The best thrillers to watch online

Some adrenaline junkies jump out of planes to get their fix. Others, they just need to put on a top quality thriller and that’ll do the trick! If you want to watch thrillers online rather than getting your heart pounding IRL, Showmax has a great selection of thriller series and movies! Take a look at some below.

Strap in for pulse-pounding suspense, heart-stopping twists, and nail-biting tension as you immerse yourself in the captivating world of thrilling entertainment.

Caddo Lake (2024)

When a girl disappears on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, altering a broken family's history.

Dexter: Original Sin S1

The prequel series to the multi-award-winning show follows young Dexter Morgan, who is about to become everyone's favourite vigilante serial killer.

Trap (2024)

In this tense M Night Shyamalan thriller, a father takes his daughter to a live show by her favourite artist as a treat ... but all is not as it seems.

Magpie (2024)

Secret desires and lies threaten a couple's marriage in this thriller. Their relationship begins to fracture when their daughter gets a role alongside a glamorous movie star.

Speak No Evil (2024)

James McAvoy leads this intense, disturbing psychological horror about a family spending a weekend at a country house. Things take a turn when the host family's evil side is uncovered.

Insomnia S1

Emma fears losing her mind after suffering from sleep deprivation two weeks before turning 40. Only by confronting her past can she find the answers.

Your Lucky Day (2023)

The late Angus Cloud (Euphoria) drives this gritty, tension-filled heist thriller about a dispute over a winning lottery ticket.

Eileen (2023)

In this period thriller, a woman working at a prison has her dull life change when she befriends the new prison counsellor.

Looking for something lighter?

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.

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Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office

Albert Pretorius takes on the iconic boss role in Die Kantoor. The first episodes land on Showmax on Tuesday, 20 January, with new episodes weekly.

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The Mindy Project S1-6

Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.

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Smurfs (2025)

When Papa Smurf is abducted by the evil wizard siblings, Smurfette and the other Smurfs travel to the real world to rescue him.

It's Florida, Man S1-2

This outrageous HBO comedy is a love letter to the beaches, backwaters and people of a misunderstood yet magical American state.

First

Want shows for adults only?

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office

Albert Pretorius takes on the iconic boss role in Die Kantoor. The first episodes land on Showmax on Tuesday, 20 January, with new episodes weekly.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Mindy Project S1-6

Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.

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Stream The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa, Vaal Riviera, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa's best reality shows on Showmax.

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Original

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S14-15

The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.

First

Smurfs (2025)

When Papa Smurf is abducted by the evil wizard siblings, Smurfette and the other Smurfs travel to the real world to rescue him.

It's Florida, Man S1-2

This outrageous HBO comedy is a love letter to the beaches, backwaters and people of a misunderstood yet magical American state.

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The Mindy Project S1-6

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S3

Venture into the unknown with Captain Pike, Spock, Number One and the USS Enterprise crew a decade before Captain Kirk's legendary five-year mission.

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Destination X S1

Ten contestants embark on a mysterious road trip, aboard a blacked-out bus, and must complete challenges, earn clues and try to locate Destination X.

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