20 Best Drama Movies on Starz 2026
Find gripping Starz drama picks, from Coach Carter and Django Unchained to Michael, The Housemaid, and more—updated regularly for easy movie night choices.
If you’re searching for a strong night of character-driven streaming, this roundup of drama picks on Starz makes it easy to choose. The lineup blends newer buzz titles like Michael (2026) and The Housemaid (2025) with proven favorites such as Coach Carter (2005), Django Unchained (2012), and Straight Outta Compton (2015). You’ll also find gripping, offbeat standouts like Jungle (2017), Looper (2012), and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), plus films that lean into history, music, mystery, and thriller energy. With 20 titles featured on the page, there’s plenty here whether you want a tense story, an emotional performance, or a true-life-inspired crowd-pleaser. It’s a practical guide to the best drama movies on Starz without making you dig through the catalog yourself.
-
01
Michael
drama · history · music & musical
The early life of musician Michael Jackson, from the discovery of his talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the artist whose creative ambition fueled a pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
Directed by Antoine FuquaCast Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Colman Domingo, Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon HunterStarz -
02
The Housemaid
drama · mystery · thriller
A struggling young woman is relieved by the chance for a fresh start as a maid for a wealthy couple. Soon, she discovers that the family's secrets are far more dangerous than her own.
Directed by Paul FeigCast Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Peter Colandro, Don DiPetta, Lamar Baucom-SlaughterStarz -
03
Hostiles
drama · western
A legendary Native American-hating Army captain nearing retirement in 1892 is given one last assignment: to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory back to his Montana reservation.
Directed by Scott CooperCast Scott Shepherd, Rosamund Pike, Ava Cooper, Stella Cooper, David MidthunderStarz -
04
Jungle
adventure · biography · drama · thriller
In 1981, an enthusiastic young adventurer follows his dreams into the Bolivian Amazon jungle with two friends and a guide with a mysterious past. Their journey quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal as the darkest elements of human nature and the deadliest threats of the wilderness lead to an all-out fight for survival.
Directed by Greg McLeanCast Daniel Radcliffe, Thomas Kretschmann, Alex Russell, Joel Jackson, Yasmin KassimAmazon Prime VideoStarzFreevee -
05
Beast
action & adventure · drama · sport
MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in one championship against the brutal champion Xavier Grau.
Directed by Tyler AtkinsCast Russell Crowe, Mojean Aria, Daniel MacPherson, George Burgess, Nathan PhillipsStarz -
06
Coach Carter
biography · drama · sport
Based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results.
Directed by Thomas CarterCast Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Robert Ri'chard, Rick Gonzalez, Nana GbewonyoStarz -
07
Looper
action · drama · sci-fi · thriller
In the year 2044, time travel has not yet been invented but in 30 years it will have been. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target into the past where a looper, a hired gun, like Joe is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good until the day the mob decides to close the loop, sending back Joe's future self for assassination.
Directed by Rian JohnsonCast Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Noah SeganStarz -
08
Afterwards
drama · mystery · thriller
Newly divorced lawyer Nathan Del Amico is shaken up after he meets a doctor who claims that he can sense when select people are about to die. Though he doesn't believe the doctor, events in Nathan's life slowly make him think he's not long for this world.
Directed by Gilles BourdosCast Romain Duris, John Malkovich, Evangeline Lilly, Pascale Bussières, Sara WaisglassStarz -
09
Turbulence
action · adventure · drama · fantasy · thriller
A married couple embarks on a hot-air balloon adventure, but unforeseen circumstances lead to life-threatening situations that test their love and resilience as they fight for survival.
Directed by Claudio FähCast Hera Hilmar, Jeremy Irvine, Kelsey Grammer, Olga Kurylenko, Lionel Robert BlancStarz -
10
The Great Buck Howard
adventure · comedy · drama
When a law school dropout answers an advertisement to be a personal assistant he unknowingly signs on to work for a belligerent has-been magician struggling to resurrect his career. This leads to a journey across the country staging the comeback of a lifetime.
Directed by Sean McGinlyCast John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt, Ricky Jay, Steve ZahnStarz -
11
Empire Waist
comedy · drama
Lenore Miller’s size has always earned her teases and jeers in her school’s hallways, but this clothes-loving teenager is about to set the world on fire with her own line of inclusive fashion designs.
Directed by Claire AyoubCast Mia Kaplan, Jemima Yevu, Rainn Wilson, Missi Pyle, Jolene PurdyStarz -
12
The Minus Man
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
When the quiet and amiable Vann Siegert drifts into town, no one suspects the evil that lies beneath the surface. Despite his easy charm, Vann is merely a reflection of what those he encounters want him to be. Soon, as locals start to disappear, it becomes clear that an eerie subtraction is at work in the sleepy hamlet.
Directed by Hampton FancherCast Owen Wilson, Sheryl Crow, Dwight Yoakam, Dennis Haysbert, Alex WarrenStarz -
13
The Raven
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A fictionalized account of the last days of Edgar Allan Poe's life, in which the poet is in pursuit of a serial killer whose murders mirror those in the writer's stories.
Directed by James McTeigueCast John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McNallyAmazon Prime VideoStarz -
14
Atlas Shrugged: Part I
drama · mystery · sci-fi
Railroad executive Dagny Taggart and steel mogul Henry Rearden form an alliance to fight the increasingly authoritarian government of the United States.
Directed by Paul JohanssonCast Taylor Schilling, Grant Bowler, Matthew Marsden, Edi Gathegi, Jsu GarciaNetflixStarz -
15
Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike
drama · mystery · sci-fi
Railroad owner Dagny Taggart and steel mogul Henry Rearden search desperately for the inventor of a revolutionary motor as the U.S. government continues to spread its control over the national economy.
Directed by John PutchCast Diedrich Bader, Jason Beghe, Jordana Capra, Jennifer Cortese, Rebecca DunnNetflixStarz -
16
Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt?
drama · mystery · sci-fi
In a post-apocalyptic America, the iron fist of the totalitarian government seeks to crush one mysterious man named John Galt, who has the power and influence to change everything...
Directed by James ManeraCast Kristoffer Polaha, Laura Regan, Peter Mackenzie, Greg Germann, Larry CedarNetflixStarz -
17
Focus
comedy · crime · drama · romance
Nicky, an accomplished con artist, gets romantically involved with his disciple Jess but later ends their relationship. Years later, she returns as a femme fatale to spoil his plans.
Directed by Glenn Ficarra, John RequaCast Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Adrian Martinez, Gerald McRaney, Rodrigo SantoroStarz -
18
Gangs of New York
crime · drama
In early 1860s New York, Irish immigrant Amsterdam Vallon is released from prison and returns to the Five Points, seeking revenge against his father's killer, William Cutting, a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader. He knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting's inner circle. Vallon's journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people.
Directed by Martin ScorseseCast Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. ReillyStarzParamount Plus -
19
Black Snake Moan
drama · music
A God-fearing bluesman takes to a wild young woman who, as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, is looking everywhere for love, but never quite finding it.
Directed by Craig BrewerCast Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, S. Epatha Merkerson, John CothranStarz -
20
Parkland
drama · history · mystery · thriller
November 22nd, 1963 was a day that changed the world forever — when young American President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This film follows, almost in real time, a handful of individuals forced to make split-second decisions after an event that would change their lives and forever alter the world’s landscape.
Directed by Peter LandesmanCast Marcia Gay Harden, Matt Barr, Zac Efron, Mallory Moye, Paul GiamattiAmazon Prime VideoHuluStarz
Wrapping Up
This list is built to help you find something worth pressing play on fast, whether you’re in the mood for a powerful biographical story, a suspenseful crime drama, or a smart genre blend. From Coach Carter and Straight Outta Compton to Michael, The Housemaid, and Django Unchained, the mix stays broad enough to suit different tastes. Bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you want a reliable watchlist, since it’s updated regularly to reflect what’s available on Starz. That makes it easier to skip the guesswork and jump straight into a movie that fits your mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Starz subscription to watch these?
Yes — every title on this list is currently available on Starz. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these drama movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the drama titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.
Related Guides
Last updated: September 10, 2026