The Substitute (1993): cast, story & where to watch
1993 · Film · ★ 5.1

Released in 1993, The Substitute is a thriller and drama film directed by Martin Donovan, running about 86 minutes. “She loves her students...to death.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. A high school substitute English teacher resorts to murder to protect her murderous dark past while seducing a student who begins to suspect her true identity.
Who’s in it. The Substitute stars Amanda Donohoe as Gayle Richards/Laura Ellington, Natasha Gregson Wagner as Jenny, Mark Wahlberg as Ryan Westerberg and Dalton James as Josh Wyatt, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.1/10, The Substitute has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Substitute page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Substitute tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Substitute (1993)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Substitute change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Substitute worth watching?
- The Substitute holds an audience score of 5.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Substitute?
- The Substitute stars Amanda Donohoe, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Mark Wahlberg, Dalton James and Eugene Robert Glazer.
- When was The Substitute released?
- The Substitute was released in 1993, with a runtime of about 86 minutes.
