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.
The Up Collection Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The The Up Collection franchise spans roughly 55 years, featuring 9 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.
From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as 35 Up demonstrate the franchise’s ability to maintain audience interest over time.
Franchise Quality Benchmark
Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 7.4. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.
Viewing Order Strategy
Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.
However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the The Up Collection universe.
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.