Movies like The Substitute (1961)
The best movies like The Substitute (1961) are Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" (2020), Carl's Date (2023) and Ferdinand the Bull (1938). If The Substitute hooked you with its comedy and animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedFor the Birds (2000)7.5/10 from 1,362 votes
- NewestFriends Like Us (2026)Released 2026
Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" (2020)
When Maggie Simpson is rescued by a cute young baby from playground peril, it's girl meets boy, girl loses boy, guess what happens next?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCarl's Date (2023)
Carl Fredricksen reluctantly agrees to go on a date with a lady friend—but admittedly has no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl's pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends—if you're a dog.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFerdinand the Bull (1938)
This Oscar-winning short tells of a bull who preferred to sit under trees and smell flowers to clashing horns with his fellow animals. As luck would have it, an untimely bee reveals Ferdinand's ferocious side via pained howls and wild stomping. This lands him in the bull-fighting arena amidst characters based on Walt's animators with a matador reportedly modeled after Walt himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMinions & More Volume 2 (2022)
This collection of 11 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Mower Minions (2016); Yellow Is the New Black (2018); Competition (2015); Cro Minion (2015); Binky Nelson Unpacified (2015); Panic in the Mailroom (2013). From the "Secret Life of Pets" franchise: Super Gidget (2019). From the "Sing" franchise: Eddie's Life Coach (2017); Gunter Babysits (2017). From the "Lorax" franchise: Serenade (2012); Wagon Ho! (2012).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFor the Birds (2000)
One by one, a flock of small birds perches on a telephone wire. Sitting close together has problems enough, and then comes along a large dopey bird that tries to join them. The birds of a feather can't help but make fun of him—and their clique mentality proves embarrassing in the end.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSing: Thriller (2024)
Buster Moon dreams up a star-studded spectacle set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this animated short featuring characters from the hit "Sing" films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHawaiian Vacation (2011)
The toys throw Ken and Barbie a Hawaiian vacation in Bonnie's room.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThru the Mirror (1936)
Mickey has been reading Alice in Wonderland, and falls asleep. He finds himself on the other side of the mirror, where the furniture is alive.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMike's New Car (2002)
Mike discovers that being the top-ranking laugh collector at Monsters, Inc. has its benefits – in particular, earning enough money to buy a six-wheel-drive car that's loaded with gadgets. That new-car smell doesn't last long enough, however, as Sulley jump-starts an ill-fated road test that teaches Mike the true meaning of buyer's remorse.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMickey's Steam Roller (1934)
While streetworker Mickey romances Minnie, Mickey's nephews Morty and Ferdie take control of his steamroller and it's full speed ahead on a very destructive ride.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSolid Serenade (1946)
Tom ties up Spike and sneaks into the courtyard of the glamorous Toodles Galore with his bass, hoping to woo her with his song, much to the annoyance of a sleeping Jerry.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBaseball Bugs (1946)
Bugs Bunny single handedly takes on the “Gas-House Gorillas,” a baseball team of hulking, cigar-chomping bullies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCars Toon Mater's Tall Tales (2008)
Mater the tow truck travels from country to country as he retells his infamous but unbelievable stories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisScrat's Continental Crack-Up: Part 2 (2011)
This short film continues the adventures of the title character as he tries to retrieve his elusive acorn.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDug's Special Mission (2009)
Dug is sent on foolish missions by Alpha, Beta, and Gamma so they can hunt for the Bird of Paradise Falls by themselves. Dug may find that where he belongs is not where he's been looking.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMower Minions (2016)
The Minions need to raise $20 to purchase an as seen on TV banana blender. So they take up lawn mowing at an old folks home, with hilarious antics!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWelcome to the Club (2022)
Heart set on becoming a princess, Lisa Simpson is surprised to learn being bad might be more fun.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSea Scouts (1939)
Donald is an admiral on a seagoing voyage with his nephews in which they encounter a ravenous shark.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBird Karma (2018)
A tale of a long-legged bird's journey of blissful joy, inescapable greed and the accidental discovery of the consequences when too much is not enough.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMickey and the Seal (1948)
Mickey accidentally takes a seal home, after it sneaks into his picnic basket. When Mickey takes a bath, the seal is discovered and Mickey returns him to the park. Later, however, Mickey and Pluto discover that the bathroom is filled with seals!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAntoine and Colette (1962)
Now aged 17, Antoine Doinel works in a factory which makes records. At a music concert, he meets a girl his own age, Colette, and falls in love with her. Later, Antoine goes to extraordinary lengths to please his new girlfriend and her parents, but Colette still only regards him as a casual friend. First segment of “Love at Twenty” (1962).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Simpsons Movie (2007)
After Homer accidentally pollutes the town's water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and the Simpsons are declared fugitives.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFriends Like Us (2026)
A dark comedic thriller where two sitcom actors have to reenact a new version of their show’s series finale after a crazed fan keeps them hostage.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Cat That Walked by Himself (1968)
The story about the wild creatures of the wild forest and one impudent Cat who walks by himself, and all places are alike to him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Fast-talking, quick-thinking Detroit street cop Axel Foley has bent more than a few rules and regs in his time, but when his best friend is murdered, he heads to sunny Beverly Hills to work the case like only he can.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPersonal Baggage (2025)
Two agents, one hardened, one optimistic, face their morality in the line of duty. A short film that was made for the Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Cock, Crap, Fuck (2019)
Max, 20 years old, is a boy scout leader dealing with Tourette's syndrome. His symptoms disappear when he is in front of a camera. That's how he manages to seduce Giulia. But when they decide to make love, is the camera still welcome?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
COMBO (2009)
Street artist Blu animates large-scale creatures as they crawl across an abandoned Argentine cityscape.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Nevermind The Grief (1983)
A soldier served a long time service. He took as a reward an old drum and went where his eyes were looking. He walked for a long time, and went to the hut, and in it the small girl was crying, because the fierce witch has destroyed her parents.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like The Substitute and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Substitute?
The closest matches to The Substitute are Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" (2020), Carl's Date (2023) and Ferdinand the Bull (1938). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Substitute?
Start with Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" (2020), the closest match to The Substitute.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Substitute?
For the Birds (2000), rated 7.5/10 by 1,362 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Substitute?
Friends Like Us (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Substitute?
Yes: Maggie Simpson in "Playdate with Destiny" (2020), Carl's Date (2023) and Ferdinand the Bull (1938).
How are movies similar to The Substitute chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Substitute, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.