The ultimate Mzansi Valentine's watchlist: Five local romance movies to stream now
Local romance movies to enjoy with your love one.
Image: Freepik
South African movies and local stories offer the perfect way to set a romantic mood this Valentine's Day.
From soulful dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, our home-grown talent continues to deliver stories that capture the unique magic of falling in love in Mzansi.
Here are five must-watch local romance titles to add to your watchlist:
Love and Wine
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cape Winelands, this film centres on Ovee (Ntobeko Sishi), a privileged heir who enlists his best friend and driver, Nathi (Thandolwethu Zondi), in a scheme to see if he can find true love without his family's wealth.
The story takes a heartwarming turn when he falls for Amahle (Masali Baduza), a grounded medical student, forcing him to navigate a comedic web of lies while discovering his true self.
The cast is rounded out by South African favourites like Thando Thabethe and Bongile Mantsai.
A Soweto Love Story
In this vibrant romantic comedy, the fierce family matriarch Bongekile (Duduzile Ngcobo) issues a high-stakes challenge to her three unlucky-in-love sons: the first one to find a bride before the New Year inherits the family home.
The race is on for the brothers, played by Lunga Shabalala, Sparky Xulu, and Ray Neo Buso, as they navigate the chaotic world of modern dating.
Featuring hilarious supporting performances by Skhumba Hlophe and leading ladies like Motsoaledi Setumo and Sihle Ndaba, it's a celebration of family and finding "the one" in the heart of the township.
Matilda en Matthys
This off-beat romcom follows the intellectual sparks that fly between an ambitious young writer, Matilda (Emma van Heyn), and a super-rational tech entrepreneur, Matthys (Adrian Steyn).
The pair decide to go on a series of "fake dates" to conduct research. Matilda for her novel and Matthys for his new dating app algorithm.
However, they soon realise that even the most logical mind can't outsmart the chemistry of the heart.
The film also features a great local supporting cast, including Bertha le Roux-Wahl and comedian Mojak Lehoko.
Not My Type
Designer Letsatsi (Lorraine Moropa) has spent her life creating wedding dresses for others while waiting for the "perfect" man she believes God has planned for her.
When her younger sister gets engaged first, she begins to panic about her own timeline, leading to a journey of faith and self-discovery.
Starring alongside Lulama Nyembezi and Moagi Kai, Lorraine Moropa delivers a standout performance that explores the idea that love doesn't always have to be perfect or fit the image we’ve carefully curated in our heads.
Soos Pynappel op Pizza
In this quirky and lighthearted tale, comedy favourite Schalk Bezuidenhout plays a man who finds himself in the middle of a romantic tug-of-war.
The story explores the "opposites attract" dynamic as his character navigates a relationship with a woman, played by Kate Pinchuck, who is seemingly his polar opposite.
Much like the controversial pizza topping the title references, the movie explores how even the most unlikely combinations can sometimes be exactly what you need.
The film's charm is elevated by performances from Cintaine Schutte and Fana Mokoena.