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.

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.

OriginalMade in South Africa

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.

First

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.

Made in South Africa

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.

Made in South Africa

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.

First

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.

Made in South Africa

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.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Power Book III: Raising Kanan S4 on Showmax

Power Book III: Raising Kanan S1-4

Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.

First

Looking for something lighter?

St Denis Medical S1

"The Office" meets "Scrubs" in this wacky medical comedy that follows an eclectic group of underfunded yet dedicated doctors and nurses trying to hold an Oregon hospital together.

17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency

From St. Denis Medical to New Amsterdam to House, these compelling medical shows are all streaming on Showmax.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim on Showmax

10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day

Get drawn into comedy, drama and fantasy where, if you can imagine it, you can bring it to life – from The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime, to The Wild Robot.

Die Stories van Afrikaans S1

More than 100 voices and rich archival material tell the stories that have shaped Afrikaans over four centuries.

Made in South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Annie Mthembu talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her return to reality TV and more. Catch the premiere on 28 November on Showmax, with new episodes every week.

Original South Africa

What to watch on Showmax in November 2025

Summer's hotting up and so is the entertainment on Showmax. Here's what's new on Showmax in November 2025.

Catch all the thrilling action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?

A thrilling line-up of games await football fans in the Premier League this weekend. Catch all the action live on Showmax Premier League.

LiveMade in South Africa

Catch Brentford v Liverpool, live on Showmax Premier League, on Saturday, 25 October at 9pm

Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back

Conor Bradley opens up on LFC's recent struggles. Catch the Reds in action against Brentford live on Saturday at 9pm on Showmax Premier League.

LiveMade in South Africa

These shows are out of this world

St Denis Medical S1

"The Office" meets "Scrubs" in this wacky medical comedy that follows an eclectic group of underfunded yet dedicated doctors and nurses trying to hold an Oregon hospital together.

17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency

From St. Denis Medical to New Amsterdam to House, these compelling medical shows are all streaming on Showmax.

10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day

Get drawn into comedy, drama and fantasy where, if you can imagine it, you can bring it to life – from The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime, to The Wild Robot.

Die Stories van Afrikaans S1

More than 100 voices and rich archival material tell the stories that have shaped Afrikaans over four centuries.

Made in South Africa

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Annie Mthembu talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her return to reality TV and more. Catch the premiere on 28 November on Showmax, with new episodes every week.

Original South Africa

What to watch on Showmax in November 2025

Summer's hotting up and so is the entertainment on Showmax. Here's what's new on Showmax in November 2025.

Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?

A thrilling line-up of games await football fans in the Premier League this weekend. Catch all the action live on Showmax Premier League.

LiveMade in South Africa

Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back

Conor Bradley opens up on LFC's recent struggles. Catch the Reds in action against Brentford live on Saturday at 9pm on Showmax Premier League.

LiveMade in South Africa

Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa

Jerrod Carmichael Don't Be Gay on Showmax

Jerrod Carmichael: Don't Be Gay (2025)

Critically acclaimed comedian Jerrod Carmichael shares his observations on living as a Black gay man with a white boyfriend.

First

Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love is on Showmax

Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love (2023)

Filmed in Boston, Emmy-winning comedian Sarah Silverman returns with her second comedy special for HBO since 2013.

Stream the biggest 2025 Emmy winners on Showmax

The Pitt, Hacks and Somebody Somewhere are among the stand-outs of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards - all available to stream on Showmax.

Is HBO’s Task “the best crime thriller of the year”?

Brad Ingelsby talks Task, HBO’s gritty crime thriller with Mark Ruffalo and Thuso Mbedu. New episodes Mondays on Showmax, express from the US.

First

Latest Stories

What to watch on Showmax in November 2025

Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?

Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back

Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Bafana Bafana live on Showmax Premier League

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex

Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax

Catch the fiery battle between Chelsea and Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special

South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations

What to watch on Showmax in October 2025

Catch Newcastle v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 28 September at 17:30

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Catch the blockbuster Premier League weekend live on Showmax Premier League.

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Gerard Butler as 'Big Nick' O'Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Panthera. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Lunathi Mampofu in Levels Season 1 on Mzansi Magic

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax

Catch the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham live on Showmax Premier League.

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Catch the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch, live on Showmax Premier League.

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Catch the Manchester Derby live on Showmax Premier League.

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Never miss a beat

Stars we love