South African cinema offers a rich and diverse collection of films that tell powerful stories, showcase vibrant cultures, and provide deep insights into the country’s history and present.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for something new to watch, these top 10 South African movies are a must-see.
Dive into this list and discover the magic of South African storytelling.
1. Tsotsi (2005)
Rating: PG-17
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Afrikaans
Director: Gavin Hood
Producer: Peter Fudakowski
Writer: Gavin Hood
Release Date (Streaming): July 18, 2006
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.9 million
A Tale of Redemption in the Heart of Johannesburg directed by Gavin Hood, “Tsotsi” is an Oscar-winning film that captures the gritty life of a young gang leader in Johannesburg. This film beautifully explores themes of crime, poverty, and redemption, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in South African cinema.
SUMMARY: Tsotsi (Presley Chweneyagae) is a South African hoodlum. He leads his gang in prowling Johannesburg streets. Tsotsi shoots a woman and steals her car. He discovers a baby in the back seat and takes it home. Raising the child softens the gang’s hearts and makes them change their ways.
2. District 9 (2009)
Rating: PG-18
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Producer: Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham
Writer: Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell
Release Date (Theaters): August 14, 2009
Release Date (Streaming): December 22, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $115.6 million
Science Fiction with a Social Conscience “District 9,” directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a unique blend of science fiction and social commentary. Set in a dystopian future, this film tackles issues of xenophobia and segregation, reflecting South Africa’s apartheid history in a thought-provoking way.
SUMMARY: District 9 explores social segregation, humanity, and xenophobia themes. The film received numerous accolades, including 52 nominations, 4 Oscar Nominations and 14 wins overall. The story is set in 1982 when an alien water vessel appears in Johannesburg. The government confines the sick and malnourished insect-like creatures discovered on the ship to District 9 (an internment camp).
3. Invictus (2009)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Director: Clint Eastwood
Producers: Clint Eastwood, Lori McCreary, Robert Lorenz, Mace Neufeld
Writer: Anthony Peckham
Release Date (Theaters): December 11, 2009
Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.5 million
A Sports Drama That Unites a Nation “Invictus,” directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite a divided South Africa. Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, this film is a moving portrayal of leadership, hope, and reconciliation.
SUMMARY: The Invictus was inspired by true events. The newly elected President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) strives to unite the economically and racially divided Mzansi through sports. He partners with the national rugby team captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to unite the country ahead of the 1995 World Cup Championship.
4. Yesterday (2004)
A Heart-Wrenching Story of Love and Survival Directed by Darrell Roodt, “Yesterday” is a touching drama about a rural South African woman diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The film’s emotional depth and portrayal of the struggles faced by many South Africans make it an unforgettable viewing experience.
5. Life, Above All (2010)
A Courageous Girl’s Fight Against Stigma “Life, Above All,” directed by Oliver Schmitz, is a powerful film about a young girl’s struggle to protect her family in the face of social stigma. The film’s heartfelt narrative and compelling performances make it a standout in South African cinema.
6. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Director: Justin Chadwick
Producers: Anant Singh, David M. Thompson
Writer: William Nicholson
Release Date (Theaters): December 25, 2013
Release Date (Streaming): March 18, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.3 million
The Epic Story of a Global Icon. This biographical film, directed by Justin Chadwick, chronicles the life of Nelson Mandela, from his early years to his presidency. “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” offers a comprehensive and inspiring look at one of the most influential figures in history.
SUMMARY: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a remarkable film about Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) bringing a historic revolution in South Africa. The film showcases Mandela rising from bring a herds boy in a rural village to an anti-apartheid activist. He is imprisoned on Robben Island from 1964 to 1990 after co-founding the African National Congress Youth League. The film also shows Mandela becoming the fist president of the democratic South Africa in 1994.
7. The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: Afrikaans
Director: Jamie Uys
Producer: Jamie Uys
Writer: Jamie Uys
Release Date (Theaters): August 28, 1981
Release Date (Streaming): January 1, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $30.0 million
A Hilarious Journey into the Wilderness directed by Jamie Uys, “The Gods Must Be Crazy” is a classic South African comedy that became a global sensation. The film’s quirky plot about a Coke bottle that disrupts a peaceful tribe is both entertaining and insightful, offering a humorous take on modern civilization.
SUMMARY: When villagers in a remote African desert fight over a strange object (a Coca-Cola bottle) that fell from a plane, the community’s leader Xi (N!xau) decides to take it back to the gods to restore peace. N!xau meets a scientist (Marius Weyers) on his way to “the end of the world.” The two save a schoolteacher (Sandra Prinsloo) and her class from guerrillas taking them hostage.
8. Sarafina! (1992)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Musical, Drama
Original Language: English
Director: Darrell James Roodt
Producer: Anant Singh, David M. Thompson
Writers: Mbongeni Ngema, William Nicholson
Release Date (Theaters): September 11, 1992
Release Date (Streaming): June 4, 2002
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.3 million
The Soundtrack of a Revolution “Sarafina!” directed by Darrell Roodt, is a musical drama that captures the spirit of the anti-apartheid struggle. With powerful performances and a memorable soundtrack, this film is a celebration of resilience and the fight for freedom.
SUMMARY: Sarafina can never be left out on any South African best movies list. The movie is about Black students opposing the government’s directive for schools to use Afrikaans as the official teaching language. Teacher Mary Masombuka (Whoopi Goldberg) encourages student Sarafina (Leleti Khumalo) to lead her schoolmates into opposing the racist government.
9. Inxeba (The Wound) (2017)
A Bold Exploration of Identity and Tradition Directed by John Trengove, “Inxeba” is a controversial yet critically acclaimed film that explores themes of masculinity, sexuality, and cultural tradition in South Africa. The film’s raw and intense storytelling makes it a significant contribution to modern South African cinema.
10. Spud (2010)
A Coming-of-Age Comedy with Heart “Spud,” directed by Donovan Marsh, is a light-hearted comedy-drama based on the popular novel by John van de Ruit. Set in a prestigious boarding school, the film follows a young boy’s humorous and poignant journey through adolescence.
These 10 South African movies offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the nation’s culture, history, and contemporary issues.
Whether you’re looking for drama, comedy, or thought-provoking stories, this list has something for everyone. Start watching and let these films transport you to the heart of South Africa.
