Gerard Butler’s 10 Greatest Movies So Far

Gerard Butler consistently delivers enjoyable movies that audiences keep rediscovering. He recently shared that four of his older films are currently popular on Netflix’s Top 10 – and this isn’t the first time his work has topped streaming charts. Whether it’s due to the sheer volume of films he’s made or their lasting quality, people consistently enjoy watching his movies again and again. Ultimately, Gerard Butler is a great choice when you’re simply looking for fun, straightforward entertainment.

Though Gerard Butler didn’t become a leading man overnight, he benefited from appearing in several large-scale films early in his career. He acted alongside major stars in movies like *Tomorrow Never Dies* with Pierce Brosnan, *Reign of Fire* with Christian Bale, and *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life* with Angelina Jolie. While he’s great in those blockbusters, the following 10 films truly showcase his best work.

‘Coriolanus’ (2011)

The film *Coriolanus*, based on Shakespeare’s play, tells the story of Caius Marcius Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes), a successful Roman general who is ultimately disliked because of his pride. After falling from grace, he joins forces with Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler), the leader of Rome’s enemies, hoping to restore his reputation.

A Perfect Companion to ‘300’

Though Coriolanus wasn’t a box office hit, it’s highly praised for its innovative take on the Roman Empire. In his first time directing, Ralph Fiennes avoids a typical historical setting, instead reimagining Shakespeare’s play in a modern, Balkan-inspired world – complete with TV news anchors! Gerard Butler embodies a strong, commanding presence, and his fantastic on-screen connection with Fiennes results in one of his most compelling performances.

‘The Vanishing’ (2018)

James (Gerard Butler), Thomas (Peter Mullan), and Donald (Connor Swindells) are three Scottish lighthouse keepers beginning a six-week assignment on the remote Flannan Isles. Their routine is disrupted when they find a damaged ship, a mysterious injured man, and a treasure chest full of gold. As you might expect, the discovery leads to jealousy, suspicion, and fear among the three. In *The Vanishing*, the question becomes: who will survive?

Work Can Wait

Looking for a movie filled with great performances? This film delivers! Keep an eye out for Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, who makes a strong impression with his deep, resonant voice. And if you’re curious to see Gerard Butler play a wildly unpredictable character who isn’t a typical bad guy, this is it – you won’t like him, but that’s perfectly fine for this kind of story. The film is also visually stunning, filmed on location at the beautiful Mull of Galloway, Port Logan harbor, and the Killantringan Lighthouse.

‘Greenland’ (2020)

The world faces total destruction as a massive comet heads straight for Earth, specifically towards Greenland. To save some of humanity, the Department of Homeland Security chooses a select group of people to shelter in underground bunkers there. John Garrity, a structural engineer played by Gerard Butler, is among those chosen, but he must overcome a difficult challenge: getting his separated wife and their son, who has diabetes, to safety.

Another Fun Race-Against-Time Movie

What really struck me about Ric Roman’s *Greenland* is how he balanced the personal – Garrity’s family struggles – with the massive scale of the disaster unfolding around them. It wasn’t just spectacle, though; he really leaned into those classic themes of hope, what’s right and wrong, and acceptance. And he smartly focused on bringing out a more vulnerable side of Gerard Butler, letting his acting do the work instead of relying on action tropes. It’s honestly surprising, given the timing – debuting right when COVID-19 was really hitting hard – that *Greenland* actually did so well, pulling in over $52 million in theaters. It really defied expectations!

‘Copshop’ (2021)

Sometimes, jail is a safer place than the streets – and that’s exactly what con artist Teddy Murretto hopes when he intentionally attacks a police officer in *Copshop*. He wants to get arrested to escape people who are after him, but his plan goes awry. Meanwhile, a hitman named Bob Viddick also gets himself arrested, specifically to get to Teddy. Now, rookie police officer Valerie Young finds herself caught in the middle and facing a very long and dangerous night.

Butler vs. Grillo

This exciting, fast-paced movie returns to classic, single-location thrillers while hitting all the genre’s key notes, making it fun for everyone. It’s intensely suspenseful and relies on action and surprising twists rather than lengthy conversations. With action stars Gerard Butler and Frank Grillo leading the cast, a quality film was expected – and delivered. However, Alexis Louder also delivers a standout performance that’s sure to impress.

‘Den of Thieves’ (2018)

In the action thriller *Den of Thieves*, Gerard Butler plays ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien, a tough and respected detective with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He leads a specialized unit dedicated to stopping crime, and their current target is Ray Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber), an ex-Marine who’s put together a team to rob the Federal Reserve. Surprisingly, the team’s driver, Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), turns out to be key to whether either the heist or the police operation will succeed.

No One Is Clean

As a real cinema fan, I was completely gripped by this film! It’s visually stunning, though the dialogue is definitely…substantial. It feels like a really bold, modern crime story that really hits hard. Director Christian Gudegast gets incredible performances from everyone, especially Gerard Butler – his character is just ruthlessly condescending, and it *works*. And Frank Grillo plays this seemingly innocent guy who’s actually surprisingly savvy. 50 Cent and Pablo Schreiber are fantastic in their roles too, really adding to the film’s energy. Seriously, keep an eye out for the shootout sequence – it’s clearly inspired by the iconic one in Michael Mann’s *Heat*, and it’s a total standout moment.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)

How to Train Your Dragon takes viewers to the legendary Viking village of Berk, where all young people are expected to become dragon slayers. Hiccup, the seemingly clumsy teenage son of the village chief, Stoick the Vast, tries to follow this tradition. However, after wounding a rare Night Fury dragon, he begins to question everything. He unexpectedly befriends the dragon, and sets out to show everyone that dragons aren’t the terrifying creatures they believe them to be.

Better Than the Live-Action Version

Honestly, ignore that recent live-action version. You *need* to see this animated film – it’s a really clever and unique take on Norse mythology. It was a big deal too, getting Oscar nominations for both Best Animated Feature and its incredible score, plus a whopping 14 nominations at the Annie Awards! What I loved most was how deeply it explores traditions – the good, the bad, and the sometimes unsettling parts – but with so much heart. Beyond the adventure, it really makes you think about how humans and animals need to live together in harmony for things to truly thrive. Plus, Gerard Butler is fantastic in his voice role, and the music just elevates the whole experience. It’s a truly special film.

‘Law Abiding Citizen’ (2009)

When a man named Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) sees the person who murdered his family receive a surprisingly light sentence, he’s consumed by rage. Years later, he begins a series of carefully planned and brutal attacks on everyone connected to the case, even managing to stay one step ahead of the police from jail. Prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) is determined to stop him, but will he succeed in *Law Abiding Citizen*?

Justified or Not

The beginning of *Law Abiding Citizen* is incredibly powerful and tragic – it’s arguably the most memorable opening sequence in director F Gary Gray’s filmography – and the movie maintains that emotional impact all the way to its heartbreaking conclusion. The director expertly builds tension throughout, culminating in a truly gripping climax. Nominated for a Saturn Award as a top Action, Adventure, or Thriller film, the movie is elevated by strong performances from Gerard Butler, who brings a unique sense of threat, and Jamie Foxx, who delivers the same anxious energy he showed in *Collateral*. Beyond the thrills, the film also offers a thought-provoking look at the lasting effects of trauma and the shortcomings of the legal system.

‘Olympus Has Fallen’ (2013)

At the beginning of *Olympus Has Fallen*, a group of North Korean terrorists launch a surprise attack on the White House. With help from Dave Forbes, a former Secret Service agent working as a security consultant, they take the President and other key leaders hostage. Mike Banning, a former Secret Service agent recently moved to the Treasury Department, steps up to try and save them.

Doing Everything To Save POTUS

Olympus Has Fallen is a sharp and witty satire of terrorist mindsets, playfully referencing action movies like *Air Force One* and *In the Line of Fire*. It’s a film that’s shocking, uplifting, frustrating, and heartbreaking all at once. Though the story includes personal touches to keep viewers on edge, two moments are particularly memorable: the attack on Washington, D.C. from the air, and the tragic death of the First Lady. If you enjoy action films, this is a standout entry in the series and definitely worth watching.

‘Plane’ (2023)

Former RAF pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) now flies commercial planes. When a lightning strike damages his flight, he expertly lands on a remote island to save the passengers. Unfortunately, the island is controlled by dangerous rebels who quickly take everyone hostage. With limited choices, Torrance joins forces with Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), a murder suspect being transported to Canada, to fight back. This sets the stage for the action in the movie *Plane*.

Basic Yet Wildly Entertaining

The movie *Plane* feels like a classic low-budget production. Despite being made with limited resources and a largely amateur cast, it’s surprisingly good. It’s a moving, exciting, and uplifting story about two men from very different backgrounds who discover they need each other. Torrance, the pilot, quickly becomes a favorite character thanks to his quick thinking and bravery.

‘300’ (2006)

Zack Snyder’s career arguably reached its height with the film *300*, but he’s had trouble consistently matching that success. The movie offers a dramatic, though not entirely accurate, depiction of the Battle of Thermopylae, a key conflict in the Greco-Persian Wars. It stars Gerard Butler as King Leonidas, who bravely leads 300 Spartan warriors against the massive Persian army – 300,000 strong – led by their king, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). It seems like an impossible fight, but the film explores whether that’s truly the case.

This Is Sparta!

Based on the 1998 comic book series by Frank Miller, *300* is a visually stunning film, notable for its extensive use of computer-generated imagery. Director Zack Snyder beautifully captures the artistic style of the time, and despite the potentially dark subject matter, the story is filled with powerful dialogue and relatable characters. The film not only launched Snyder’s career but also established Gerard Butler as a major star. His impressive physique and dramatic delivery – particularly his ability to intensely shout commands – quickly made him a Hollywood icon.

2025-10-12 19:09