Gerard Butler has carved a unique niche for himself in Hollywood, showcasing a remarkable range that spans action-packed blockbusters, heartfelt dramas, and swoon-worthy romances. Most famous for embodying the fierce Spartan king in 300, he also flexes his acting chops with heartfelt dramas and period musicals in films like P.S. I Love You and The Phantom of the Opera. Butler has proven time and again that he can adapt to any genre with ease, even in 2025 when he's slated to appear in the action sequel Den of Thieves 2: Panteraand the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon. His rugged charm, commanding screen presence, and ability to bring depth to his characters have made him a reliable performer, cementing his status as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Nevertheless, Butler shines brightest in the action genre, where his intensity and physicality truly come to life. Either it's battling Russian submarines or a comet headed to Earth, Butler has an innate ability to make every action movie an adrenaline-fueled ride. From playing a ruthless antihero to protecting the President numerous times from relentless attackers, we'll take a look at his best action films, and rank them based on their plots, action sequences, and most importantly, Butler’s performances as a beloved action star.
10
'Geostorm' (2018)
Directed by Dean Devlin
Image via Warner Bros.
A throwback to 1990s disaster movies, Geostormstars Gerard Butler as Jake Lawson, a scientist who designed a satellite system capable of controlling the Earth's climate to prevent natural disasters. However, when the system begins to malfunction, unleashing catastrophic weather events across the globe, Jake is called back into action to uncover the cause. Together with his brother, who acts as Assistant Secretary of State, Jake’s mission becomes a race against time to prevent the ultimate disaster.
Geostorm might lean heavily into sci-fi spectacle, but Butler’s grounded performance gives the film an emotional core. As Jake, he balances the character’s brilliance with his personal struggles, including repairing his strained relationship with his brother, played by Jim Sturgess. Butler’s portrayal effectively humanizes the high-concept narrative, making the stakes feel more immediate and relatable while also elevating the film's overuse of disaster-movie tropes. The film gets criticized for its reliance on CGI, but the spectacle is fun and jaw-dropping at the same time, making it one of the favorites for disaster movies.
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Geostorm
Runtime
109minutes
Release Date
October 20, 2017
Writers
Dean Devlin
, Paul Guyot
Budget
$120–130 million
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
9
'Copshop' (2021)
Directed by Joe Carnahan
Image via Open Road Films
Directed by Joe Carnahan, who's no stranger to explosive action movies, Gerard Butler takes on the role of Bob Viddick, a calculating hitman who deliberately gets himself arrested to get close to his target, con artist Teddy Murretto (Frank Grillo) in Copshop. The two find themselves locked up in a small-town police station, but the situation quickly spirals out of control when another hitman shows up, determined to finish the job. The film makes excellent use of its confined setting, showcasing the tension through the characters stuck in it.
Butler plays Viddick with menace and charm, imbuing the character with a quiet, almost playful confidence that makes him both unsettling and oddly likable. What sets Copshop apart is its focus on character-driven tension rather than over-the-top action, allowing Butler to showcase his ability to command each scene. His chemistry with Grillo and Valerie Louder, who plays a rookie cop, adds depth to the film, making the interpersonal dynamics as compelling as the action itself. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences, with its Rotten Tomatoes score sitting at 83%.
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Copshop
Director
Joe Carnahan
Cast
Tracey Bonner
, Robert Walker-Branchaud
, Marshall Cook
, Jose Pablo Cantillo
, Ryan O’Nan
, Frank Grillo
, Christopher Michael Holley
, Toby Huss
, Alexis Louder
, Gerard Butler
, Chad L. Coleman
, Kaiwi Lyman
Runtime
107 minutes
Release Date
September 17, 2021
Writers
Kurt McLeod
, Joe Carnahan
, Mark Williams
Cinematographer
Juan Miguel Azpiroz
Producer
Alan Siegel, Mark Williams, Eric Gold, Gerard Butler, Tai Duncan, Frank Grillo, James Masciello, Joe Carnahan, Warren Goz
Production Company
WarParty Films, G-Base Productions, Sculptor Media, Zero Gravity Management
Sfx Supervisor
Bruno Van Zeebroeck
8
'Angel Has Fallen' (2019)
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh
Image via Lionsgate
Butler returns as Mike Banning, the resilient Secret Service agent in Angel Has Fallen. Now tasked with protecting Morgan Freeman, Banning finds himself framed for an assassination attempt on the President after surviving a brutal drone attack. The attack leaves the President in a coma and Banning becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt. He must uncover the real perpetrators while evading relentless pursuit by law enforcement.
Angel Has Fallen sets itself apart from its predecessors by exploring Banning’s vulnerability. With a scaled-down production, Butler delivers a layered performance, portraying Banning as an aging hero grappling with the toll his career has taken on his body and mind. This humanizing element adds emotional weight to the story, making his fight for redemption and justice more compelling. The action sequences remain as thrilling as the previous entries, and the film makes sure to highlight moving character moments through the dynamic between Banning and his estranged father, played by Nick Nolte, as well as Banning's relationship with the President. The film was not the critics' favorite, but audiences loved it, evidenced by its 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. A fourth film, currently titled Night Has Fallen, has been announced.
Writers
Katrin Benedikt
, Robert Mark Kamen
, Creighton Rothenberger
Budget
$40 million
Studio(s)
Lionsgate
Distributor(s)
Lionsgate
7
'Plane' (2023)
Directed by Jean-François Richet
Image via Lionsgate
Planefollows Gerard Butler's Brodie Torrance, a commercial airline pilot whose routine flight turns into a harrowing survival mission after a lightning strike forces him to land on a war-torn island. Teaming up with Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), a high-profile fugitive being transported on the flight, Torrance must not only navigate the wreckage but also protect his passengers from a violent militia that takes them hostage.
Plane overcomes its silly, simplistic title by displaying satisfying, visceral action sequences led by Butler and Colter. Butler’s performance as Torrance is truly heroic, bringing a balance of vulnerability and grit to the everyman hero role. His chemistry with Colter adds layers to the story, as their uneasy partnership evolves into a mutual respect built on trust and survival instincts. Plane was received positively by critics and audiences alike, making it a new action classic in Butler's filmography. A sequel titled Shipis currently being planned, with Colter assuming the lead role.
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Gerard Butler stars as a pilot who must save his passengers after an emergency landing on a remote jungle island where they are taken hostage by militants. He teams up with an accused murderer being transported on the flight to navigate the dangerous terrain and outwit their captors.
Director
Jean-François Richet
Runtime
107 minutes
Release Date
January 13, 2023
Writers
Charles Cumming
, J.P. Davis
Budget
$25million
Studio(s)
Lionsgate
Distributor(s)
Lionsgate
6
'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Image via FilmDistrict
Olympus Has Fallen first introduced Butler to the audience as Mike Banning, a Secret Service agent seeking redemption after a tragic accident sidelines his career. When a group of North Korean terrorists launches a brutal assault on the White House, taking the President (Aaron Eckhart) hostage, Banning finds himself as the only person inside capable of thwarting the terrorists' plans. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film also stars Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo, and Ashley Judd.
Released together in the same year with its twin movie, White House Down, Olympus Has Fallen was widely successful. The gritty, violent action and Butler’s tough portrayal of Mike Banning, turned the classic "Die Hard in the White House" premise into a gripping and emotionally resonant story. The political aspect of the film is intense and Banning's chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly Eckhart's president, makes the film an audience-favorite. The film spawned two more sequels and a brand-new TV series titled Paris Has Fallen.
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Runtime
120 Minutes
Release Date
March 21, 2013
Writers
Creighton Rothenberger
Budget
$70 million
Studio(s)
FilmDistrict
Distributor(s)
FilmDistrict
5
'Den of Thieves' (2018)
Directed by Christian Gudegast
Image via STXfilms
In Den of Thieves, Butler plays "Big Nick" O’Brien, a hard-edged and morally ambiguous cop determined to take down a crew of skilled bank robbers planning an audacious heist on the Federal Reserve. The film follows two forces, the LA Sherrif Department led by Big Nick and the crew of criminals led by Merrimen (Pablo Schreiber). The chase turns into a deadly, high-stakes game of cat and mouse across Los Angeles. The film also stars 50 Cent and O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Den of Thieves became a sleeper hit and an audience favorite at the time of its release. Its climactic urban warfare showdown is reminiscent of Heat, even though it never reaches the same height. Butler delivers a raw and unapologetic performance as Big Nick, displaying unconventional methods for a detective that make him a fascinating and unpredictable character. Den of Thieves thrives on its morally ambiguous storytelling, and the sequel takes it further as Big Nick crosses the line and joins the criminals.
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Den of Thieves
Director
Christian Gudegast
Cast
Evan Jones
, Pablo Schreiber
, Brian Van Holt
, Jordan Bridges
, Eric Braeden
, Gerard Butler
, Sonya Balmores
, Oleg Taktarov
, Meadow Williams
, Maurice Compte
Runtime
140minutes
Release Date
January 18, 2018
Writers
Christian Gudegast
, Paul Scheuring
Budget
$30 million
4
'London Has Fallen' (2016)
Directed by Babak Najafi
Image via Focus Features
Gerard Butler reprises his role as Mike Banning in London Has Fallen. This time, the unstoppable Secret Service agent is called into action after the world leaders gathering in London are killed in a well-orchestrated terrorist attack. With chaos swallowing up the city, Banning has to keep the US President, still played by Aaron Eckhart, alive and evade pursuers hell-bent on killing them.
After the success of the first film, London Has Fallen aimed for bigger and succeeded. With a thrilling premise and intense action sequences, the film scored over $200 million worldwide. Butler’s performance as Banning is filled with relentless energy and unwavering loyalty to his job. The film boasts a standout sequence, in which Banning and a team of special forces go for an ambush to save the president in a seemingly unbroken two-and-a-half-minute tracking shot. The movie leans heavily on dated stereotypes, but as action entertainment, it is fast-paced and packed with high-octane action.
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Director
Babak Najafi
Runtime
99minutes
Release Date
March 4, 2016
Writers
Creighton Rothenberger
, Chad St. John
, Christian Gudegast
, Katrin Benedikt
Budget
$60 million
Studio(s)
Focus Features
Distributor(s)
Focus Features
3
'RocknRolla' (2008)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Image via Warner Bros.
In Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla, Gerard Butler stars as One-Two, a street-smart small-time crook caught in the chaos of London’s criminal scene. When a shady real estate deal orchestrated by crime boss Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) attracts the interest of a Russian billionaire and his stolen painting, the underground world erupts. The Wild Bunch, led by One-Two, tries to outsmart the powerful players and bag the money for themselves. The film has a star-studded cast that includes Idris Elba, Thandiwe Newton, and Tom Hardy.
After two missteps with Swept Away and Revolver, RocknRolla was a return to form for Ritchie. Playing to his strengths with an ensemble cast and intricate plotting, the film is a stylish action comedy. Butler’s portrayal of One-Two is effortlessly charming, capturing the essence of a reluctant antihero with a dash of humor. Alongside memorable performances from Mark Strong and Toby Kebbell, Butler’s charismatic performance as One-Two is a standout in a sea of colorful characters. Often overlooked in Butler's rich filmography, his turn in RocknRolla is one of his underrated roles to date.
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RocknRolla
Runtime
114 minutes
Release Date
September 5, 2008
Main Genre
Crime
Budget
$18 million
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
2
'Law Abiding Citizen' (2009)
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Image via Overture Films
In Law Abiding Citizen, Gerard Butler faces off against Jamie Foxx. Butler stars as Clyde Shelton, an ordinary family man whose life is shattered when his wife and daughter are brutally murdered during a home invasion. After one of the perpetrators receives a lenient sentence due to a plea deal brokered by ambitious prosecutor Nick Rice (Foxx), Clyde takes justice into his own hands, exposing flaws in the justice system and forcing Nick to confront his own moral compass.
Directed by F. Gary Gray, Law Abiding Citizen excels in blending intense action with thought-provoking commentary on justice and morality, and Butler’s commanding performance is at the center of its appeal. Butler delivers a chilling and layered performance as Clyde, portraying him as both sympathetic and terrifying. Butler's transition from grieving father to vengeful mastermind is both terrifying and compelling. The character’s intellect makes him a fascinating antihero, and paired with Foxx's equally strong screen presence, the two make an explosive screen duo. Unfortunately, the movie was not favored by critics, but audiences resonated with the film, sparking talks for a sequel.
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Law Abiding Citizen
A frustrated man decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family's killers free.
Runtime
109 Minutes
Release Date
October 16, 2009
Writers
Kurt Wimmer
Budget
$53 million
1
'300' (2006)
Directed by Zack Snyder
Image via Warner Bros.
In 300, Gerard Butler delivers a career-defining performance as King Leonidas, the fearless leader of Sparta who rallies 300 of his finest warriors to stand against the vast Persian army led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, the film chronicles the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, where the Spartans make a heroic last stand to defend their homeland. With stunning visuals and stylized combat sequences courtesy of Zack Snyder, 300 brings its comic book panels to life, with all of its violence and fantastical elements.
The film is most famous for its groundbreaking speed-ramping action scenes and, of course, King Leonidas' famous rallying cry, “This is Sparta!”, which has become an iconic moment in pop culture. Butler’s portrayal of Leonidas required a rigorous physical transformation that has now become the norm for action heroes. His character commands the screen, making him an iconic warrior and a relatable leader. Not only the action scenes, Butler also nails the quieter moments, particularly in his interactions with Lena Headey's Queen Gorgo. King Leonidas has become one of the most memorable characters in modern cinema, so much that the film's quasi-sequel, 300: Rise of an Empire, gravely misses his presence.
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King Leonidas of Sparta leads 300 of his best warriors to defend Greece against the massive invading Persian army led by King Xerxes. Outnumbered and facing insurmountable odds, the Spartans make their stand at the narrow pass of Thermopylae, using their superior tactics and fighting skills to hold off the Persians.
Director
Zack Snyder
Runtime
117 minutes
Release Date
March 9, 2007
Writers
Zack Snyder
, Kurt Johnstad
, Michael B. Gordon
Image via Lionsgate
Image via Warner Bros.
Image via Open Road Films
Image via Lionsgate
Image via Lionsgate
Image via FilmDistrict
Image via STXfilms
Image via Focus Features
Image via Warner Bros.
Image via Overture Films
Image via Warner Bros.
English (US) ·