12 Years on, Ewan McGregor’s Criminally Underrated Action Gem Quietly Added to Netflix

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Ewan McGregor has quietly become a beloved actor, and a particularly excellent, but often overlooked, film of his is now available on Netflix. He’s known for a wide range of roles, from big franchises like Star Wars (where he played Obi-Wan Kenobi) and musicals like Moulin Rouge! (which he referenced at the Oscars), to gritty crime dramas like Trainspotting. If you’re a fan of McGregor’s work, especially his crime films, this movie is a must-watch while it’s streaming on Netflix – though it arrived on the platform without much fanfare.

The 2014 crime thriller Son of a Gun, starring Ewan McGregor, is now available on Netflix and is well worth a watch for fans of the genre.

Why is Ewan McGregor’s Son of a Gun Worth Streaming on Netflix

It’s easy to overlook the A24 film Son of a Gun, starring Ewan McGregor. While it has modest scores on Rotten Tomatoes (63% from critics, 62% from audiences), the movie is actually quite good. It follows JR, a young man played by Brenton Thwaites, who ends up in prison for a small offense and quickly learns how harsh life can be. There, he meets Brendan Lynch (McGregor), a dangerous criminal who offers JR protection – but with strings attached.

While not on the scale of a film like Heat, Son of a Gun is surprisingly comparable. The movie centers around a gold heist, but wisely keeps the scope relatively small. Don’t expect massive shootouts, but the story is filled with clever twists and morally gray characters – there are no clear heroes or villains. Ewan McGregor, Brenton Thwaites, and Alicia Vikander all deliver strong performances, and the film features solid action, gritty visuals, and a smart plot.

Julius Avery’s debut film, Son of a Gun, is surprisingly effective as both a thrilling action movie and a story about growing up. It’s a perfect fit for streaming platforms like Netflix, and Ewan McGregor fans will be pleased – it’s one of his best, yet lesser-known, films. The movie wraps up with a positive and open-ended conclusion, leaving audiences feeling satisfied about what the future might hold for the characters.

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2026-03-21 22:41