From Dune to drama queens: SA’s streaming picks unpacked
STREAMING isn’t just a pastime anymore – it’s a cultural mirror, revealing what we love, fear, and secretly wish we were cool enough to pull off. According to the latest JustWatch Streaming Charts for South Africa, here’s what’s hot on our screens right now, and what it might say about us as a nation. Spoiler alert: we’ve got a taste for drama, action, and the occasional animated existential crisis.
1. Dune: Prophecy
Topping the charts is Dune: Prophecy, a sci-fi epic set in a sand-swept universe. Maybe it’s our collective fascination with vast, arid landscapes (hello, Karoo), or maybe we just like the idea of controlling a galaxy powered by spice. Either way, Dune has us hooked on the kind of drama that makes even your nosiest neighbour seem tame.
2. Yellowstone
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned power struggle? Yellowstone brings cowboys and chaos to the forefront, proving that ranch life is less about sunsets and more about family feuds. For a country that loves its braais and bakkies, this one hits close to home – just swap the horses for Hiluxes.
3. A Man on the Inside
Crime dramas never go out of style, and A Man on the Inside is proof. South Africans love a story that keeps us guessing – the twists, the turns, and the thrill of uncovering the truth. Who’s innocent? Who’s guilty? And, most importantly, who’s in charge of the snacks for the next binge session?
4. Arcane
An animated series in the top 5? Don’t be fooled – Arcane isn’t for kids. Based on the League of Legends universe, this show combines stunning visuals with enough drama to make a soapie blush. It’s perfect for anyone who’s ever been told to “grow up” but refuses to give up their gaming console.
5. Cruel Intentions
The 90s are back, and they’ve brought their scandals with them. Cruel Intentions is like your high school reunion – full of scheming, drama, and bad decisions – but with a much better wardrobe. It’s a guilty pleasure that feels oh-so-good, even if it’s a little … cruel.
6. Cross
Action-packed and gritty, Cross delivers the justice we all crave. Whether you’re chasing bad guys or just trying to get through rush hour traffic, this show reminds us that persistence pays off. South Africans, always rooting for the underdog, can’t get enough.
7. The Rookie
Ever felt too old to start over? So has the main character of The Rookie. This feel-good drama about second chances and chasing your dreams resonates with anyone who’s ever thought, “It’s not too late to try something new.” It’s a reminder that it’s never too late – unless, of course, you’re trying to beat the queue at Home Affairs.
8. The Penguin
Supervillains are having a moment, and The Penguin proves it. With his rise through Gotham’s gritty underworld, this spin-off from the Batman universe has us rooting for the bad guy – and secretly taking notes on his business strategy.
9. Silo
South Africans understand the weight of buried secrets, and Silo delivers that in spades. This dystopian thriller is all about survival in a world gone underground. It’s a gripping watch, especially for a country that’s already pretty familiar with “load shedding” its way through the dark.
10. Youngins
Ending the list is Youngins, a fresh take on youth and ambition. It’s fun, it’s relatable, and it’s a reminder that the younger generation is coming for the crown. Whether they’re saving the world or just trying to figure out adulting, they’ve got us cheering them on.
So, What’s Your Pick?
If you’re diving into the dusty drama of Dune, living vicariously through Yellowstone, or finding motivation with The Rookie, one thing is clear: streaming has become South Africa’s national pastime. So, what’s next on your watchlist? Whatever it is, stock up on snacks, find the perfect spot on the couch, and keep your device fully charged – because the only thing better than a great show is the bragging rights to discuss it at work the next day.
MOVIES ARE MAKING NOISE
While the TV streaming charts show that South Africans have a clear preference for gripping dramas, animated brilliance, and dystopian tales, the movie list adds a bit of chaos to the mix. From the thrilling survival antics of Ready or Not to the nostalgic action of Highlander II: The Quickening, the cinematic top 10 offers something for everyone. Add in a dash of entrepreneurial spirit with Joy, the ever-epic Gladiator, and the eyebrow-raising Fifty Shades of Grey, and you've got a line-up that says one thing: our tastes are as diverse as our accents.
What’s on your watchlist? Let us know – we’d love to hear your thoughts on these trending picks! Send your views via e-mail to info.dfa@acm.co.za
* Top 10 lists are courtesy of JustWatch, the biggest international streaming guide with 45 million users across 140 countries – making it easy to find out where you can legally watch movies, TV shows, and sports.