The best drama series and movies to stream on Showmax

These tearjerking drama series and movies will bring on all the feels - stream them all on Showmax, but be sure to keep the tissues handy, and bring along your nerves of steel.

We’ve got heart-pounding crime dramas, psychological thrillers where we know things aren’t all going to be okay, romantic dramas that clutch at our hearts, and devastating stories that unfold in emergency rooms, on the streets, in troubled homes and in workplaces of all kinds.

Last Breath (2025)

Woody Harrelson and Simu are in a race against time in this thrilling true story that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew.

A still from Finding Optel showing Claire looking through binoculars

Finding Optel (2024)

A whimsical detective story. Claire Abrahams is a teenager who finds her quirky neighbourhood's lost things. When the community's beloved stray dog goes missing, Claire is determined to find her.

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September 5 (2025)

This Oscar-nominated retelling of a historical tragedy follows the sports broadcasting crew that captured the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis.

Conclave (2024)

Secrets, drama, power, and faith collide when the Pope dies, leaving Cardinal Lawrence with the task of organising the conclave to elect a new Pope.

The Brutalist (2024)

Adrien Brody delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this period drama about a visionary architect who meets a wealthy client who changes his life.

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White Bird (2023)

In the sequel to Wonder (2017), former bully Julian is struggling at his new school, until a visit from his grandmother offers perspective.

Thabo Bopape as Mambo Mugodo, Makoma Mohale as Queen Modjadji, and Masutang Rasekele as Dzungundini

Queen Modjadji S1

Queen Modjadji tells the story of a matriarchal dynasty with the ability to summon the rain. Binge every episode on Showmax.

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Rob Peace (2024)

An underprivileged, gifted young Black man reaches Yale University, only for past injustices to threaten his future, in this emotional drama based on a true story.

Matlock S1

Retired 70-year-old Madeline Matlock rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her wily tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing in this hit reboot.

Better Man (2024)

This Oscar-nominated unusual biopic tells the tale of pop superstar Robbie Williams's pursuit of money, fame and acceptance.

Here (2024)

Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright are reunited for this quirky yet emotional drama. Follow the lives of multiple generations who have lived in the same home over a century.

Code 13 S1

In the gritty heart of Johannesburg, a hard-edged police unit scrambles to recapture classified escaped prisoners before anyone finds out.

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We Live In Time (2024)

An emotional and unconventional love story led by Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. Almut and Tobias meet, fall in love and start a family, but their love is tested by cancer.

Am I OK? (2024)

In this queer comedy-drama about self-discovery and friendship, a woman in her 30s navigates coming out and her lifelong friend's impending move to London.

Mary & George S1

Mary Villiers moulds her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I, intending to gain riches and influence through outrageous schemes.

Goodrich (2024)

Andy Goodrich needs help raising his kids after his wife checks into rehab - so he leans on his daughter from his first marriage in this bittersweet family drama.

Doc S1

A powerful medical drama based on an incredible true story. Dr. Amy Larsen (Molly Parker) loses her memory during a car accident and must return to being an intern as she rebuilds her life.

Mountainhead (2025)

Succession creator Jesse Armstrong delivers a star-studded satire about a group of super-rich tech gurus who meet for a boys' trip as an international crisis unfolds.

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Summertide S1

An exhilarating South African multi-generational drama following the Field family and those who cross their paths - each with their own secrets and desires.

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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.

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Looking for something lighter?

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor's life story is one of miracles and staggering perseverance, beginning in a setting of abject poverty that few can comprehend.

From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals

Emmanuel Adebayor's life story is one of miracles and staggering perseverance, beginning in abject poverty that few can comprehend.

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The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more

Christall Kay shares what to expect on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, landing 28 November on Showmax and 6 December on Mzansi Magic.

Original South Africa

You Were My First Boyfriend is on Showmax

You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)

In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1

This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.

Stand Up and Shout: Songs from a Philly High School is on Showmax

Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)

This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.

“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War

Nikki Comninos talks about directing the raw and haunting documentary series Unspoken War, now streaming on Showmax.

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Unspoken War

The South African Border War left broken nations and haunted lives. Unspoken War reveals the hidden cost of the conflict.

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Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens

Reney Bouwer opens up about the glamour, pain, and truth behind life as a slay queen. Stream Slay Queens now on Showmax, with new episodes on Fridays.

Original South Africa

These shows are out of this world

From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals

Emmanuel Adebayor's life story is one of miracles and staggering perseverance, beginning in abject poverty that few can comprehend.

LiveMade in South Africa

Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more

Christall Kay shares what to expect on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, landing 28 November on Showmax and 6 December on Mzansi Magic.

Original South Africa

You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)

In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1

This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.

Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)

This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.

“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War

Nikki Comninos talks about directing the raw and haunting documentary series Unspoken War, now streaming on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Unspoken War

The South African Border War left broken nations and haunted lives. Unspoken War reveals the hidden cost of the conflict.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens

Reney Bouwer opens up about the glamour, pain, and truth behind life as a slay queen. Stream Slay Queens now on Showmax, with new episodes on Fridays.

Original South Africa

Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1

This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.

Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)

This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.

The Insurrectionist Next Door on Showmax

The Insurrectionist Next Door (2023)

An intriguing and insightful documentary that focuses on the individuals who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

No Accident (2023)

A lawsuit followed the deadly Charlottesville rally, targeting white nationalist leaders. Who were the conspirators? And were they held accountable?

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