Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance is the breakout hit of 2024. Now available to stream on Mubi, the Hollywood body horror stars Demi Moore as an aging actress who takes a mysterious drug that can create a younger version of her (Margaret Qualley). However, this miracle drug is more than what the protagonist bargains for and shocking misadventures follow.
The Substance is the perfect watch for fans of body horrors or satires that expose the double standards of female beauty and the sexism prevalent in Hollywood. If you loved The Substance, we have a few more options to watch streaming online.
Titane
Julia Ducournau’s Titane is an unflinching body horror that explores themes of identity and transformation. Its visceral imagery and exploration of self-destruction mirror the intense journey in The Substance, making it a must-watch for fans of boundary-pushing cinema.
The Fly
David Cronenberg’s The Fly portrays a scientist whose experiment with teleportation goes horribly wrong, leading to horrifying physical transformations. The parallels with The Substance’s body horror make it an essential follow-up.
Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan is a psychological thriller about ambition, perfection, and self-destruction. Fans of The Substance will appreciate its exploration of the pressures placed on women in artistic spaces.
Videodrome
A pioneer of body horror, Videodrome critiques the media's impact on human perception and identity. Its surreal and disturbing tone aligns perfectly with the themes of The Substance.
Reality+
Reality+ is a 2014 short film directed by The Substance filmmaker Coralie Fargeat. If you want to watch the shocking but witty inspiration behind The Substance, Reality+ will make for an exciting watch. The film explores similar themes of using a miracle drug and questioning body standards, with some similar surreal visual imagery.
Eraserhead
David Lynch’s Eraserhead is a surreal masterpiece that delves into existential fears and grotesque transformations. Its unsettling visuals and themes of dread echo the disturbing undertones of The Substance.
Revenge
Also directed by Coralie Fargeat, Revenge is a feminist thriller filled with brutal violence and empowerment. Its style and narrative intensity make it a perfect companion to The Substance.
The Machinist
A psychological thriller starring Christian Bale as an insomniac haunted by guilt, The Machinist explores themes of self-destruction and identity crises akin to those in The Substance.
Sunset Boulevard
This classic film captures the tragedy of an aging actress fading into obscurity, much like Demi Moore’s character in The Substance. It’s a timeless critique of Hollywood’s treatment of women and fame.
Requiem for a Dream
A devastating exploration of addiction and the pursuit of happiness, Requiem for a Dream shares the descent into chaos and despair seen in The Substance. It’s a haunting tale of ambition gone wrong.
Where to watch movies like The Substance streaming online
The list below shows you all the streaming platforms in India where you can watch, buy or rent these body horror and feminist drama classics. Where applicable, we also give you options to watch them for free. So, for those needing a binge after The Substance, your watchlist is sorted out.
