Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Up

film

Up

2009

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.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Most children can follow the adventure, but the opening life story includes a poignant death and grief, while later scenes include danger, tense escapes and villain-related peril. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film has associated merchandise, but the story itself is not substantially devoted to brands, products or purchasing.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The film opens with a poignant montage depicting the illness and death of the protagonist's wife.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Injuries and danger occur, but blood and bodily damage are not shown in graphic detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

There is occasional mild name-calling or rude language, without frequent strong profanity or slurs.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A devoted marriage and lifelong love are central to Carl’s backstory and the film’s emotions; there is little ongoing dating or romantic behavior.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Threatening animals, dangerous terrain, separation and villain encounters create sustained but generally family-oriented tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adults briefly consume or handle ordinary alcohol or tobacco-related items, without a focus on misuse or glamorization.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Cartoon action includes falls, chases, fights, explosions and weapons, usually presented with adventure humor and limited realistic impact.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face grief, danger and difficult choices with persistence and growing moral courage, rather than relying only on strength.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Inventive flying-house imagery, imaginative landscapes and creative problem-solving strongly encourage wonder and exploration.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The central friendship spans generations and includes a child of mixed heritage, with characters given meaningful agency; broader representation is limited.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may encourage interest in geography, exploration and nature, but teaching factual knowledge is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Compassion, friendship, care for animals and helping vulnerable companions become increasingly important to the characters.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It strongly emphasizes love, keeping promises, accepting change, valuing relationships and finding purpose beyond possessions or past dreams.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Carl and Russell show loyalty, persistence and growth, though Carl initially acts stubbornly and sometimes recklessly.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Up would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Up, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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