It’s hard to argue with the place of Nollywood as the king of cinema on the African continent.
But let’s be real, this is hardly a reason to limit yourself to one region, especially when you’ve got a whole continent of incredible stories at your fingertips. On Netflix, there’s been a steady influx of movies and TV series from the continent that are not from Nollywood and are certainly worth your salt.
From heartwarming dramas and enthralling mysteries to cheesy comedies and action-packed thrillers, this list has something for everyone. So grab your popcorn, get cosy, and dive into the very best African cinema.
These are the 20 best movies and TV shows currently streaming on Netflix this October:
Movies
Smart Casuals (2024)
Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, Smart Casuals follows two couples. One pair tries to build a life together, while the other struggles with the illusion of love. The romantic drama has a cast that includes Anga Makubalo (Jiva), Angela Sithole (Savage Beauty), and the popular dancer, Kudzai Mureriwa.
A Soweto Love Story (2024)
This South African romantic comedy follows a desperate mom who promises her house to the first person to marry among her three sons. This film is giving, the last person to marry is a fool. The cast includes Lunga Shabalala, Didintle Khunou and Ray Neo Buso.
A Stand Worthy of Men (2021)
This Egyptian comedic film, also known as Waafet Regala, is about a group of separated friends who band together to comfort and help a friend going through a complex situation sparked by his wife’s death. The film stars Egyptian veteran actors like Sherif Desouky, Bayoumi Fouad, Sayed Ragab and Maged el-Kedwany.
The Burial of Kojo (2018)
A young girl begins to see visions while trying to save her dying dad. This is based on a folklore deeply rooted in metaphysics, family and Ghanaian culture. It features Ama K. Abebrese, Joseph Otsiman and Cynthia Dankwa.
Atlantics (2019)
Though Ada (Mame Bineta Sane) is in love with Souleiman (Ibrahima Traore), she’s betrothed to a rich guy called Omar (Babacar Sylla). Ada becomes a murder suspect after Omar dies on their wedding day. This is a good Senegalese film that we highly recommend.
Cook Off (2017)
In this Zimbabwean romantic comedy, a single mom (Tendaiishe Chitima) chases her dream to become a top chef after her son (Eugene Zimbudzi) secretly registers her for a reality TV cooking show. Apart from being the first Zimbabwean film on Netflix, it’s the first Zimbabwean film to be released after 40 years of Robert Mugabe’s presidency.
Angeliena (2022)
A popular parking attendant tries to fulfil her dream of globetrotting after she gets diagnosed with an illness. Thapelo Mokoena, Euodia Samson, Tshamano Sebe all feature in this South African comedy.
Can You See Us (2023)
Based on the life of the albino Zambian singer John Chiti, Can You See Us tells the coming-of-age story of a boy born with albinism and rejected by his father. The film dives into the stereotypes and struggles of albinism in Zambia. This is also Zambia’s first film on Netflix.
The Fisherman’s Diary (2020)
Inspired by a true-life story in Cameroon, a young girl, born in a small fishing village that frowns at formal education for women, struggles to go to school after being inspired by activist, Malala Yousafzai. It stars Kang Qinntus and Faith Fidel.
Just in Time (2021)
A bookstore employee who has just been laid off finds herself taking care of her cousin’s 11-year-old daughter. This is a cheesy, feel-good and funny Kenyan film, and it stars Mawuli Gavor, Sarah Hassan and Pierra Makena.
TV Shows
Blood Legacy (2024)
The death of Akin Adesina (Anthony Oseyemi) starts a battle for the control of his company between his children. One of the children, the estranged Khanyi Adesina (Sxolile Tshabalalala), returns home after she finds out her dad’s planning to make her the CEO of his enterprise. Don’t let the characters’ names fool you, they’re South Africans.
Mpakani: Story of the North (2022)
This Kenyan mini-series tells the story of an elite military unit that hunts for terrorists to prevent an attack in Nairobi. If you’re feeling patriotic, Mpakani is your jam filled with captivating action scenes from actors like Geroge Mo, Michael “Smallz” Munyoki and Mwaura Bilal.
Finding Ola (2022 — )
Ola, a pharmacist and mother of two, struggles between balancing her responsibilities and investing in her love life again. Some have called this Egyptian show the Arabian Suits, others have called Ola, the show’s lead actress “Rachael” from Friends. We’ll let you be the judge. It’s currently in its second season, so you can catch up quickly. Hind Sabri, Yasmina El-Abd and Sawsan Badr feature in this.
Shadow (2019)
Are you looking for an intriguing thriller show about former detectives for hire? SA’s Shadow takes you through the revenge mission of a Johannesburg ex-cop who punishes offenders who try to escape the judgment of the court. The show stars actors like Tumie Ngumla, Khathu Kevin Ramabulana and Fezile Mpela.
Blood & Water (2020)
While trying to find out who abducted her at birth, a teenager uncovers her family’s dark secrets. It’s directed by Nosipjo Dumisa-Ngoasheng, Daryne Joshua, Travis Taute and Thati Peele. The show’s cast includes Ama Qamata, Khosi Ngema and André Lamoglia.
African Queens: Njinga (2023)
This scripted docu-series is set in the 1640s and examines the life of Njinga, the first female ruler of Ndongo Kingdom (modern-day Angola). In four episodes, the show explores her rise to power, her reign, and her fight against the Portuguese slave traders.
Supa Team 4 (2023)
Supa Team 4 is a neo-futurism story about four teenagers who are schoolgirls during the day and superheroes in the nighttime. The teens struggle to keep their education afloat while fighting against darkness. If you’re looking for an African animated series, this Zambian series has got you. Created by Malenga Mulendema, the cast includes Zowa Ngwira, Namisa Mdlalose and Nancy Sekhokoane.
Sakho & Mangane (2019)
Two fearsome police officers work together to fight supernatural forces in their mission to crack a mysterious case open. Sakho & Mangane is an action-packed Senegalese crime show that explores African spirituality and black magic. Directed by Jean Luc, the cast includes Christiane Dumont, Yann Gael and Ladj Ly.
How to Ruin a Christmas (2020)
Tumi (Busi Lurayi), a prodigal elder sister who ruins her sister’s (Thando Thabethe) perfect Christmas wedding, tries to make things right. This South African comedy show has three seasons. It is directed by Johnny Barbuzano, Kathleho Ramaphakela and Rethabile Ramaphakela.
Savage Beauty (2022)
A mysterious lady (Rosemary Zinmu) on a revenge mission positions herself in a strange wealthy family to make them pay for their involvement in her tragic past. It also stars Moho Sebeng and Angela Sithole.
