The Guard (2011)
Kernel Score: 77% · 1,362 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Comedy, Thriller, Crime
Released: 2011-07-07
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch The Guard
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When a small-town Irish cop with a crass personality is partnered with a straight-laced FBI agent to bust an international drug-trafficking ring, they must settle their differences in order to take down a dangerous gang.
The Guard parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated crime comedy involves drug smuggling, prostitution references, and crude humor.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Includes a reference to a prostitute among the crime elements.
- Language: Moderate — An R rating with a crass central character suggests frequent strong language typical of the genre.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Plot centers on an international drug-trafficking ring being investigated by police.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Guard
If you liked The Guard, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Lethal Weapon (1987) — 81%
- Hot Fuzz (2007) — 86%
- Marshland (2014) — 78%
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984) — 83%
- The Commitments (1991) — 82%
- Caliber 9 (1972) — 83%
- The Young Offenders (2016) — 78%
- The Quiet Man (1952) — 80%
Director
John Michael McDonagh
Cast
- Brendan Gleeson as Sergeant Gerry Boyle
- Don Cheadle as FBI agent Wendell Everett
- Liam Cunningham as Francis Sheehy
- Mark Strong as Clive Cornell
- Katarina Čas as Gabriela McBride
- David Wilmot as Liam O'Leary
- Rory Keenan as Garda Aidan McBride
- Laurence Kinlan as Photographer
- Dominique McElligott as Aoife O'Carroll
- Sarah Greene as Sinead Mulligan
The Guard FAQ
Is The Guard good?
The Guard has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,362 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Guard?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Guard OK for kids?
The Guard is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated crime comedy involves drug smuggling, prostitution references, and crude humor.
What movies are like The Guard?
If you liked The Guard, try Lethal Weapon, Hot Fuzz, Marshland and Beverly Hills Cop.