Movies like Whatever It Takes (1998)
The best movies like Whatever It Takes (1998) are The Blue Lamp (1950), Oscar Shaw (2026) and See Spot Run (2001). If Whatever It Takes hooked you with its action and crime, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Wild One (1953)6.5/10 from 347 votes
- NewestDDT Hybrid Performer 2026 ~Kaisei Takechi 2nd Anniversary Show~ (2026)Released 2026
The Blue Lamp (1950)
P.C. George Dixon is a long-serving traditional copper who is due to retire shortly. He takes a new recruit under his aegis and introduces him to the easy-going night beat. Dixon is a classic ordinary hero but also anachronistic, unprepared and unable to answer the violence of the 1950s.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOscar Shaw (2026)
After retiring from the police force, a relentless detective haunted by the tragic loss of his closest friend sets out on a perilous quest for vengeance, seeking redemption and fighting to restore justice to the streets he once swore to protect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSee Spot Run (2001)
A drug sniffing agent canine is a target for an assassin boss so the FBI calls Witness Protection to send him somewhere else. Meanwhile a single Mom puts her 6 year old boy James in the care of her irresponsible, mailman, neighbor, Gordon, when the babysitter bails on her. Meanwhile, an assassin mob boss hires 2 goons to kill Agent 11. But when 11 escapes from the van when they tried to kill him, he hides in Gordon's Mailtruck that James is in too. And guess what they name him. Spot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWWE Crown Jewel 2021 (2021)
The 2021 Crown Jewel was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE. It was the third Crown Jewel and took place on October 21, 2021, at Mohammed Abdu Arena on The Boulevard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. The event aired via pay-per-view and livestreaming, marking the first Crown Jewel to air on Peacock in the United States.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAirborne (1993)
Good-natured teen surfer Mitchell Goosen finds himself staying with his aunt and uncle in Cincinnati, Ohio when his parents head to Australia for work. There he meets his cousin, Wiley, and together they try to navigate the perils of high school—avoid the bullies, get the girl, and win a little respect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Wild One (1953)
The Black Rebels Motorcycle Club ride into the small California town of Wrightsville, eager to raise hell. Brooding gang leader Johnny Strabler takes a liking to Kathie, the daughter of the local lawman, as another club rolls into town.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHouse of Bamboo (1955)
Eddie Kenner is given a special assignment by the Army to get the inside story on Sandy Dawson, a former GI who has formed a gang of fellow servicemen and Japanese locals.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWWE Day 1 2022 (2022)
WWE kicks off 2022 with the first-ever WWE Day 1 event. Big E puts the WWE Championship on the line against Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley in a Fatal 5-Way Match. "The Man" Becky Lynch defends the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Liv Morgan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShadow of the Thin Man (1941)
While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., Nick and Nora Charles witnesse a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWrong Cops (2013)
A group of bad cops look to dispose of a body that one of them accidentally shot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKid Galahad (1962)
After completing military service, Walter Gulick takes a job as a sparring partner at a gym, the owner of which sees potential in Walter as a professional fighter—and takes him under his wing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWWE Fastlane 2021 (2021)
The final stop on the Road to WrestleMania 37 shifts into high gear as Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler take on Bianca Belair & SmackDown Women's Champion Sasha Banks for the Women's Tag Team Championships, Braun Strowman gets his chance at revenge against Shane McMahon, Big E defends his Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews, and "The Head of the Table" Roman Reigns faces off with Daniel Bryan for the Universal Championship.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChief of Station (2024)
After learning that the death of his wife was not an accident, a former CIA Station Chief is forced back into the espionage underworld, teaming up with an adversary to unravel a conspiracy that challenges everything he thought he knew.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnother Thin Man (1939)
Nick and Nora Charles are back - and this time, they have a baby, a wealthy new client, and another murder to solve! Retired detective Nick is enjoying family life with Nora and their young son, Nick Jr., when eccentric industrialist Colonel MacFay asks for protection after receiving threatening messages. When MacFay is found dead at his isolated estate, Nick and Nora spring into action, questioning a houseful of suspicious guests and uncovering greed, blackmail, family secrets, and a dangerous inheritance plot. With their trademark wit and sophistication, the glamorous couple balances parenthood, parties, and peril as they race to expose the killer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)
Nancy Drew, a smart high schooler with a penchant for keen observation and deduction, stumbles upon the haunting of a local home. A bit of an outsider struggling to fit into her new surroundings, Nancy and her pals set out to solve the mystery, make new friends, and establish their place in the community
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Assault (2014)
After a cheerleader is sexually assaulted by the high school football team, she must overcome her shame and use the evidence gathered from the subsequent social media firestorm to piece together the night that she can't remember in her fight for justice. Based on the true story of the Steubenville, Ohio rape case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHe Ran All the Way (1951)
A crook on the run hides out in an innocent girl's apartment.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDouble Threat (2022)
With ruthless mobsters on her tail, a young woman with a split personality becomes entangled with a man on a pilgrimage across the country to scatter his brother's ashes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEach Dawn I Die (1939)
A corrupt D.A. with governatorial ambitions is annoyed by an investigative reporter's criticism of his criminal activities and decides to frame the reporter for manslaughter in order to silence him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNo Name on the Bullet (1959)
When hired killer John Gant rides into Lordsburg, the town's folk become paranoid as each leading citizen has enemies capable of using the services of a professional killer for personal revenge.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTJPW club eX: Chapter Pause (2026)
TJPW club eX: Chapter Pause was a professional wrestling event promoted by Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW). It was held on February 15, 2026 at Shinagawa Prince Hotel Club eX in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
DDT Hybrid Performer 2026 ~Kaisei Takechi 2nd Anniversary Show~ (2026)
Hybrid Performer 2026 was a professional wrestling event promoted by DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT), commemorating the second anniversary of crossover star Kaisei Takechi's in-ring debut. It took place on February 22, 2026, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Stardom Yokohama Dream Cinderella 2021 in Summer (2021)
Yokohama Dream Cinderella 2021 in Summer was a professional wrestling event promoted by World Wonder Ring Stardom, held July 4, 2021 at the Yokohama Budokan in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. In the main event, Utami Hayashishita defended the World of Stardom Championship against Oedo Tai's fearsome leader, Natsuko Tora.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Marigold New Years Golden Garden 2026 ~ Day 9 (2026)
Marigold New Years Golden Garden 2026 ~ Day 9 was a professional wrestling event promoted by Dream Star★Fighting Marigold. It took place on February 13, 2026 at Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Heatwave Over Flowers 5 ~The Only Sauna in the World~ (2026)
Heatwave Over Flowers 5 ~The Only Sauna in the World~ was a professional wrestling event promoted by DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT), primarily focused on the stable The37KAMIINA. It took place on February 14, 2026, at Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
AEW Full Gear 2022: Zero Hour (2022)
Full Gear 2022 is on the horizon and what better way to get you started than with our stacked Zero Hour lineup
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Sendai Girls' Pro-Wrestling in Sendai PIT ~Acceleration~ (2026)
Sendai Girls' Pro-Wrestling in Sendai PIT ~Acceleration~ was a professional wrestling event promoted by Sendai Girls' Pro-Wrestling, held on February 15, 2026, at Sendai PIT in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
WWE Battleground 2017 (2017)
Battleground (2017) is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event and WWE Network event produced by WWE for the SmackDown brand. It took place on July 23, 2017, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the fifth event under the Battleground chronology.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Marvelous Mio 10th Anniversary (2026)
Mio 10th Anniversary was a professional wrestling event promoted by Marvelous That's Women Pro Wrestling, commemorating the tenth anniversary of company star Mio Momono's in-ring debut. It took place on February 13, 2026, at Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Stardom 15th Anniversary Series ~ New Year Stars 2026 in Osaka ~ Day 1 (2026)
Stardom 15th Anniversary Series ~ New Year Stars 2026 in Osaka ~ Day 1 was a professional wrestling event promoted by World Wonder Ring Stardom, held on January 17, 2026 at EDION Arena Osaka No.2 in Osaka, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Like Whatever It Takes and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Whatever It Takes?
The closest matches to Whatever It Takes are The Blue Lamp (1950), Oscar Shaw (2026) and See Spot Run (2001). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Whatever It Takes?
Start with The Blue Lamp (1950), the closest match to Whatever It Takes.
What is the highest-rated movie like Whatever It Takes?
The Wild One (1953), rated 6.5/10 by 347 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Whatever It Takes?
DDT Hybrid Performer 2026 ~Kaisei Takechi 2nd Anniversary Show~ (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Whatever It Takes?
Yes: The Blue Lamp (1950), Oscar Shaw (2026) and See Spot Run (2001).
How are movies similar to Whatever It Takes chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Whatever It Takes, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.