Survivin has multiple functions in the progression of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of YM155, a specific survivin inhibitor, on the biological behavior of U87 glioblastoma cells. The proliferative activity and growth rate of U87 cells were determined by colony formation assay and mononuclear cell direct cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay). The reconstituted basement membrane penetrating capacity was determined by cell invasion assay. The cell movement and migratory capacity were detected by wound-healing repair assay. We found that inhibition of survivin by YM155 dramatically decreased the invasive and metastatic capacities of the cells, suppressed the proliferation, decelerated the rate of growth, and reduced the number of clones on soft agar. In conclusion, YM155 has the potential to be used in the clinical treatment of GBM.