20th Century Family
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Predecessor | Fox Family Films |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Burbank, California , United States |
| Products | Family-oriented films, hybrid live-action/animation films, animated specials, feature-length TV adaptations |
| Parent | 20th Century Studios (Walt Disney Studios) |
20th Century Family—previously identified as Fox Family or 20th Century Fox Family, and also referred to as 20th Century Studios Family—is a branch of 20th Century Studios established in 2017 that focuses on creating content suitable for family audiences. Its portfolio includes theatrical releases, hybrid productions combining live-action with animation, animated holiday specials derived from existing film franchises, as well as feature-length adaptations of television series.
This division oversees several prominent franchises such as Ice Age, Rio, Night at the Museum, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Anastasia, and Home Alone.
Background
Prior to the formation of its dedicated family unit, 20th Century Animation operated under the name Fox Family Films, one of four subdivisions within 20th Century Fox managed by executive John Matoian. The division’s objective was to produce approximately six feature films each year to boost overall production volume. In 1994, Chris Meledandri, then a senior vice president at Fox, advanced to executive vice president and subsequently took charge of the family-oriented division.
That same year marked the launch of a $100 million animation studio in Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. This facility produced its inaugural feature, Anastasia, within three years. When Matoian transitioned to lead the Fox network in 1994, Meledandri assumed leadership over Fox Family Films.
The division’s live-action slate included titles like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995), Dunston Checks In (1996), and Home Alone 3. However, by 1997, the production of live-action films was scaled back. In 1998, plans were announced for a film adaptation of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps, with Tim Burton attached as producer; nevertheless, this project never came to fruition.
Following the commercial success of Anastasia, Fox Family Films rebranded itself as Fox Animation Studios. This entity was later renamed 20th Century Fox Animation before adopting its current title, 20th Century Animation.
History
On October 30, 2017, Vanessa Morrison was named president of the newly inaugurated Fox Family division, transitioning from her previous role heading 20th Century Fox Animation. This newly formed unit continued the legacy and mission of Fox Family Films and managed projects such as the Bob's Burgers movie alongside existing partnerships with animation companies like Tonko House. After Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in March 2019, the rights for the feature The Dam Keeper reverted back to Tonko House.
In 2020, following Disney’s acquisition and to differentiate from Fox Corporation, the division adopted the name 20th Century Family. On March 12, 2020, Morrison advanced to become president of Streaming at Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. In this capacity, she oversaw live-action content development and production for both Walt Disney Pictures and 20th Century Studios intended for Disney+. Under this banner, Lisa Fragner secured adaptation rights for the 2013 novel Better Nate Than Ever, developing it into a feature film.
In April 2025, Disney revealed plans not to renew its lease agreement with Fox Corporation and announced intentions to exit the Fox Studio Lot in Century City by year-end. Consequently, operations for 20th Century Family will be relocated to Walt Disney Studios situated in Burbank.
Released Films
| # | Title | Release Date | References | Collaborative Production With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home Sweet Home Alone |
| ||
| 2 | Better Nate Than Ever |
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Projects in Development
- The Prom Goer's Interstellar Excursion, developed jointly with Chernin Entertainment
- Paper Lanterns, a hybrid live-action and animated family movie, scripted by Jonny Sun, produced in partnership with Chernin Entertainment
- The Garden, a live-action/CGI musical adaptation inspired by the book of Genesis, co-produced alongside Franklin Entertainment