A Complete Guide On Watching Step Up Movies In Chronological Order

The Step Up movie franchise has experienced considerable evolution since its inception, leading to some confusion regarding the sequence in which to watch the films. The first film, released in 2006, served as an early glimpse into the acting prowess of Channing Tatum, depicting him as a rebellious youth who unlocks his passion for dance. This romantic drama turned out to be a surprising hit, and while Tatum moved on to more expansive projects, the Step Up franchise showcased remarkable resilience.

As of now, the franchise comprises six major films, with the latest installment viewed more as a spin-off rather than a direct continuation. Although critics often downplay their cinematic quality, the combination of stunning choreography and an appealing formula contributed to the overall success of the Step Up movies. From a box-office perspective, even the least profitable entries proved financially viable, yet the series seems to be on an extended hiatus from theaters.

Viewing the Step Up Movies in Release Order

An Overview of Films Released Between 2006 and 2019

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan in Step Up

The 2000s marked a prolific era for dance-based films, with favorites like Save the Last Dance, Take the Lead, and Disney’s High School Musical making a significant impact. The original Step Up resonated with audiences through its blend of romance and dance, aided by the palpable chemistry between Tatum and his co-star Jenna Dewan, a bond that eventually led to their marriage (though they separated in 2018).

Channing Tatum made a cameo appearance in the sequel, Step Up 2: The Streets, which transitioned into new storylines and characters. Designed for a younger audience, the films attracted less critical acclaim over the years, yet their box office performance revealed a trend of increasing profitability. The fifth installment was titled in a nod to ensemble films like The Expendables, gathering many familiar faces from the series but missing notable characters like Tatum’s Tyler.

A TV adaptation, Step Up: High Water, premiered in 2018 and ran for three seasons, further expanding the franchise’s reach.

Movie	Release Year
Step Up	2006
Step Up 2: The Streets	2008
Step Up 3D	2010
Step Up Revolution	2012
Step Up: All In	2014
Step Up China	2019

Viewing the Step Up Movies in Chronological Order

Step Up (2006)

This debut film, helmed by Anne Fletcher, chronicles the story of Tyler Gage, portrayed by Tatum, who is sentenced to community service at an art school after committing vandalism. Upon meeting gifted ballet dancer Nora, their initial antagonism transforms into a heartfelt partnership, showcasing the foundational narrative style of the series. While it lacks the spectacle of later episodes, the story remains engaging and effectively conveyed.

Notably, while the sequels emphasize the dance-centric theme, the initial film prioritizes romance, emphasizing emotional connections over choreography. Tatum’s burgeoning dance abilities forecast his success in other future ventures like the Magic Mike franchise.

Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

Box Office: $151 million | Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes

Cast: Briana Evigan (Andie), Robert Hoffman (Chase), Will Kemp (Blake), Harry Shum, Jr. (Cable), Cassie Ventura (Sophie)

In this successful sequel directed by Jon M. Chu, dance student Andie, played by Briana Evigan, navigates her way through an elite school while engaging in a fierce dance battle. Tatum makes a brief return, lending support to Andie’s journey. The narrative establishes strong connections to its predecessors and introduces beloved characters like Moose.

The electrifying dance sequences and energetic execution underscore Step Up 2‘s reputation as a franchise favorite among dedicated fans, ensuring its high ranking among the series.

Step Up 3D (2010)

Capitalizing on the 3D movie craze, Step Up 3D effectively utilizes its format. This film follows returning characters Moose and Camille as they navigate their college experience in New York City, joining forces with a dynamic dance crew to engage in rival competitions.

The plot remains predictable, but the romance element is sweeter and less intense than previous entries. Notably, this installment broadens its scope to explore various dance genres, blending street styles with classic musical influences, making it a standout among the franchise, and it also emerged as the highest-grossing film of the series.

Step Up Revolution (2012)

Set in Miami, this film follows the dance collective “The Mob”, who band together to save their neighborhood from demolition. The story sees protagonist Emily fall for Sean, the leader of the Mob, as they attempt to persuade her affluent father against transforming their community through a spectacular showcase of dance.

This formula echoes familiar themes from earlier dancing films and lacks the critical acclaim of previous chapters. Despite some impressive choreography, Revolution is regarded as one of the weaker installments in the series, with critics noting a decline in overall quality and reception.

Step Up: All In (2014)

Step Up: All In marks a pivotal moment within the franchise as it unites many favored characters from previous films for a spectacular finale. The narrative stakes elevate as the characters pursue their dreams in Los Angeles by participating in a prestigious competition known as The Vortex.

Notable for its high-caliber dance performances, this film was crafted with an awareness of its closing chapter, inviting nostalgia for dedicated viewers. However, a heightened focus on character development and dialogue would have added further depth.

Step Up China (2019)

Box Office: N/A | Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Cast: Meng Meiqi (Xiao Fe), Owodog Chuang (Te She), Dany Lee (Ni Si)

The obscure entry of the 2019 spin-off, Step Up China, diverges slightly from its predecessors, placing greater emphasis on action. The premise involves eclectic dancers joining forces while navigating personal conflicts, but suffers from predictability. Reception has been mixed, with audiences indicating it ranks lower in the series largely due to its disconnection from established storylines.

Step Up Since Expanded into Television and Stage

Step Up: High Water Premiered in 2018

Beyond films, the franchise saw a new direction through its television adaptation, Step Up: High Water, which debuted on YouTube Red in 2018, eventually shortening its title to just Step Up. Rather than featuring the original film characters, the series spotlighted an ensemble of students at a performing arts school, offering a longer, more serialized narrative aligned with the franchise’s dance-centric themes. After its cancellation by YouTube, Starz picked it up for a third season.

The series garnered much better critical reception than the sequels, attributed to skilled directors with backgrounds in choreography and musical storytelling. Critics pointed to its substantive narrative choices, with Decider even referring to it as the “best narrative installment” of the franchise.

However, the emergence of production delays alongside the COVID-19 pandemic hampered progress, leading to significant cast changes, including the recasting of Naya Rivera’s role after her untimely passing. Ultimately, Starz canceled the show after one season, disappointing fans who valued the series’ distinct storyline.

Moreover, Tatum announced plans for a stage adaptation, with development officially commencing in 2022. Although targeting a 2023 release, as of June 2024, further updates on the stage show remain pending, despite a similar show being staged in Dubai back in 2016.

Accessing the Step Up Movies

Find Some Step Up Movies on Hulu

Ryan Guzman and Kathryn McCormick in Step Up Revolution

As fans search for a convenient way to watch the Step Up films, streaming availability varies across platforms. Starting December 9, 2024, the first three installments of the franchise will be accessible on Hulu, providing a convenient option for many followers who prefer the original films.

For those interested in the remaining installments, Step Up Revolution can be found on Netflix, while Step Up: All In is available on the Roku Channel, and Step Up China can be streamed through Prime Video. Additionally, all series entries can be rented or purchased via popular digital platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Microsoft.

Movie	Streaming Option	Rent/Buy Option
Step Up (2006)	Hulu	Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft
Step Up 2 The Streets (2008)	Hulu	Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft
Step Up 3D (2010)	Hulu	Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft
Step Up Revolution (2012)	Netflix	Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft
Step Up All In (2014)	The Roku Channel	Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft
Step Up China (2019)	Prime Video	Apple TV, Amazon, Microsoft

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