25 Best South African Romantic Movies on Netflix – Heartfelt Love Stories to Stream Now

South African cinema has been gaining well-deserved attention on global streaming platforms, and South African romantic movies on Netflix stand out for their heartfelt storytelling, cultural richness, and captivating visuals. These films weave together tender love stories with the vibrant backdrop of South Africa’s cities, landscapes, and traditions. Whether it’s a bittersweet tale of lost love or a joyful celebration of new beginnings, these movies will sweep you into their worlds.

In this curated list, we’ve gathered 25 of the best South African romantic movies on Netflix. From heartfelt dramas to lighthearted rom-coms, you’ll discover a collection that showcases the beauty of love in all its forms. Each entry comes with detailed metadata and a rich description so you can decide which film to watch next.

25. Catching Feelings (2017)

• Runtime: 115 min

• Starring: Kagiso Lediga, Pearl Thusi, Andrew Buckland

• Director: Kagiso Lediga

• Genre: Romantic Drama, Comedy

• IMDb Rating: 6.2

Johannesburg provides the electric backdrop for this sharp and stylish romance. Literature lecturer Max leads a seemingly content life with his wife, Sam, until a famous older author moves in, igniting a wave of jealousy, attraction, and self-doubt. It’s a witty and intimate portrait of love under pressure, blending dry humour with emotional complexity. For anyone looking to explore South African romantic movies on Netflix, this is a clever and captivating place to start.

24. Love, Sex and 30 Candles (2023)

• Runtime: 124 min

• Starring: Amogelang Chidi, Bahumi Madisakwane, Candice Modiselle

• Director: Stephina Zwane

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.1

Four friends reach the milestone of thirty and discover it’s not all champagne and celebrations. With heartfelt performances, this Netflix original follows their intertwined journeys through unexpected pregnancies, turbulent engagements, and self-discovery. The romance here is authentic and layered, and it’s one of those South African romantic movies on Netflix that blends friendship with love in a way that feels timeless.

23. Happiness is a Four-Letter Word (2016)

• Runtime: 90 min

• Starring: Khanyi Mbau, Renate Stuurman, Mmabatho Montsho

• Director: Thabang Moleya

• Genre: Romance, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.6

Three glamorous women in Johannesburg juggle ambition, loyalty, and the complexities of love in this adaptation of Cynthia Jele’s acclaimed novel. Between secret affairs, rekindled passions, and career dilemmas, the film offers an indulgent but emotionally grounded look at modern romance. It’s one of the most beloved South African romantic movies on Netflix for its style, heart, and unapologetic glamour.

22. Love by Chance (2017)

• Runtime: 105 min

• Starring: Atandwa Kani, Altovise Lawrence, Denise Zimba

• Director: Samad Davis

• Genre: Romantic Comedy

• IMDb Rating: 6.1

Set between Atlanta and Johannesburg, this charming rom-com follows two South African actors trying to make it big abroad. Their accidental encounters evolve into an unpredictable love story, balancing cross-cultural comedy with heartfelt romance. In the landscape of South African romantic movies on Netflix, it’s a breezy watch with a unique global twist.

21. Lobola Man (2024)

• Runtime: 98 min

• Starring: Lawrence Maleka, Sihle Ndaba, Nefisa Mkhabela

• Director: Thabang Moleya

• Genre: Romantic Comedy

• IMDb Rating: N/A

Ace Ngubeni, South Africa’s top lobola negotiator, is also its most confirmed bachelor — until a job brings him face-to-face with a woman who challenges everything he believes about love. A fresh Netflix original, Lobola Man blends cultural tradition with sharp humour, making it one of the most talked-about South African romantic movies on Netflix this year.

20. Semi-Soet (2012)

• Runtime: 107 min

• Starring: Anel Alexander, Nico Panagio, Louw Venter

• Director: Joshua Rous

• Genre: Romantic Comedy

• IMDb Rating: 6.9

Ad exec Jaci needs to land a prestigious wine estate account — and fast. The only problem? They want a happily married supplier. Her fake-fiancé plan is perfect until real feelings start to interfere. Fans of South African romantic movies on Netflix will appreciate its mix of sharp banter and sweeping Cape Winelands scenery.

19. Sink (2015)

• Runtime: 109 min

• Starring: Shoki Mokgapa, Anel Alexander, Jacques Bessenger

• Director: Brett Michael Innes

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.1

A domestic worker mourning her child’s accidental death faces an impossible choice: return home to Mozambique or remain in South Africa with the employers whose marriage is quietly unravelling. Subtle romantic undercurrents add emotional weight to this award-winning drama, one of the most critically acclaimed South African romantic movies on Netflix for its depth and sensitivity.

18. Two Worlds (2019)

• Runtime: 101 min

• Starring: Bonko Khoza, Thapelo Mokoena, Salamina Mosese

• Director: Mpho Mogale

• Genre: Romance, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.7

Love knows no class boundaries in this heartfelt drama about a wealthy young woman who falls for a man from a working-class background. They must navigate societal prejudice and family pressure, making it a powerful entry among South African romantic movies on Netflix that explore love against the odds.

17. Vir Die Voëls (2016)

• Runtime: 98 min

• Starring: Simoné Nortmann, Francois Jacobs, Elize Cawood

• Director: Quinton Krog

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Set in the 1970s and based on a true story, this Afrikaans-language romance follows a spirited young woman as she discovers the joy and heartache of love. Its rich period detail and heartfelt performances secure its place in the top tier of South African romantic movies on Netflix.

16. Beyond the River (2017)

• Runtime: 113 min

• Starring: Lemogang Tsipa, Grant Swanby, Emily Child

• Director: Craig Freimond

• Genre: Romantic Drama, Sports

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

While primarily a story of friendship and determination in competitive canoe racing, the film features touching romantic subplots that add depth to its uplifting narrative. It’s an inspiring addition to the catalogue of South African romantic movies on Netflix for those who like love stories wrapped in bigger journeys.

15. Modder en Bloed (Blood and Glory) (2016)

• Runtime: 107 min

• Starring: Charlotte Salt, Grant Swanby, Josh Myers

• Director: Sean Else

• Genre: Historical Drama, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 6.5

Set during the Anglo-Boer War, this gripping period drama includes a tender romance that blooms in the midst of hardship, adding emotional resonance to its historical themes. It’s one of the most stirring South African romantic movies on Netflix for history lovers.

14. Fiela se Kind (2019)

• Runtime: 120 min

• Starring: Zenobia Kloppers, Wayne Smith, Drikus Volschenk

• Director: Brett Michael Innes

• Genre: Historical Romance, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.2

This moving adaptation of Dalene Matthee’s novel tells the story of a mixed-race woman in 19th-century South Africa fighting to keep the boy she has raised as her own. As both a love story and a fight for family, it earns its place among South African romantic movies on Netflix that deliver powerful emotions.

13. Material (2012)

• Runtime: 93 min

• Starring: Riaad Moosa, Vincent Ebrahim, Joey Rasdien

• Director: Craig Freimond

• Genre: Romantic Drama, Comedy

• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Primarily a father-son drama set in Johannesburg’s Muslim community, Material also features a tender romance that adds warmth and relatability to its story of cultural identity and personal ambition. It’s a gem for viewers who want South African romantic movies on Netflix with both humour and heart.

12. Table Manners (2018)

• Runtime: 115 min

• Starring: Diaan Lawrenson, Renate Stuurman, Neels van Jaarsveld

• Director: Leli Maki Esq

• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.5

Megan has spent her adult life putting others first, but when her marriage implodes and her safe, predictable world shatters, she’s forced to start over. Turning to her love of cooking, she transforms her passion into a thriving business while slowly learning to trust her heart again. Along the way, friendships deepen, family bonds are tested, and romance arrives in the most unexpected form. The film’s blend of humour, heartfelt emotion, and mouth-watering culinary moments makes it a feel-good watch. For viewers who love South African romantic movies on Netflix that combine self-discovery with romance, Table Manners is a perfect choice.

11. Kaalgat Karel (2021)

• Runtime: 112 min

• Starring: Francois Jacobs, Christia Visser, Deon Coetzee

• Director: Meg Rickards

• Genre: Romantic Comedy

• IMDb Rating: 6.3

Karel’s life revolves around daring public streaking pranks — the bigger the audience, the better. But his thrill-seeking ways are challenged when he meets Rita, a confident and compassionate paramedic who refuses to be impressed by cheap stunts. As they grow closer, Karel begins to confront his own fears about vulnerability, adulthood, and what love really means. With laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt character growth, and plenty of quirky charm, Kaalgat Karel stands out as one of the most original and lighthearted South African romantic movies on Netflix.

10. Vir Altyd (2016)

• Runtime: 110 min

• Starring: Donnalee Roberts, Ivan Botha, Elize Cawood

• Director: Jaco Smit

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.1

Childhood friends Nina and Hugo reunite at a wedding in Mauritius after years apart, and their reunion stirs a flood of memories, unresolved feelings, and what-ifs. Against a stunning island backdrop, they embark on an emotional journey that forces them to confront past mistakes and decide if they’re willing to take another chance on love. The performances are tender and believable, the visuals breathtaking, and the storytelling heartfelt — making it a must-see in the line-up of South African romantic movies on Netflix.

9. Die Boekklub (The Book Club) (2015)

• Runtime: 101 min

• Starring: Lee-Ann van Rooi, Jana Cilliers, Erica Wessels

• Director: Willie Esterhuizen

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.0

In a small, picturesque South African town, a book club becomes the heart of the community — and a surprising catalyst for romance. As members gather to discuss literature, secrets are revealed, friendships tested, and love stories quietly unfold. The film offers a gentle yet emotionally rich narrative, with a warm ensemble cast that draws viewers into its cosy world. For fans of character-driven storytelling, it’s a jewel among South African romantic movies on Netflix.

8. Stroomop (2018)

• Runtime: 120 min

• Starring: Donnalee Roberts, Simoné Nortmann, Chanelle de Jager

• Director: Ivan Botha

• Genre: Adventure, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 6.7

Five women, each at a crossroads in life, sign up for a river-rafting adventure in the hope of finding an escape from their troubles. Battling rapids and the wild beauty of nature, they share their personal stories, forge unbreakable bonds, and, for some, stumble upon love in unexpected ways. The blend of high-energy adventure, emotional depth, and romantic sparks makes Stroomop a compelling entry for those who want South African romantic movies on Netflix with more than just a love story — it’s about courage, friendship, and embracing life’s journey.

7. Die Stropers (The Harvesters) (2018)

• Runtime: 98 min

• Starring: Brent Vermeulen, Alex van Dyk, Juliana Venter

• Director: Etienne Kallos

• Genre: Drama, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 6.4

Set in South Africa’s remote Free State, this quiet, atmospheric drama focuses on themes of masculinity, isolation, and belonging. Into this tense landscape comes a fragile yet poignant romantic thread, showing that even in the most repressive environments, human connection can flourish. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the land, while the subtle love story adds unexpected warmth to the otherwise restrained tone.

6. Faan se Trein (Faan’s Train) (2014)

• Runtime: 98 min

• Starring: Willie Esterhuizen, Anel Alexander, Marius Weyers

• Director: Koos Roets

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.9

Faan is a gentle, simple man in a small Karoo town whose life changes when love enters unexpectedly. Navigating the complexities of affection, trust, and self-worth, he must learn to balance his deep loyalty to his family with his own desires. The film mixes gentle humour, heartfelt performances, and an affectionate portrayal of small-town life, making it a charming addition to South African romantic movies on Netflix.

5. Verraaiers (Traitors) (2013)

• Runtime: 111 min

• Starring: Gys de Villiers, Vilje Maritz, Andrew Thompson

• Director: Paul Eilers

• Genre: Historical Drama, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 6.8

During the Anglo-Boer War, a family is accused of treason for refusing to continue the fight. Amid political turmoil and personal danger, a tender romance blooms, offering hope in the darkest of times. The film’s balance of sweeping historical scope and intimate love story cements its place as one of the most moving South African romantic movies on Netflix for fans of period dramas.

4. Wolwedans in die Skemer (2012)

• Runtime: 107 min

• Starring: Lea Vivier, Wilhelm van der Walt, Rolanda Marais

• Director: Jozua Malherbe

• Genre: Mystery, Romance

• IMDb Rating: 6.2

A young woman wakes in a hospital with no memory and is drawn to a remote hotel where secrets lurk behind every corner. As fragments of her past return, she finds herself entangled in a romance that could either heal or haunt her. Combining mystery with emotional intimacy, the film offers a fresh twist for those who want South African romantic movies on Netflix that step outside the usual genre boundaries.

3. ’n Man Soos My Pa (A Man Like My Father) (2015)

• Runtime: 105 min

• Starring: Neels van Jaarsveld, Greg Kriek, Diaan Lawrenson

• Director: Sean Else

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6.6

Returning home to reconcile with his estranged father, a man finds himself falling in love, forcing him to re-examine his priorities and ideas about family. This heartfelt drama layers romance into a story about healing generational wounds, making it an understated treasure in the library of South African romantic movies on Netflix.

2. Faan se Trein 2 (2022)

• Runtime: 100 min

• Starring: Willie Esterhuizen, Anel Alexander, Marius Weyers

• Director: Koos Roets

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: N/A

In this follow-up to the much-loved original, Faan navigates new experiences in love and community, carrying the same innocence and charm that endeared him to audiences the first time. Gentle, warm, and authentic, it’s a natural continuation for fans of South African romantic movies on Netflix looking for heartfelt storytelling.

1. Vir Die Voëls 2 (2023)

• Runtime: 104 min

• Starring: Simoné Nortmann, Francois Jacobs

• Director: Quinton Krog

• Genre: Romantic Drama

• IMDb Rating: 7.4

This anticipated sequel revisits the beloved characters of Vir Die Voëls, exploring how love evolves over time. With mature themes, emotional complexity, and breathtaking rural landscapes, it captures the enduring nature of romance in a way that resonates deeply. It’s a worthy conclusion to this list of South African romantic movies on Netflix, offering both nostalgia and fresh insights into relationships.