
This powerful documentary chronicles the determined fight of young activists against the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s and 1990s. Through direct action and infiltration of government and pharmaceutical institutions, they pressured for faster research and broader access to treatments. Their relentless advocacy significantly accelerated the development and distribution of life-saving medications, ultimately transforming a devastating epidemic into a more manageable condition and drastically reducing the impact on hospitals.
Does How to Survive a Plague have end credit scenes?
No!
How to Survive a Plague does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of How to Survive a Plague, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch How to Survive a Plague online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how How to Survive a Plague is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where How to Survive a Plague stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
86
Metascore
8.3
User Score
98%
TOMATOMETER
83%
User Score
7.6 /10
IMDb Rating
69
%
User Score
4.0
From 21 fan ratings
4.00/5
From 1 fan rating
Challenge your knowledge of How to Survive a Plague with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What major health crisis is central to 'How to Survive a Plague'?
AIDS
Breast Cancer
Heart Disease
COVID-19
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Discover all the awards and nominations received by How to Survive a Plague, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how How to Survive a Plague and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
85th Academy Awards 2013
Documentary (Feature)
65th Directors Guild of America Awards 2013
28th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2013
Best Documentary Feature
Read the complete plot summary of How to Survive a Plague, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
“How To Survive A Plague” unveils the untold saga of individuals whose relentless efforts transformed AIDS into a disease that can be managed effectively. This film chronicles the extraordinary journey of a diverse group of young men and women, who, despite lacking formal scientific training, boldly infiltrated government bureaucracies and the pharmaceutical sector. They played a crucial role in identifying and advancing promising new compounds, rapidly moving these innovations through trials and into drugstores. The result was life-saving medication that dramatically reduced the mortality rates associated with the epidemic, leading to the near-emptying of AIDS wards in American hospitals.
These courageous activists set a new precedent for patient empowerment and healthcare advocacy, a model that has inspired movements against various other diseases, such as breast cancer and heart disease. Their mission did not stop at the borders of the United States; as AIDS spread to regions like Africa, India, and Asia, these advocates actively established local organizations, exporting their knowledge and techniques to demand improved access to treatment.
Their compelling narrative serves as a powerful motivation for future generations, offering a guide and a passionate call to action. With science still struggling to discover a cure, and concerning trends of rising transmission—especially among unaware young gay men—it’s essential to remember the pivotal role that AIDS activists played in combating this plague. Their legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the urgent need for sustained vigilance and advocacy in the face of ongoing challenges.
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