18 of the Best Movies About South Africa to Watch

Using movies to teach kids about South Africa can be an engaging and effective way to introduce them about African culture, the different countries, history, and geography. If you are learning about South Africa in your homeschool, check out this list of the best movies about South Africa.

The Best Movies About South Africa

My grandparents were missionaries in South Africa in the 80’s and 90’s. They were there during the height of apartheid and had to come back to the United States when things were getting political with the apartheid government.

I always longed for the times they would come home for a much needed break. They have beautiful stories, photographs and souvenirs of there time there. I just love teaching my children about South Africa, because it reminds me of my grandparents and the beloved country they served in.

Movies are always eat way to teach your kids about another country and see it up close and personal from the comfort of your living room! I have put together a list of the best South African movies that are educational and entertaining.

Wholesome and Inspiring South African Movies

There are some amazing true stories that have come out of South Africa. These are inspiring, encouraging and wholesome. Your children will learn about resiliency and self-motivation and the will to survive.

1. Queen of Katwe (2016) PG – This movie follows the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from the slums of Kampala. Discovering her talent for chess, she rises from poverty to become a national chess champion with the help of her coach, Robert Katende.

2. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) PG  – The true story of William Kamkwamba, a young teenage boy boy from Malawi. Faced with a devastating famine, and severe drought William uses his ingenuity and knowledge from library books to build a wind turbine. This invention provides water and electricity to his village, transforming their lives.

3. Faith Like Potatoes (2006) PG – This is the story of Angus Buchan, a farmer of Scottish descent who moves to South Africa in search of a better life. Struggling with personal and professional hardships, Angus finds faith in God, which transforms his life and farming practices.

4. Felix (2013) PG – A heartwarming live-action film about a 14-year-old boy named Felix Xaba who dreams of becoming a saxophonist like his late father. He goes on a journey to pursue his passion for music. This movie explores the power of music, family relationships and personal growth in an inspiring way.

African Movies About Animals

If your family loves animals they are going to enjoy these movies about African animals. These are great to watch if you are doing a study on animal conservation an species protection as well.

5. Born Free (1966) PG – This classic tear jerker tells the love story between Joy and George Adamson, and an orphaned lion cub named Elsa in the wilds of Kenya using archival footage. As Elsa grows, the Adamsons face the challenge of teaching her to survive on her own in the wild.

6. Disney Nature: African Cats (2012) G – We love the Disney Nature movies. This stunning film shows the lives of lions, cheetahs, and leopards as they navigate the challenges of survival in the African savannah.

7. Duma (2005) PG – This story follows a young South African boy, Xan, who becomes best friends with a cheetah cub named Duma. After his father’s death, Xan and Duma embark on a journey across the South African landscape to return the cheetah to the wild, where it belongs.

8. Gorillas in the Mist (1988) PG – Sigourney Weaver stars as a young woman primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Based on Dian Fossey and her groundbreaking research, her deep connection with the gorillas, and her struggle against poachers.

9. Jock of the Bushveld (2011) PG – This animated film is based on the classic South African book by Sir James Percy FitzPatrick. It tells the story of Jock, a brave and loyal dog, and his adventures with his owner, Piet, in the South African wilderness during the late 19th century.

South African Animated Films

South Africa has a growing animation industry, and some really neat animated films are being created from there. All of these films incorporate the local culture and local wildlife into the stories.

10. Lion of Judah (2011) G – A South African film about a lion named Judah who lives in the African savannah. The story follows Judah and his animal friends as they embark on an adventure to find a missing artifact.

11. Khumba (2013) PG – This film follows a young zebra named Khumba who is shunned by his herd because of his incomplete stripes. He embarks on a journey to find a cure and restore his stripes, discovering bravery and self-acceptance along the way.

12. Adventures in Zambezia (2012) PG – This movie centers on a young falcon named Kai who leaves his home to join the bustling bird city of Zambezia. The movie highlights themes of community and self-discovery.

Best South African Movies for Teens

All of these movies are rated PG-13 for depictions of violence of historical events, the apartheid era, genocide and civil war in South Africa.. They are all a part of history and important to learn about, though they may be difficult to watch for some sensitive teens.

13. Sarafina! (1992) PG-13 This movie is set in South Africa during the apartheid era. It follows Sarafina, a young black South African student who, along with her fellow students, fights for freedom and equality amid the oppressive apartheid regime. Through her activism and the support of a dedicated teacher, Sarafina becomes a symbol of resistance and hope, reflecting the real-life struggles of many during that era.

14. Mandela, The Long Walk to Freedom (2013) PG-13 – Idris Elba stars as Nelson Mandela, tracing his journey from a South African township to fighting the apartheid regime. It shows Mandela’s enduring struggle against racial injustice, his 27 years of imprisonment, and his pivotal role in the end of apartheid. The film’s ending shows Mandela becoming the President of South Africa, and the triumph of democracy and equality.

15. Invictus (1995) PG-13 – Directed by Clint Eastwood, this movie has a stellar cast of Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as rugby captain Francois Pienaar. Set in the aftermath of the apartheid era, the film shows Mandela using the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite a divided South Africa.

16. The Power of One (1992) PG-13 – Based on Bryce Courtenay’s novel, this movie follows a young man named PK, growing up in apartheid era South Africa. With a star cast of James Earl Jones playing Doc, a boxing trainer who guides PK. The film explores courage, resistance, and the fight against apartheid.

17. Hotel Rwanda (2004) PG-13 This is the story of Paul Rusesabagina, the main character who is played by Don Cheadl. He was a hotel manager in Central Africa who sheltered over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide. The film highlights Paul’s bravery in protecting his guests amidst the violence and protecting them in his own way.

18. The Story of an African Farm (2004) PG-13 – Based on the novel by Olive Schreiner, this film tells the story of three children growing up on a farm in the Karoo region of South Africa in the 19th century. The story explores their personal struggles, dreams, and the social constraints of their time.

Final Thoughts

You know how much we love watching movies in our homeschool. Movies can be such a valuable tool in helping stories and history come alive while we are educating our children. These movies can bring to life South Africa’s rich history, wildlife, and social issues in a way that textbooks alone may not.