Michael Fassbender’s Best Movies

Summary

• Michael Fassbender has proven himself to be one of the most versatile modern actors with incredible range.
• His brief roles in films like 300 and Inglourious Basterds still leave a lasting impression.
• Some of Fassbender’s best roles are androids David and Walter in the Alien franchise, as well as his portrayal of Magneto in the X-Men franchise.

Throughout his career, German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender has established himself not only as one of Ireland’s greatest film actors but also as one of the most versatile modern performers with incredible range. Equally convincing as an action hero, a tormented or dramatic character, a brutal tyrant, a cold-blooded assassin, or even an android, it’s hard to find a weak performance from Fassbender, who fully embodies his roles.

In his most recent movie, Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, Fassbender plays British intelligence officer George Woodhouse. Judging by early reception from critics and audiences, Black Bag has the potential to secure its place among the best Michael Fassbender-led movies.

In light of this recent premiere, let’s take a look at some of Fassbender’s best films, from superhero action blockbusters for mainstream audiences to critically acclaimed dramas recognized as some of the finest films of their time.

For clarity and variety, only one of the actor’s appearances per specific franchise (like X-Men or Alien) counts.

8

300

Spartan Warrior Stelios (Dienekes)

Michael Fassbender’s feature film debut in Zack Snyder’s 2007 epic 300 remains unforgettable. Arguably his most physically demanding role to date, requiring months of preparation, his portrayal of Stelios (an embodiment of Dienekes or Dieneces) stands out as one of the bravest and most skilled among the three hundred Spartans who face the Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae under King Leonidas.

Since then, Fassbender has rarely taken on similar roles as hardened soldiers who shine in battle but have little dialogue. However, thanks to 300’s enduring cult status, his performance in the film remains one of the fan favorites.

7

Inglourious Basterds

Lieutenant Archie Hicox

As a film, Inglourious Basterds could easily rank higher, but given Michael Fassbender’s limited screen time (around five minutes in total) it serves more as an honorable mention. However, his portrayal of Lieutenant Archie Hicox is so flawless, and his entire basement bar sequence so mesmerizing, that this brief appearance remains one of Quentin Tarantino’s most memorable scenes.

Interestingly, Fassbender was initially considered for the role of none other than Hans Landa. However, after Christoph Waltz secured the part, it was only natural for Fassbender to appear as Lt. Hicox, given his unique Irish-German heritage. Even in a brief role, his impactful performance in Inglourious Basterds gained well-deserved recognition.

6

The Killer

Unnamed Killer

The Killer marked one of Michael Fassbender’s first films following a four-year hiatus that began in 2019 – and it instantly reminded audiences how much his versatile performances had been missed, reaffirming his status among modern heavy-hitters. David Fincher’s unmatched direction, combined with Fassbender’s effortless portrayal of the unnamed killer’s distinct, almost casual demeanor, makes for an irresistible pairing, even if the film itself doesn’t unfold as some might expect.

Granted, The Killer proved rather divisive among fans. However, with a cold, solitary, and methodical character that suits Fassbender perfectly, the film keeps him as the focal point for nearly two hours, delivering a stylish and nuanced showcase of his talent.

5

Frank

Soronprfbs’ Singer Frank

Undoubtedly, one of the weirdest roles in Michael Fassbender’s career, the lead singer of the fictional band Soronprfbs, who never removes his giant fake head, stands as a testament to the actor’s subtle talents, which often go unnoticed. With his face hidden for the entire runtime of Frank, viewers never know what to expect from the character, making Fassbender’s performance entirely reliant on body language and subtle vocal nuances.

Surrounded by other great performances from Domhnall Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Frank is a funny, clever, and unusual tale by acclaimed director Lenny Abrahamson. Full of heart and relatable revelations, it makes for an especially rewarding watch.

4

Steve Jobs

Apple Co-Founder Steven Paul Jobs

The real-life co-founder of Apple Inc. has inspired three biographical feature films, each featuring vastly different portrayals by Ashton Kutcher, Justin Long, and Michael Fassbender, with the latter receiving widespread critical acclaim. From Danny Boyle’s direction to Aaron Sorkin’s sharp screenplay, which seamlessly captures the intensity of Steve Jobs’ business and personal life, the film stands as a triumph of its genre – exciting, intelligent, and deeply emotional.

Although Fassbender himself admitted that he doesn’t physically resemble Jobs as closely as other actors might, he brilliantly captures the essence of the man. His Steve Jobs portrayal vividly conveys Jobs’ complex character, earning praise even from those who knew him personally, a rarity in biographical dramas.

3

X-Men: First Class

Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto

Few actors could take on an iconic character like Magneto after Ian McKellen’s masterful portrayal in the older X-Men films, but if anyone could do it justice, Michael Fassbender is in that league. His dynamic with James McAvoy as Charles Xavier remains one of the best in the superhero genre, while X-Men: First Class as a whole stands as one of the strongest entries.

Blending stylish action, gut-wrenching drama, complex relationships, and powerful performances, Matthew Vaughn breathed new life into a superhero franchise that had begun to feel stale. Fassbender later reprised his role as Magneto in Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. While his portrayal of the complex and morally ambiguous character was consistently excellent, the films themselves never quite reached the heights of X-Men: First Class.

2

Prometheus

Weyland Corp Android David

Ridley Scott’s fresh direction for the Alien franchise has both fans and skeptics, yet over the years, more viewers have come to appreciate the bold new path set by Prometheus, even though Alien: Covenant somewhat squandered its initial potential. Nevertheless, most will agree that Michael Fassbender’s performances as Weyland Corp. androids David and Walter are simply unmatched.

The actor fully dissolves into the roles, delivering arguably some of the best portrayals of artificial humans in the sci-fi genre.

His performance as David was already stellar in Prometheus, but it was Alien: Covenant, where Fassbender plays two entirely different androids in the same scene, subtly highlighting the contrast between David’s hidden rage and Walter’s innocence, that truly showcased his talent. A brilliant performance was further emphasized by how many promotional materials for the films were specifically focused on Fassbender’s androids.

1

12 Years A Slave

Plantation Owner Edwin Epps

A vastly different role from his emotionless androids, Michael Fassbender’s raw performance as the cruel, alcoholic plantation and slave owner Edwin Epps in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave remains a standout in his impressive portfolio. The film is both physically and emotionally brutal, with Fassbender bringing to life one of the most despicably abusive and sadistic figures ever put on screen. It’s the kind of role that makes viewers despise the character – and, by extension, the actor – because of how convincingly it is delivered.

Surrounded by other outstanding performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, and Brad Pitt, Fassbender still manages to stand out, earning numerous nominations and awards for this portrayal. Often named the best film of 2013, 12 Years a Slave is not an easy watch, but it remains one of the most defining American films about slavery.