Owen Gleiberman of Variety calls Den of Thieves 2: Pantera a satisfying impersonation of a high-end crime film, saying that Gerard Butler is good enough to lift “a piece of pulp so it almost seems like a real movie.” The critic continues:

Gerard Butler and O'Shea Jackson Jr. are back in "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" for more white-knuckled heist action. The sequel puts Big Nick back on the path of Donnie, who has managed to get embroiled in the world of international diamond theft.

Gerard Butler injured himself directly before filming Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, making his on-screen pain all the more convincing. The 55-year-old Scottish actor reportedly filmed much of the high-octane heist sequel with one leg completely out of action.