The Substance dropped into September 20, 2024, leaving audiences squirming, gasping, and questioning their life choices (in the best way possible). After turning heads at Cannes earlier this year, this gory, experimental flick has made a bloody splash—literally.
Starring Demi Moore as Elizabeth Sparkle, it’s a full-on body horror thrill ride that mixes societal critique with grotesque imagery. Oh, and early Oscar buzz for Moore? Yep, that’s already happening.
Elizabeth, a once-iconic actress, hits rock bottom after being fired from her TV gig. Desperate for a comeback, she tries an underground treatment promising youth and beauty.
The twist? She has to split her time between her aging self and a shiny, younger clone (played by Margaret Qualley). Breaking the rules unleashes pure chaos, with French director Coralie Fargeat turning this self-remedy into something even creepier than your worst Botox nightmare.
If The Substance made your skin crawl in the best way possible—or you’re still working up the courage to watch it—these seven movies might just hit the same nerve.
1. The Fly
When it comes to body horror, David Cronenberg’s name is practically carved in stone. The Fly is his magnum opus—a tragic tale about a man slowly turning into a fly. Sounds silly? Trust us, it’s horrifying.
With jaw-dropping practical effects, an intense Jeff Goldblum performance, and a deep emotional core, The Fly is what happens when body horror is done right. Much like The Substance, it’s grotesque and strangely beautiful, lingering with you long after the credits roll.
2. Dead Ringers
Let’s double down on Cronenberg because Dead Ringers oozes the same eerie vibes as The Substance. Jeremy Irons plays twin gynecologists (yes, TWO Irons), and their creepy patient-manipulating antics eventually spiral into full-blown madness.
The twisted sibling bond is a dead ringer (pun intended) for Elizabeth’s tug-of-war between her two “selves.” Add in unsettling visuals and Cronenberg’s signature weirdness, and you’ve got a movie that feels like the spiritual older sibling of Fargeat’s experimental nightmare.
3. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
We’re kickin’ it old-school with this one. Sure, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde doesn’t pack the gore of modern horror, but its gothic chills are evergreen. A man splitting his personality into two—one good, one downright evil—screams The Substance.
Elizabeth’s freaky transformation into her younger self? It’s like Jekyll and Hyde got a high-tech, body-horror remix. Consider it the classy vintage pregame before you dive into Fargeat’s modern carnage.
4. Revenge
Before Fargeat made us squirm with The Substance, she gave us Revenge—a bloody, sun-soaked thriller that’s all kinds of wild. This cult classic follows Jen, a badass who literally claws her way back from the brink to serve up justice. It’s more survival thriller than body horror, but Fargeat’s sleek, gory style is unmistakable. If you’re into her bold, bloody visuals, this one’s a no-brainer.
5. The Babadook
Who says horror is all guts and gore? The Babadook takes your emotions on a terrifying ride. This creepy masterpiece dives into grief and turns it into a literal monster—a lot like The Substance, where inner turmoil (aging, beauty standards, self-loathing) gets turned into something grotesque and physical. Both films know how to mess with your head and your heart, so prepare for emotional whiplash.
6. Death Becomes Her
Dark comedy, meet body horror. Death Becomes Her is the campy cousin to The Substance. Two women chug a potion for eternal youth and, surprise, it backfires big time.
Their bodies literally start falling apart in the most hilariously horrifying ways. It’s got vanity, obsession, and twisted humor, making it a lighter—but still cringe-worthy—pairing for Fargeat’s dark fable. Plus, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn? Total icons.
7. Possessor
If you’re into mind-bending body horror, Possessor is your jam. Brandon Cronenberg (yep, David’s kid) serves up a wild ride where an assassin hijacks other people’s bodies to pull off hits. Think Big Substance vibes, with all the unsettling visuals to match. It’s the kind of movie that’ll have you questioning reality—just like Fargeat’s wild masterpiece.
Whether it’s the grotesque genius of Cronenberg, the campy chaos of Death Becomes Her, or the emotional gut-punch of The Babadook, these flicks bring the same haunting vibes as The Substance. Perfect for a twisted movie marathon—just don’t forget the barf bag. You’ve been warned.
Conclusion
If The Substance left you squirming and craving more twisted vibes, these movies are your next stop. From Cronenberg’s The Fly and Dead Ringers to the campy chaos of Death Becomes Her, they’re all about freaky transformations and unsettling thrills.
Got a thing for emotional gut-punches? The Babadook has you covered. Want pure, bloody revenge? Fargeat’s Revenge delivers. Whether it’s gore, grief, or dark humor, this lineup’s got the goods. Press play—if you dare.