56 Up poster

Movie

56 Up

20122h 24m7.2 / 10

In 1964 a group of seven year old children were interviewed for the documentary "Seven Up". They've been filmed every seven years since. Now they are 56.

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 towards life. While the upper class children were confident and self-assured, those from middle and working class backgrounds were resigned to a challenging life of hard work. This premise was put to the test every seven years when the same group were interviewed about the progression of their lives. 49 years in the making, the changes that occurred to the original 14 make for fascinating television and are in many ways the stories of all our lives. From success and disappointment, marriage and childbirth, to poverty and illness, nearly every facet of life has been captured on film. Now, at the age of 56, the group are once more brought together and, with the benefit of hindsight, assess whether their lives have been ruled by circumstance or self-determination.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

56 Up is available to stream on Hoopla and Kanopy in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

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 towards life. While the upper class children were confident and self-assured, those from middle and working class backgrounds were resigned to a challenging life of hard work. This premise was put to the test every seven years when the same group were interviewed about the progression of their lives. 49 years in the making, the changes that occurred to the original 14 make for fascinating television and are in many ways the stories of all our lives. From success and disappointment, marriage and childbirth, to poverty and illness, nearly every facet of life has been captured on film. Now, at the age of 56, the group are once more brought together and, with the benefit of hindsight, assess whether their lives have been ruled by circumstance or self-determination.

More about 56 Up

Cast

Peter DaviesSelf
Neil HughesSelf
Tony WalkerSelf
Lynn JohnsonSelf
Susan SullivanSelf
Jacqueline BassettSelf
Paul KligermanSelf
Symon BasterfieldSelf

Credits

Directed by
Michael Apted

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
English
Collection
The Up Collection

Production

  • ITV StudiosUnited Kingdom