6. Carl Jung in A Dangerous Method (2011)

Starring alongside Viggo Mortensen and Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender brought to life the real-world Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. The story centers around the fascinating yet intense relationship between Jung and his mentor, Sigmund Freud. Premiering in 2011, A Dangerous Method allowed Fassbender to portray a more dignified and refined character that contrasted with the rugged and daring men that he had embodied previously. Fassbender was able to etch out a memorable performance amongst a cast of talented co-stars who also did their best to bring the production to life. The role required that he bring a profound level of depth and sensitivity to the character, as the film chronicled Jung’s transformation from one of Freud’s followers to a pioneer of his own psychological beliefs and theories. The role saw Fassbender win British Actor of the Year at the London Critics Circle Film Awards. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards would also recognize him as the 2011 winner for Best Actor.

5. Macbeth in Macbeth (2015)

Macbeth (2015) features Fassbender as the titular character, teaming up with director Justin Kurzel (The Snowtown Murders). Although up to this point in Fassbender’s career, he had been able to portray gritty and bold characters, Macbeth served as the first opportunity to do so in a lead role. The film’s rawness allowed for his performance to match the intensity of any of his other roles and explore a descent into tyranny and paranoia. Fassbender and co-star Marion Cotillard, who played Lady Macbeth, were able to take advantage of their gripping chemistry to help depict the potent effects that ambition can have on love and relationships. A lot of the acting range that Fassbender possesses is on display in this single production. Although the movie, in its entirety, isn’t as critically acclaimed as his other efforts, it’s hard to ignore what the role says about his individual talent. The British Independent Film Awards recognized his effort through a nomination for Best Actor.          

4. Lt. Archie Hicox in Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Coming in at number four for Fassbender’s top ten roles is another small yet impactful role. Among the prestigious directors Fassbender has worked with, such as Ridley Scott and David Cronenberg, Quentin Tarantino perhaps may be the most celebrated. Fassbender took full advantage of the opportunity and was able to lend his talents to the show-stealing and unforgettable basement shootout scene featured in Inglourious Basterds. As it’s been highlighted throughout this list, Fassbender has a way of maximizing screen time through subtle cues and mannerisms that heighten the mood of any scene in which he’s featured. In Inglourious Basterds, he was able to expertly capture and depict the tension leading up to the infamous shootout. Often, it’s not necessarily the lead role that features the leading performance. Fassbender publicly looks back on his time working with Tarantino very appreciatively and often remarks on the director’s brilliant mind and extensive knowledge surrounding film.    

3. Brandon Sullivan in Shame (2011)

Fassbender’s portrayal of Brandon Sullivan in the movie Shame earned him recognition from the British Independent Film Awards for Best Actor of 2011. In addition to the win, he also earned a handful of nominations from other prominent film institutions. In Steve McQueen and Fassbender’s second outing together, they were able to create a thought-provoking film about sex, addiction, and personal relationships that must contend with compulsive lifestyles. Similar to his character in Fish Tank, Fassbender is asked to portray a likable and charming man who is tasked with battling personal demons and exploring morality. Shame called for Fassbender and co-star Carey Mulligan to capture the chemistry and dynamic between equally troubled siblings attempting to navigate the world. To this day, Fassbender views the role as his darkest undertaking. It’s interesting to consider how different this movie would have been if Fassbender and McQueen were never able to develop their personal and professional relationship during the production of Hunger. Over the years, movie fans have been the benefactors of the collaborations between the two.        

2. Edwin Epps in 12 Years a Slave (2013)

12 Years a Slave serves as the third and most recent joint effort between Fassbender and McQueen. Due to the success they’ve achieved together, a fourth effort featuring the two wouldn’t be much of a surprise. In 12 Years a Slave, Fassbender delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless and sadistic plantation owner, Edwin Epps. Fassbender notes that Epp’s large amount of power and lack of intelligence serve as a dangerous combination. Although it’s difficult to single out one aspect of Fassbender’s amazing portrayal of Epps, the interactions with one of his slaves, Patsey (Lupita Nyong’o), capture a powerful and complex chemistry between the two characters. The ability to humanize and capture the depth of such a reprehensible character is a resounding testament to Fassbender’s acting abilities. The role would yield one of his two Oscar nominations, with the other being for his work in Steve Jobs (2015).        

1. Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto in the X-Men Franchise 

Although perhaps as demanding as some of his other roles, Fassbender has done an admirable job depicting the complicated and iconic comic book character, Magneto. The portrayal extends across four movies; X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Those familiar with the story of X-Men understand that Erik Lehnsherr is a strong, ideologically conflicted, and brutal character with sympathetic qualities. Fassbender’s talent, range, and versatility lend themselves well to such a character. Fassbender’s praiseworthy performance as the misguided antagonist contributes greatly to a franchise that has enjoyed both financial and critical success. Such success has also led to the prestige and star power that Fassbender has spent the past two decades building. He is certainly a bright spot amongst a talented and star-studded franchise which includes Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Evan Peters, and Sophie Turner. Michael Fassbender will continue to be among good company when on the silver screen.