Michael Fᴀssbender’s New Spy Movie Is Now His Highest-Rated Film Ever On Rotten Tomatoes

Michael Fᴀssbender has enjoyed an extraordinary career, bridging decades of storytelling. Unfortunately, his productivity generally declined in the 2020s. After the critically panned X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019), the actor stepped away from Hollywood for several years. He instead took time to focus on his career as a professional racer. Consequently, he did not star in a single movie between 2020 and 2022. This was a natural decision during the pandemic, as Hollywood faced hardship during that period. Still, there was no evidence that Fᴀssbender would have the chance to return due to insurance issues.

Fᴀssbender did not stay away forever, thankfully. The actor returned to the screen in 2023 for The Killer and Next Goal Wins and also starred in Kneecap in 2024. These movies have been coming slowly compared to the rest of Fᴀssbender’s career. He was previously capable of starring in three films in one calendar year. Now, he appears in only one or two each year, which now includes a new niche in the industry. Rather than appearing in epic superhero movies, he has leaned towards espionage thrillers, and his latest may just be his best.

Black Bag Is Already A Critical Darling

It Is Fᴀssbender’s Best-Reviewed Performance

Fᴀssbender has officially set a new Rotten Tomatoes record with his latest spy movie, Black Bag. He stars as George Woodhouse, an intelligence officer sent to investigate a mᴀssive intelligence threat. Unfortunately, Woodhouse quickly discovers that his wife (Cate Blanchett) is a potential suspect after being given a list of five names. With the film now out in theaters, ScreenRant‘s Mae Abdulbaki called Black Bag suspenseful without needing high-octane action sequences” that remains “fun yet debonair“.

Black Bag reportedly had a $50 million budget.

The thriller may be stumbling financially with its $6 million weekend, but it still offered an extraordinary achievement for Fᴀssbender, thanks to its Rotten Tomatoes score. The movie has earned a 97% Tomatometer score, the best rating in Fᴀssbender’s career so far. The 97% score surpᴀsses 12 Years a Slave (2013), Kneecap (2024), and even the acclaimed Band of Brothers. On the other hand, the Popcornmeter score has not been quite as explosive, as it currently sits at the 75% mark. Check out the chart below, which compares Fᴀssbender’s top movies and shows:

тιтle

Tomatometer Score

Popcornmeter Score

Black Bag (2025)

97%

75%

Kneecap (2024)

96%

95%

12 Years a Slave (2013)

95%

90%

The Shadow of Violence (2019)

94%

68%

Band of Brothers

94%

97%

Our Take On Black Bag’s Critical Success

Fᴀssbender Just Keeps Upping The Ante

Fᴀssbender has starred in a litany of incredible movies throughout his career. He made his film debut in 300 (2007) and starred in Inglourious Basterds (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011), and the sci-fi horror Prometheus (2012). These movies proved to have a lasting impact and spanned through numerous genres, but they were all surpᴀssed by Fᴀssbender’s latest work. If Black Bag could stand out so prominently against the rest of his movies and shows, then it is truly worth watching.

Critics generally praised the complex writing, the depth behind the mystery, and Fᴀssbender’s performance. The few negative reviewers argue that it has a painfully slow pace. Interestingly enough, the positive reviews agree. Most claim that the trickling pace is part of what makes it so fascinating. Audiences have been more critical, arguing that the story was confusing and uninteresting. Regardless of the individual responses, it is impossible to deny that Black Bag has earned a positive reputation. That only makes me more excited about future Fᴀssbender projects.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Related Posts

Dune 3 May Be Repeating Its Major Anya Taylor-Joy Character Change With Two Newcomers

Dune 3 May Be Repeating Its Major Anya Taylor-Joy Character Change With Two Newcomers

A major casting announcement has been made for Dune: Part Three, teasing that the upcoming Dune Messiah adaptation may be lifting one of Dune: Part Two‘s most…

Sam Elliott’s Favorite Movie From His Career Is A Little-Known Gem With 77% On Rotten Tomatoes

Sam Elliott’s Favorite Movie From His Career Is A Little-Known Gem With 77% On Rotten Tomatoes

Despite his repertoire, Sam Elliott’s favorite movie from his career is actually a little-known gem which was rated 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. With his deep voice, rugged…

I Can’t Believe It’s Taken Me 20 Years To Realize Palpatine Was Totally Lying About Darth Plagueis

I Can’t Believe It’s Taken Me 20 Years To Realize Palpatine Was Totally Lying About Darth Plagueis

Emperor Palpatine used every possible tactic to manipulate Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but his lies about Sith Lord Darth Plagueis were especially twisted….

Yes, It’s About Politics” : James Gunn Addresses How Superman Is “The Story Of America

Yes, It’s About Politics” : James Gunn Addresses How Superman Is “The Story Of America

Superman director James Gunn recently opened up about how the hero finds himself embroiled in political controversy after he interferes in a skirmish between two warring countries….

Johnny Depp Reveals His Story On Losing Harry Potter Role In Light Of Legal Trouble

Johnny Depp Reveals His Story On Losing Harry Potter Role In Light Of Legal Trouble

Johnny Depp addresses losing the role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise and reveals his perspective on his firing from the project. Indeed, Depp’s exit…

Lilo & Sтιтch 2 Remake Could Adapt These 10 Movies & TV Episodes Into Live-Action

Lilo & Sтιтch 2 Remake Could Adapt These 10 Movies & TV Episodes Into Live-Action

The live-action Lilo & Sтιтch 2 could adapt any number of pre-existing stories from the animated franchise. The movie is a sequel to 2025’s Lilo & Sтιтch,…