Is What Doesn't Kill You Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, What Doesn't Kill You is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
What Doesn't Kill You Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2008, What Doesn't Kill You enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship. Under the direction of Brian Goodman, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Ethan Hawke, Mark Ruffalo, Amanda Peet. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, What Doesn't Kill You offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, What Doesn't Kill You resonates with current cultural themes in the Action space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, What Doesn't Kill You is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of What Doesn't Kill You centers on a unique premise within the Action landscape. Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2008 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of What Doesn't Kill You has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a What Doesn't Kill You sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for What Doesn't Kill You (2008): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Action, Crime, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
What Doesn't Kill You Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $44,872 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Parents Guide & Age Rating
What Doesn't Kill You is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, What Doesn't Kill You stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Doesn't Kill You movie hit or flop?
What Doesn't Kill You has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is What Doesn't Kill You worth watching?
What Doesn't Kill You is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is What Doesn't Kill You?
What Doesn't Kill You is a Action, Crime, Drama movie that Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship....
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is What Doesn't Kill You movie hit or flop?
What Doesn't Kill You has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is What Doesn't Kill You worth watching?
What Doesn't Kill You is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is What Doesn't Kill You?
What Doesn't Kill You is a Action, Crime, Drama movie that Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship....
Is What Doesn't Kill You family friendly?
What Doesn't Kill You may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Action, Crime, Drama elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
Where can I watch What Doesn't Kill You?
You can find streaming options and availability for What Doesn't Kill You on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of What Doesn't Kill You?
What Doesn't Kill You features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie What Doesn't Kill You?
The runtime and duration of What Doesn't Kill You are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
I am a sucker for these gritty, crime-filled dramas I must admit. 'What Doesn’t Kill You' gives me strong vibes of 2014's 'The Drop' and 2010's 'The Town', it's miles better than that awful former but not quite on the high level of the latter. This is very nicely acted, with Ethan Hawke (Paulie), Mark Ruffalo (Brian) and Amanda Peet (Stacy) all delivering goodness in their roles - Ruffalo being the standout, he really shows off the plight of his character brilliantly. Hawke and Peet support astutely. I love the music by Alex Wurman, it fits everything that's going on perfectly. The other stuff, like dialogue and cinematography, is all shipshape. As for the premise, it's good - there's certainly enough there to keep you locked in, well there is for me anyway. Strong cast, an extremely watchable plot alongside a nice and light run time. I'd definitely recommend.