The Substitute (1996)
Kernel Score: 77% · 537 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1996-04-19
Runtime: 114 minutes
Where to watch The Substitute
- Stream: Prime Video, Peacock
- Free with ads: Fawesome, The Roku Channel, The CW, Fandango at Home, VIX
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
When an inner-city Miami schoolteacher gets her knee broken after standing up to the school's gang leader, her mercenary combat specialist boyfriend goes undercover as a substitute teacher to take down the punk. Soon he discovers a conspiracy of criminals at work, and must reassemble his team from his last jungle raid to stop them.
The Substitute parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Substitute is a violent action-crime film about a mercenary going undercover to take down a school gang and drug conspiracy.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Features gunfights, physical assaults including a broken knee, and mercenary combat throughout.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Drug dealing is a central plot element involving a criminal gang.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Substitute
If you liked The Substitute, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Dying to Survive (2018) — 91%
- Deadpool (2016) — 87%
- The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil (2019) — 89%
- The Old Guard (2020) — 81%
- Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) — 81%
- Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1 (2012) — 79%
- The Outlaws (The Roundup) (2017) — 86%
- The Protector (2005) — 79%
Director
Robert Mandel
Cast
- Tom Berenger as Jonathan Shale
- Raymond Cruz as Joey Six
- Marc Anthony as Juan Lacas
- William Forsythe as Hollan
- Luis Guzmán as Rem
- Diane Venora as Jane Hetzko
- Ernie Hudson as Claude Rolle
- Richard Brooks as Wellman
- Glenn Plummer as Darrell Sherman
- Cliff DeYoung as Matt Wolfson
The Substitute FAQ
Is The Substitute good?
The Substitute has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 537 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Substitute?
In the US you can stream The Substitute on Prime Video and Peacock, watch it free with ads on Fawesome, The Roku Channel, The CW, Fandango at Home and VIX and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Substitute OK for kids?
The Substitute is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Substitute is a violent action-crime film about a mercenary going undercover to take down a school gang and drug conspiracy.
What movies are like The Substitute?
If you liked The Substitute, try Dying to Survive, Deadpool, The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil and The Old Guard.