Gerard Butler’s action thriller Angel Has Fallen has recently seen a surge in popularity on free streaming services, drawing significant attention from audiences despite receiving mixed critical responses. Released in 2019, this third installment in the Has Fallen series follows Butler’s character, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning, who is framed in an assassination attempt against the U.S. President and must clear his name while uncovering a dangerous plot.
Fans of the franchise continue to engage with the film alongside other popular titles like Den of Thieves, Peppermint, and classics such as Scarface and Goodfellas on platforms like Tubi. The movie’s plot centers on Banning’s struggle as he evades both the FBI and his own agency to protect President Allan Trumbull and reveal the true villains behind the attack.
“Authorities take Secret Service agent Mike Banning into custody for the failed assassination attempt of U.S. President Allan Trumbull. After escaping from his captors, Banning must evade the FBI and his own agency to find the real threat to the president. Desperate to uncover the truth, he soon turns to unlikely allies to help clear his name and save the country from imminent danger.” —Synopsis
Critics’ Reviews Contrast Sharply with Audience Enthusiasm for the Film
The divide between critics and viewers becomes clear when looking at the ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, where Angel Has Fallen holds a meager 38% approval rating from critics but scores an impressive 93% audience rating. This wide gap illustrates just how polarizing the film has been, with critics describing it as forgettable and a mediocre conclusion to the trilogy, while fans praise its relentless action and strong performances.
One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes shared,
“Fast moving and action packed befitting Gerard Butler. Good cinematography and well directed,”
while another wrote,
“LOVED IT. Action packed from start to finish & the cast is amazing. How can you go wrong with Butler and Freeman together? Excellent.”
Future of the Franchise and Gerard Butler’s Career Plans
The Has Fallen franchise remains a favorite among fans, who are eager to learn when the next chapter, titled Night Has Fallen, will be released. Despite the anticipation, Gerard Butler has indicated that development on the fourth film is still in early stages. He shared that a script exists, but he has not been actively working on it lately, and that the concept needs further development before moving forward.
Butler also revealed his interest in exploring different roles beyond the physically demanding Mike Banning character, expressing a desire to take on parts similar to those played by Tom Hanks in action movies.
“I want to play more the Tom Hanks of action movies. Let me take a break from the Mike Banning, where it’s literally seven or eight full-on fight sequences in every movie, fistfights,”
he explained.
“We have a script for that, but I haven’t been working on it at the moment. We have a really fun idea, it just needs to be to be developed. But it’s been fun recently, making action. I will say — I want to play more the Tom Hanks of action movies. Let me take a break from the Mike Banning, where it’s literally seven or eight full-on fight sequences in every movie, fistfights.” —Gerard Butler
Expanding the Has Fallen Universe with New Spin-offs and Streaming Availability
While fans await the next film, the Has Fallen story continues expanding through television. The spin-off series Paris Has Fallen has been renewed for a second season, Apollo Has Fallen, further exploring this action-packed universe. Viewers can currently watch Angel Has Fallen on multiple free streaming platforms, attracting new audiences and maintaining the franchise’s relevance.
Main Cast Highlights of Angel Has Fallen
The film features a strong ensemble including Lance Reddick, Michael Landes, Piper Perabo, and Nick Nolte, alongside Gerard Butler. Their performances contribute to the film’s engaging dynamic and widespread fan support.
