What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedUp
Pete Docter · Film · 2009
If you loved Up, start with Dug Days (Bob Peterson, 2021) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Up across media.
You loved Up because it masterfully balances the weight of personal history with the transformative power of unexpected, life-changing connections.
Books on the same thread
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Dr. Seuss · Book · 1990
Explores: Self-discovery, Life lessons, Resilience.
Just as Carl discovers a new lease on life in Up, this book provides the essential encouragement to overcome hesitation and embrace the unknown journey ahead of you.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
Much like the emotional landscape of Up, this story captures the way we process complex feelings of grief and frustration through the lens of a grand, imaginative adventure.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel
Fredrik Backman · Book · 2016
Explores: Grumbling protagonist, Unexpected friendship, Redemption.
If the grumpy yet endearing transformation of Carl in Up resonated with you, you will find a kindred spirit in Ove as his solitary world is opened by neighbors.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain · Book · 2009
Explores: Racism, Freedom, Moral Development.
Similar to the unlikely bond between Carl and Russell in Up, this classic narrative explores how an improbable friendship develops while traveling through a vast, challenging environment.
Series on the same thread
Dug Days
Bob Peterson · Series · 2021
Explores: Animal Protagonist, Innocence, Simple Joys.
For those who cherished the heart and humor of Up, these shorts offer a deeper look at the perspective of Dug, capturing the simple, innocent joys of his world.
63 Up
Series · 2019
Explores: Aging, Social Class, British Society.
While Up explores the passage of time through fiction, this series provides a real-world reflection on the themes of aging and life choices that defined Carl's poignant journey.
Podcasts on the same thread
Wake Up and Win
Podcast
Explores: anime inspiration, personal growth, goal achievement.
This podcast mirrors the motivational spirit of Up by using narrative inspiration to help listeners move past self-doubt and find their purpose, just as Carl eventually does.
This American Life
This American Life · Podcast · 2026
Explores: The human condition, Personal narrative, Social observation.
These audio documentaries capture the same emotional depth found in Up, weaving together personal stories that balance human vulnerability with the surprising, funny twists of real life.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Up a story about a young child?
Up follows Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old man who spent his life dreaming of exploration. While a persistent 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell joins him on his journey, the narrative focuses on Carl gaining a new lease on life during his later years.
What is the primary motivation for Carl in Up?
In Up, Carl Fredricksen is motivated by a lifelong desire to explore the globe and experience life to its fullest. After feeling that life passed him by, a twist of fate allows him to finally pursue these dreams alongside a young companion.
How does Russell influence the plot of Up?
Russell is an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer who becomes a key figure in Up. His persistent nature provides the catalyst for Carl Fredricksen to leave his old life behind and embark on a new adventure, ultimately giving the elderly man a renewed sense of purpose.
Is Up focused on the life of an elderly protagonist?
Yes, Up centers on 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen. The film explores his transition from a man who believes life has passed him by to someone who finds a new lease on life through an unexpected journey taken with a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell.