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The Sentinel

The Sentinel

In 141 years, there's never been a traitor in the Secret Service... until now.

2006108 minPG-13Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films
Director
Clark Johnson
Starring
Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, Martin Donovan

Veteran Secret Service agent Pete Garrison investigates a colleague's murder and is subsequently framed as a mole in an assassination attempt on the President due to the machinations of a blackmailer who knows the secret he is hiding. Disgraced, dismissed, and now a fugitive with two relentless federal investigators hot on his heels, Garrison must both clear his name and save the president from assassination.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Sentinel?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Sentinel streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Sentinel?

The Sentinel earns 4 badges, led by Preferred by Critics and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Sentinel worth watching?

The Sentinel's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all films, from 80K ratings across 6 sources. 40% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of films

56th percentile among Action39th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)42nd
Approval (how many liked it)38th

59 /100

42nd percentile of all films

59th percentile among Action42nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 49 · Audience 60

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

40% liked it

38th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Action35th percentile among 2000s
40% rated it 7–1060% rated it 1–6

Critics 34% · Audience 41%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

95th percentile

80K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Action91st percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$60M
Opening weekend$14M
Domestic gross$36M
Worldwide gross$79M

Returned 1.3× its budget — 82nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A slick, routine political thriller that matches its predecessors in tone but not in craft.

Fans praised

  • veteran star power and chemistry between Douglas and Sutherland drive the formula
  • authentic Secret Service procedural details and security protocols
  • solid genre entertainment with well-executed action and brisk pacing

Detractors panned

  • derivative, clichéd plot with no originality or surprises
  • unconvincing and underwritten characters, especially the villain's absent motives

What stands out

Acting68

Douglas and Sutherland do their usual schtick; Basinger and Longoria are decorative

PacingDivisive60

brisk first half, second half drags into routine chases

Atmosphere58

decent D.C. location dressing but fails to build immersive world

TensionDivisive48

rarely sustains suspense; many find it flat or tedious

Characters45

paper-thin roles, no backstory or depth for anyone

EndingDivisive45

anticlimactic and rushed resolution, leaves questions unanswered

Plot and storyDivisive43

familiar man-on-the-run frame-up, full of holes and predictable twists

Originality25

shamelessly recycles In the Line of Fire and The Fugitive

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Sentinel like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense and leaves you satisfied.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its thriller premise straight, with earnest performances and a serious tone, though it occasionally feels formulaic.
The rideThe film sustains a tense atmosphere throughout, driven by the conspiracy and chase, with the most intense action in the climactic summit sequence.
StructureThe story follows a linear timeline from the assassination plot's discovery to the climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Satisfied.

The answer rests on this: Cathartic · 6% of filmsFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe film provides a satisfying resolution and a standard thriller payoff.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% (this title) · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Institutional injustice: A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA veteran Secret Service agent is framed as a mole in a plot to assassinate the President, forcing him to go on the run while uncovering the real conspiracy.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfBetrayalMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Betrayal · 5% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores betrayal from within trusted institutions and the loyalty that is tested in its wake.
StanceThe film examines betrayal within a trusted institution and the cost of loyalty, without taking a definitive moral position.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingWashington D.C. and Toronto during a G8 summit

Content guide

Is The Sentinel okay for kids?

PG-13

The Sentinel is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some intense action violence and a scene of sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (43/100), sexual content at mild (19/100), language at moderate (42/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (25/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 22% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland15
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark11
  • Greece13
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO18
  • Spain12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 18% of all filmsHeavier than 22% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 45%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 27%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 52%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 45% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Sentinel have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Sentinel?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Michael Douglas
as Pete Garrison
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kiefer Sutherland
as David Breckinridge
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eva Longoria
as Jill Marin
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Martin Donovan
as William Montrose
Kim Basinger
as 1st Lady Sarah Ballentine
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ritchie Coster
as The Handler
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Blair Brown
as National Security Advisor
David Rasche
as President Ballentine
Kristin Lehman
as Cindy Breckinridge
Raynor Scheine
as Walter Xavier

Crew

Directed by

Clark Johnson

Written by

George Nolfi

More like this

What are movies like The Sentinel?

Movies like The Sentinel include Murder at 1600 (1997), Angel Has Fallen (2019) and Olympus Has Fallen (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, half are conspiracy thrillers, and several are films set in Washington, DC.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its world: political. Those cards say what else they share.

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What else shares a premise, people or place with The Sentinel?

980 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: conspiracy thriller. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.