Best action movies and series on Showmax
Can’t get enough of car chases and fight scenes? We’ve trawled through the entire Showmax catalogue to pick our favourite hard-hitting action movies and series. Travel from war zones to outer space in this action-packed selection.
From gripping heists to the relentless pursuit for justice, heart-stopping hand-to-hand (or sword-to-sword) combat, war zone terror, high-stakes shootouts and the bloody quest for revenge, this curated selection of action-packed series and movies is sure to satisfy your craving for non-stop excitement.
Don’t see anything you like? Browse all series and movies on Showmax here.
Silent Night (2023)
Joel Kinnaman drives this powerful action movie. A grieving father enacts his long-awaited revenge against a ruthless gang on Christmas Eve
The Beekeeper (2024)
A former operative of a powerful and clandestine organisation known as Beekeepers is on a brutal campaign for vengeance.
The Old Way (2023)
An old retired gunslinger’s past catches up with him when the son of a man he murdered years ago returns to take revenge.
Expend4bles (2023)
In the fourth instalment of the action-packed franchise, Stallone and Statham return with new recruits to face off against an arms dealer.
Special Ops: Lioness S1
This pulsating espionage drama, led by Zoe Saldaña and a stellar cast, is based on the true story of the agents at the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror.
Fast Charlie (2023)
Charlie is a fixer with a problem: the thug he whacked is missing his head, and Charlie will only be paid if the body can be identified.
Retribution (2023)
In this action thriller, a bank executive receives a bomb threat while driving his children to school – his car will explode if they exit.
Assassin (2023)
South African star Nomzamo Mbatha stars alongside Bruce Willis in this sci-fi action thriller about a widow on a mission for vengeance.
Justice League: Warworld (2023)
An action-packed fantasy animation. Transported to a place of unending brutal gladiatorial combat, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman must form a resistance and lead the planet to freedom.
The Flash (2023)
Ezra Miller breaks time and space in this superhero epic. Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family has unforeseen circumstances.
Supercell (2023)
A teenage boy runs away to follow his father’s footsteps, legendary storm chaser Bill Brody in this action movie.
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Denzel Washington takes his uniquely brutal brand of justice to Italy in this third and final chapter of The Equalizer movies.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves S1
The story of Bass Reeves, a slave who became the first Black US Marshal in the American West in the late 1800s.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023)
Ethan Hunt and his team face their most dangerous mission yet: to track down a terrifying new weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.
Gran Turismo (2023)
An avid gamer has his dream come true by becoming a professional race car driver. Directed by Neill Blomkamp and starring Archie Madekwe.
Heels S2
Two brothers and rivals, one the “heel“ and the other a “face,“ war over their late father’s wrestling promotion.
65 (2023)
After a catastrophic crash on a mysterious, unknown planet, an astronaut quickly discovers he’s not alone.
Fast X (2023)
The 10th instalment of this internationally acclaimed blockbuster action franchise. Dom and his family confront their most lethal opponent yet: a terrifying threat from the shadows of the past.
The Diplomat
Laura Simmonds and her Barcelona Consul colleague and friend Alba Ortiz fight to protect British nationals who find themselves in trouble in the Catalan city.
Plane (2022)
A pilot saves his passengers from a storm by landing on a war-torn island, putting all of them in the path of dangerous rebels.
Want something with a different kind of action?
7 edgy R-rated movies and series for adults only
Looking for a winter warmer? Here are seven sets of adults-only, NSFW series and movies on Showmax that’ll hit the hot button.
Fellow Travelers S1
Follow the decades-long chronicle of the risky, volatile and steamy relationship between the charismatic and ambitious Hawk and the pious and idealistic Tim, who fall in love at the height of the 1950s Lavender Scare.
Babylon (2022)
An ensemble cast drives this black comedy-drama set during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.
Koek S1
A despondent housewife, convinced her husband is having an affair, is inadvertently thrust into the underbelly of a crime syndicate.
Made in South Africa
Wyfie S1
An edgy, youthful and urban Afrikaans drama that follows four friends as they navigate the complicated world of university life.
Made in South Africa
Magic Mike’s Last Dance (2023)
In the final movie in the hit franchise, Mike is bartending after a setback – until he meets a wealthy socialite with a lifetime deal.
Adulting S2
Adulting follows four varsity friends on their journey to find love and success in modern-day South Africa. New episodes land on Mondays on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
And Just Like That S2
Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Nicole Ari Parker reprise their iconic roles in this mini-series about their new chapter.
Eye-opening documentaries to stream
Must watch trailer: true-crime doccie Dark Side of Glory
Watch the explosive first trailers for Dark Side of Glory, a true crime documentary about the shocking cases of murder in the world of sport. Premieres 31 July on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Endangered (2022)
An in-depth look at a year in the life of four journalists reporting inside Mexico, Brazil and the United States, three democratic nations where the view of the press is rapidly deteriorating.
Through the storm in Ukuwela: The Crossing
Documentary Ukuwela: The Crossing goes inside how crew from Cape Town’s townships ruled the waves at the 2023 Cape2Rio yacht race. Now read more about skipper Sibusiso Sizatu and the Alexforbes ArchAngel crew.
Made in South Africa
Ukuwela: The Crossing
An inspiring story following Sibusiso Sizatu’s journey from a carefree herd boy to leading his crew on a gruelling Cape to Rio yacht race – the longest continent-to-continent race in the southern hemisphere
Made in South Africa
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.
Made in South Africa
School Ties
This is a hard-hitting and pertinent four-part docuseries that explores grooming and sexual abuse by sports coaches at South Africa’s elite boys’ schools.
Made in South Africa
The Anarchists
A community of anarchists emigrate to Mexico to evade the powers of nations and banks. As the movement grows, the community is derailed by wealth, conflict, drugs and murder.
Showmax set to release gripping new football documentary Shine
The brand-new African football documentary Shine releases on Showmax this Friday, 5 July 2024, directed by acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker nora Awolowo.
Showmax Originals you'll love
Empini Season 1 Episodes 19-20 recap: Shocking revelations and hidden agendas
In episodes 19-20 of Empini, Ndoni finally confides in her mother and the future of MPS’s leadership is in question as Khaya’s will is read. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season 1 Episode 2 recap: Putting on a show
Ina and Madison go skating, the queens discuss how they came out as drag artists, and Manila puts on an epic show in Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season 1, episode 2.
Made in South Africa
Born into Fame S1: Shamiso confronts sincerity doubts and sets boundaries
In episode 6 of Born Into Fame S1, Shamiso confronts sincerity and sets her boundaries with Robbie. New episodes every Wednesday on Showmax.
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Die Ondernemers
Die Ondernemers follows three entrepreneurs in the funeral business. Stream from 5 August, with new episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa