The best replacement for play framework is grails.

The best alternatives to play framework are rated as following:
★★★★★  grails
★★★  lift
★★  spring mvc
★  vaadin
★  vert.x
★  java ee
  spring roo

Your alternative for play framework is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about play framework, one probably shouldn't forget about mongodb.

Other search terms related to play framework and their ratings are:
★★★★★ mongodb
★★★★ maven
★★★ slick
You have in mind a companion for play framework and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of play framework in all years. Click on graph for more.
play framework
grails
lift