The Guardian (2006)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,633 TMDB 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 2026-11-12.
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%
- Project A (1983) — 79%
- Only the Strong (1993) — 78%
- 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, our own critic-informed editorial score.
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, Project A, Only the Strong and The Legend of 1900.