Gerard Butler action thriller Plane streaming hit on Netflix has rapidly claimed the top spot on the platform’s U.S. chart for June 2025, drawing renewed praise including among Stephen King‘s favorites. The 2023 film, once underestimated for its straightforward title, has recently become a sensation, confirming Butler’s ongoing popularity as a star of gripping, budget-friendly action movies.
Butler’s Steady Rise with Action Hits on Streaming
Gerard Butler has maintained a strong presence in the world of streaming action films, much like his contemporary Liam Neeson. With a steady output of titles that appeal to a broad international audience, Butler continues to ensure frequent appearances at the top of streaming charts. Earlier in 2025, Den of Thieves spiked in popularity with its sequel, Den of Thieves 2, earning high numbers after its digital release; a third installment in this series is already on the way. Despite a lackluster theatrical run, Geostorm was rediscovered by online audiences, while Law Abiding Citizen enjoyed new attention after resurfacing on Netflix in 2024.
The streaming landscape, especially on Netflix, has become a reliable space for Butler’s action projects. His films—often produced on modest budgets—seem perfectly suited for audiences seeking fast-paced entertainment. With Plane newly dominating Netflix’s chart, Butler further cements his reputation for delivering movies that captivate from home.
Plane’s Plot and Main Cast
Plane centers on an experienced airline pilot, played by Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance, who pulls off a perilous landing after his storm-damaged aircraft is forced down in a hostile war zone. Alongside him, Mike Colter takes on the role of Louis Gaspare, a mysterious passenger with his own shadowy past. Together, they face multiple armed militias vying for control of the crashed plane and its vulnerable passengers, creating a tense battle for survival against insurmountable odds.
From Box-Office Underdog to Streaming Sensation
Upon release in January 2023, Plane managed to outperform expectations financially, grossing $74 million against a $25 million budget. The film’s generic title made it a subject of online jokes, prompting producers to tease a follow-up cleverly named Ship. However, news about this sequel has since gone quiet. Regardless, Plane now enjoys a resurgence, standing at the peak of Netflix’s U.S. streaming chart for mid-June 2025 according to Flixpatrol, demonstrating the film’s enduring appeal to viewers.
Current Netflix Top 10 Movies for June 18, 2025
The latest chart lists Plane (2023) leading the pack, followed by entries such as Trainwreck: The Astro World Tragedy (2025), Straw (2025), Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem (2025), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Titanic: The Oceangate Submersible Disaster (2024), Bee Movie (2007), Despicable Me 4 (2024), Copycat (1995), and Get Hard (2015). Plane’s leap to number one in this mix underscores its resonance amid a competitive slate of both recent releases and enduring library hits.
What Makes Plane a Standout Streaming Success?
Plane emerged as an unexpected favorite with critics and audiences alike upon its release, reflected in its 78% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers appreciated the accessible and engaging style of the film, with ScreenRant describing the action and humor as a
“kind of mindless entertainment that viewers will welcome to start their new year.”
Even acclaimed author Stephen King publicly named Plane as one of his favorite films of the year via IndieWire, adding a layer of cultural clout to its success.
Butler’s performance as Brodie Torrance anchors the film, bringing both credibility and charisma to the screen. The premise—an airline pilot rescuing passengers from a deadly scenario—delivers exactly what action fans expect, complete with tense standoffs and high-stakes confrontations. The storytelling’s no-nonsense, streamlined approach makes it especially attractive for streaming viewers: the narrative does not overreach, keeping entertainment value at the forefront. Plane manages to blend humor and violence, offering memorable moments for moviegoers seeking out the unexpected first hit of 2023.
Butler’s Streaming Strength Lies in Relatable Action
One notable reason for the resurgence of Plane and similar Butler vehicles is their accessibility. The actor’s affinity for modestly-budgeted action has become a significant advantage on streaming platforms like Netflix, where viewers are often drawn to engaging but easy-to-follow movies for a “Netflix-and-chill” experience. With movies like Den of Thieves, Geostorm, and Law Abiding Citizen available online, Butler’s brand of crowd-pleasing thrillers continues to attract large audiences year after year.
Plane’s impressive chart-topping performance two years post-release highlights how streaming can elevate overlooked or modestly-received films into mainstream hits. As Butler consistently releases action-packed projects, his reliable presence in the genre ensures he remains a major streaming draw, proving that not every blockbuster needs to aim for awards—sometimes, delivering dependable action is more than enough for viewers.
The film’s recent surge shows the ongoing demand for straightforward action, making it clear why Plane has become a favorite among audiences—and even genre icons like Stephen King. Looking ahead, with potential sequels and more Butler-led adventures likely on the horizon, fans can expect his films to remain streaming staples for the foreseeable future.
