If you're learning Afrikaans, whether it’s for better marks at school or because you want to feel more confident speaking the language, you’re not alone. Many South African students are in the same boat.
And here’s a fun tip: one of the best ways to boost your understanding is to watch Afrikaans actors in South Africa in films.
Yes, seriously. It’s the kind of thing a good private Afrikaans tutor might recommend because watching local films is a fun and natural way to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
Whether you’re aiming to polish your listening skills, grow your vocabulary, or just get a feel for how the language sounds in everyday life, Afrikaans films can take your Afrikaans lessons to a new level.
And even better? Many of these films are genuinely entertaining. They’ll make you laugh, cry, or keep you at the edge of your seat while teaching you at the same time. You won’t even know you are learning. You can combine watching films with online Afrikaans lessons to get structured practice alongside immersive exposure.
So, let’s explore some of the best Afrikaans films of all time and how they can help with your Afrikaans lessons.
Why Movies Work So Well for Learning Afrikaans
Let’s start with why this works. Movies are more than just entertainment; they’re language in action.
You hear slang, emotion, casual conversations, and expressions you’d never find in a textbook. When you watch a film, you’re also picking up cultural cues, body language, humour, and rhythm. These are things you don’t always get in class, but in private Afrikaans lessons your tutor might encourage you to notice them because they’re just as important as grammar and spelling.
Even if you don’t catch every word the first time, you’re still training your ear and exposing yourself to real, living Afrikaans. Watching Afrikaans actors in South Africa in movies with subtitles can help you keep up in the beginning, and over time you’ll find yourself recognising phrases and picking up meaning naturally.
The Classics: A Look Back at Timeless Afrikaans Cinema
Some of the best Afrikaans movies ever made were filmed decades ago, yet they remain as compelling as ever. Take Fiela se Kind (1988), for example. This emotional story of a brown woman fighting for custody of a white child in apartheid-era South Africa is not only moving but offers deep insight into the country’s past. The dialogue is rich, the visuals are unforgettable, and the themes of identity and belonging are still relevant today. It's one of the best Afrikaans films around.
Another unforgettable classic is Boetie Gaan Border Toe (1984), a military comedy that reflects the youth culture of its time. Though some references may feel dated, it gives you a glimpse into an intense period of South African history while keeping things light with humour and camaraderie. Films like these give students more than just language, they offer context, culture, and conversation starters for your next Afrikaans lesson.
Modern Afrikaans Films That Hit Hard
Modern filmmakers in South Africa have taken things to a whole new level. If you want gripping, meaningful content, there are plenty of Afrikaans movies to watch from the past two decades that don’t shy away from serious issues.
Dis Ek, Anna (2015) is one such film. It tells the story of a young woman who fights back against years of abuse. It’s intense and emotionally raw, but it’s also an important piece of cinema. Watching it can help you understand not just the language but the emotional range and depth that Afrikaans actors in South Africa bring to their work.
Then there’s Die Seemeeu (2018), an Afrikaans adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull. You might not think a South African version of a Russian play would work, but it’s beautifully done. The language is poetic, the performances are stellar, and it’s a great film to use in more advanced Afrikaans lessons when you want to dig into dialogue and character development.
Many of these modern films are the kind of thing a private Afrikaans tutor might suggest to help you understand more sophisticated language, idioms, and expressions that often show up in literature or essays.
Feel-Good Favourites: Box Office Hits That Everyone Loves
Not every film has to be heavy to be helpful. Sometimes the best Afrikaans movies are the ones that simply make you feel good. If you’re new to watching Afrikaans movies to watch for learning, you might want to start with something fun and upbeat.
Liefling (2010) is one of South Africa’s first Afrikaans musical blockbusters. The songs are catchy, the storyline is light-hearted, and the language is accessible. You’ll find yourself humming along and picking up phrases without even trying. It’s ideal for beginner learners who want to enjoy themselves while getting used to the sound and rhythm of the language.
Pad na Jou Hart (2014) is another great choice. It’s a romantic road-trip movie that has charmed audiences all over the country. Because it’s full of emotion, jokes, and heartfelt moments, it’s perfect for language learners who want to hear Afrikaans in real, relatable contexts. Watching something like this before an oral exam or writing task can boost your confidence and help you recall phrases more naturally. You’ll probably find this on is a great supplement for your extra Afrikaans lessons.
Award-Winning Masterpieces That Raise the Bar
Some of the best Afrikaans films around have earned critical acclaim both locally and overseas. These are good choices if you are looking to challenge yourself or you’re an advanced learner wanting something more serious.
Skoonheid (2011), for example, made history as the first Afrikaans film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s a psychological drama that dives into themes of identity, repression, and self-image. The film’s slow pace and layered dialogue make it perfect for language learners who want to fine-tune their listening skills while getting into deeper content.
Then there’s Griekwastad (2020), based on a true crime story that shocked South Africa. It’s suspenseful, gritty, and tightly written. This one is ideal for learning modern vocabulary and listening to Afrikaans in a more serious tone. Films like these showcase the incredible talent of local actors in South Africa and prove that Afrikaans cinema can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international productions.
If you're taking Afrikaans lessons with a private tutor, watching award-winning films together (or even just discussing them afterward) can be an excellent way to build your comprehension and critical thinking in Afrikaans.
Where to Find These Movies
Thankfully, many of the best Afrikaans movies are available to stream on platforms like Showmax, Netflix, and KykNET. Whether it’s casual conversations, poetic language, or academic-style dialogue, you can create a playlist of Afrikaans movies to watch each week, depending on your mood or the focus of your Afrikaans lessons.
If you’re not sure where to begin, just ask your private Afrikaans tutor for suggestions, as they’ll likely have a few favourites they’ve used with other students. You can also find subtitles on most platforms – remember it’s a good idea to switch between English and Afrikaans subtitles to test your understanding as you go.
Over time, you’ll find that you don’t need subtitles at all and that’s when the real magic happens. You’ll start thinking in Afrikaans, laughing at jokes without needing translations, and maybe even quoting your favourite lines during a lesson or a conversation.
Let the Credits Roll But Keep Learning
Watching the best Afrikaans films isn’t just about enjoying a good story (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s about seeing the language in motion - how it’s spoken, how it flows, and how it expresses everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether it’s classic drama, heartfelt romance, musical fun, or serious award-winners, there’s a world of Afrikaans movies to watch that can turn your screen time into study time.
And if you’re ever stuck on a word, a phrase, or just want someone to guide you, remember that investing in private Afrikaans lessons can make all the difference. For extra help, consider an Afrikaans lesson.
So, grab some popcorn, choose one of the best Afrikaans movies around, and press play on a whole new way to learn. This is Afrikaans, not as homework, but as something to enjoy, experience, and feel. Your next lesson could start with a movie – why not?
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
