The Guardian (2006)
A legendary rescue swimmer teaches a troubled high school champion about loss and self-sacrifice in a gritty, earnest drama.
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.
How intense is The Guardian?
The Guardian has light gore and strong violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a family watch. Rated PG-13.
What The Guardian feels like
- Tone
- grittyearnestsuspensefulmelancholy
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionFamily night
Where to stream The Guardian
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 16, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Guardian for you?
Is The Guardian scary?
No. The Guardian is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is The Guardian gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and strong violence (2 of 3).
Is The Guardian sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Guardian OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 1, violence 2, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is The Guardian?
The Guardian runs 2h 19m.
Where can I stream The Guardian?
The Guardian is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does The Guardian have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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