Gerard Butler’s legacy as a leading man in action cinema continues to grow, and recent streaming numbers are proof. While he’s dabbled in romantic comedies, Butler has firmly cemented himself as an action star, with a filmography spanning over two decades. From his early appearance in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) to his latest role in Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Gerard Butler’s action movies have consistently captured the attention of fans—especially on streaming platforms.
Gerard Butler’s Rise in Action and Disaster Thrillers
Over the years, Butler has leaned into a new action subgenre: disaster thrillers. In 2020, he headlined Greenland, a survival epic about a family navigating a global catastrophe. Despite pandemic-era box office limitations, the film found success on streaming and was praised for its grounded take on disaster storytelling. Its popularity has even led to a sequel, Greenland: Migration, now in development.
But Greenland isn’t Butler’s only disaster film gaining traction.
Geostorm Becomes a Surprise Streaming Hit on Netflix
Originally released in 2017, Geostorm—a sci-fi disaster film starring Gerard Butler—received poor reviews and underperformed at the box office. With a 18% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a $71.6 million loss for Warner Bros., it was widely considered a flop. Yet, the film is now trending on Netflix, breaking into the platform’s Global Top 10 English-language movies with 4.9 million views and 8.9 million hours watched during the week of March 31 to April 6.
The resurgence of Geostorm on streaming platforms like Netflix highlights the renewed interest in Gerard Butler’s disaster movies, even those previously dismissed.
The Butler Effect: Why Geostorm is Trending Now
What’s behind this sudden popularity boost? Gerard Butler’s growing fanbase is a likely factor. Since Geostorm, his action career has been on a notable upswing. Films like Plane (79% on Rotten Tomatoes) and Copshop (83%) have performed well both critically and commercially, reshaping perceptions of his work.
Butler’s consistency in the action-thriller genre—especially in streaming-friendly, high-stakes films—has created an appetite for even his older, less celebrated releases. The viral success of Geostorm demonstrates how digital platforms can breathe new life into past films, particularly when led by a recognizable action star.
What’s Next for Gerard Butler?
Looking ahead, Gerard Butler’s upcoming movies are expected to continue his action-packed streak. He’s set to star in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon and return in sequels like Den of Thieves 3 and Greenland: Migration. If the streaming success of Geostorm is any indication, audiences are eager for more Butler-led thrill rides.
