The 1993 film The Man Without a Face, co-starring Mel Gibson, helped boost his career at the age of 13. His first professional casting was in Stranger at My Door, although he had been acting in children's plays since he was four years old.

Recent films include Sleepwalking (2007), How to Rob a Bank (2007), Quid Pro Quo (2008). The Speed of Thought is slated for 2008. Stahl has played two sadistic characters who participate in rape, Bobby Kent in the film Bully and Roark Jr./Yellow Bastard in Sin City.

Stahl will not be reprising his role as John Connor in Terminator Salvation instead Christian Bale will take over.