Ready for a Ride-Along? 20 Movies Like Training Day That Will Test Your Morality
Ever wondered what it’s really like to walk a mile in the shoes of someone on the other side of the law? The movie Training Day throws you right into that world, blurring the lines between right and wrong. If you loved the adrenaline rush and moral complexities of Training Day, you’re in for a treat. This blog post is your ultimate guide to movies like Training Day that will keep you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything you thought you knew about justice and corruption. Get ready to explore a world of crooked cops, dangerous streets, and tough choices – because the ride is about to begin.
Training Day: A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly revisit the movie that started it all: Training Day.
Official Movie: Training Day
Training Day follows Jake Hoyt, a fresh-faced rookie cop, as he spends a single, intense day with Alonzo Harris, a seasoned and morally ambiguous narcotics officer. Alonzo takes Jake through the gritty streets of Los Angeles, exposing him to the darker side of law enforcement and forcing him to confront his own ideals. As the day progresses, Jake realizes that Alonzo’s methods are far from ethical, and he’s forced to make a life-altering decision about his own integrity.
Beyond Training Day: 20 Must-Watch Films
Now, buckle up! Here are 20 movie recommendations that capture the spirit of Training Day, each offering a unique perspective on crime, corruption, and the human condition. These films all share themes that made Training Day such a hit, like moral ambiguity, the corrupting influence of power, and the intense pressure cooker of law enforcement. If you are looking for films similar to training day, here’s what you should watch.
1. End of Watch
End of Watch offers a raw and visceral look at the daily lives of two LAPD officers, Brian Taylor and Mike Zavala, through found footage and documentary-style filmmaking. We see everything from routine traffic stops to intense shootouts, all while getting an intimate glimpse into their friendship and personal lives. It’s a gripping portrayal of the dangers and emotional toll faced by those who protect and serve.
End of Watch shares Training Day’s immersive and gritty depiction of police work on the streets of Los Angeles. Like Jake in Training Day, the audience is thrust into a world of constant danger and moral ambiguity, forced to confront the harsh realities faced by law enforcement. While Training Day focuses on corruption within the system, End of Watch emphasizes the camaraderie and sacrifices of officers on the front lines. This film is the perfect choice for Training Day movie fans.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
2. The Departed
Martin Scorsese’s The Departed is a sprawling crime epic set in Boston. The story follows two parallel narratives: Colin Sullivan, a state trooper working undercover for the Irish mob, and Billy Costigan, a gangster who infiltrates the police force. As both men delve deeper into their double lives, they become locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse, with their true identities constantly at risk of exposure.
The Departed, like Training Day, explores the complex relationship between law enforcement and the criminal underworld. Both films feature characters who operate in morally gray areas, blurring the lines between good and evil. The themes of betrayal, deception, and the corrupting influence of power are central to both narratives. Watching this movie is like watching training day.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
| HBO Max | Subscription |
3. Dark Blue
Dark Blue takes place in the days leading up to the Rodney King verdict in Los Angeles. Kurt Russell plays Eldon Perry, a hardened LAPD detective who is forced to confront the corruption and racism within his own department as he investigates a complex murder case. As tensions in the city escalate, Perry must choose between loyalty to his colleagues and doing what is right.
Similar to Training Day, Dark Blue tackles themes of police corruption, racial tension, and the abuse of power. Both films portray the LAPD as an institution plagued by systemic issues, where officers often operate outside the boundaries of the law. Kurt Russell’s character in Dark Blue shares some similarities with Alonzo Harris, as both men are experienced detectives who are willing to bend the rules to achieve their goals.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
4. Pride and Glory
Pride and Glory centers on a multi-generational family of New York City police officers. When a seemingly routine case turns into a scandal involving police corruption and brutality, Ray Tierney is tasked with investigating his own brother-in-law and father. As he uncovers the truth, he’s forced to make difficult choices that threaten to tear his family apart.
Pride and Glory and Training Day both explore the themes of police corruption and the moral compromises that officers face. However, Pride and Glory focuses more on the personal toll that corruption takes on families, highlighting the conflict between loyalty and justice. Like Jake in Training Day, Ray Tierney is an idealistic officer who is forced to confront the dark side of law enforcement. Watching this movie is like watching training day with a different spin on the story.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
5. Brooklyn’s Finest
Brooklyn’s Finest follows the intertwined lives of three NYPD officers: Tango, an undercover narcotics officer; Sal, a corrupt officer struggling to provide for his family; and Eddie, a patrol officer counting down the days to retirement. As their paths converge during a massive drug bust, each man is forced to confront his own moral dilemmas and make life-altering decisions.
Like Training Day, Brooklyn’s Finest offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of police work in a high-crime environment. The film explores the corrupting influence of power, the moral compromises that officers make, and the psychological toll of the job. All three main characters in Brooklyn’s Finest face similar ethical challenges to Jake and Alonzo in Training Day, forcing the viewer to question their own definitions of right and wrong.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
6. Narc
Narc tells the story of Nick Tellis, a suspended narcotics officer who is reinstated to investigate the murder of a fellow cop. He’s partnered with Henry Oak, a controversial and often brutal detective who has a personal connection to the case. As they delve deeper into the investigation, Tellis begins to question Oak’s methods and suspect that he may be hiding something.
Narc, like Training Day, explores the dark side of law enforcement and the ethical compromises that officers make in the pursuit of justice. Both films feature protagonists who are forced to confront the moral ambiguities of their profession. The relationship between Tellis and Oak in Narc mirrors the dynamic between Jake and Alonzo in Training Day, as Tellis struggles to reconcile his own ideals with Oak’s questionable tactics.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
7. Street Kings
Street Kings follows Tom Ludlow, a Los Angeles police officer struggling to cope with the death of his wife. When he’s framed for the murder of a fellow officer, he’s forced to go rogue and uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the LAPD. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a web of corruption and betrayal.
Similar to Training Day, Street Kings explores the themes of police corruption, conspiracy, and the abuse of power. Both films depict the LAPD as an organization plagued by systemic problems, where officers often operate outside the bounds of the law. Tom Ludlow’s character in Street Kings is similar to Jake in Training Day, as both men are forced to confront the dark side of law enforcement and question the loyalty of their colleagues.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
8. Harsh Times
Harsh Times follows Jim Davis, a former Army Ranger struggling to adjust to civilian life in Los Angeles. He dreams of becoming a police officer, but his violent past and questionable judgment threaten to derail his aspirations. As he navigates the dangerous streets of LA, he’s drawn into a life of crime and moral compromise.
Harsh Times, like Training Day, offers a gritty and unflinching look at the dark side of Los Angeles and the challenges faced by those who live on the fringes of society. Both films explore the themes of violence, poverty, and the corrupting influence of power. While Training Day focuses on police corruption, Harsh Times examines the choices that lead individuals down a path of crime and self-destruction. The vibe of this film is similar to training day.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
9. SWAT
SWAT revolves around a highly skilled Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Los Angeles. After a controversial operation, veteran officer Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson is tasked with assembling and training a new team. Their first major assignment is to transport a captured drug kingpin, but they soon find themselves under siege by a relentless group of mercenaries.
While SWAT is more of an action-oriented film than Training Day, it still explores themes of teamwork, loyalty, and the challenges faced by law enforcement officers. Like Training Day, SWAT offers a glimpse into the high-pressure world of policing and the sacrifices that officers make to protect their communities.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
10. The Negotiator
The Negotiator centers on Danny Roman, a top hostage negotiator for the Chicago Police Department. When he’s framed for the murder of his partner and accused of embezzlement, he takes matters into his own hands and takes hostages of his own, demanding that his name be cleared. He’s forced to match wits with another skilled negotiator, Chris Sabian, in a high-stakes battle of wills.
The Negotiator, while not directly focused on police corruption in the same way as Training Day, explores themes of betrayal, conspiracy, and the search for truth. Both films feature protagonists who are forced to confront a corrupt system and fight to clear their names. The tension and suspense in The Negotiator are similar to the intense atmosphere of Training Day.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
11. Den of Thieves
Den of Thieves pits an elite unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department against a crew of highly skilled bank robbers who plan to rob the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Los Angeles. The film follows the cat-and-mouse game between the two sides, as they try to outsmart and outmaneuver each other.
Den of Thieves, like Training Day, explores the moral ambiguity of law enforcement and the blurred lines between cops and criminals. Both films feature characters who operate in morally gray areas and are willing to bend the rules to achieve their goals. The intensity and suspense of Den of Thieves are reminiscent of the high-stakes atmosphere of Training Day. This film has a vibe similar to training day.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
12. Rampart
Rampart follows Dave Brown, a veteran LAPD officer working in the Rampart Division, which was notorious for corruption in the late 1990s. After he’s caught on camera brutally beating a suspect, Brown finds himself under intense scrutiny and must navigate a web of corruption and political intrigue to survive.
Rampart, much like Training Day, delves deep into the themes of police corruption, brutality, and the abuse of power. Both films offer a dark and unflinching portrayal of the LAPD and the challenges faced by officers working in high-crime areas. Dave Brown’s character is similar to Alonzo Harris in Training Day, as both men are hardened veterans who are willing to use questionable tactics to achieve their goals.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
13. The Shield (TV Series)
While not a movie, The Shield deserves a mention for its gritty and realistic portrayal of law enforcement. The series follows the Strike Team, a group of corrupt LAPD officers who use illegal tactics to maintain order in the fictional district of Farmington, also known as “The Farm.”
The Shield, like Training Day, explores the moral complexities of policing and the corrupting influence of power. The series delves deep into the lives of its characters, showing the personal and professional consequences of their actions. The Strike Team’s methods are often morally questionable, forcing viewers to confront their own definitions of right and wrong. If you liked training day, you need to watch this tv series.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Hulu | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase |
| Apple TV | Purchase |
| Google Play | Purchase |
| Vudu | Purchase |
14. Bad Lieutenant (1992)
Bad Lieutenant is a dark and disturbing crime drama starring Harvey Keitel as a corrupt and drug-addicted NYPD lieutenant. As he investigates the rape of a nun, he descends further into his own personal hell, confronting his own demons and the depravity of the world around him.
Bad Lieutenant, like Training Day, explores the depths of moral depravity and the consequences of unchecked power. Both films feature protagonists who are deeply flawed and morally ambiguous, forcing viewers to question their own sense of justice. While Training Day focuses on the corruption of the system, Bad Lieutenant delves into the self-destruction of an individual.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
15. L.A. Confidential
L.A. Confidential is a neo-noir crime film set in 1950s Los Angeles. The story follows three LAPD officers – a straight-laced detective, a hot-headed cop, and a glory-seeking officer – as they investigate a complex web of corruption and conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the police department and the city government.
Similar to Training Day, L.A. Confidential exposes the dark underbelly of law enforcement and the corrupting influence of power. Both films depict a system where morality is often compromised and justice is not always served. The intricate plot and complex characters of L.A. Confidential create a gripping and suspenseful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
16. The French Connection
The French Connection is a classic crime thriller that follows two NYPD detectives, Popeye Doyle and Buddy Russo, as they attempt to intercept a massive shipment of heroin coming from France. The film is known for its gritty realism, intense action sequences, and morally ambiguous characters.
The French Connection, like Training Day, explores the dark side of law enforcement and the lengths to which officers will go to stop crime. Both films feature protagonists who are flawed and morally ambiguous, blurring the lines between good and evil. The intense pacing and suspenseful atmosphere of The French Connection are similar to the adrenaline-fueled ride of Training Day.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
| Criterion Channel | Subscription |
17. Righteous Kill
Righteous Kill reunites Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as veteran NYPD detectives investigating a series of murders committed by someone who appears to be targeting criminals who have escaped justice. As they delve deeper into the case, they begin to suspect that one of their own may be involved.
Righteous Kill, like Training Day, explores the themes of justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. Both films feature characters who are forced to confront their own ethical boundaries and question the true meaning of justice. The suspenseful plot and star-studded cast make Righteous Kill a compelling crime thriller.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
18. Man on Fire
Man on Fire is an action thriller starring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a former CIA operative turned bodyguard who is hired to protect a young girl in Mexico City. When the girl is kidnapped, Creasy embarks on a violent and bloody rampage to rescue her and exact revenge on those responsible.
While Man on Fire is more focused on action and revenge than Training Day, it still explores themes of morality, redemption, and the corrupting influence of power. Both films feature protagonists who are willing to cross ethical boundaries to achieve their goals. Denzel Washington’s performance in Man on Fire is powerful and intense, similar to his portrayal of Alonzo Harris in Training Day.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
19. The Kingdom
The Kingdom follows a team of FBI agents who are sent to Saudi Arabia to investigate the bombing of an American residential compound. As they navigate the complex cultural and political landscape, they must work with Saudi authorities to track down the terrorists responsible for the attack.
The Kingdom, like Training Day, explores themes of justice, morality, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in a dangerous and unfamiliar environment. Both films feature intense action sequences and morally ambiguous characters. The Kingdom explores the clash of cultures and the complexities of international relations, adding another layer of depth to the crime thriller genre.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
20. S.W.A.T.: Firefight
S.W.A.T.: Firefight follows an LAPD SWAT officer who is transferred to Detroit to train a local SWAT team. When a hostage situation arises, he must use his skills and experience to lead the team and save the lives of the hostages.
While S.W.A.T.: Firefight is a more straightforward action film than Training Day, it still explores themes of teamwork, leadership, and the challenges faced by law enforcement officers. Like Training Day, S.W.A.T.: Firefight offers a glimpse into the high-pressure world of policing and the sacrifices that officers make to protect their communities.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Purchase/Rent |
| Apple TV | Purchase/Rent |
| Google Play | Purchase/Rent |
| Vudu | Purchase/Rent |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Training Day such a compelling movie?
A: Training Day is compelling because it throws you into a morally ambiguous world, forcing you to question your own values. Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning performance as Alonzo Harris is captivating, and the film’s gritty realism makes it feel incredibly authentic.
Q: Are there any other movies similar to Training Day that didn’t make the list?
A: Absolutely! This list is just a starting point. Other films you might enjoy include The Line of Duty (a Hong Kong classic), Street Kings 2: Motor City, and Cop Land.
Q: What are the main themes explored in movies like Training Day?
A: Common themes include police corruption, the abuse of power, moral ambiguity, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the corrupting influence of the streets.
Q: Where can I find more movies like the ones listed in this article?
A: Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max often have a wide selection of crime thrillers and police dramas. You can also check out movie review websites and forums for recommendations.
Q: What should I watch first if I loved Training Day?
A: End of Watch and The Departed are excellent starting points. They both offer a similar level of intensity and moral complexity.
So there you have it! Twenty movies like Training Day to keep you entertained and thinking long after the credits roll. Which one will you watch first? Enjoy the ride!
