I have some history with STARZ ENCORE going back to when we had DISH Network. At the time, the ENCORE channels were the only premium movie channels we had, so I watched them fairly regularly.

The main ENCORE channel was okay, but honestly, it was never anything I got too excited about. It generally showed older hit movies, and I would occasionally find something worth watching. I actually got more use out of the themed ENCORE channels, especially Westerns, Suspense and Action, because I could go directly to the type of movie I was in the mood to watch.

Today, STARZ ENCORE still offers that traditional movie-channel experience. The main channel mixes movies from different eras and genres, while several themed channels give viewers more specific choices.

But with so many streaming options available today, does STARZ ENCORE still have something worthwhile to offer? In this review, I’ll look at its movies, channels, schedule, where you can watch it, and whether it is worth it in 2026.

What Is STARZ ENCORE?

STARZ ENCORE is a premium movie network that is part of the larger STARZ family of channels. It originally launched as Encore in 1991 and was renamed STARZ ENCORE in 2016.

The main channel offers a broad mix of movies from different decades and genres, along with select past STARZ programming. Unlike an on-demand streaming service, STARZ ENCORE follows a traditional television schedule, with movies airing at set times throughout the day.

STARZ ENCORE also has several themed companion channels, including Action, Black, Classic, Family, Suspense, Westerns and Español. These give viewers a way to focus on a particular type of movie instead of relying only on the main channel’s general lineup.

That variety is one of the biggest differences between STARZ ENCORE and many other premium movie channels.

If you are comparing premium movie options, my Cinemax Review, MGM+ Review and FLIX Channel Review cover three other choices.

What Movies and Programming Are on STARZ ENCORE?

Movies are the main attraction on STARZ ENCORE. The channel mixes newer movies with older popular films and classics, covering genres such as comedy, drama, action, crime, horror and romance.

STARZ ENCORE also airs select past STARZ original programming, although movies remain its primary focus.

Because the schedule constantly rotates, individual titles come and go. That makes STARZ ENCORE better for discovering something to watch than for finding one particular movie whenever you want it.

What STARZ ENCORE Channels Are Available?

One of the best things about STARZ ENCORE is its group of themed channels. In fact, when I had ENCORE through DISH Network, I usually got more use out of these channels than I did from the general ENCORE lineup.

STARZ currently offers the following themed ENCORE channels:

I especially liked being able to go directly to Westerns, Suspense or Action depending on what I felt like watching. If family-friendly movies and programming are what you are looking for, you can read my STARZ ENCORE Family Review for a closer look at that channel.

If older and classic-oriented movies are more your style, you can also read my STARZ ENCORE Classic Review for a closer look at that channel.

Not every TV provider includes every ENCORE channel, so check the lineup before subscribing. STARZ notes that channel availability can vary by provider and package.

How Does the STARZ ENCORE Schedule Work?

STARZ ENCORE works like a traditional movie channel, with movies and programs airing at scheduled times throughout the day.

The lineup changes regularly, and movies are often repeated at different times, giving you another chance to catch something you missed.

You can check the current STARZ ENCORE schedule through STARZ or your TV provider’s program guide. I would recommend looking at the schedule before subscribing if there are certain types of movies you are hoping to watch.

That rotating schedule is part of the appeal, but it also means you have less control than you would with an on-demand streaming service.

Does STARZ ENCORE Have Commercials?

STARZ ENCORE is a premium movie channel, so movies air without traditional commercial interruptions.

You may see promotions for other STARZ programming between movies, but you won’t have a movie repeatedly interrupted by commercials like you would on many free or basic cable channels.

For me, that is one of the biggest advantages of watching movies on STARZ ENCORE.

Where Can You Watch STARZ ENCORE?

STARZ ENCORE is available through several cable, satellite and live TV streaming providers, although the exact channel lineup varies by service.

DIRECTV carries STARZ ENCORE, including it in its Ultimate package, and also offers a larger STARZ package with additional STARZ and STARZ ENCORE channels.

Sling TV offers STARZ as a premium add-on that includes STARZ ENCORE and several other STARZ channels. You do not currently need Sling Orange or Sling Blue to subscribe to STARZ through Sling.

Fubo also carries the live STARZ ENCORE channel as part of its STARZ offering.

Traditional cable and satellite providers may carry STARZ ENCORE as well. Because packages differ, check your provider’s current lineup to see which ENCORE channels are included.

How Much Does STARZ ENCORE Cost?

STARZ ENCORE usually isn’t sold by itself. Instead, it is included in certain TV packages or as part of a broader STARZ channel package offered by some providers.

For example, Sling currently charges $11.99 per month for STARZ, which includes STARZ ENCORE programming. DIRECTV also lists STARZ at $11.99 per month after its current introductory promotion.

Your actual cost will depend on the provider and package you choose, so check the regular price rather than relying only on a temporary promotional offer.

STARZ ENCORE vs. the STARZ App

STARZ ENCORE and the STARZ app give you two different ways to watch.

STARZ ENCORE is a traditional linear channel with movies airing on a set schedule. The STARZ app lets subscribers choose from movies and series on demand.

There is some overlap in programming, but having access to the STARZ app does not necessarily mean you are getting every STARZ ENCORE linear channel offered by a TV provider.

If you prefer choosing exactly what you want to watch, the app is more convenient. If you enjoy turning on a movie channel and seeing what is playing, STARZ ENCORE offers the more traditional experience.

STARZ ENCORE vs. MoviePlex vs. IndiePlex vs. RetroPlex

STARZ ENCORE, MoviePlex, IndiePlex and RetroPlex are all part of the STARZ family, but each offers a somewhat different movie experience.

The biggest advantage STARZ ENCORE has is its collection of themed companion channels. If the main channel doesn’t have something I want to watch, I can check Action, Suspense, Westerns or another ENCORE channel.

MoviePlex offers a general movie mix, while IndiePlex and RetroPlex are better suited to viewers looking for a particular type or era of film.

STARZ ENCORE Pros and Cons

Pros

• Broad mix of movies from different decades and genres
• Movies air without traditional commercial interruptions
• Several themed channels, including Action, Suspense and Westerns
• Good for viewers who enjoy discovering movies through a live schedule
• Available through multiple TV providers

Cons

• STARZ ENCORE usually isn’t sold by itself
• Not every provider carries every ENCORE channel
• Movie availability changes as the schedule rotates
• Less control than an on-demand streaming service
• The main ENCORE channel may feel less specialized than the themed channels

Who Is STARZ ENCORE Best For?

STARZ ENCORE is best for viewers who still enjoy traditional movie channels and like discovering something to watch from a scheduled lineup.

It also works well for people who enjoy several movie genres, especially if their provider includes the themed ENCORE channels such as Action, Suspense and Westerns.

I think it offers the most value when it is already included in a TV package you are paying for. If you mainly watch on-demand streaming and prefer choosing a specific movie whenever you want, STARZ ENCORE may be less useful.

Is STARZ ENCORE Worth It?

STARZ ENCORE can be worth it, especially if it is already included in your TV package or comes with your provider’s broader STARZ package.

From my own experience, the main ENCORE channel was decent but never something I got overly excited about. I occasionally watched its older hit movies, but I found much more value in the themed channels such as Westerns, Suspense and Action.

That is still where I think STARZ ENCORE has its biggest advantage. If you enjoy traditional movie channels and like having several genres available without searching through streaming menus, the ENCORE lineup can be a nice addition.

I would be less inclined to pay for an expensive package just to get STARZ ENCORE by itself.

Final Thoughts

STARZ ENCORE has been around for a long time, and it still offers something different from today’s on-demand streaming services.

From my experience with ENCORE through DISH Network, the main channel was fine for catching an older hit movie once in a while, but the themed channels were where I found the most value. Westerns, Suspense and Action gave me a much better chance of finding something that matched what I felt like watching.

If STARZ ENCORE is already included in your TV package, it is definitely worth checking out. I would just make sure you know which ENCORE channels your provider includes before paying extra.

👉 Do you watch STARZ ENCORE or any of its themed channels?

👉 Which ENCORE channel do you watch the most?

Let me know in the comments.

As always, I will watch what I want to watch, when I want to watch it.

Thanks for visiting,

Mark