The Old Guard

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2:21

The Old Guard

R

2020

2h 5m

Action

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

288 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

A group of mercenaries, all centuries-old immortals with the ablity to heal themselves, discover someone is onto their secret, and they must fight to protect their freedom.

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Critics Consensus

The Old Guard is occasionally restricted by genre conventions, but director Gina Prince-Bythewood brings a sophisticated vision to the superhero genre - and some knockout action sequences led by Charlize Theron.

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Soraya Nadia McDonald

Andscape

Given a team of highly regarded actors in Charlize Theron, Chiwetel Ejiofor and KiKi Layne, Prince-Bythewood delivers both satisfying, high-octane fights and a proper storyline to stitch them together.

Jan 20, 2021

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Clarisse Loughrey

Independent (UK)

None of this would work without someone like Gina Prince-Bythewood behind the lens.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 9, 2020

Full Review

Robbie Collin

Daily Telegraph (UK)

It's a film that's rewarding to spend time with, with a substance-over-style approach that's entirely commendable, and all too rare in films of this type.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 22, 2020

Full Review

Emmet Asher-Perrin

Reactor

[The Old Guard] is easily one of the better films of this genre in the past decade, and deserved a theatrical release. It also deserves a sequel, so do the world a solid and add to their ratings by giving it a watch.

Jul 28, 2025

Full Review

Terry Staunton

Radio Times

The result is an uninvolving, stop-start narrative that lacks the wit or flair of the Marvel superhero movie stable.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 11, 2025

Full Review

Bernard Ozarowski

Loud and Clear Reviews

The Old Guard is led by the ever excellent Charlize Theron and a strong supporting cast that showcases a smart take on IP action material.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 1, 2025

Full Review

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Glen D.

Fun premise. Not a recycled story or remake. Very entertaining

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/22/25

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Joe M

If you mixed the Highlander story without the sword-fighting.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/11/25

Full Review

Audience Member

First and foremost, this film is a Netflix production, which is why it's best to keep expectations low. Nevertheless, the cast led by Charlize Theron delivers a fantasy action film that, while very generic in parts, features strong and charismatic characters who also score points with a certain depth. Spoilers follow from here on. The central plot of the film revolves around a group of involuntarily immortal warriors who have made it their mission to fight for the welfare of humanity. As mentioned, the whole thing is not particularly original and the plot is also quite predictable. Nevertheless, the group led by Andy (Charlize Theron) and Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) manages to build a connection with the audience and portray the torments that eternal life can bring in a relatable way. The couple Nicky (Luca Marinelli) and Joe (Marwan Kenzari) in particular feel very natural despite the unnatural circumstances. The greatest strength, apart from the characters, is the film's social criticism, which is mainly represented by the despicable CEO Merrick (Harry Melling). The criticism of the pharmaceutical industry and the natural human desire to live longer, although not very subtle, is brought to the point without beating around the bush and without pushing an agenda. The only downside is that Harry Melling once again fails to shine in a role other than that of Dudley Dursley from Harry Potter. In conclusion, it must be said that the film, although very predictable, is an entertaining experience with a good message at its heart. Some interesting questions are left unanswered, which will hopefully be addressed in the sequel, which has already been released.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/11/25

Full Review

Latiefa H

While I love this movie I have mixed feeling, I hated that we waited 5 years for a second part and it’s extremely annoying that we may possibly wait another five years for the third part

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/11/25

Full Review

Xina L

One of the best movies I've ever seen 🤯 I loved everything! Charlize is gorgeous 😍, with a lot of personality and presence! Very long wait for the second part 😔, it was a little worth it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

Full Review

Evan S.

Great Movie Great Storyline Great Cast

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

Full Review

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Gina Prince-Bythewood

Director

Charlize Theron

Andy

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Copley

KiKi Layne

Nile

Matthias Schoenaerts

Booker

Marwan Kenzari

Joe

The Old Guard: Clip - Plane Fight

0:59

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The Old Guard: Featurette - Through History

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The Old Guard: Featurette - Combat Training

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The Old Guard: Trailer 2

2:21

The Old Guard: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A group of mercenaries, all centuries-old immortals with the ablity to heal themselves, discover someone is onto their secret, and they must fight to protect their freedom.

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Producer: A.J. Dix, David Ellison, Marc Evans, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Beth Kono, Charlize Theron
Screenwriter: Greg Rucka
Production Co: Dune Films, Denver and Delilah Productions, Skydance Media, Netflix, Image Comics
Rating: R (Sequences of Graphic Violence|Language)
Genre: Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 10, 2020
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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