7.3
Where can I stream The Guard legally?
You can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Guard
2011·Movie
The Guard fingerprint
High energy, funny, light on feelings.
Energy
Thrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline7
- Tension7
- Fast Pace7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Hopefulness5
- Catharsis5
- Pathos4
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor7
- Situational Comedy5
World
Everyday modern life and crime
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighThrilling and tense
Fast from start to finish.
The Guard is thrilling, tense, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and crime
Its world is built around everyday modern life and crime.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The FBI are about to discover that things work a little differently around here.
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.
Dark ComedyIrish Crime FilmOdd CoupleCrass HumorQuirkyCynicalSharp DialogueCharacter-Driven
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Guard
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Guard worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 78). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Guard rated?
RStrong languageViolenceDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language, violence, and drug use.
How long is The Guard?
1 h 36 min
The Guard runs 1 h 36 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Guard?
Critics86
Audiences76
Not quite. Critics rate The Guard higher (86) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Guard a box office hit?
Budget$6 million
Box office$20 million
Yes. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 3.3 times its budget.
What language is The Guard in?
EnglishIrish
It was made in English, with some Irish. Produced in Ireland, United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Guard?
43
+29
+29GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Guard in 43 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Guard use?
The BeardRefuge in AudacityDefiant to the EndI Coulda Been a Contender!Imperial Stormtrooper Marksmanship AcademyChekhov's GunDeadpan SnarkerTake That!Wicked CulturedHollywood LawFetishScrew the Money, I Have Rules!and 71 more
TV Tropes lists 83 storytelling tropes for The Guard, including The Beard, Refuge in Audacity, Defiant to the End.