22 December 2020
Playmobil: The Movie (2019)
It’s difficult turning beloved toys into big-screen movies. But not impossible … as German toy brand Playmobil mixes live-action and animation for a fun, light adventure for kids.
It follows teen Marla (Anya Taylor-Joy from The Queen’s Gambit) as she cares for her little brother Charlie (Gabriel Bateman) after their parents die. He has a knack for finding trouble, while she errs on the side of being too serious. Charlie transports them into the Playmobil world after breaking into a museum at night, and the pair must help the Playmobil toys defend themselves against everything from Vikings, to aliens, to dinosaurs!
It didn’t do so well at the box office but that doesn’t mean it’s bad – in fact, the animation is top-notch. The script is a ton of fun, and you’ll hear voices like Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and singers Adam Lambert and Meghan Trainor.
Nell Minow from rogerebert.com says: “It’s not a spoiler to say the message is that we should be open to adventure and play.”
Original African stories by local talent
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream from 30 May on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Made in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in South Africa
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. Stream S3 now, with new episodes every Saturday.
Made in South Africa
Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. Binge-watch Adulting S1-3 now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Chocolate Empire S1
The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, who was recently released from prison, as he rebuilds his life. All the episodes are ready to binge on Showmax.
Made in KenyaFeel the burn in The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
The Mommy Club S3 reunion, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
Bet I Love You (2024)
Financial gain and social status are necessary for Rex, a compulsive gambler, who strives to overcome his addiction and recover squandered funds in a series of humorous situations.
Made in South Africa
Stream all episodes of Married at First Sight Season 1 on Showmax
Binge-watch the whole of Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 1 on Showmax while you wait for Season 2 to land on Mzansi Magic and coming express to Showmax on Sunday, 6 July 2025.
Made in South Africa
The Roast of Helen Zille vs The Mommy Club reunion moments
Here are some of the jaw-dropping quotes and moments from The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille and The Mommy Club S3 reunion, now streaming on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Where to see the cast of Niggies in other roles on Showmax
From Beer Adriaanse as older André Fourie to Erica Wessels as Ousus Nel and Albert Pretorius as Gustaff Fouché, see the cast of kykNET’s hit drama series Niggies in their other acclaimed roles on Showmax.
South African