Surviving (1985): cast, story & where to watch

1985 · Film · ★ 4.5

Surviving poster

Released in 1985, Surviving is a drama and tv movie film directed by Waris Hussein, running about 143 minutes. “It's summer, they're rich and beautiful, filled with passion, and headed for… tragedy.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Lonnie and Rick seem to be complete opposites, at first glance. A survivor of suicide, Lonnie is introverted and ill at ease around her parents, Lois and Harvey. Rick, meanwhile, is sunny and charismatic. But appearances can be deceiving, as their families learn when the teens begin a romance. Upset about Lonnie's influence on Rick, his parents forbid the pair to see each other -- with tragic consequences.

Who’s in it. Surviving stars Zach Galligan as Rick Brogan, Molly Ringwald as Lonnie, Ellen Burstyn as Tina Brogan and Len Cariou as David Brogan, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, Surviving has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Surviving page.

If you liked it. Fans of Surviving tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Surviving (1985)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Surviving change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Surviving worth watching?
Surviving holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Surviving?
Surviving stars Zach Galligan, Molly Ringwald, Ellen Burstyn, Len Cariou and Marsha Mason.
When was Surviving released?
Surviving was released in 1985, with a runtime of about 143 minutes.