Whitney is too big for the small screen!

 

Whitney Houston's family is PISSED that Lifetime is making a movie about her life ... because they feel Whitney is too big for the small screen.

Lifetime made the announcement earlier this week ... they're planning on a biopic for 2015, with Angela Bassett making her directorial debut.

According to our sources, the Houston estate is so upset they're considering a lawsuit to block production. We're told the family has already expressed displeasure to Lifetime and made it clear they weren't on board with a TV movie.

Sources close to the Houston family tell us the estate is planning its own movie for the big screen -- ala the "This is It'" Michael Jackson flick.

Pat Houston, wouldn't get specific with us but did say, "Whitney is certainly worthy of more than a television movie. If Whitney were here today, this would not be happening."

Lifetime had no comment.