Prime Video just added one of Gerard Butler’s best action-thriller movies — and it’s a gripping test of survival

Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance in "Plane." — (Image credit: Kenneth Rexach)

Gerard Butler clearly has a taste for adrenaline-fueled flicks. You’ve got the heist film “Den of Thieves” and the gripping disaster drama “Greenland.” Most people might know the Scottish actor from the classic “Law Abiding Citizen,” but there are a surprising number of action movies you might have missed in his filmography over the years, one being the intense survival thriller “Plane,” which has just landed on Prime Video.

“Plane” is arguably one of Butler’s best-ever films, not only because it’s a nostalgic throwback to 1980s and ’90s star-driven survival cinema, but also because it rejects the glossy look of modern green-screen action films. Produced on a modest mid-budget of just $25 million, “Plane” went on to become a highly profitable theatrical hit, grossing over $74 million worldwide in 2023. And for good reason too, as this action-thriller focuses on a stressed pilot trying to keep his passengers alive after (you guessed it) a plane crash.

So if you’re looking for something seriously gripping to stream this weekend, here’s why “Plane” deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist.

What is ‘Plane’ about?

Plane (2023) Official Trailer – Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Yoson An - YouTube

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“Plane” follows commercial airline pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler), who is flying a routine passenger route from Singapore when his aircraft is struck by a severe lightning storm. Forced to make an emergency landing, he successfully brings the damaged plane down on a remote island in the Philippines.

While the passengers initially survive the crash, their situation turns dangerous fast when armed rebels seize control of the area and begin taking hostages. With communications down and rescue seemingly impossible, Brodie reluctantly teams up with Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), a homicide suspect being transported by authorities on the flight. ‘Plane’ is the perfect thriller for spiking your adrenaline

As a private rescue operation races to locate the missing aircraft, Brodie and Louis must survive the hostile territory in a desperate effort to free the passengers and get everyone off the island alive.

‘Plane’ is a stripped-back survival story packed with tension

Daniella Pineda, Yoson An, and Gerard Butler in "Plane" film (2023) — (Image credit: Lionsgate / FlixPix / Alamy)

“Plane” takes its title quite literally. The entire plot is centered around the aircraft and the consequences of its landing on a war-torn island. But before the action ramps up, the film does us a favor by introducing its central character, Brodie, who is running late to catch his own flight as he tries to meet up with his daughter by midnight to celebrate the New Year.

The flight is incredibly light, carrying only 14 passengers, including a silent fugitive. But the real trouble occurs when the plane flies directly into a savage thunderstorm, giving Brodie no choice but to land on JoJo Island, which is controlled by anti-government warlords.

French filmmaker Jean-François Richet chose a clean, branched structure, essentially making it function as two distinct types of thriller stitched together. The first act plays out like a tense, claustrophobic aviation disaster film. Then it shifts completely into a fast-paced jungle survival and rescue mission, with the environment itself becoming a threat. But what’s truly impressive about this action-thriller is how efficiently it keeps the tension high while juggling two very different halves of the story.

Gerard Butler in "Plane" film (2023) — (Image credit: Lionsgate / FlixPix / Alamy)

“Plane” does something a lot of action films struggle to pull off, especially in a genre often driven by heavy CGI and green screen. Instead of going overly glossy, Richet keeps things grounded, focusing on the characters and how they react in this unfamiliar situation. There are plenty of tight, close-up shots that work far better than big set-piece explosions, and the action leans into brutal hand-to-hand fights and practical effects rather than bloodless choreography. It also never really slows down after the crash either, instead leaning into constant forward momentum as Brodie is forced to adapt from pilot to field operative.

Gerard Butler and Jean-François Richet clearly understand what audiences want from an action film. Not just the fight scenes and set pieces, but the payoff of watching the villains get taken down in a satisfying way. Because of this format, “Plane” doesn’t offer anything new, but it proves that familiar ideas can still be a lot of fun when they’re executed well. As a straightforward, crowd-pleasing action ride, “Plane” does exactly what it sets out to do and is definitely worth watching on Prime Video.

Stream "Plane" on Prime Video

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.