Dying to Survive (2018)
Kernel Score: 91% · 208 ratings
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2018-07-06
Runtime: 117 minutes
Where to watch Dying to Survive
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Fawesome, Rakuten Viki, AsianCrush, Prime Video (free with ads), Cineverse
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
A Chinese leukaemia patient smuggles cheap but untested pharmaceuticals from India to help hundreds of Chinese people suffering from cancer.
Dying to Survive parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Dying to Survive is a Chinese drama-comedy about a man smuggling unapproved cancer drugs to help sick patients.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Centers on illegal drug smuggling, though the drugs are medicinal cancer treatments rather than recreational.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Dying to Survive
If you liked Dying to Survive, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Substitute (1996) — 77%
- Black Dog (2024) — 79%
- The Substance (2024) — 80%
Director
Wen Muye
Cast
- Xu Zheng as Cheng Yong
- Eric Wang Chuanjun as Lv Shouyi
- Zhou Yiwei as Cao Bin
- Tan Zhuo as Liu Sihui
- Zhang Yu as Yellow Hair
- Yang Xinming as Priest Liu
- Wang Jiajia as Lv Shouyi's Wife
- Wang Yanhui as Zhang Changlin
- Jia Hongxiao as Xiao Sun
- Gong Beibi as Cao Ling
Dying to Survive FAQ
Is Dying to Survive good?
Dying to Survive has a 91% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 208 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Dying to Survive?
In the US you can stream Dying to Survive on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Fawesome, Rakuten Viki, AsianCrush, Prime Video (free with ads) and Cineverse and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Dying to Survive OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Dying to Survive is a Chinese drama-comedy about a man smuggling unapproved cancer drugs to help sick patients.
What movies are like Dying to Survive?
If you liked Dying to Survive, try The Substitute, Black Dog and The Substance.