Gerard Butler may have faced a tough year at the box office with Greenland 2: Migration underperforming, but his 2023 war thriller Kandahar is quietly rewriting its legacy as a streaming sensation. Now available on Hulu in the U.S. as of June 2026, the film has found a second life that its theatrical release never hinted at.
Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, who previously teamed with Butler on Angel Has Fallen and both Greenland films, Kandahar follows a CIA operative and his translator as they evade elite special forces in Afghanistan after a covert mission is exposed. The movie blends the gritty tension of Sicario with the visceral combat of Black Hawk Down, making it a must-watch for fans of modern war thrillers.
Despite a modest theatrical run that grossed under $10 million, Kandahar has become a streaming powerhouse. It previously topped Netflix's charts as the most-watched movie on the platform last summer, and now it's dominating on Hulu, Starz in multiple countries, and even Apple TV's VOD in select markets. This resurgence highlights how streaming can breathe new life into underappreciated action films.
Butler's career has seen ups and downs, but his collaboration with Waugh continues to yield compelling results. The duo's first project, Angel Has Fallen, earned over $145 million globally, while the Greenland films showcased Butler's range in disaster thrillers. Kandahar stands out as a more grounded, intense entry in their filmography, earning praise for its authenticity and pacing.
For those who missed it in theaters, Kandahar is now easily accessible on Hulu. It's a perfect pick for viewers craving a smart, action-packed thriller with political undertones. If you're a fan of films like Denzel Washington's The Manchurian Candidate, this will scratch that conspiracy itch.
Waugh recently directed Jason Statham in Shelter, another action thriller that had a brief theatrical run before landing on Starz. Meanwhile, Butler is gearing up for the release of In the Hand of Dante, a crime thriller acquired by Netflix that also stars Oscar Isaac and Jason Momoa. Its trailer has already dropped, promising another high-octane ride.
Streaming platforms have become the great equalizer for films like Kandahar, allowing them to find audiences that theatrical releases couldn't reach. As of June 2026, Hulu subscribers can dive into this underrated gem, and it's well worth the watch. For more hidden streaming treasures, check out our list of 21st century's most perfectly directed thrillers.
