Craving compelling characters, captivating plots, and that sweet, sweet “just one more episode” feeling? Look no further than Starz! Whether you’re a history buff craving period dramas, a sci-fi fanatic seeking mind-bending adventures, or a comedy connoisseur in need of gut-busting laughs, Starz has a treasure trove of binge-worthy options waiting to be devoured. But with so much amazing content, where do you start?
Fear not, fellow film and TV enthusiasts, for we’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best shows and movies currently streaming on Starz. From adrenaline-pumping action flicks to heart-wrenching dramas, prepare to have your viewing queue overflowing with must-watch gems. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into the incredible world of Starz.
Outlander (2014-present)
Outlander is a historical drama television series based on the book series of the same name by author Diana Gabaldon. The show premiered on Starz in the United States in August 2014 and has gained a large and dedicated fan base.
The series follows the story of Claire Randall, a former British Army nurse who is mysteriously transported back in time from 1945 to 1743, where she becomes embroiled in the Jacobite risings. The show explores her experiences and relationships in the 18th century, including her marriage to Jamie Fraser, a young Scotsman.
“Outlander” combines elements of romance, science fiction, and historical fiction. The show has been praised for its production values, storytelling, and the performances of its lead actors, Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall) and Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser). The series has also been recognized for its detailed portrayal of historical events and settings.
Black Sails (2014-2017)
Black Sails is a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island and is set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy. The series was created by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine and was produced by Starz.
The story is centered around Captain James Flint, played by Toby Stephens, and takes place in the lawless pirate haven of New Providence Island in the Bahamas. Flint is a complex and charismatic pirate captain who seeks to establish a utopia for pirates where they can live free from the interference of empires and governments. To achieve this, he forms alliances and navigates the dangerous waters of politics and power struggles.
The series introduces various historical and fictional pirate characters, including John Silver (Luke Arnold), who later becomes the infamous Long John Silver from Treasure Island. Other notable characters include Charles Vane, Anne Bonny, and Jack Rackham, each with their own motivations and storylines.
Black Sails is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and realistic portrayal of pirate life. The show received positive reviews for its storytelling, character development, and action sequences. It combines historical events with fictional elements, creating a gritty and immersive portrayal of the pirate world during that era.
Gaslit (2022)
Gaslit is a political thriller series that explores the infamous Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon in the 1970s. The series is set to focus on the untold stories and perspectives surrounding the scandal, examining the various characters and events that played a role in one of the most significant political controversies in American history.
Sean Penn plays John Mitchell, the Attorney General during Nixon’s presidency who played a central role in the Watergate scandal. Julia Roberts portrays Martha Mitchell, John Mitchell’s wife, who was known for her outspoken and controversial statements that contributed to the unfolding of the scandal.
The term “Gaslit” refers to the manipulation and psychological abuse of someone to make them question their reality. In the context of the Watergate scandal, it could allude to the efforts to distort the truth and manipulate public perception during the investigation.
Blindspotting (2021-2023)
Blindspotting is a television series inspired by the 2018 film of the same name. The TV series is created by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, who also starred in the original film. The series expands on the themes and characters introduced in the movie, offering a deeper exploration of the socio-political issues and relationships within the Oakland, California community.
The original Blindspotting film focused on Collin, a parolee with three days left on his sentence, and the challenges he faces as he witnesses a police shooting. The TV series, on the other hand, broadens its scope to explore the lives of multiple characters, including Ashley, the partner of Collin in the film. The series delves into issues such as race, class, and gentrification, providing a nuanced and often humorous portrayal of life in Oakland.
Power (2014-2020)
Created by Courtney A. Kemp, Power is a crime drama known for its intense portrayal of the New York City underworld, combining elements of crime, drama, and political intrigue. The show received positive reviews for its engaging plot, complex characters, and gritty depiction of the drug trade.
The main storyline revolves around James St. Patrick, also known as “Ghost,” played by Omari Hardwick. Ghost is a wealthy and successful nightclub owner living in New York City. However, his dual life involves running a major drug distribution network. As he attempts to leave the criminal world and focus on legitimate business ventures, various challenges, conflicts, and betrayals arise.
Other key characters include Angela Valdes (Lela Loren), a federal prosecutor with a complicated romantic history with Ghost, and Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora), Ghost’s childhood friend and business partner in the drug trade.
Power explores themes of power, loyalty, crime, and the consequences of one’s actions. The series gained a dedicated fan base and was praised for its suspenseful narrative and well-developed characters. It ran for six seasons, with a total of 63 episodes, concluding in February 2020. It has also spawned a number of spinoff series, including Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Power Book IV: Force, and the upcoming Power Book V: Influence.
Party Down (2009-present)
Created by Rob Thomas, John Enbom, Dan Etheridge, and Paul Rudd, the series is a workplace comedy that revolves around a catering team in Hollywood made up of aspiring actors, writers, and other creative individuals.
The main characters work for the catering company “Party Down,” and each episode typically features them working at a different event, such as weddings, corporate parties, and other social gatherings. As they navigate the challenges of their day jobs, the characters also grapple with their own aspirations and dreams in the entertainment industry.
The core cast includes:
- Adam Scott as Henry Pollard – A failed actor who once had a brief taste of success in a beer commercial.
- Ken Marino as Ron Donald – The team’s often clueless and eccentric team leader.
- Lizzy Caplan as Casey Klein – A sarcastic and ambitious comedian and actress.
- Martin Starr as Roman DeBeers – A cynical and pretentious screenwriter.
- Ryan Hansen as Kyle Bradway – A young and naive actor and model.
- Jane Lynch (in the first season) as Constance Carmell – A fading actress who occasionally works with the catering team.
Party Down is known for its sharp wit, clever writing, and humorous take on the entertainment industry. Despite its critical acclaim, the show had a relatively short run, with three seasons and a total of 26 episodes. While it didn’t achieve high ratings during its original broadcast, it has gained a cult following over the years.
Heels (2021-2023)
Created by Michael Waldron, Heels is centered around the world of professional wrestling and explores the personal and professional lives of those involved in the small-town wrestling promotion.
The series primarily revolves around two brothers, Jack Spade (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig), who are both involved in the wrestling business. Jack is the charismatic and ambitious owner of the Duffy Wrestling League (DWL), a struggling independent wrestling promotion in a small Georgia town. Ace, his younger brother, is a talented and popular in-ring performer trying to make a name for himself.
Heels delves into the complexities of the wrestling industry, exploring the relationships, rivalries, and challenges faced by the characters both inside and outside the ring. It addresses themes such as family dynamics, loyalty, ambition, and the sacrifices necessary for success in the world of professional wrestling.
The Serpent Queen (2022-present)
Developed by Justin Haythe and based on the book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda, The Serpent Queen explores Catherine de’ Medici’s early years, her marriage to Henry II, and the political intrigue and power struggles of the French court during the Renaissance. The show depicts her as a strong and intelligent woman navigating the complexities of court life, including dealing with rival factions, religious conflicts, and personal challenges. It provides a fresh perspective on historical events and figures, offering a dramatized account of Catherine de’ Medici’s life and reign.
Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham (2021-present)
Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham is a travel documentary television series, featuring Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, who are both known for their roles in the popular historical drama series Outlander.
The series follows Sam and Graham as they embark on a road trip across Scotland, exploring the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. The title, “Men in Kilts,” refers to the traditional Scottish garment that both actors often wear during their journey.
Throughout the episodes, Sam and Graham engage in various activities, visit historical sites, participate in Scottish festivals, and interact with locals. The show combines humor, camaraderie, and educational elements as the hosts delve into the diverse aspects of Scottish life, from whisky distilleries to Highland games.
Men in Kilts not only serves as a travelogue but also provides insights into the personal friendship between Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, allowing fans to see a different side of the actors outside of their Outlander roles.
The series was well-received for its entertaining and informative approach to exploring Scotland, and it appealed to both fans of Outlander and those with an interest in Scottish culture and history. Each episode of the show is themed around different aspects of Scottish life, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a 2019 biographical drama film directed by Marielle Heller. The film is based on the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and journalist Tom Junod. The title of the film is inspired by the opening song of Rogers’ TV show.
Tom Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, and Matthew Rhys plays the fictionalized version of Tom Junod, renamed Lloyd Vogel for the film. The story is not a traditional biopic but rather focuses on the impact that Fred Rogers had on the life of Lloyd Vogel, a cynical and emotionally troubled journalist who is assigned to profile Rogers for Esquire magazine.
As Lloyd spends time with Fred Rogers, he gradually undergoes a transformation, discovering the healing power of forgiveness, kindness, and empathy. The film explores themes of love, compassion, and the influence of positive role models in our lives. It depicts the gentle and empathetic nature of Fred Rogers and the profound effect he had on those around him.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Fred Rogers, and for its heartfelt and emotionally resonant storytelling. The film serves as a tribute to the legacy of Mister Rogers and his enduring message of kindness and understanding.
Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood (2019)
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is set in 1969 Los Angeles and features a large ensemble cast. It weaves together multiple storylines and characters, blending real historical events with fictional elements.
The main characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a fading Hollywood actor, and his stunt double and friend Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). The narrative also intersects with the real-life story of actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), who was murdered by followers of Charles Manson in 1969.
As Rick struggles with his declining career in the changing landscape of Hollywood, and Cliff navigates his own challenges, the film captures the atmosphere of the late 1960s. The story culminates in the events surrounding the Manson Family murders, but Tarantino takes creative liberties with the historical facts and provides an alternate ending.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood received critical acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and nostalgic depiction of the Hollywood of the late 1960s. The film also won several awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt) and Best Production Design.
Fantasy Island (2020)
The 2020 movie Fantasy Island is a horror thriller film directed and co-written by Jeff Wadlow. It is loosely based on the 1977–1984 television series of the same name. The film takes a darker and more sinister approach to the original concept, turning it into a horror experience.
The movie follows a group of people who win a contest to visit Fantasy Island, a luxurious and enigmatic resort where Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) promises to make their deepest fantasies come true. Each guest arrives with specific desires, but as their fantasies unfold, they soon realize that what initially seemed like a dream come true turns into a nightmarish reality.
The fantasies take unexpected and twisted turns, revealing the dark and dangerous side of the island. The guests must confront their fears and unravel the mysteries of Fantasy Island in order to survive. The film weaves together horror, suspense, and psychological elements as it explores the consequences of fulfilling one’s deepest desires.
While the 2020 Fantasy Island film maintains some elements of the original series, it introduces a more intense and horror-driven narrative, deviating significantly from the lighthearted and moralistic tone of the TV show. As such, viewers familiar with the classic “Fantasy Island” series should be aware that the movie offers a distinct and darker interpretation of the concept.
