There are plenty of actors content to stay in their lane. That’s not an insult—many genuinely good actors are perfectly aware of their type and don’t see the need to challenge it. After all, when you’re lucky enough to find a niche in Hollywood, why not stick to it?
Michael Fassbender, on the other hand, is an interesting performer precisely because he frequently switches between genres, doing a superhero blockbuster one minute and a sexy independent film the next. Unafraid of taking on characters who are complicated, unlikable, or even despicable, Fassbender is equally at home playing the hero or the villain; in some cases, he even brings us around to the villain’s point of view.
The one genre he really hasn’t explored yet is comedy, although he has expressed interest in it. Over the course of his career, Fassbender has been nominated for two Academy Awards: in 2014 for *12 Years a Slave* and in 2016 for *Steve Jobs*. But these are far from his only standout performances. In fact, he has been part of so many top-tier projects that it’s a challenge to pick the very best.
After some careful consideration, here are the most glistening gems in Michael Fassbender’s filmography.
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### A Dangerous Method (2011)
Directed by David Cronenberg, who is best known for body horror, *A Dangerous Method* is an erotic period drama that plays to his psychoanalytic interests perfectly. Fassbender stars as Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, whose life and professional relationship with Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) become complicated when he begins treating Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), a patient diagnosed with hysteria—a 19th-century label for women experiencing depression, anxiety, or sexual frustration.
The chemistry between Fassbender, Mortensen, and Knightley is electric. Despite Jung’s commitment to medical ethics, a complex psychosexual relationship develops between Jung and Spielrein. While Fassbender and Mortensen deliver note-perfect historical portrayals, Knightley’s tortured, passionate performance truly steals the show.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley
– **Director:** David Cronenberg
– **Year:** 2011
– **Runtime:** 99 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 78%
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### Steve Jobs (2015)
The success or failure of a biopic often hinges on the lead actor’s performance. In *Steve Jobs*, Fassbender elevates a fairly straightforward narrative about the genius yet difficult Apple founder into something utterly fascinating—even if he doesn’t physically resemble the real Steve Jobs.
Supported by Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, Jobs’ closest aide, and Seth Rogen as the co-founder Steve Wozniak, Fassbender commands the film. His portrayal provides insight into the enigmatic mind of Jobs, earning him his second Academy Award nomination.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen
– **Director:** Danny Boyle
– **Year:** 2015
– **Runtime:** 122 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 85%
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### Kneecap (2024)
*Kneecap* is a remarkable film about a real-life Irish rap group performing primarily in the Irish language. It tells the story of how their music connected younger generations to the endangered Irish tongue, contributing to its revival.
Fassbender appears in a memorable supporting role as Arlo, the father of one group member. A former Irish republican paramilitary with a checkered past, Arlo is a key figure who taught his son Naoise the Irish language. Fassbender, himself half-Irish, half-German, brings authenticity and commitment to this relatively minor but pivotal role.
His involvement speaks to his dedication to supporting the burgeoning Irish film community.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, DJ Próvai
– **Director:** Rich Peppiatt
– **Year:** 2024
– **Runtime:** 105 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 96%
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### Black Bag (2025)
Any film with Steven Soderbergh’s name attached is worth watching, and *Black Bag* is arguably one of his best recent films. This exquisite spy thriller stars Fassbender as George Woodhouse, a British counterintelligence agent tasked with uncovering a leak of sensitive information.
Matters are complicated by the fact that his wife, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), is a suspect. To unmask the culprit, he hosts a dinner party where he drugs the guests to reveal their secrets.
Stylistic, clever, and undeniably fun, *Black Bag* is one of the best spy films in recent memory.
– **Starring:** Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela
– **Director:** Steven Soderbergh
– **Year:** 2025
– **Runtime:** 93 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 96%
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### Frank (2014)
In *Frank*, Fassbender takes on a daring role, wearing a comically large papier-mâché mask that covers his entire head. The quirky independent dramedy, directed by Lenny Abrahamson, follows a young musician Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) who becomes involved with an eccentric band led by Frank.
The film explores the link between creative genius and mental health. Fassbender’s performance is an incredible study in restraint and liberation—even though his face remains hidden for most of the movie.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal
– **Director:** Lenny Abrahamson
– **Year:** 2014
– **Runtime:** 95 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 92%
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### The Killer (2023)
Hitman films inherently have an appeal, especially when starring someone as magnetic as Fassbender. *The Killer*, directed by David Fincher, is not your usual action-thriller; it avoids many genre clichés.
Fassbender plays a low-key British assassin, George, who blends into the crowd seamlessly. The performance is subtle and nuanced, showing a fascinating take on a familiar archetype.
While some viewers found the film’s pace slow, Fassbender’s portrayal adds depth and intrigue.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Tilda Swinton, Arliss Howard
– **Director:** David Fincher
– **Year:** 2023
– **Runtime:** 118 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 85%
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### Jane Eyre (2011)
This adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel follows Jane (Mia Wasikowska), a young woman overcoming a traumatic childhood who becomes governess at a gloomy estate, where she meets the reserved Mr. Rochester (Fassbender).
Though Fassbender is perhaps a bit too handsome for the role of Rochester, his performance compensates with depth and intensity. The film captures the gothic atmosphere and emotional complexity of the story, including the infamous “mad wife in the attic” subplot.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Mia Wasikowska, Jamie Bell
– **Director:** Cary Fukunaga
– **Year:** 2011
– **Runtime:** 118 minutes
– **Rating:** PG-13
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 85%
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### X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Following the success of *X-Men: First Class*, 20th Century Fox produced this time-bending sequel. The film toggles between a dystopian 2023 and the 1970s, where Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) aims to prevent the creation of deadly Sentinels.
In the ‘70s timeline, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) struggles with alcoholism, and Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender) is imprisoned for murder. *Days of Future Past* revitalizes the franchise with inventive uses of its characters and remains one of the best superhero sequels to date.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence
– **Director:** Bryan Singer
– **Year:** 2014
– **Runtime:** 132 minutes
– **Rating:** PG-13
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 90%
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### 12 Years a Slave (2013)
*12 Years a Slave* is a powerful and difficult film that reunites Fassbender with director Steve McQueen, following their collaborations on *Hunger* and *Shame*. The story centers on Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free Black man kidnapped into slavery.
Fassbender plays Edwin Epps, one of the film’s most villainous characters, a brutal plantation owner with no qualms abusing his slaves. His chilling portrayal showcased his remarkable range and willingness to inhabit deeply unsympathetic roles.
– **Starring:** Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender
– **Director:** Steve McQueen
– **Year:** 2013
– **Runtime:** 134 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 95%
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### X-Men: First Class (2011)
This origin story explores the early days of Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Fassbender), revealing the roots of their philosophies. Charles is raised in privilege, optimistic about humanity, while Erik, a Holocaust survivor, has a darker worldview.
Both actors appear perfectly cast, bringing freshness and energy to a franchise that was in need of revitalization. The film’s mid-century style adds to its distinct appeal.
– **Starring:** James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence
– **Director:** Matthew Vaughn
– **Year:** 2011
– **Runtime:** 131 minutes
– **Rating:** PG-13
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 86%
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### Hunger (2008)
Steve McQueen’s feature debut, *Hunger*, is both intense and unsettling. Fassbender stars as Bobby Sands, an IRA member imprisoned during the Northern Ireland Troubles, who led the 1981 hunger strike to gain political prisoner status.
Fassbender’s portrayal is raw and powerful, capturing Sands’ vulnerability and iron will in a performance that earned critical acclaim and launched his career.
– **Starring:** Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Liam McMahon
– **Director:** Steve McQueen
– **Year:** 2008
– **Runtime:** 96 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 90%
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### Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Quentin Tarantino’s *Inglourious Basterds* is a revisionist WWII film blending dark humor and violence. Fassbender plays a British officer fluent in German, involved in a plot to assassinate Nazi leaders.
He anchors the film’s most memorable scene—a tense basement bar confrontation—with calm and precision. Although a supporting role, Fassbender’s performance adds gravitas to the ensemble cast and contributes to one of Tarantino’s finest works.
– **Starring:** Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender
– **Director:** Quentin Tarantino
– **Year:** 2009
– **Runtime:** 153 minutes
– **Rating:** R
– **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 89%
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Michael Fassbender’s career reflects an impressive versatility, from independent films and historical dramas to superhero blockbusters. His ability to inhabit complex characters—heroes, villains, and everything in-between—makes him a standout actor in contemporary cinema. Whether leading or supporting, Fassbender’s performances are always worth watching.
https://www.looper.com/2015939/best-michael-fassbender-movies-ranked/
