performance as Batman/Bruce, this is easily the best of the trilogy. His buff superhero bod is all the more impressive when you consider that this was Bale's first project after "The Machinist."

9. Jaime Graham in 'Empire of the Sun' (1987)

It can be difficult to find a suitable child actor in the best of circumstances, much less for a movie chronicling the horrors of World War II. Luckily, Bale stood amount among thousands of young actors who tested for the role of young Jaime Graham, and he made his first big mark on Hollywood in the process. Fortunately, he avoided the usual pattern of child stars by not disappearing into obscurity once he reached adulthood.

8. Michael Burry in 'The Big Short' (2015)

It takes a deft hand to keep audiences enthralled in a movie steeped in financial mumbo jumbo and the inner workings of the housing market. Bale deserves as much credit as anyone for keeping this biographical drama as electrifying as it is. Bale is doing what he does best here -- playing an intense, anti-social man on a mission with little time for the noise of the outside world.

7. Dan Evans in '3:10 to Yuma' (2007)

Every actor needs at least one good Western under their belt, and Bale got his thanks to this remake of the 1957 classic. While co-star Russell Crowe arguably got the juicier role as imprisoned outlaw Ben Wade, Bale really shone in the role of Dan Evans, a troubled rancher determined to do whatever it takes to protect and provide for his family.

6. Trevor Reznick in 'The Machinist' (2004)

"The Machinist" was the first example of what would become a hallmark of Bale's career -- extreme physical transformations. Bale is all-too convincing as he plays an emaciated, insomnia-plagued machine shop worker trapped in a downward spiral. When an actor's performance makes you feel physically uncomfortable, you know they're doing something right.

5. Irving Rosenfeld in 'American Hustle' (2013)

Bale transformed himself yet again for this comedic crime film (loosely based on real events). Between the paunch and the thinning hairline, Irving Rosenfeld doesn't exactly capture Bale and his most handsome, but that's half the fun of this character. 

4. Alfred Borden in 'The Prestige' (2006)

"The Prestige" is easily one of the most underrated films in both Bale and director Christopher Nolan's resumes. On the surface, Bale is playing the sort of character he does so well - an obsessive, tortured genius trying to perfect his craft. But the true brilliance of Bale's work isn't obvious until the end of the film, as it pulls the rug out from under viewers in a way that suits a movie about two rival magicians.

3. Dickie Eklund in 'The Fighter' (2010)

Bale was back to shedding pounds for this boxing movie. He delivered one of his most haunting performances yet as Dickie Eklund, a washed-up former boxer still convinced he can reclaim old glories even as his younger brother Micky gears up for the fight of his life. Even more than usual, it's as if Bale becomes a different person in this film -- which helps explain why he won the Oscar for Supporting Actor in the role. 

2. Russell Baze in 'Out of the Furnace' (2013)

This is one of Bale's all-time greatest performances, which makes it all the more depressing that so few people saw "Out of the Furnace" in 2013. Regardless, he paints a captivating picture of a struggling steel worker trying to keep his family afloat in a dying, crime-ridden Pennsylvania town.

1. Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho' (2000)

Bale kept busy throughout the '90s, but it was this 2000 film that really caused moviegoers to take notice. Bale is pitch-perfect in this tale of a twisted, sadistic serial killer who also happens to be a wealthy stockbroker and Manhattan socialite. Bale ensured that audiences sympathize with the psychologically tormented Bateman, even as he seemingly commits some pretty heinous acts.