29 June 2023
The Bad Guys (2022)
The 17th biggest blockbuster of 2022, The Bad Guys follows a gang of notorious animal criminals pretending to seek rehabilitation in a bid to avoid prison … only for their leader to secretly find that he genuinely wants to change his ways.
Directed by Annie Award winner Pierre Perifel (Kung Fu Panda 2), The Bad Guys has an 88% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the Guardian saying: “This is Tarantino for ankle-biters with a bit of Ocean’s 11 thrown in: funny, energetic and just smart enough.” Common Sense Media gives it a 4/5-star rating, recommending it for ages 6+ and saying it’s “so fun, it’s criminal.”
The movie boasts an all-star voice cast including the likes of Oscar winner Sam Rockwell (Jojo Rabbit), Golden Globe winner Awkwafina (Raya and the Last Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians), Emmy winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Emmy nominees Anthony Ramos (In the Heights, Hamilton), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), and Critics Choice Award nominee Marc Maron (Super Pets, GLOW).
The Bad Guys won the 2023 Annie Award for Outstanding Character Design, with a further four nominations. Zazie Beetz was nominated for a 2023 Black Reel Award for her Outstanding Voice Performance (as Diane Foxington aka The Crimson Paw), while Awkwafina was up for Favorite Voice From an Animated Movie (as Tarantula) at the 2023 Kids Choice Awards, where the film was also up for Favourite Animated Movie.
Original African stories by local talent
Vaal Riviera
Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Stream from 22 August, with new episodes on Tuesdays.
Made in South Africa
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.
Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
Made in Kenya
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, 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 AfricaMeet football's biggest superhero Jay Jay: The Chosen One
Watch Combat Wombat on Showmax
More enthralling movies to stream
Here, and 15 more great movies to cry about
Whether you’re looking to shed happy tears or shed part of your soul, we have movies centred on love in all its forms to help you, starting with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s Here.
The best kids’ shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in June/July 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.
Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.
Twisters and 5 other man-versus-nature nail biters
Tornado alert! A category F5 spin on the blockbuster 1996 movie Twister has just touched ground to sweep us up in the terrifying power of nature. Find out about how it was made, and what to watch next.