Christian Bale’s Favorite Comedy Movie Revelation: Why He Loves This Chris Farley Film Now Streaming on Hulu

Christian Bale‘s favorite comedy movie revelation has surprised many fans, as the Oscar-winning actor best known for intense roles like Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho” and Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy openly names the Chris Farley film “Beverly Hills Ninja” among his personal favorites. The acclaimed British performer, usually associated with dramatic cinema, recently shared why this unexpected 1997 slapstick film, now streaming on Hulu, holds a special place in his heart.

Bale’s Unexpected Choice: Embracing Slapstick Over Classics

Christian Bale is no stranger to the world of serious and complex characters, with past portrayals including Vice President Dick Cheney in “Vice” and roles that earned him both Oscar and Golden Globe recognition. Despite such gravitas in his career, Bale has always made clear he’s not a “film snob.” In a candid 2010 interview with Esquire, Bale confessed to missing several Hollywood classic films, admitting he had not seen titles like “The Philadelphia Story” or “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Contrasting sharply with these gaps, he was quick to profess his admiration for “Beverly Hills Ninja.”

During the interview, Bale stated,

“Chris Farley was just phenomenal. Beverly Hills Ninja will always remain one of my tops.”

—Christian Bale, Actor

The interviewer, surprised by Bale’s unorthodox preference, questioned whether he was joking. Bale responded with conviction,

“I have watched that movie. One time, I sat down and watched it two nights in a row, and cried with laughter both times. The guy just was a phenomenon, and is missed dearly in my household.”

—Christian Bale, Actor

This revelation is remarkable, especially considering Bale’s background and training in British cinema, where an appreciation for classics is often expected. Instead, Bale openly celebrates the unique comedic talents of Chris Farley, a beloved Saturday Night Live star and 1990s film actor. Farley’s energetic, slapstick humor made him a household name, but his film “Beverly Hills Ninja” was far from critically acclaimed at the time of its release. While many might have expected Bale to name a film like “Tommy Boy” or another classic comedic work, his choice remains steadfastly personal.

‘Beverly Hills Ninja’ Faced Harsh Reviews on Release

Despite Christian Bale’s passion for the movie, “Beverly Hills Ninja” faced a chilly reception upon its release in 1997. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a dismal 16% score on the Tomatometer, weighed down by critical backlash. Rita Kempley of The Washington Post notably criticized Farley’s performance, saying,

“Farley, a real lightweight compared to such late, great predecessors John Belushi and John Candy, brings none of Belushi’s edgy intelligence, nor Candy’s gentle pathos to this comic caricature.”

—Rita Kempley, Film Critic

Despite such commentary, audiences responded with moderate enthusiasm, as the film grossed about $31 million globally—a figure that, although not disastrous, paled in comparison to Farley’s other hits. Critics may have dismissed it, but moviegoers found a level of joy in Farley’s performance that the reviews did not always reflect.

Physical Comedy and Heart: Why ‘Beverly Hills Ninja’ Resonates

The premise of “Beverly Hills Ninja” is intentionally outlandish: Chris Farley plays Haru, a baby abandoned in Japan and taken in by ninjas. Although Haru tries his best to master their ways, he repeatedly showcases his signature incompetence and physical blunders—turning every scene into a display of Farley’s uniquely chaotic style. The themes reflect echoes of films like “Elf,” with protagonists out of their element but filled with relentless enthusiasm and heart.

This film distinguished itself as an opportunity for Farley to be the star without longtime comedic partner David Spade. Instead, he’s supported by Nicollette Sheridan, Chris Rock as a quick-witted hotel worker, and Robin Shou, who plays one of the ninjas. Though Farley’s role relies on familiar elements—clumsiness, slapstick humor, and relentless optimism—it also highlights his restraint, as the film remains relatively tame and avoids profanities. For fans like Christian Bale, “Beverly Hills Ninja” is a chance to see Farley light up the screen one more time with laughter suitable for a broad audience.

The supporting cast, including Nicollette Sheridan’s turn as the story’s love interest and Chris Rock’s comedic energy, along with Robin Shou and Nathaniel Parker, rounds out the heartfelt ensemble. Together, they illustrate Farley’s capacity to lead a film while still allowing for memorable character moments from those around him.

The Lasting Legacy of Chris Farley’s Final Released Film

Bittersweetness accompanies every viewing of “Beverly Hills Ninja,” as it was the last major movie Chris Farley saw released before his untimely passing in December 1997. He was only 33. At the time of his death, Farley was working on lines for the iconic role of Shrek—another hint of how his career might have flourished had he lived longer.

While the film never received the critical acclaim of classics or the star-studded praise from Hollywood elites, its imperfections and exuberant energy have cemented it as a cult favorite. The same over-the-top antics and deeply human moments that endeared Farley to television viewers shine brightly here, making “Beverly Hills Ninja” a testament to his talents. For Christian Bale, and for others rediscovering the film on streaming services like Hulu, the movie represents an earthy, uproarious celebration of Farley, who stood apart from predecessors like John Belushi and John Candy by being unapologetically himself.

As more people revisit Chris Farley’s work and discover Christian Bale’s favorite comedy movie revelation, “Beverly Hills Ninja” continues to win audiences with its blend of innocence, clumsy heroics, and infectious laughter. It’s proof that sometimes, the most unexpected stories—and the simplest punchlines—leave the biggest impact on even the most celebrated actors, echoing Farley’s own lasting influence among comedians and fans alike.