Editor's choice for documentaries
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
7 documentaries about the secret lives of people you’ll probably never meet
Discover 7 documentaries from Kenya, Nigeria and the world at large about amazing people you may never meet.
The best international documentaries on Showmax right now
Be informed and entertained by our pick of the top documentaries streaming right now – from HBO’s 100 Foot Wave to Subjects of Desire.
South African true-crime documentary series to stream
It’s all too easy to get swept up in the emotional drama of a sensational court case. These true-crime series offer a fresh perspective with all the facts.
Made in South Africa
Love sport documentaries? Check these out.
The Fastest Woman on Earth (2022)
A fascinating and tragic documentary about Jessi Combs, a professional racer and TV personality who set out to break new records in racing.
Williams Sisters (2023)
Dominating the game of tennis for over three decades, winning every title imaginable – follow Serena and Venus’s journey in this biographical documentary.
Schumacher & Schumacher (2023)
F1 champion Michael Schumacher won 91 Grand Prix races. But in 2013, he vanished. Find out more in documentary Schumacher & Schumacher.
Down: A Comrades Story (2023)
The documentary from the Chasing the Sun team celebrating 100 years of the world’s greatest ultramarathon is now streaming on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Unstoppable: The Rebecca Nagel Story (2022)
Discover the inspiring story of the South African paraplegic CrossFit champ and record-making half-marathon trail competitor.
South African
Against All Odds: The Alwyn Uys Story (2022)
An awe-inspiring documentary about Springbok hopeful Alwyn Uys, and how he overcame a paralysing accident to make a record-breaking swim.
Made in South Africa
Rassie (2022)
Rassie: The Official Film offers insight into Erasmus’ family background, life and career and features interviews with the likes of Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi.
Two Sides
This compelling SuperSport documentary gives an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the British & Irish Lions rugby tour to South Africa.
Light entertainment to binge-watch
The Bay S4
Marsha Thomason steps into the lead in Season 3 as DS Jenn Townsend, who investigates the death of a promising young boxer.
DiepCity S1-2
Telenovela DiepCity S2 follows disillusioned young women who were forced into crime while in high school to make ends meet.
Made in South Africa
The Best Man: The Final Chapters
Based on the films, The Best Man: The Final Chapters catches up with Harper, Robyn, Jordan, Lance, Quentin, Shelby, Candace, and Murch.
Love Island USA S5
The American version of the hit show moves the action to Las Vegas, but the premise remains: the most beloved couple will sashay away with $100 000.
A Black Lady Sketch Show S1-4
Celebrities including Wanda Sykes and Vanessa Williams join the regular cast of four black female comedians in a series of hilarious sketches.
A Million Little Things S5
“A Million Little Things is …as if you were snuggling up with a warm blanket, eating comfort food, and spending time with beloved friends.”
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S2
Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.
Love Downton Abbey? These series should be on your watchlist
Travel back in time with these historical dramas, all packed with family scandals, dirty secrets and skeletons in the closet.
Unfollowed: Placing social media on trial
The Fastest Woman on Earth: Dying to win
Made by Showmax, just for you
“Showmax changed my life”- Lehlohonolo Mayeza of Outlaws
Mosotho actor Lehlohonolo Mayeza talks about his breakout role as Leruo Ts’eole in the Showmax Original Outlaws, and how it has changed his life. New episodes land Wednesday.
South African
Outlaws episodes 5-6 recap: “The heart wants what it wants”
In Outlaws Season 1 episodes 5-6, Leruo and Sihle’s love blossoms, while the body count in the war between the Zulus and the Basotho continues to rise.
Made in South Africa
“This interview is going to get me in s**t” – Zoe Mthiyane on Unfollowed
In episode 5 of Unfollowed S1, Generations: The Legacy actress Zoe Mthiyane speaks to host Thembekile Mrototo about Lebo M, Robert Marawa, Rapulana Seiphemo and more. New episodes land Wednesdays on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Watch the trailer for Boetie Boer: Inside The Mind Of A Monster
See the chilling first trailer for the Showmax Original true-crime series Boetie Boer: Inside the Mind of a Monster, coming 18 October 2023.
Made in South Africa