Despite their obvious public presence, the profession of being someone’s bodyguard has little information to offer in the public domain. What’s obvious is there are different types of bodyguards responsible for carrying out different assignments based on their subject’s stature and needs. This distinction is shown in movies too, where officers from different organizations are tasked with the safety of their charge. While films about bodyguards are fascinating to watch from a distance, having that kind of security and interference might not be everybody’s cup of tea. Here are some of the best movies about bodyguards, ranked.
10Close (2019)
When counter-terrorism expert Sam Carlson (Noomi Rapace) is hired to protect a young heiress, she doesn’t realize what she signed up for and what she’s up against. Surrounded by assassins, with little to no real allies, it’s up to Carlson to protect her charge and herself too. Vicky Jewson’sClosecan somewhat be attributed to the female version ofExtraction/Jason Bournefilms, but considering it’s shot only on a fraction of their budget, the film can be regarded as a thoroughly impressive feat.
9Blackjack (1998)
Blackjackis directed by Hong Kong filmmaker John Woo. The Asian auteur is responsible for many hit action movies likeFace/Off, Hard Boiled,andMission Impossible: 2.InBlackjack,the legendary director collaborates with ’90s star Dolph Lundgren, who stars as a CIA operative responsible for protecting a woman who has witnessed a political murder.Blackjackisn’t one of Woo’s best works, but is an interesting watch if you’re a fan of political espionage.
8Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
Olympus Has Fallenwalks on the conventional tropes of a disgraced officer trying to reinvent him type film, but makes a mark for itself with good performances and great action sequences. The film’s plot revolves around a disgraced presidential guard, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), who finds himself trapped in the White House during a terrorist attack. Undaunted by the Herculean task ahead, Banning strives toprotect the president at all costswhile simultaneously coordinating with the national security agencies.
7Safe (2012)
In this high-octane thriller, Jason Statham stars as Luke, a former elite agent who is tasked with protecting a small girl named Mei, who happens to have memorized a numerical code that unlocks a safe with $30 million. The only problem is that Luke and Mei are on everybody’s hitlist, from the Russian Mafia, to the top brass of New York’s police and politicians.
Related:Best Jason Statham Movies, Ranked
6The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)
A comical take on the dark and dangerous profession of protection,The Hitman’s Bodyguardsees Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) play the role of a protection agent being tasked with safeguardingone of the most feared hitmen, Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson). What follows is a hilarious comedy that’sfar-fetched from reality, but nonetheless entertaining.
5The Bodyguard (1992)
Blurring the lines between personal and professional, Rachel (Whitney Houston) an actor and singer, hires ex-Secret Service agent Frank (Kevin Costner) toprotect her from a creepy stalker, but ends up falling for him.The Bodyguardisn’t a classic action film, but rather uses the profession of protection to land its more romantic subtext.
4Romeo Must Die (2000)
When it comes to legendary Asian action heroes, Jet Li’s name is right up there with the best of the best. When Li signed on to be the leading man in Andrzej Bartkowiak’sRomeo Must Die,it was decided thatLi was going to choreograph his own stunts, thereby elevating the film’s action sequences to another level. In terms of plot, the film sees Li play the role of a cop that’s on the trail of his brother’s killer while taking up the role of protecting the villain’s daughter.
Related:Best Jet Li Movies, Ranked
3I Am Afraid (1997)
Directed by Damiano Damiani, this Italian film revolves around a police officer, Ludovico Graziano who’s been assigned to protect a morally upright judge. As Graziano’s charge gets involved in an investigation into corrupt politicians, his and Graziano’s life becomes increasingly threatened. Damiani does a great job at maintaining an air full of suspense throughout the film, while also offsetting the film’s corrupt context with morally conscious characters.
2Man on Fire (2004)
Man on Fireis arguably one of the best films that highlight the relationship between a guard and his/her subject. When jaded ex-CIA officer John Creasy reluctantly takes up the role of safeguarding a businessman’s daughter, they clash at first, but eventually form a deep bond that transcends from professional to personal. When one day his charge is suddenly kidnapped, Creasy goes to hell and back to look for the little girl, leaving a trail of blood and vengeance in his wake.
Related:Denzel Washington’s Best Action Movies, Ranked
1Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1992)
An unusual pick on the list is James Cameron’sTerminator 2: Judgment Day.In the first part, the Terminator was on a mission to kill John Connor, but the second part sees thedeadly cyborg being reprogrammed to go from killing Connor to protecting him.Terminator 2: Judgement Dayis supercharged with groundbreaking effects and a string of solid performances.
