Find the best streaming apps for movies to fit your needs and your budget in 2026.
Streaming apps are bringing the movies straight to your device – and you have more options to choose from than ever. Here’s where to get your stream on in 2026
Showmax
Best for: Balancing local and international content Price: From R50 per month
If it’s just movies and series you’re after, Showmax’s Entertainment bundle gives you access. What makes it one of the best streaming apps for movies in South Africa is that you get local and international content in different languages and at affordable prices, especially if you stream on mobile only.
Disney+
Best for: Disney franchises; kids Price: From R49 per month
Disney+ is the kids’ choice of streaming apps for movies. It includes Disney classics like Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen, the live action remakes of Disney classics, sequels, spin-offs and the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, among many other family favourites – but there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too. You can stream most affordably on a mobile-only plan.
Prime Video
Best for: Amazon Originals; unusual movies Price: Mobile edition from R29 per month on Streamy | Premium subscription (mobile & TV) costs R79 per month
For something different, Prime Video has great original content, and you can often also find titles that aren’t available on other streaming apps for movies.
Netflix
Best for: Alternatives to Hollywood; personalised recommendations Price: From R59 per month
The OG of streaming apps for movies in South Africa has become known for its Netflix Originals. And if you’re bored of Hollywood and don’t mind subtitles, you can stream movies from all around the world – including South Africa. If you can never decide what to watch, Netflix’s famously responsive algorithm will quickly figure out what you enjoy and give you more of it.
YouTube
Best for: Budget Cost: Free with ads; Premium: R81,99 per month (discounted options available)
For those willing to put up with ads, YouTube is the most cost-effective of the streaming apps because you can literally stream for free – including a fairly wide selection of full-length movies. Don’t expect all the latest big-budget blockbusters, but you’ll find options in most genres.
Crunchyroll
Best for: Anime Price: From R39 per month; free with ads
Fans of anime will find viewing for days on this platform, which has millions of subscribers worldwide. Owned by Sony, it features well-known anime favourites, along with cult classics and Crunchyroll Originals.
Viu
Best for: K-dramas Price: Free with ads; premium subscription from R39 per month (mobile and tablet ) plus 1GB of data monthly, offer only available on Streamy.
While you’ll find some K-dramas on other streaming apps, this one has a whole channel devoted to the genre – along with channels for Turkish and Chinese dramas. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and enjoy the binge!
You can can also get the premium subscription on a Streamy exclusive offer for R59 per month with 3GB of monthly data bundles.
Stream for less with Vodacom Streamy
Best for: Vodacom customers Price: Free to access; streaming subs discounts vary
Did you know that, as a Vodacom customer, you can access your favourite streaming services for less through Streamy? It’s a mini app within the VodaPay app (just open your VodaPay app and type “Streamy” into the search bar). Get discounts on your app subscriptions, plus earn cashback rewards when you subscribe through the app.
For fast, no-buffer, flexible, and reliable internet – choose Vodacom Fibre for all your streaming needs.
