Is Lifeguard Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Lifeguard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Lifeguard Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1976, Lifeguard emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Rick is a Los Angeles County lifeguard who is in his thirties. Unlike standard genre fare, Lifeguard attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Lifeguard features a noteworthy lineup led by Sam Elliott . Supported by the likes of Stephen Young and Anne Archer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Lifeguard (1976) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Lifeguard Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Lifeguard is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Lifeguard Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Lifeguard concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Lifeguard reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Lifeguard?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Lifeguard Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $900.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Lifeguard Budget
The estimated production budget for Lifeguard is $900.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Lifeguard
- Sam Elliott – Rick Carlson
- Stephen Young – Larry
- Anne Archer – Cathy
- Parker Stevenson – Chris Randall
- Kathleen Quinlan – Wendy
Top Highlights
Sam ElliottRick Carlson
Stephen YoungLarry
Anne ArcherCathy
Parker StevensonChris Randall
Kathleen QuinlanWendy
Sharon ClarkTina
Steve BurnsMachine Gun
Lenka PetersonMrs. Carlson
George D. WallaceMr. Carlson
Paul KentJack Gilmore
Where to Watch Lifeguard Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Lifeguard is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Lifeguard stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lifeguard movie hit or flop?
Lifeguard has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Lifeguard worth watching?
Lifeguard is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Lifeguard online?
Lifeguard may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Lifeguard Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Lifeguard
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
