When American Psycho hit theaters, people didn’t know what to make of it. Some critics got it immediately, praising its dark humor, sharp social satire, and Christian Bale’s unhinged performance. Others thought it was too violent, too empty, or too obsessed with its own style, ironically missing the entire point of the movie.

At the box office, it did okay. Not a massive hit, but respectable for a film with a $7 million budget. But like Bateman himself, American Psycho wasn’t meant to shine immediately, it was built for the long game.

Then something happened.

People started rewatching it. Quoting it. Meming it.

The business card scene became internet legend ("Look at that subtle off-white coloring..."). The phrase “I have to return some videotapes” turned into a universal excuse to get out of awkward situations. Even Bateman’s skincare routine was rediscovered by modern audiences who couldn’t decide if they should laugh or take notes.

And Christian Bale? This role changed his career forever. People finally saw that he wasn’t just another actor, he was something else entirely. American Psycho is often credited with helping him land Batman, because he showed that he could play a character who was both charismatic and terrifying.

Today, it is a cult classic. Film schools study it, business schools ironically show it as a cautionary tale, and pop culture keeps bringing it back to life.

It’s not just a film anymore, it’s a cultural artifact. Whether people love it, hate it, or don’t fully understand it, one thing is certain:

We’re still talking about it. And that means it won.