WatchThis

Movies like

The Substitute

Loved the vibe? Here are ten films that hit similar notes—with match scores, reasons to watch, and where to stream in the US.

The Substitute poster

Why people love it

People revisit The Substitute for the same reason it broke through in 1996: clear stakes, memorable faces, and a crime rhythm that doesn't stall in the middle. Robert Mandel keeps the ensemble pointed in one direction. The action and crime blend is the engine: it lets the film shift registers without feeling like two different movies stitched together.

actioncrimedramathrillerrewatchable

Runtime 1h 54m · ★ 6.9

Your 10 recommendations

Filter your results

Mood

Streaming (US)

Era

Showing 10 of 10 picks

  1. 96match

    1.Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)

    ★ 7.4 · Action · Crime · Thriller · 1h 33m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and crime, with unease that lingers after the credits. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • fuboTV
    • Paramount Plus Premium
    • Paramount Plus Essential
    • Paramount+ Amazon Channel
    • Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    + Save for later
  2. 94match

    2.We Die Young (2019)

    ★ 6.8 · Drama · Action · Crime · 1h 33m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, We Die Young (2019) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and crime, with unease that lingers after the credits. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  3. 92match

    3.RocknRolla (2008)

    ★ 7.0 · Action · Crime · Thriller · 1h 54m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, RocknRolla (2008) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and crime, with unease that lingers after the credits. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    + Save for later
  4. 90match

    4.The Enforcer (2022)

    ★ 7.0 · Action · Crime · Drama · 1h 31m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, The Enforcer (2022) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and crime, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Hulu
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    • YouTube(Buy)
    + Save for later
  5. 88match

    5.Gangs of New York (2002)

    ★ 7.3 · Drama · History · Crime · 2h 48m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, Gangs of New York (2002) is a strong next stop: both trade in crime and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Paramount Plus Essential
    • Starz Apple TV Channel
    • Starz Roku Premium Channel
    • Starz
    • Philo
    • Starz Amazon Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    + Save for later
  6. 86match

    6.Gone Baby Gone (2007)

    ★ 7.3 · Crime · Drama · Mystery · 1h 53m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, Gone Baby Gone (2007) is a strong next stop: both trade in crime and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • fuboTV
    • Paramount Plus Premium
    • Paramount Plus Essential
    • Paramount+ Amazon Channel
    • MGM Plus
    • Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    + Save for later
  7. 84match

    7.The Outsiders (1983)

    ★ 7.2 · Crime · Drama · 1h 31m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, The Outsiders (1983) is a strong next stop: both trade in crime and drama, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Spectrum On Demand(Rent)
    • Plex(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    + Save for later
  8. 82match

    8.Rumble Fish (1983)

    ★ 7.0 · Crime · Drama · Romance · 1h 34m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, Rumble Fish (1983) is a strong next stop: both trade in crime and drama, with emotional whiplash that feels honest. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Prime Video
    • Amazon Prime Video with Ads
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    + Save for later
  9. 80match

    9.Code 8 Part II (2024)

    ★ 6.4 · Science Fiction · Action · Crime · 1h 41m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, Code 8 Part II (2024) is a strong next stop: both trade in action and crime, with momentum and clean stakes. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    + Save for later
  10. 78match

    10.War of the Buttons (1962)

    ★ 7.2 · Comedy · Drama · Family · 1h 30m

    Why you'll love it

    If The Substitute clicked for you, War of the Buttons (1962) is a strong next stop: both trade in drama, with comic timing and sharper banter. Expect a different story, but a similar willingness to go big when the moment demands it.

    + Save for later

FAQ

What should I watch after The Substitute?
Try Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, We Die Young, RocknRolla—each shares DNA with The Substitute while changing the setting enough to feel fresh.
What genre is The Substitute?
The Substitute (1996) is best described as Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Stores and algorithms use different labels, but that mix is what fans actually recognize on a rewatch.
Is The Substitute part of a franchise?
Yes—it's part of the "The Substitute Collection" storyline. You can enjoy it standalone, but sequels and tie-ins build on characters and continuity established here.

Similar vibes

More movie guides

Browse every "movies like" page on the site—including ones still waiting to be indexed.