Up (2009)
Kernel Score: 87% · 21,397 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family, Adventure
Released: 2009-05-28
Runtime: 96 minutes
Is Up worth watching?
Must-watch. A funny, moving adventure that opens with one of the most affecting short sequences in animation. It's lively, kind and good for all ages, with a gentle ending.
Watch it if you
- want an animated film adults love too
- like warm, emotional stories
- are watching with children
Skip it if you
- dislike emotional moments in a children's film
- want fast, non-stop action
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Up
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life.
Up parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that Up is a heartfelt Pixar adventure with mild peril and poignant themes, following an elderly widower and a young boy on a balloon-borne journey.
- Violence & scariness: Some — There is adventure peril and a menacing villain, plus emotionally heavy themes of aging and loss, but the action stays gentle.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Up
If you liked Up, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- WALL·E (2008) — 90%: Pixar story with deep feeling and few words.
- Inside Out (2015) — 89%: Pete Docter's clever story about emotions.
- Soul (2020) — 90%: Docter's thoughtful look at life's meaning.
- Toy Story (1995) — 96%: Pixar's first, with the same mix of comedy and heart.
- Monsters, Inc. (2001) — 89%: Funny, warm Pixar story.
- Porco Rosso (1992) — 87%: Gentle, old-fashioned adventure from Studio Ghibli.
Director
Cast
- Ed Asner as Carl Fredricksen (voice)
- Christopher Plummer as Muntz (voice)
- Jordan Nagai as Russell (voice)
- Bob Peterson as Dug / Alpha (voice)
- Delroy Lindo as Beta (voice)
- Jerome Ranft as Gamma (voice)
- John Ratzenberger as Construction Foreman Tom (voice)
- David Kaye as Newsreel Announcer (voice)
- Elie Docter as Young Ellie (voice)
- Jeremy Leary as Young Carl (voice)
Up FAQ
Is Up worth watching?
Must-watch. A funny, moving adventure that opens with one of the most affecting short sequences in animation. It's lively, kind and good for all ages, with a gentle ending.
Where can I watch Up?
In the US you can stream Up on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Up OK for kids?
Up is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Up is a heartfelt Pixar adventure with mild peril and poignant themes, following an elderly widower and a young boy on a balloon-borne journey.
What movies are like Up?
If you liked Up, try WALL·E, Inside Out, Soul and Toy Story.