STARZ ENCORE Family focuses on lighter entertainment, including animated movies, family adventures, comedies, fantasy, and other programming aimed at families and younger viewers.
I have watched STARZ ENCORE Family before, but I have to admit that nothing I saw really stuck with me. I don’t remember a particular movie or show that made the channel stand out. That doesn’t make it a bad channel, but it probably means families with children or grandchildren will get more out of it than I did.
One thing to understand is that “Family” does not mean every program is appropriate for every age. While much of the lineup is rated G, PG, TV-G, or TV-PG, PG-13 and TV-14 programming can also appear.
In this STARZ ENCORE Family Review, I’ll look at the movies, schedule, where you can watch it, what it costs, and whether it is worth having in 2026.
What Is STARZ ENCORE Family?
STARZ ENCORE Family is a linear premium channel in the STARZ ENCORE lineup. Its programming focuses on family-oriented entertainment, including animated films, live-action adventures, comedies, fantasy, animal stories, and movies aimed at younger viewers.
Unlike an on-demand streaming service, STARZ ENCORE Family follows a scheduled lineup. You turn on the channel and watch whatever is airing at that time, although some movies may also be available on demand through your provider or STARZ.
The channel has been around in different forms for years. It began as the youth-oriented WAM!, later became Encore Wam and Encore Family, and eventually took the STARZ ENCORE Family name.
STARZ itself became an independent company after separating from Lionsgate in 2025.
What Movies Are on STARZ ENCORE Family?
STARZ ENCORE Family carries a rotating mix of animated movies, family comedies, adventures, fantasy, animal stories, and live-action family films.
The lineup changes regularly, so there is no permanent movie list. Recent September 2026 examples have included Pegasus: Pony With a Broken Wing, Jurassic Tale, Big Trip 2: Special Delivery, Oddball, Zookeeper, and Sea Level 2: Magic Arch.
The channel is not built around the newest blockbuster releases. Instead, it offers a changing selection of lighter movies that can work well for casual family viewing.
Is Everything on STARZ ENCORE Family Kid-Friendly?
Not necessarily. STARZ ENCORE Family is family-oriented, but that does not mean every program is suitable for every child.
Much of the lineup falls into the G, PG, TV-G, and TV-PG range, but PG-13 and TV-14 programming can also appear.
Parents should still check the rating and program description before assuming everything on the channel is appropriate for younger children.
For families with teenagers, the broader mix may actually be a plus. Just remember that “Family” describes the channel’s overall focus, not a guarantee about every movie it airs.
STARZ ENCORE Family Schedule
STARZ ENCORE Family is a linear channel, so movies air at scheduled times throughout the day rather than being available only on demand.
The lineup changes regularly, and movies may repeat several times during the month. That can be helpful if you miss a showing, although frequent viewers may notice the same titles coming around again.
The best way to see what is currently playing is to check the official STARZ schedule, your provider’s program guide, or the search function in your live-TV service.
For viewers, the main takeaway is simple: if you like turning on a channel and seeing what is playing, the format works well. If you prefer choosing a specific movie whenever you want, you may find the schedule a little limiting.
Does STARZ ENCORE Family Have Commercials?
STARZ ENCORE Family is a commercial-free premium channel, so movies are not interrupted by traditional advertising breaks.
You may still see STARZ promotions or previews between programs, but they do not interrupt the movie itself.
That is one of the channel’s biggest advantages over free ad-supported streaming services. If you prefer watching a movie from beginning to end without commercial interruptions, STARZ ENCORE Family delivers a much smoother viewing experience.
Where Can You Watch STARZ ENCORE Family?
STARZ ENCORE Family is available through participating live-TV providers, usually as part of a STARZ or STARZ ENCORE package rather than as a standalone channel.
DIRECTV carries STARZ ENCORE Family on Channel 542, while Philo specifically includes it with its STARZ add-on.
STARZ packages are also available through services such as Fubo and Sling TV, although channel lineups can change. If STARZ ENCORE Family is the specific channel you want, I recommend checking the provider’s current lineup before subscribing.
The main thing to remember is that you are generally getting STARZ ENCORE Family along with several other STARZ channels, not purchasing it by itself.
How Much Does STARZ ENCORE Family Cost?
STARZ ENCORE Family is generally not sold by itself. Instead, you receive it as part of a larger STARZ package.
Current September 2026 pricing includes:
| Service | STARZ Price |
|---|---|
| Fubo | $11.99/month |
| Sling TV | $11.99/month |
| Philo | $12/month |
Fubo currently charges $11.99 per month for its STARZ package, while Sling also lists STARZ at $11.99 per month. Philo charges $12 per month for its STARZ add-on.
The value really depends on whether you will watch the other STARZ channels and on-demand programming included with the package. I would have a hard time paying around $12 per month solely for STARZ ENCORE Family.
STARZ ENCORE Family vs. STARZ Kids & Family
Despite the similar names, STARZ ENCORE Family and STARZ Kids & Family are two separate channels.
Both focus on family-oriented entertainment and may carry animated and live-action movies, but each has its own schedule.
If your STARZ package includes both, I would simply check their schedules and watch whichever one has the better movie at the time.
The important thing is not to assume they are two names for the same channel—they are not.
STARZ ENCORE Family Pros and Cons
Pros
- Commercial-free movies
- Family-oriented programming
- Mix of animated and live-action titles
- Easy traditional TV viewing
- Included with larger STARZ packages
- Good option for families and grandparents
Cons
- Not every program is suitable for every age
- Some PG-13 and TV-14 programming appears
- Movies can repeat frequently
- No inexpensive standalone option
- Smaller selection than a large on-demand service
- You are limited to whatever is scheduled unless the title is also available on demand
Who Is STARZ ENCORE Family Best For?
STARZ ENCORE Family is best suited for families, grandparents, and viewers who enjoy lighter movies without commercial interruptions.
It makes the most sense for people who already subscribe to STARZ and want another channel for animated films, family adventures, comedies, and live-action movies.
It can also appeal to viewers who prefer traditional scheduled TV instead of constantly browsing an on-demand library.
For me, though, it is more of a nice extra within a STARZ package than a channel I would subscribe to STARZ specifically to get.
Is STARZ ENCORE Family Worth It in 2026?
STARZ ENCORE Family can be worth having if it is already included with a STARZ package you enjoy.
The channel gives you commercial-free family-oriented movies, a rotating schedule, and another option when you want something lighter to watch. Families with children or grandchildren may get more value from it than I did.
Personally, I would not subscribe to STARZ just for STARZ ENCORE Family. I have watched the channel, but the movies I saw were not memorable enough to make me seek it out again or check the schedule regularly.
For me, it works better as a bonus channel within the larger STARZ package than as a reason to subscribe on its own.
Final Thoughts
STARZ ENCORE Family fills a useful spot in the STARZ lineup with commercial-free, family-oriented movies, animation, comedies, and lighter entertainment.
For families and grandparents who already subscribe to STARZ, it can be a nice channel to have available. Just remember that the Family name does not guarantee every program is appropriate for every age, so checking ratings is still a good idea.
For me, STARZ ENCORE Family is more of a bonus channel than a must-have. I have watched it, but nothing has stood out enough to make me seek it out regularly.
👉 Do you watch STARZ ENCORE Family? What movies have you enjoyed on the channel? Let me know in the comments below.
👉 Check out my other movie channel reviews to find more places to watch the movies you enjoy.
After all, I will watch what I want to watch, when I want to watch it.
Thanks for visiting,
Mark