Gerard Butler deserves more recognition for his prowess as an action star. While Tom Cruise performs his stunts and Keanu Reeves excels in gun-fu, Butler consistently delivers charismatic performances in exhilarating films. Take “Den of Thieves” from 2018: what might have been a forgettable endeavor has become a cult classic in crime thrillers, and you can now enjoy it fully on Tubi.

“Den of Thieves” features Detective Nick O’Brien (Butler), leading a division of the Los Angeles Police Department to thwart a team of former Marines planning to rob the Federal Reserve. Despite its seemingly standard crime caper premise and its 42% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it resonated better with audiences, earning a 63% score on the same site. This audience appreciation partly explains its robust $80 million box office return against a modest $30 million budget, prompting the sequel “Den of Thieves: Pantera” in 2025. Although better reviewed, the sequel grossed less at $58 million.

“Den of Thieves” draws inspiration from “Heat,” one of the premier heist films, yet it shines in its unique right. Available for free on Tubi, it’s an excellent opportunity to appreciate Butler’s underrated talents.

Though “Den of Thieves: Pantera” made less than its predecessor (despite a higher $40 million budget), Lionsgate remains confident in the franchise. Following its January 2025 release, they announced “Den of Thieves 3” was in active development. Director Christian Gudegast assured The Hollywood Reporter that the third film is ready to proceed, saying, “It’s already pitched. It’s already done. We’re ready to go. We feel very good about it.”

Gudegast and his team aim to capitalize on the momentum, especially after the numerous setbacks faced during “Pantera’s” production. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress, compounded by Gerard Butler’s injury, which further stalled filming. Gudegast mentioned other complications to THR, stating, “We planned to shoot in Croatia and Serbia, but the war with Ukraine forced us to relocate, as those areas became significantly affected.”

With “Den of Thieves” freely accessible on Tubi, there’s ample opportunity to expand its fanbase, potentially drawing larger audiences for a third installment. The series aspires to evolve into a grittier version of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, promising further globe-trotting adventures beyond the third chapter. In anticipation of the next release, you can dive into similar films like “The Italian Job” and “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,” also available on Tubi.