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.

Juror #2 (2024)

A juror in a murder trial struggles with a moral dilemma as he hides a secret that could sway the verdict in this compelling courtroom drama.

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.

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

Looking for something lighter?

Inside ‘Adam to Eve’: Filmmaker Alex Konstantaras on His Bold New Showmax Dramedy

Discover how filmmaker Alex Konstantaras flipped the script on gender roles in the new Showmax dramedy Adam to Eve in this exclusive interview.

FirstMade in Kenya

Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town

Nathan Caine stars in the US box office hit Novocaine, shot in SA and premiering this Sunday at 8PM on M-Net and on Showmax from 1 December.

Bel-Air S1-4

A dramatic and gritty re-imagining of Will Smith's iconic hit sitcom about a street-smart teen who moves from west Philadelphia to Bel-Air.

First

Blessing Lungaho, Celestine Gachuhi & Marya Okoth star in gender swap dramedy Adam to Eve

A hilarious gender swap dramedy starring Blessing Lungaho, Marya Okoth, Ellah Maina & Celestine Gachuhi.

OriginalMade in Kenya

Mariam Timmer on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa on Showmax

Mariam Timmer talks authenticity and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Mariam Timmer opens up about sisterhood and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, premiering 28 November 2025 on Showmax.

Original Nigeria

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch

Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.

Original South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa and her return to reality TV

Madam Evodia talks about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and her big return to reality TV. Landing 28 November on Showmax.

Original South Africa

What to watch on Showmax in December 2025

From the supernatural thriller Masinga - The Calling to the final Mission: Impossible, your festive watchlist is ready.

These shows are out of this world

Inside ‘Adam to Eve’: Filmmaker Alex Konstantaras on His Bold New Showmax Dramedy

Discover how filmmaker Alex Konstantaras flipped the script on gender roles in the new Showmax dramedy Adam to Eve in this exclusive interview.

FirstMade in Kenya

Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town

Nathan Caine stars in the US box office hit Novocaine, shot in SA and premiering this Sunday at 8PM on M-Net and on Showmax from 1 December.

Bel-Air S1-4

A dramatic and gritty re-imagining of Will Smith's iconic hit sitcom about a street-smart teen who moves from west Philadelphia to Bel-Air.

First

Blessing Lungaho, Celestine Gachuhi & Marya Okoth star in gender swap dramedy Adam to Eve

A hilarious gender swap dramedy starring Blessing Lungaho, Marya Okoth, Ellah Maina & Celestine Gachuhi.

OriginalMade in Kenya

Mariam Timmer talks authenticity and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Mariam Timmer opens up about sisterhood and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, premiering 28 November 2025 on Showmax.

Original Nigeria

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch

Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa and her return to reality TV

Madam Evodia talks about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and her big return to reality TV. Landing 28 November on Showmax.

Original South Africa

What to watch on Showmax in December 2025

From the supernatural thriller Masinga - The Calling to the final Mission: Impossible, your festive watchlist is ready.

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 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.

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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