The 5 Best Gerard Butler Action Movies Streaming Right Now

Gerard Butler’s diverse acting career, from 300 to Den of Thieves and Phantom of the Opera, proves his range. His recent hit Plane, ranking #3 on Hulu, unfolds an action-packed adventure with a commercial pilot navigating a war zone.

Directed by Jean-François Richet, Plane impresses with its gripping plot, unexpected turns, and strong cast. Gerard Butler portrays Brodie Torrance, an ex-RAF pilot turned commercial aviator, facing a life-or-death scenario. Critics and audiences agree that while not profound, Plane is an enjoyable action flick.

Plane follows Brodie and prisoner Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter) as they rescue passengers from rebel forces on a storm-stranded island during Trailblazer Airlines Flight 119. Mixing action, suspense, and emotion, the film delivers a thrilling cinematic experience.

Butler shines, conveying strength and vulnerability, while Colter adds depth to Louis Gaspare, creating compelling dynamics. The ensemble cast enriches the film’s impact.

Despite controversies, Plane leaves a mark, sparking discussions about cinema representation. As anticipation builds for Ship, its sequel, Plane cements its position in the action genre.

Gerard Butler’s formidable presence in adrenaline-packed movies is well-known. Yet, his quieter role in Chasing Mavericks, currently on Hulu, deserves attention.

Directed by Curtis Hanson and Michael Apted, the film chronicles the real-life story of young surfing prodigy Jay Moriarity, with Butler as his mentor, Frosty Hesson.

In this film, Butler shifts from his usual hard-hitting roles to portray Frosty, a seasoned surfer navigating both ocean waves and life’s currents. He molds Jay (Jonny Weston) into a surfer ready to conquer the colossal “Mavericks” wave. This portrayal showcases Butler’s vulnerability and emotional depth, contrasting his action-packed blockbusters.

Despite Butler’s nuanced performance, Chasing Mavericks faced criticism for blending its coming-of-age narrative with sports drama. The balance didn’t quite strike, leading to a 32% Rotten Tomatoes score and modest box office earnings.

In the end, Chasing Mavericks offers a fresh perspective on Butler’s skills beyond action roles. Just as waves rise and fall, an actor’s career has its ups and downs. Chasing Mavericks presents a chance to ride Hulu’s wave and experience sports drama and emotional depth, all anchored by Butler’s solid acting.

Gerard Butler’s name often invokes images of intense action, but his softer side shines in The Bounty Hunter, now streaming on Netflix. The film combines action, comedy, and romance, offering a multi-dimensional cinematic experience.

Butler’s portrayal of savvy bounty hunter Milo Boyd is captivating. The story follows Milo, a former cop turned bounty hunter, on a mission to capture his journalist ex-wife, Nicole Hurley (Jennifer Aniston). Their complex history adds suspense, with lingering emotions beneath the surface.

As Milo chases Nicole, chaos ensues, showcasing Butler’s wit and bounty-hunting expertise. Nicole’s attempts to evade him keep the plot unpredictable. Their chemistry infuses the film with intensity and endearing moments.

Despite mixed reviews, The Bounty Hunter made over $136 million globally. While not a mega-hit, Butler’s performance resonated with audiences.

Though critics’ opinions vary, the film remains an engaging journey. Butler and Aniston’s chemistry, combined with action and humor, make it a great choice for an enjoyable movie night.

If you’re seeking a summer blockbuster without leaving your couch, consider adding Gamer, starring Gerard Butler, to your Netflix list. This dystopian sci-fi action film is set in a near-future world where gaming tech is misused. Despite mixed reviews and modest box office success, Gamer offers entertainment if you’re willing to go with the flow.

In Gamer, Gerard Butler plays Kable, controlled in a live-action video game. The movie blends action, comedy, and romance, making it a unique choice for a movie night.

Set in 2034, the film follows the creation of a game, Society, allowing players to control real people via nanotechnology. Gerard Butler’s character, Kable, shines in a new game, Slayers, where death-row inmates fight for freedom.

Gamer combines The Sims with Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, delivering intense arena-style gameplay. Kable’s journey is compelling, with 27 wins toward freedom. A character named Hackman shakes things up by navigating without human control. As Kable’s family’s safety becomes a focal point, emotional depth complements the action.

Though commercially and critically mixed, Gamer showcases Butler’s dedication and action prowess. The film’s uniqueness lies in its advanced weaponry and gameplay concept. At just 95 minutes, it’s a rainy-day watch on Netflix that offers action-packed fun. Just remember to suspend disbelief and enjoy the show.

300 catapulted Gerard Butler to stardom in 2007 and remains a popular film on Max. This visually captivating war epic directed by Zack Snyder and based on Frank Miller’s comic series, secured Butler’s reputation as a fierce action star. Ranked among Max’s top ten films, 300 continues to resonate with audiences.

Set in 480 B.C., the film follows Spartan King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) leading a small but valiant force against King Xerxes’ (Rodrigo Santoro) massive Persian army in the Battle of Thermopylae. Butler’s portrayal, coupled with the iconic line “This is Sparta!”, solidified his place as an actor of immense power and talent.

Directed by Snyder, 300 employed innovative visual techniques, blending live-action with virtual backgrounds for a striking, almost comic book-like aesthetic. The film’s unique style, combined with the cast’s dedication to rigorous physical training, turned it into a visual storytelling masterclass.

Grossing over $455 million globally against a $65 million budget, 300 was both a commercial and career success for Butler and Snyder. While critics offered mixed reviews, audiences praised the visuals, action sequences, and Butler’s commanding performance.

Following 300, Butler starred in more action films, solidifying his status in the genre. The movie’s success even led to a prequel, 300: Rise of an Empire, though its absence of key contributors impacted its reception. Nevertheless, 300 remains a favorite, showcasing Butler’s emergence as a leading action star and leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.