The Up Collection
The Up Series is a series of documentary films produced by Granada Television that have followed the lives of fourteen British children since 1964, when they were seven years old. The children were selected to represent the range of socio-economic backgrounds in Britain at that time, with the explicit assumption that each child's social class predetermines their future. Every seven years, the director, Michael Apted, films new material from as many of the fourteen as he can get to participate.
Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis
The The Up Collection has evolved significantly over a span of 55 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 9 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.
The "Series" Benchmark: 7.4/10
The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 7.4. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," The Up Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with 35 Up standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.
Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal
Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the The Up Collection. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the The Up Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
Seven Up!
A group of British children aged 7 from widely ranging backgrounds are interviewed about a range of subjects. The filmmakers plan to re-interview them at 7 year...
7 Plus Seven
After a 7 year wait, director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born children from Seven Up! The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that ...
21 Up
After another 7 year wait, director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born children from Seven Up! and 7 Plus Seven. The subjects are interviewed...
28 Up
Just two years away from turning 30, participants in Michael Apted's documentary series are facing serious questions of identity and purpose, wondering whether ...
35 Up
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in ...
42 Up
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in ...
49 Up
49 Up is the seventh film in a series of landmark documentaries that began 42 years ago when UK-based Granada's World in Action team, inspired by the Jesuit max...
56 Up
When a cross-section of seven-year-olds were interviewed for 7 Up in 1964 it was immediately evident that their social backgrounds influenced their attitudes to...
63 Up
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in ...
Common Questions about The Up Collection
How many movies are in the The Up Collection?
There are currently 9 movies in the The Up Collection, starting from Seven Up! to the latest release, 63 Up.
What is the best order to watch the The Up Collection?
The best way to watch the The Up Collection is usually in release order: starting with Seven Up! and ending with 63 Up. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Up Collection?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for 35 Up in this franchise.