5) Batman Begins
All too often these days, talented actors take on the blockbuster roles seemingly as a springboard for their careers, as a way of picking up a check and gaining access to the kinds of ‘serious’ roles they’ve never had before. Christian Bale might have used his newfound stardom as Bruce Wayne/Batman to become a major leading man, but he certainly didn’t approach the role with any less dedication.
Across the Dark Knight trilogy, and in Batman Begins in particular, Bale attacks the title character with as much commitment as he does any of his more purely dramatic roles. This is a part that requires Bale essentially to be three different people: the sad, troubled Bruce, Bruce’s swaggering playboy of a public persona, and the growling, intimidating Batman. There’s never been a better, more well-rounded performance from an actor in a cape.