Gerard Butler’s Forgotten Revenge Thriller Finds New Streaming Home

Vigilante movies, especially those featuring characters who don’t wear capes and tights, aren’t as socially acceptable as they used to be. This is one of the many ways in which mainstream cinema has evolved over the years. There was a time, however, when Charles Bronson made a bunch of Death Wish films which were controversial even in the 1970s, as was Martin Scorsese‘s Taxi Driver, which was misread by a section of the public. In 2009, the film Law Abiding Citizen updated the vigilante thriller format by masking it as a critique of the justice system. The movie was moderately successful upon release, but it wasn’t massive. If you haven’t seen it, you can check it out on Netflix this October.

Law Abiding Citizen features Gerard Butler as a man whose family is murdered before his eyes by a psychopath. The killer gets away after the prosecutor, played by Jamie Foxx, gets him to strike a plea deal in exchange for a lesser sentence. Butler’s character takes matters into his own hands, feeling let down by the criminal justice system.

Law Abiding Citizen earned poor reviews, with criticism being directed at its social commentary being muffled by brutal violence. The movie holds a 26% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “Unnecessarily violent and unflinchingly absurd, Law Abiding Citizen is plagued by subpar acting and a story that defies reason.”

Directed by F. Gary Gray, the movie was moderately successful at the box office, grossing nearly $130 million worldwide against a reported budget of around $50 million. Butler was fresh off of his star-making turn in Zack Snyder‘s 300, which made more than $450 million globally, while Foxx was an Academy Award winner. Gray was best known back then for having directed The Italian Job remake.

F. Gary Gray Went on to Direct Bigger Films

He’d go on to make the hit biopic Straight Outta Compton, and the billion-dollar-grossing blockbuster The Fate of the Furious. Gray also attempted to reboot the Men in Black franchise with Men in Black: International, but had a notoriously difficult time on the film, and reportedly wanted to quit several times mid-production. His last movie was the Kevin Hart-led heist comedy Lift, which debuted on Netflix in 2024. You can check it out as a detox after watching Law Abiding Citizen on the streamer beginning October.

Gerard Butler fans, rejoice! One of the actor’s overlooked revenge thrillers, which earned a modest 26% on Rotten Tomatoes, has finally landed on a streaming platform, giving viewers a chance to revisit—or discover—this action-packed film.

Why This Gerard Butler Film Was Overlooked

Released quietly in theaters, the movie didn’t make a major impact with critics, who criticized its predictable plot and uneven pacing. Despite the lukewarm reviews, fans of Butler’s high-energy performances have always appreciated the intensity and suspense the actor brings to the revenge genre.

What Makes It Worth Watching

While the film may not have been a critical hit, it delivers the classic elements Butler fans love: relentless action sequences, tense confrontations, and a central revenge storyline that keeps viewers engaged. For audiences who enjoy straightforward thrillers, this film offers pure entertainment.

Where to Stream the Film

The movie is now available on [Streaming Service Name], making it easier than ever for fans to catch this hidden gem. As streaming platforms continue to resurrect forgotten films, this Butler thriller is getting a second life among new and returning audiences alike.

Final Verdict

Whether you’re a longtime Gerard Butler fan or simply a lover of revenge thrillers, this underrated 26% Rotten Tomatoes movie is worth checking out. It may not be perfect, but it’s packed with the action and intensity that made Butler a household name.