Movie

What Makes a Family

“Based on the controversial true story”

★ 6.3(23)20012h 0m

What Makes a Family isn't available to stream, rent or buy in Canada right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 21 July 2026.

Where to watch What Makes a Family

🇨🇦 Canada

No streaming, rental or purchase options are listed in Canada right now. Availability changes often — try switching your region in the header.

Streaming in other regions

🇯🇵 JP

Good to know

Director: Maggie Greenwald
Release date: 2001-01-22
Runtime: 2h 0m
Language: English
Status: Released
Country: Canada
Studio: Lifetime

About What Makes a Family

What Makes a Family is a 2001 movie in the Drama and TV Movie genres, directed by Maggie Greenwald, starring Brooke Shields, Cherry Jones and Whoopi Goldberg. It has a runtime of 2 hours 0 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.3/10 from 23 viewers. Below you can see where to watch What Makes a Family in Canada — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Janine and Sandy are a lesbian couple who decide to have a baby, but after a few years Sandy dies. This tragedy is exploited by Sandy's parents to snatch the girl from Janine's care. But then, and despite having the laws against her, Janine decides to fight in order to regain custody of her daughter.

Cast

Brooke Shields

Janine Nielssen

Cherry Jones

Sandy Cataldi

Whoopi Goldberg

Terry Harrison

Anne Meara

Evelyn Cataldi

Al Waxman

Frank Cataldi

Jordy Benattar

Heather Cataldi

Melanie Nicholls-King

Nora

Stewart Arnott

Peter

Jo Vannicola

Melissa

Roberta Maxwell

Claire

Dean McDermott

O'Brien

Sean McCann

Judge Black

Themes & keywords

based on true storyjudicial systemlesbian history

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch What Makes a Family in Canada?+

What Makes a Family is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in Canada. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is What Makes a Family on Netflix?+

What Makes a Family is not on Netflix in Canada right now.

How long is What Makes a Family?+

What Makes a Family has a runtime of 2 hours 0 minutes (120 minutes).

Who stars in What Makes a Family?+

What Makes a Family stars Brooke Shields, Cherry Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Anne Meara and Al Waxman.

When did What Makes a Family come out?+

What Makes a Family is a 2001 movie directed by Maggie Greenwald.

What genre is What Makes a Family?+

What Makes a Family is Drama and TV Movie film.

Who directed What Makes a Family?+

What Makes a Family was directed by Maggie Greenwald.