Gerard James Butler was born on November 13th, 1969, in Paisley, Scotland. The Scottish actor and producer studied law before pursuing a career in acting. Butler broke into the Hollywood scene by starting off in supporting roles. His first film role was in Mrs. Brown, 1997, quickly followed by a part in Tomorrow Never Dies, 1998. But it was his role as Count Dracula in the horror film Dracula 2000 that launched his film career. After this, he gained many significant roles, including one of his best in Reign of Fire.
Butler has been active in the industry for almost 20 years, during which time he has accumulated substantial filmography. However, he has tried his hand with several successful projects as a producer, especially in the action subgenre. In fact, Gerard Butler is set to begin filming Just Watch Me, which will bond him with Derek Lostad, the renowned creator of John Wick. While waiting for the project, check out our list of the top ten Gerard Butler films.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
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300
Year: 2006
Available on: Prime Video
It was challenging, if not impossible, for Gerard Butler to top his role as King Leonidas in terms of commercial and critical success. Zack Snyder faithfully adapted Frank Miller’s rousing graphic novel. Surprisingly, Miller’s vivid descriptions worked well in the film, with thrilling action scenes and a fantastic ensemble. The picture is unabashedly what it is, making the premise inherently enjoyable for the viewers.
The battle of Thermopylae is legendary because of its strategic significance and because the defending Greeks were the ultimate underdog, outnumbered by hundreds but driven by their desire for independence. Even every aspect of Spartan bureaucracy is infused with melodramatic corruption in the film. This is the ultimate tale of heroics, complete with an improbable machismo culture that will inspire many spectators to feel strong and powerful through their screens. A few fantastical touches make this a must-watch for anyone interested in Greek mythology films.
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RocknRolla
Year: 2008
Available on: Tubi
Butler plays One-Two, a Scottish mobster and the leader of the Wild Bunch. RocknRolla isn’t very concerned with staying inside its own genre, with the exception of one particularly memorable action scene involving a chaotic robbery. Nevertheless, it’s an intriguing change of pace from Butler’s generally basic action roles, and there are plenty of thrilling moments throughout the film. With an all-star cast portraying likable crooks linked by extraordinarily strange circumstances, director Guy Ritchie hits all the classic, beloved elements that created his career.
Ritchie’s dark comedy is effective, and the plot is surprisingly uncomplicated. In the end, this is a highly offbeat film that will surely please Butler fans, old and new, while also providing a lot of fun for audiences that enjoy crime films in general.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Outsider
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Law Abiding Citizen
Year: 2009
Available on: AMC+
This engaging thriller also provides a fascinating dissection of several hypocrisies in the law. In this film, Butler portrays a guy whose wife and daughter are murdered in a home invasion, and the perpetrator is allowed to go free due to a deal. His loss was partly based on legal faults, which gives his wicked persona more depth than just a simple tale of vengeance. This aspect of retribution is more interesting than the usual concerns of vigilante justice that dominate so many revenge films.
Butler’s character is an engineer and ex-black operations assassination planner. Therefore, his methods of revenge always feature some inventive and horrific flourishes and a philosophically cerebral side, nearly making him like the thought-provoking horror killer Jigsaw from the Saw movies.
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Den of Thieves
Year: 2018
Available on: Apple TV
This crime drama is reminiscent of Heat in many aspects. Both feature a classic showdown between law enforcement and criminals in an urban setting. However, unlike the bank robbers, who have strong bonds and supportive connections, the law enforcement seen here is extremely unethical and brutal. On the other hand, Butler’s top cop is having marital problems.
Many moviegoers get their kicks from seeing bank robberies, so it’s not surprising that the film supports the criminals. However, Butler is also characterized by a special intelligence. In the end, the cat-and-mouse game isn’t quite as entertaining as the film’s obvious inspirations. There aren’t as many thrilling chases or dramatic twists as one might hope for in a film of this type, but fans shouldn’t be disappointed.
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Machine Gun Preacher
Year: 2011
Available on: HBO Max
Considering the subject matter, the movie’s violence is surprisingly intense. Nonetheless, the scenes involving biker gangs are handled with a sense of elegance. But as Butler’s protagonist makes an early 180 and abandons a life of crime for a vocation as a preacher fighting with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, the action tropes are mostly ignored.
This fictional account of real-life events, inspired by the life of Sam Childers, examines the possibility that even the most violent and terrible of lives can find redemption and use their experiences for good. As a result, Butler is quite unlikeable at the outset. Still, the protagonist’s eventual change for the better is compelling and authentic. The war it portrays is also disturbing and essential viewing.
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Angel Has Fallen
Year: 2019
Available on: Netflix
This third part of the “Fallen” series made a bold decision by turning away from the rising large-scale action seen in the previous two films. Angel Has Fallen instead strives for a more personal narrative by focusing on Banning’s age and delving into his family issues. Banning is forced to face his history, take medication, and reconcile with his father.
The film uses many standard elements of the action genre, but it does so enthusiastically. A highlight is an intricate plot to kill the president by launching a swarm of explosive drones. But without a doubt, Nick Nolte, who plays Banning’s father, is the film’s biggest highlight. The seasoned actor shows off his chops and works well with Butler.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
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Reign of Fire
Year: 2002
Available on: Cinemax and Prime Video
The United Kingdom in the near future serves as the story’s epicenter with a breakout of firebreathing dragons that have decimated the earth. Here, Butler has a supporting role opposite Christian Bale. Still, it’s Matthew McConaughey, as a dragon hunter in the vein of Ahab, who steals the show.
This story of a dragon apocalypse is charming for a number of reasons. Not the least is that it takes itself so seriously, which, for some reason, actually helps the story. Most movies would probably play up the absurdity of the premise for its high concept. Reign of Fire, on the other hand, does the complete opposite, creating a memorable story out of stock elements.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
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Olympus Has Fallen
Year: 2013
Available on: Netflix
Olympus Has Fallen, one of two 2013 movies set in the White House inspired by Die Hard, features an all-star ensemble. As in any disaster film, the elements only add to the goofy enjoyment. After terrorists take over the White House, Mike Banning (Butler) struggles to defend the president with the help of some unexpected allies. Director Antoine Fuqua injects the action with some good, old-fashioned fun.
Despite its lack of creativity, the film’s blood and loud language helped it defeat Roland Emmerich’s White House Down at the box office. The credit goes to its cheaper budget and the fact that it launched a genuine action series.
Image Courtesy: Roger Ebert
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Hunter Killer
Year: 2018
Available on: Peacock
This massive military action film stars Gerard Butler as a submarine commander tasked with rescuing the Russian president during a coup attempt. It also features notable supporting performances from Michael Nyqvist and Gary Oldman.
Even if the movie is a bit of a purposefully predictable throwback, the action has lots of variety with plenty of sizzle to keep the excitement high. With Butler taking charge below the waves, a Navy SEAL squad on the ground, and the top brass dealing with the confusing intelligence.
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Greenland
Year: 2020
Available on: HBO Max
Greenland, starring Butler as a husband and father trying to save his family from the imminent doomsday of a planet-killing comet crash. It is a more low-key but very explosive disaster movie compared to a critical and commercial flop like Geostorm.
The movie’s emphasis on drama and tension is heightened by the fact that Butler’s lead isn’t particularly impressive compared to his typically unstoppable action heroes. The family faces insurmountable odds in their attempt to survive the hellish situation and the crisis bringing out the best and the worst in people.
