White House Down is now on Prime Video — and it’s still one of the most explosive action thrillers of the 2010s

Roland Emmerich’s explosive action hit White House Down is finally streaming on Prime Video U.S., and it’s already popular among subscribers who love big-budget thrillers. A decade after its release, this 2013 blockbuster still packs a punch with over-the-top action, high-stakes drama, and a surprisingly fun buddy dynamic between its two leads.

Now available to stream, White House Down is quickly reminding action fans why it was one of the most talked-about thrillers of the 2010s.

What is White House Down about?

White House Down follows Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum), who’s just been rejected from his dream job of joining the Secret Service team protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Hoping to soften the disappointment, he takes his daughter Emily on a tour of the White House. But things take a terrifying turn when a paramilitary group launches a full-scale assault on the building.

With the President in danger, the country on edge, and his daughter trapped inside, it’s up to Cale to step up and fight back. As chaos erupts, he teams up with President Sawyer to try to stop a larger conspiracy unfolding within the walls of the White House.

A crowd-pleasing action flick with big 2010s energy

Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow), White House Down delivers everything you’d expect from the king of large-scale destruction. Explosions, helicopter chases, gunfights in iconic locations, it’s all here. While the plot leans heavily into familiar territory, the film’s energy and charm help it stand out.

Channing Tatum brings charisma and grit as the everyman-turned-hero, while Jamie Foxx shines as a calm yet gutsy Commander-in-Chief. Their unexpected chemistry is one of the film’s biggest strengths, blending action with light moments of humor. Tatum plays the reluctant protector well, and Foxx’s version of the President adds a fresh, modern twist to the role.

Supporting cast members like Jake Weber, Rachelle Lefevre, and Maggie Gyllenhaal help round out the political intrigue behind the mayhem. And with Emmerich at the helm, the visuals don’t hold back, expect nonstop action and some truly outrageous set pieces.

Still worth watching today?

Absolutely. While it may not have reinvented the action genre, White House Down is the kind of popcorn flick that never gets old. It’s fun, explosive, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, something a lot of newer action movies seem to forget.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 51% critic score, but audiences were far more generous with a 62% rating. And that’s really the key here, it’s not aiming to be a political thriller masterpiece. It’s here to entertain, and it does exactly that.

Compared to other titles currently in Prime Video’s top 10, White House Down feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to see why it’s finding a new audience. Whether you missed it back in 2013 or you’re in the mood for a rewatch, this is one of those films that reminds you how fun big-screen blockbusters used to be.

So if you’re scrolling through Prime Video and craving some explosive entertainment, White House Down should definitely be on your watchlist. It’s action-packed, star-powered, and still one of the most exciting political thrillers of the last decade.

Have you seen White House Down before, or is this your first time checking it out?