Gerard Butler’s Hit ‘Heat’ Removed from Netflix: Farewell!
Desiring to catch influential cinematic experiences before they’re gone? Action film enthusiasts should note that Gerard Butler’s hit film, Den of Thieves, is leaving Netflix soon. This popular heist thriller departed from blockbuster conventions and resonated with viewers when it first launched.
Den of Thieves: A Brief Overview
Den of Thieves was released on January 19, 2018. The film was helmed by director Christian Gudegast, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Paul Scheuring. With a runtime of 140 minutes, it quickly gained a following.
- Release Date: January 19, 2018
- Runtime: 140 minutes
- Director: Christian Gudegast
- Writers: Christian Gudegast, Paul Scheuring
- Producers: Gerard Butler, Mark Canton, Tony Grazia, Tucker Tooley, Alan Siegel
Box Office Performance
The original Den of Thieves garnered attention with its robust box office performance, grossing $80 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. Despite mixed reviews, it demonstrated significant cultural impact, holding a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audience reception was notably better, with a score of 63% based on viewer feedback.
Comparative Success
Its sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, was released in 2025. Although it received slightly better reviews compared to its predecessor, it struggled in theaters, accruing just over $55 million globally from a budget of $40 million. Both films, however, maintained popularity on streaming and PVOD platforms.
Gerard Butler’s Career Highlights
This year has marked a significant milestone for Gerard Butler. Aside from his work in the Den of Thieves franchise, he starred in How to Train Your Dragon, which achieved over $630 million internationally, becoming his most significant live-action success. Butler is also working on sequels such as Greenland 2: Migration and continues his role in the Has Fallen series.
Action Movie Fans Take Note
As Den of Thieves prepares to exit the Netflix catalog in November, action movie fans are encouraged to watch it before it departs. The film’s blend of intense heist action and character depth has established it as a modern classic in the genre, drawing comparisons to iconic films like Heat.
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