How metastases arise within primary tumors is not clear. So far, no specific mutation has been clearly and generally linked to metastasis. Instead, mechanisms such as epigenetic modulations or cell-to-cell interactions have been proposed to underlie the induction of pro-metastatic states. Apoptosis, which can be induced by different stresses such as hypoxia or radio- and chemotherapies, is a frequent event in tumors. Here we asked whether cells that escape late apoptosis may change in cell fate towards metastasis. We thus generated Undead colon cancer cells using a previously described experimental set up. We find that Undead cells showed an increased metastatic potential in vitro and in vivo and an induced expression of stemness factors. At the same time they harbor a cytokine storm signature. Secreted factors from Undead cells enhance the migratory potential of the surrounding cancer cells through the activity of multiple factors and through waves of propagation.