SUMMARY

Gerard Butler’s peak action film is the iconic 300, marking a legendary role that still resonates today.
Despite star performances in Gods of Egypt, the film falls short in comparison to Butler’s most memorable roles.
300’s plot and visuals far surpass those of Gods of Egypt, making it a more entertaining watch for action movie fans.

(Gerard-Butler-as-Set)-from-Gods-of-Egypt-

Nevermind Gods of Egypt, Gerard Butler’s best action movie came out nearly two decades ago. While Gods of Egypt features star performances from Butler, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Chadwick Boseman, the film wasn’t able to inspire the level of cultural phenomenon that some of Butler’s better-known films have accomplished. Gods of Egypt was directed by Alex Proyas (The Crow, Dark City, I, Robot) and written by screenwriting duo Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (Morbius, Madame Web).

Released in theaters on February 26, 2016, Gods of Egypt flopped at the box office, earning just over $150 million against a lofty production budget of $140 million. As far as Gerard Butler’s best action movies, Gods of Egypt just may be the absolute worst he has ever been a part of.

The film earned an abysmal 14% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes paired with a not-much-better 37% audience score. Gods of Egypt is currently streaming on Max, but another Butler action film will certainly be a better watch.

300 Is Still Gerard Butler’s Best Action Movie

Butler’s performance as King Leonidas remains iconic

Leonidas with his group in 300 Leonidas wielding a sword and roaring in rage in 300 (2006) Spartans take defensive positioning in Zach Snyder's 300. Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes talking with Leonidas in 300 Gerard Butler as King Leonidas holding his shield against the rain in 300

The classic action movie 300 transformed Gerard Butler’s Hollywood career and just may be the peak of his extensive filmography. 300 was released in the United States on March 9, 2007, and became the tenth highest-grossing movie of that year, earning $456 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million.

The epic action film was only Zack Snyder’s second feature directorial effort, following his breakout 2004 horror film Dawn of the Dead. It’s also Butler’s best live-action role at the box office. Butler’s other popular action movies, such as Den of Thieves and Olympus Has Fallen, can’t really compare to the glory of 300.

The impressive box office performance of 300 inspired a sequel in 2014, although Snyder did not direct 300: Rise of an Empire. The success and cultural impact of 300 led Snyder to take on other massive blockbusters such as Watchmen (2009), Man of Steel (2013), and Justice League (2017).

A 300 prequel series has recently been reported to be in the works at Warner Bros, with Snyder rumored to be attached. It will forever mark one of Butler’s most unforgettable performances and just may be the most iconic action hero he has played in his illustrious career.

What 300 Does Better Than Gods Of Egypt

The visuals and plot of 300 are far superior

The cast of Gods of Egypt posing for a promo image

Although Butler never reprised his role as King Leonidas due to the tragic ending of 300, his performance left an indelible impact on the trajectory of his career. His leading role in Gods of Egypt was one of the strongest aspects of the film, although it pales in comparison to the iconic grit and inspirational prowess of Butler’s Leonidas.

The visuals of 300 speak for themselves but the story is ultimately the best part of the epic film, which is where Gods of Egypt truly fails. With Gods of Egypt also getting torn apart by critics, it may be in viewers’ best interest to skip it altogether and rewatch 300 for a more entertaining experience.