The Guardian (2006)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,633 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
Released: 2006-09-28
Runtime: 139 minutes
Where to watch The Guardian
- Rent: Prime Video
- Buy: Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A high school swim champion with a troubled past enrolls in the U.S. Coast Guard's 'A' School, where legendary rescue swimmer Ben Randall teaches him some hard lessons about loss, love, and self-sacrifice.
The Guardian parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Guardian is a PG-13 action-drama about Coast Guard rescue swimmers facing danger at sea.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes ocean rescue disasters and life-threatening peril inherent to the job.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Guardian
If you liked The Guardian, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Men of Honor (2000) — 85%
- Only the Strong (1993) — 78%
- Project A (1983) — 79%
- The Legend of 1900 (1998) — 92%
- A Night to Remember (1958) — 86%
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972) — 77%
- The Towering Inferno (1974) — 78%
- Apollo 13 (1995) — 90%
Director
Andrew Davis
Cast
- Kevin Costner as Ben Randall
- Ashton Kutcher as Jake Fischer
- Sela Ward as Helen Randall
- Melissa Sagemiller as Emily Thomas
- Dulé Hill as Ken Weatherly
- Bryce Cass as Manny
- Omari Hardwick as Carl Billings
- Clancy Brown as Capt. William Hadley
- Neal McDonough as Jack Skinner
- Benny Ciaramello as Benny Partida
The Guardian FAQ
Is The Guardian good?
The Guardian has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,633 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Guardian?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video.
Is The Guardian OK for kids?
The Guardian is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Guardian is a PG-13 action-drama about Coast Guard rescue swimmers facing danger at sea.
What movies are like The Guardian?
If you liked The Guardian, try Men of Honor, Only the Strong, Project A and The Legend of 1900.