19 Best Family Movies on Starz 2026
Explore family-friendly picks on Starz, from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to Oddball, with adventure, animation, and heartfelt stories for movie night.
If you’re looking for the best family movies on Starz, this lineup gives you a little bit of everything: adventure, laughs, fantasy, and plenty of heartfelt stories. You’ll find classics like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial alongside newer picks such as H is for Happiness, Oddball, and Bernie The Dolphin. For families who want animated fun, titles like Space Chimps, Yellowbird, and The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature bring kid-friendly energy, while Across the Great Divide and Back to the Secret Garden lean into classic storybook moods. However you want to spend movie night, this list makes it easy to choose something that fits the age, mood, and attention span of the room.
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01
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Won 4 Oscars Best Picture (1983) · 9 nominations
action & adventure · kids & family · science-fiction
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
Why watch: If you want a classic with science-fiction and heartfelt family themes, this is an easy place to start. It mixes adventure with a story about a child and an unexpected visitor, which makes it a strong pick for mixed-age movie night.
Directed by Steven SpielbergCast Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, Drew BarrymoreStarzMore details on IMDb → -
02
Across the Great Divide
adventure · drama · family · western
Two orphans set out to claim their inheritance - a 400 acre plot of land in Salem Oregon. To Do so they must cross the rugged snow covered Rocky Mountains in the year 1876.
Why watch: If you like period adventure with a family angle, this one fits well. Its journey setting and drama elements make it a good choice for viewers who want something a little more old-fashioned.
Directed by Stewart RaffillCast Robert Logan, Heather Rattray, Mark Edward Hall, George 'Buck' Flower, Hal BokarStarzMore details on IMDb → -
03
Monster Zone
animation · adventure · family · fantasy · horror
An intelligent 15-year-old high school student is unexpectedly transferred to a boarding school where he opens a portal of monsters from another dimension.
Why watch: If your group enjoys animated adventure with a spooky edge, this may be the right pick. The fantasy and horror tags suggest something playful for older kids who can handle a monster story.
Directed by Leopoldo AguilarCast Jamie Bell, Ruby Rose, Idzi Dutkiewicz, Ellie Piercy, Terry MynottStarzMore details on IMDb → -
04
A Mermaid's Tale
adventure · drama · family
12-year-old Ryan moves to the town where her father was born—a bleak, dying fishing town. However, exploring the coast, she discovers a cove that is home to a mysterious girl named Coral who reveals herself to be a mermaid.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for a coastal adventure with drama and family themes, this could work well. It looks best suited to viewers who like stories about discovery and an unusual friendship.
Directed by Dustin RikertCast Caitlin Carmichael, Sydney Scotia, Jerry O'Connell, Barry Bostwick, Ronnie Gene BlevinsStarzMore details on IMDb → -
05
H is for Happiness
comedy · drama · family
A twelve-year-old girl with boundless optimism and a unique view of the world is inspired by the strange new boy at school, and sets out to mend her broken family – whatever it takes.
Why watch: If you want a warm family drama with comedy, this is a good fit. It may appeal to viewers who like optimistic characters and stories about repairing family relationships.
Directed by John SheedyCast Miriam Margolyes, Daisy Axon, Alessandra Tognini, Talissa Mansfield, Chenae WrefordStarzMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for family on Starz →
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06
Bandslam
comedy · drama · family · music · romance
A new kid in town assembles a fledgling rock band — together, they achieve their dreams and compete against the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands.
Why watch: If your family likes music-centered stories, this one stands out. The mix of comedy, drama, and romance makes it a solid pick for older kids and teens.
Directed by Todd GraffCast Aly Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell, Scott Porter, Ryan DonowhoStarzPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
07
Oddball
adventure · family
An eccentric chicken farmer, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his mischievous dog Oddball to protect a penguin sanctuary from fox attacks in an attempt to reunite his family and save their seaside town.
Why watch: If you enjoy animal-centered adventures, this is an appealing option. The family and adventure genres suggest a light, problem-solving story with a feel-good focus.
Directed by Stuart McDonaldCast Shane Jacobson, Sarah Snook, Alan Tudyk, Coco Jack Gillies, Richard DaviesStarzMore details on IMDb → -
08
Space Chimps
animation · adventure · comedy · family · sci-fi
When an unmanned space shuttle crashes on an uncharted planet, a trio of astronaut chimpanzees are launched by NASA into a wormhole to investigate.
Why watch: If animated science-fiction comedy sounds fun, this is a natural choice. It’s a good pick for kids who like space stories and silly team-based adventures.
Directed by Kirk DeMiccoCast Andy Samberg, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Daniels, Patrick Warburton, Kristin ChenowethStarzMore details on IMDb → -
09
Norm of the North: Family Vacation
animation · adventure · comedy · family
Overwhelmed with his Kingly duties, Norm's crown is stolen and he embarks on a journey to find it in conjunction with repairing his family's relationship.
Why watch: If you’re after a family animation with comedy, this one may fit the bill. It’s best for viewers who like playful quests and easygoing animated stories.
Directed by Anthony BellCast Lisa Durupt, Andrew Toth, Jonathan Holmes, Paul Dobson, Brian DrummondStarzMore details on IMDb → -
10
Happily N'ever After 2: Snow White: Another Bite at the Apple
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy
Fairy tales collide when Mambo and Munk tip the scales of good and evil once again.
Why watch: If your household enjoys fairy-tale style animation with comedy and fantasy, this may be worth a look. It’s a playful choice for kids who like storybook mashups.
Directed by Steven E. Gordon, Boyd KirklandCast G.K. Bowes, Cam Clarke, Doug Erholtz, Jennie Fahn, Keith FergusonStarzMore details on IMDb → -
11
Leo the Lion
animation · family
It’s a hard life for young Leo: his family just doesn’t understand why he’s a vegetarian lion. His solitude ends when he meets Avoria, the elephant queen, who has recently given birth to two calves with braided tails. Mysteriously widowed, Avoria is courted by dapper Zanco. By a series of misfortunes she is separated from her young. Leo steps in to take care of them: thus begins his search for legendary Milk Lake, during which he experiences all sorts of incredible adventures. This fable with a happy ending handles the themes of diversity and racism with engaging originality.
Why watch: If you want a family animation with an unusual animal lead, this title might stand out. Its fable-like premise and family focus make it a fit for viewers who enjoy gentler animated stories.
Directed by Mario CambiCast Neri Marcorè, Leo Gullotta, Carlo Conti, Simona Marchini, Elio PandolfiStarzMore details on IMDb → -
12
Bernie The Dolphin
adventure · comedy · family
A brother and sister who befriend a badly sunburned dolphin separated from his family and uncover a secret plan that could destroy the beach and their new friend's home. The kids must devise a clever plan to stop the bad guys, protect the sea life, and, most importantly, save their best friend, Bernie.
Why watch: If your family likes animal rescue stories with adventure and comedy, this is a strong match. It’s a good option for viewers who enjoy beachside settings and kid-led plans.
Directed by Kirk HarrisCast Lola Sultan, Logan Allen, Kevin Sorbo, Stelio Savante, Jimel AtkinsStarzMore details on IMDb → -
13
Pegasus: Pony with a Broken Wing
family
It’ll take a miracle to save the Killian family’s ranch… but miracles come in all shapes and sizes. Just as a greedy developer plans to take over their ranch, tween girl Sydney Killian and a neighbor boy find a mysterious pony with an injured wing. As they secretly heal the creature, they find the pony’s magical powers could change their fortunes forever.
Why watch: If you prefer a horse-centered family story with a touch of fantasy, this one may appeal to you. It looks best for viewers who enjoy magical twists and ranch settings.
Directed by Giorgio SerafiniCast Jonathan Silverman, Charisma Carpenter, Tom Arnold, Eliza Jarrett, Jordan ElsassStarzMore details on IMDb → -
14
The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
animation · kids & family · action & adventure · comedy · crime
When the evil mayor of Oakton decides to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place, Surly Squirrel and his ragtag group of animal friends need to band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park.
Why watch: If animated action and comedy are what you want, this is a lively pick. It should suit families who like stories about animal friends teaming up to protect their home.
Directed by Cal BrunkerCast Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Cannavale, Bobby Moynihan, Isabela MercedStarzMore details on IMDb → -
15
Wiener Dog Internationals
family
The Jack Family is at it again, as they enter the International World of Wiener Dog Racing. The kids sneak away to enter Shelly in the Internationals, and find themselves caught in a devious plot by Mrs. Merryweather that may change wiener dog races forever! Can little Shelly, the champion dog from the US, really take on the World?
Why watch: If your crew enjoys quirky family comedies, this dog-racing story could be fun. It’s a natural choice for viewers who like sports-style competition with a light tone.
Directed by Kevan PetersonCast Morgan Fairchild, Jason London, Bryan Batt, Julian Feder, Caitlin CarmichaelStarzMore details on IMDb → -
16
Sea Level
animation · adventure · comedy · family
Pup, a bamboo shark, discovers egg sacs while playing around the ocean with his friends. When he sees human poachers stealing the eggs from his reef, Pup makes it his mission to save his family. As he leaves the sea and enters the beautiful, yet dangerous, world of humans he'll prove he isn't too small to save his family.
Why watch: If you like underwater adventures with animation and comedy, this one is a reasonable pick. It may appeal to kids who enjoy stories about small heroes taking on big problems.
Directed by Aun Hoe GohCast Maxwell Vreeland Andrew, Steven Bones, Colin Chong, Chi-Ren Choong, Jason CottomStarzMore details on IMDb → -
17
Back to the Secret Garden
drama · fantasy · kids & family
A youngster living in a stately home discovers the magical garden Mary, Colin & Dickon stumbled across years before - but faces a battle with the housekeeper over whether to nurture it.
Why watch: If you enjoy fantasy with a classic family-story feel, this title fits that lane. It’s a good option for viewers who like magical settings and a gentler pace.
Directed by Michael TuchnerCast Joan Plowright, Cherie Lunghi, Aled Roberts, Florence Hoath, Justin GirdlerStarzMore details on IMDb → -
18
The Snow Queen 2: Magic of the Ice Mirror
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy
After the trolls' victory over the Snow Queen, Orm claims that he is destined to marry the princess and inherit great power.
Why watch: If your family likes animated fantasy with adventure and comedy, this could be a solid choice. It suits viewers who enjoy snow-themed stories and bigger-than-life animated worlds.
Directed by Alex TsitsilinCast Ivan Okhlobystin, Anna Shurochkina, Garik Kharlamov, Anna Khilkevich, Olga ZubkovaStarzMore details on IMDb → -
19
Yellowbird
animation · comedy · kids & family · made in europe
Yellowbird lives in the ruins of an old house. He lacks the confidence to leave his home, no matter how much Bug, his labybird friend, tries to convince him to go out into the world. Attempts to toughen him up have had little success, so Bug seizes an opportunity that leaves Yellowbird unexpectedly finding himself the new leader of the flock that is migrating to Africa. Still, lacking faith in his own abilities and with danger and imminent failure lurking around every corner, our feathered hero is forced to either find the strength required to work with the team or bow out and stay hidden away forever.
Why watch: If you want a lighter animated comedy for kids, this one is worth considering. Its bird-centered premise may appeal to families looking for something simple, funny, and easy to follow.
Directed by Christian De VitaCast Arthur Dupont, Sara Forestier, Bruno Salomone, Pierre Richard, Isabelle RenauldStarzMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
From sci-fi adventures to gentle family dramas, these titles make it easy to build a movie night around what your household actually wants to watch. Whether you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, animated, or just light and easy, this guide helps narrow the options without the guesswork. Bookmark this page and come back when you need another family-friendly pick, since it’s updated regularly to reflect the latest choices. That way, you’ll always have a fresh place to start when everyone asks what to watch next.
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 family movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the family titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.