Gerard Butler, the renowned Scottish actor, has established himself as a significant figure in the action genre over his two-decade career. Known for his commanding screen presence and intense performances, Butler has delivered numerous memorable roles in action films that have captivated audiences worldwide. This article ranks the Gerard Butler best action movies and highlights where viewers can stream these thrilling titles today.
A Sci-Fi Disaster Thriller: ‘Geostorm’ (2017)
In ‘Geostorm,’ directed by Dean Devlin, Gerard Butler plays Jake Lawson, a satellite designer responsible for a global climate-controlling satellite system. When the system malfunctions, Jake and his brother must expose a political conspiracy to prevent an apocalyptic storm. The supporting cast includes Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish, Ed Harris, and Andy García.
Although ‘Geostorm’ struggled critically and commercially upon release, it offers an entertaining experience with its action-packed sequences and conspiracy narrative. The film’s special effects and characterizations have drawn criticism, but Butler’s charisma shines through, making it a unique watch for fans. ‘Geostorm’ is available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV+, and YouTube.
High-Stakes Political Action: ‘Angel Has Fallen’ (2019)
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, ‘Angel Has Fallen’ is the third installment in the Has Fallen franchise, featuring Gerard Butler as Secret Service agent Mike Banning. The plot centers on a drone attack targeting the President of the United States, Allan Trumbull, played by Morgan Freeman, where Banning is framed and must race against time to clear his name and stop the real culprits. The film also features Jada Pinkett Smith, Lance Reddick, Tim Blake Nelson, Piper Perabo, Nick Nolte, and Danny Huston.
The movie garnered mixed reviews but achieved box office success, earning over $146 million globally. It is celebrated for intense action scenes including fights and car chases, delivering an enjoyable and adrenaline-fueled experience for action enthusiasts. ‘Angel Has Fallen’ is currently streaming on FuboTV.
Survival Against Cosmic Catastrophe: ‘Greenland’ (2020)
In ‘Greenland,’ another film from director Ric Roman Waugh, Butler stars as John Garrity, who must navigate an apocalyptic event caused by a comet threatening Earth’s extinction. Joined by his estranged wife Allison, portrayed by Morena Baccarin, and their son Nathan, they struggle to survive amid the chaos. The cast also includes Scott Glenn, David Denman, Hope Davis, and Holt McCallany.
Upon its December 2020 release, ‘Greenland’ was praised by critics and viewers alike for its grounded approach to disaster storytelling, focusing on human relationships and social dynamics during crisis. Its success on video-on-demand platforms led to a planned sequel, ‘Greenland: Migration,’ expected in 2025. Presently, the film streams on HBO Max.
Action Within a Police Station: ‘Copshop’ (2021)
Joe Carnahan’s ‘Copshop’ places Gerard Butler in the role of a professional hitman who deliberately gets arrested to approach his target, a con artist played by Frank Grillo. When the police station where they are held comes under attack from various adversaries, they must collaborate with rookie officer played by Alexis Louder to survive. Additional cast members include Tracey Bonner, Robert Walker-Branchaud, and Jose Pablo Cantillo.
Despite an underwhelming box office performance upon its September 2021 premiere, ‘Copshop’ received positive reviews for its old-school, pulp-inspired action and sharp performances. Butler’s portrayal of a charismatic anti-hero elevates the film, which caters well to fans of genre cinema. It is currently available for streaming on FuboTV, Peacock, and Plex.
Intense Survival Thriller: ‘Plane’ (2023)
‘Plane,’ directed by Jean-François Richet, is a taut action thriller featuring Gerard Butler as a commercial airline pilot forced to make an emergency landing on a dangerous island ruled by violent rebels. Mike Colter stars alongside Butler as a suspected murderer being transported to Canada for trial. The film’s ensemble includes Tony Goldwyn, Yoson An, and Daniella Pineda.
After a prolonged development period, ‘Plane’ premiered in January 2023 to critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing $74 million against a $25 million budget. It stands out for its strong character work and gritty, realistic action sequences. A sequel is underway, with Butler expected to appear in a cameo, and the film is currently accessible for streaming on Netflix.
Heist Action Returns: ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’ (2025)
The upcoming sequel to the 2018 heist film, ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,’ directed by Christian Gudegast, draws inspiration from a real diamond heist in Antwerp, Belgium. Butler reprises his role as Deputy Big Nick O’Brien, tracking a criminal mastermind, Donnie Wilson, played by O’Shea Jackson Jr., as he joins a crew planning to rob the world’s largest diamond exchange in Europe.
‘Den of Thieves 2’ delivers heightened entertainment with a blend of action, clever writing, and strong performances, notably praising Butler’s compelling lead role. The film is being well-received ahead of its release and will be available for streaming on Netflix.
Gritty London Crime Story: ‘RocknRolla’ (2008)
Guy Ritchie’s 2008 film ‘RocknRolla’ features Gerard Butler as One-Two, the leader of a small-time gang caught in the turmoil surrounding a crooked land deal within London’s criminal underworld. The film includes a star-studded cast with Tom Wilkinson, Thandiwe Newton, Mark Strong, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Jeremy Piven.
‘RocknRolla’ mixed critical responses but enjoyed commercial success, topping the UK box office in its opening week. Known for its slick gangster action and sharp dialogue, the film retains freshness despite familiar genre elements and remains an engaging watch. It is currently available to rent or purchase on Amazon, Apple TV+, and YouTube.
Epic Retelling of Spartan Valor: ‘300’ (2007)
‘300,’ directed by Zack Snyder and adapted from Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel, stars Gerard Butler as King Leonidas leading 300 Spartan warriors in a legendary stand against the Persian king Xerxes. The film’s extensive cast includes David Wenham, Lena Headey, Dominic West, Vincent Regan, Michael Fassbender, and Rodrigo Santoro.
Considered Butler’s most iconic and beloved role, ‘300’ stands out for its visually striking battle scenes and commanding performance, despite some criticisms over its narrative depth. The film received multiple Saturn Award nominations and spawned the 2014 sequel ‘300: Rise of an Empire.’ It is currently streaming on TNT, TBS, and truTV.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What religion is Gerard Butler?
A. Gerard James Butler was born on November 13, 1969, in Paisley, Scotland. He is the youngest of Margaret and Edward Butler’s three children. Edward worked as a bookmaker. The family practices Catholicism and has roots in Ireland.
Q. Do Gerard Butler have a child?
A. He doesn’t have kids. The girls are his nieces. Yes, they are his nieces.
Q. Which religion is Gerard Butler?
A. Gerard James Butler entered the world on November 13, 1969, in Paisley, Scotland. He is the youngest of three siblings. His parents are Margaret and Edward Butler, who worked as a bookmaker. The Butler family is Catholic and has Irish roots.
Q. Is Gerard Butler deaf?
A. Gerard Butler, a Scottish actor, deals with partial hearing loss and tinnitus after a surgery when he was a child. Despite these challenges, he has appeared in many popular movies and remains successful in Hollywood.
