Before he became widely recognized for playing sharp, cunning characters in R-rated comedies and dramatic TV roles, Jason Bateman first made a name for himself as a refreshingly sarcastic presence on the otherwise sugary ’80s sitcom Silver Spoons (NBC, 1982–87). At the same time, his sister Justine Bateman was gaining fame on Family Ties (NBC, 1982–89), making the Bateman siblings a small-screen duo to watch. Growing up literally in front of the cameras, Jason Bateman’s early career included a minor film role in Teen Wolf Too (1987) and a more prominent part as the eldest son on Valerie/The Hogan Family (NBC/CBS, 1986–1991).
What really set Jason Bateman apart, though, was his smooth evolution from child actor to mature performer. While many young stars struggle with that transition, Jason Bateman managed it with quiet confidence, appearing in various sitcoms and TV movies where he often played the relatable, grounded character amid comedic chaos. Then came Arrested Development (Fox, 2003–06), the cult-favorite series that marked a turning point. As Michael Bluth, the responsible son in a wildly absurd family, Jason Bateman delivered deadpan brilliance that resonated with audiences and critics alike—reviving his career in a big way.
From there, Jason Bateman’s momentum only grew. He brought subtle charm to his role in the indie hit Juno (2007), then proved his versatility with supporting turns in major studio releases like Hancock (2008) and State of Play (2008). The late 2000s and early 2010s saw Jason Bateman becoming a go-to leading man in comedy, headlining successful films such as Up in the Air (2009), The Switch (2010), The Change-Up (2011), and the wildly popular Horrible Bosses (2011) and its sequel in 2014.
But Jason Bateman wasn’t just acting—he was expanding his influence behind the camera too. He made his directorial mark with the biting satire Bad Words (2013) and followed it up with the poignant The Family Fang (2015). Meanwhile, his voice work as Officer Nick Wilde in the animated blockbuster Zootopia (2016) introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.
In the end, Jason Bateman’s journey is a testament to resilience and skill. Through ups and downs, he stayed committed to his craft. And thanks to his late-career resurgence, Jason Bateman stands as a prime example of how talent, combined with perseverance, can lead to lasting success in Hollywood.
When it comes to Jason Bateman’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Zootopia (2016) as his standout performance—yes, that’s right, Jason Bateman. It’s widely regarded as his highest-rated movie, thanks in large part to his voice role as Nick Wilde, a clever and charming fox that stole the spotlight. The animated hit received glowing reviews and resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a clear favorite in Jason Bateman’s career. On the flip side, Jason Bateman also had a less successful outing with The Longest Week (2014), which ended up being his lowest-rated film to date. While Jason Bateman brought his usual charisma, the movie itself didn’t quite connect with viewers or critics. So, whether you’re revisiting Jason Bateman’s best work or exploring the lesser-known corners of his filmography, these two titles definitely mark the high and low points—quite literally—for Jason Bateman on the big screen.