Overview
A new kid in high school discovers the power of friendship and courage in the face of bullying.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- warm
- witty
- sincere
- teen movie night
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics generally view the film as a sincere, engaging teen comedy-drama elevated by its performances and humane treatment of bullying.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Clifford is the new student at Lake View High School and must quickly learn how its bullying culture operates.
Clifford befriends the sullen Linderman and hires him as protection against Moody's gang.
Linderman is rumored to have killed his brother, making his reputation central to how other students treat him.
Moody and his friends extort lunch money while pretending to provide bodyguard services.
Films like My Bodyguard, and why
Lucas
teen coming-of-age drama balancing school bullying, unlikely friendship, and warm humor
The Outsiders
1980s teen film combining outsider friendship, school social hierarchy, and heartfelt drama
The Karate Kid
empathetic adolescent drama about bullying, belonging, and protective friendship
The Sandlot
family-friendly teen comedy-drama centered on social pressure, misfits, and personal courage
Movie Details
- Director
- Tony Bill
- Release Date
- 1980-07-11
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (135)
Cast
- Chris Makepeace
- Adam Baldwin
- Matt Dillon
- Paul Quandt
- Hank Salas
- Joan Cusack
- Dean R. Miller
- Tim Reyna
- Richard Bradley
- Denise Baske
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is My Bodyguard about?
- A new student hires a feared loner as protection from a school bully, forging an unlikely friendship that turns adolescent intimidation into a test of courage and trust.
- What is My Bodyguard like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of My Bodyguard as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is My Bodyguard violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in My Bodyguard as mild.
- What did critics think of My Bodyguard?
- Critics generally view the film as a sincere, engaging teen comedy-drama elevated by its performances and humane treatment of bullying.
- Which films are like My Bodyguard?
- Films with a similar feel include Lucas, The Outsiders, The Karate Kid, and The Sandlot.
- How long is My Bodyguard?
- My Bodyguard runs 96 minutes.
- Where can I watch My Bodyguard?
- In United States, My Bodyguard is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
