Gerard Butler, is the guy most younger fans know as the super bodyguard that saved the life of the president of the United States from North Koreans. Gerard has come a long way from doing odd jobs in his early days by giving us some great action and thriller masterpieces. Butler rose to prominence after playing King Leonidas in Zack Snyder’s fantasy war movie 300 and ever since then has featured in many action-packed blockbusters. Here we take a look at the best Gerard Butler movies of all time:
15. P.S. I Love You (2007)
Starring some big names like Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan in the lead roles, P.S. I Love You narrates the tale of a wife named Holly who loses her husband Gerry to a brain tumor and struggles to move on with life.
Things take an interesting turn when Holly starts receiving letters from the deceased Gerry who encourages her to move on with life through his letters. The psychological and emotional journey that takes place afterward is heart-touching. This romantic role by Gerard was a fresh breeze for his fans and received worldwide acclaim. The film rocked the box office and impressed critics alike.
14. Hunter Killer (2018)
When it comes to action and thriller movies, we can expect a pack of punch from Gerard Butler. And as if saving the US president wasn’t one, Gerard saves the Russian president in this film.
The story revolves around the Russian president who has been kidnapped by a rogue general. The US Navy seals find themselves up for the task of rescuing the Russian president. The story of the film is based on a 2012 novel, Firing Point.
The film includes other prominent names such as Academy Award winner Gary Oldman and Linda Cardellini. The film was able to make more than $30 million at the box office and was able to impress critics as well.
13. Machine Gun Preacher (2011)
Machine Gun Preacher is another big-budget action-packed thriller featuring Gerard Butler. The film depicts the narrative of former alcoholic Sam Childers and his journey to righteousness that lands him in Sudan where he makes a tireless effort to save South Sudanese children from a notorious militia.
The film was directed by Marc Foster and the cast included some popular names like Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon among others. The film was able to grab more than $3 million worldwide and received critical acclaim as well.
12. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Nobody is above the law, and that is what Gerard wants to uphold in this movie. Playing the role of Clyde Shelton, he vows to get revenge on the corrupt system that is unable to give justice for his family’s absolute brutal death right in front of his eyes.
The film was a box office hit and grossed over $130 million. The brilliant performances by Gerard, Jamie Foxx, and Leslie Bibb, combined with the skills of the director F. Gary Gray helped the film impress fans and critics alike.
11. Beowulf and Grendel (2005)
Directed by Sturla Gunnarsson, the story is based loosely on Beowulf, an epic poem from the Early Middle Ages. The film tries to portray the original story as a historical epic. The brilliant cinematography used Iceland’s beautiful landscape to its fullest. Flavored on top was the perfect use of music that blended with the story.
The film despite its strengths wasn’t able to impress moviegoers and critics.
10. Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
The sheer brilliance in terms of performance by Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, and Aaron Eckhart resulted in this action-filled thriller making an impressive impact at the box office.
The story of the film revolves around the President of the US, who is attacked by North Korean terrorists at the White House in a highly sophisticated coordinated attack. Gerard Butler, portraying a former secret service agent, must utilize his expertise to rescue himself and the other captives in the White House.
The film’s success spawned two sequels London Has Fallen and Angel Has Fallen.
9. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
With a slight change in the genre, Gerard Butler played The Phantom of the Opera in this movie. The film is based on a musical romantic story where Gerard falls in love with his young protege. Along with the brilliant performances of Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson, the film is also known for its music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Having been an action star lately with no prior experience in musicals, Gerard had to take music lessons to prepare for this role.
8. Den of Thieves (2018)
Gerard Butler teamed up with 50 Cent, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Pablo Schreiber for yet another action movie. The movie’s plot revolves around the sheriffs of the LAPD trying to stop a crew from robbing the Federal Reserve. This heist thriller despite weak reviews was a box office hit grossing over $80 million.
Because of massive success at the box office, a sequel was announced in 2018; however, as of 2021, it has not yet been materialized.
7. Nim’s Island (2008)
A brilliant masterpiece, targeting the younger audience. The film is a blend of imagination with reality, where the story is about a girl Nim, finding her missing father with the help of the Author of the Alex Rover series. It stars Gerard Butler, Abigail Breslin, and Jodie Foster.
With a budget of $37 million, the film was a box office hit grossing approximately $100 million. The film had a sequel, Return to Nim’s Island, however, Gerard wasn’t a part of it.
6. Shattered (2007)
The film is a roller coaster of emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Gerard Butler, Pierce Brosnan, Maria Bello, and Claudette Mink, the film follows the story of a couple who found their lives turned upside down when all of a sudden a stranger takes them as hostages at gunpoint and starts instructing them to do certain difficult tasks.
The film is perfect for those interested in a movie filled with mystery and plot twists.
5. RocknRolla (2008)
The action/crime movie with a bit of a touch of comedy is worth the time. Written and directed by Guy Ritchie, the story revolves around a trio looking to get a share from a real estate scam.
Some of the big names in the cast include Thandiwe Newton, Tom Hardy, and Mark Strong. The film earned almost $25 million and was able to impress the critics.
4. Coriolanus (2011)
Coriolanus is a film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Coriolanus. The story is about the betrayal of a Roman General, Caius Martius Coriolanus, who takes revenge on his people by aligning with the enemies after his people banish him labeling him as a traitor.
Despite a strong performance by Gerard, Coriolanus is all about Ralph Fiennes who not only directed the film but also perfectly portrayed the main character of the film, Coriolanus. Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews by critics and fans, the film failed at the box office.
3. Greenland (2020)
This high-budget disaster film stars Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Scott Glenn, and King Bach. It revolves around the struggle of a man trying to save his son and wife from a planet-killing comet hurtling towards planet Earth.
The film is emotionally hard‑hitting and an action-filled adventure. Despite COVID-19-related lockdowns and limited theatrical releases, it was commercially successful at the box office. The film also impressed critics and a sequel that will continue the survival story has already been confirmed.
2. The Vanishing (2018)
The Vanishing is a psychological thriller filled with mystery and suspense. The story revolves around three lighthouse keepers who stumble upon a treasure on a remote Scottish island initiating a fight for survival.
Although the film enjoyed favorable reviews from critics but failed to make a mark at the box office.
1. 300 (2006)
One of Gerard Butler’s greatest hits of all time, 300 rocked the box office and created a cult-like following worldwide. The film redefined the action genre and gave a huge boost to Gerard’s career.
The story revolves around King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) who leads a small yet ferocious army of 300 Spartans into combat against the massive invading army of the Persian “god-king” Xerxes.
The film won dozens of awards and spawned a successful sequel in 2014.
Honorable Mentions
- Timeline (2003)
- Reign of Fire (2002)
Did we miss any of the best Gerard Butler movies of all time? Feel free to share your views in the comments below!
