Gerard Butler, known for iconic roles in movies like 300 and Law Abiding Citizen, starred in a 2016 fantasy action film that initially failed with critics and at the box office. Nearly ten years after its theatrical release, this movie has surged in popularity on Netflix, offering a surprising revival for a previously overlooked project.
The Premise and Cast of the Revived Fantasy Film
Gods of Egypt, directed by Alex Proyas, is a fantasy story inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology. The film chronicles the tense battle for power between Butler’s character, Set—the Egyptian God of the Desert—and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Horus, the God of Air. When Set unleashes chaos, Horus joins forces with a mortal thief named Bek, played by Brenton Thwaites, to protect humanity. The movie also features a notable supporting cast, including Chadwick Boseman, Élodie Yung, Courtney Eaton, Rufus Sewell, Geoffrey Rush, Bryan Brown, and Butler himself portraying the gods of Egypt.
Current Streaming Success and Rankings on Netflix
Since its addition to Netflix, Gods of Egypt has steadily climbed the streaming charts in the United States. For the week ending August 10, the movie ranked tenth among streaming films, trailing behind titles such as My Oxford Year, Happy Gilmore 2, and KPop Demon Hunters. Notably, another Gerard Butler film, Kandahar, placed higher at number six. By August 14, Gods of Egypt had risen to sixth place on Netflix’s U.S. movie charts, showing renewed viewer interest nearly a decade later.
Initial Reception: Why the Film Failed in Theaters
Despite its renewed popularity, Gods of Egypt was heavily criticized when it first premiered. Critics cited the film’s lack of diversity, weak narrative, subpar special effects, and awkward dialogue as major flaws. These factors contributed to a negative reception that overshadowed the film’s ambitious visuals and mythological themes. Director Alex Proyas responded to early reviews, commenting on the nature of modern criticism on social media.
“Seems most critics spend their time trying to work out what most people will want to hear,”
—Alex Proyas, Director
“How do you do that? Why these days it is so easy … just surf the net to read other reviews or what bloggers are saying – no matter how misguided an opinion of a movie might be before it actually comes out.”
—Alex Proyas, Director
Box Office Performance and Legacy Before Streaming Revival
Gods of Egypt earned just $150 million worldwide against a hefty $140 million budget, classifying it as a box office disappointment. It secured a 15% critics’ rating and 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction at release. The film was largely forgotten as bigger 2016 releases and the future projects of its stars took over public attention. Since then, Proyas has not directed another major feature.
Renewed Attention Through Streaming Platforms
The film’s arrival on Netflix has introduced Gods of Egypt to new viewers who may not have seen it during its initial run. Its mythological storyline and star-studded cast have attracted a fresh audience, helping the movie climb inside Netflix’s top ten in the U.S. This resurgence underscores how streaming services can revitalize films that once struggled to find success. As Gods of Egypt continues to gain traction, it exemplifies a growing trend where films receive a second chance through digital platforms.
Gods of Egypt is now available for streaming on Netflix.
