From serial killers to superhero comebacks, these are the documentaries that hit the hardest.
If you’re craving something real, gripping, intense, and unforgettable, this Showmax lineup delivers. Ranked by emotional impact, not just accolades, these true stories will stay with you long after the credits roll.
1. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story | Stream from Friday, 25 July
This isn’t just a biography. It’s a love letter to resilience. Christopher Reeve was once the face of hope in a cape, and after a tragic accident, he became something even greater: a real-life superhero advocating for disability rights. Available for streaming from Friday, 25 July, this documentary doesn’t tug at your heartstrings; it yanks them. It’s powerful, inspiring, and, honestly, one of the most beautiful stories ever captured on film. If you’re looking for proof that the human spirit can fly even without wings, start here.
2. The ABC Killer | Binge from Tuesday, 22 July
The phone rings at a newsroom in 1995. It is someone who claims to be South Africa’s most prolific serial killer. With 38 murders and 40 rapes, The ABC Killer is South Africa’s version of Ted Bundy, only more brutal and less well-known… until now. This documentary is available to binge from Tuesday, 22 July, with haunting reenactments and interviews from people who lived this nightmare. This Showmax Original doesn’t just tell a story, it forces you to confront the reality of evil in broad daylight.
3. Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York | Binge from Thursday, 10 July
Imagine being hunted for who you are, and no one seems to care. This critically acclaimed HBO docuseries is both a crime story and a cultural gut punch. It brings to life the terror faced by the LGBTQ+ community in 90s New York, during a time when being queer and visible was already dangerous. More than a murder mystery, Last Call questions who society chooses to protect and who it doesn’t. This docuseries is available to binge from Thursday, 10 July.
4. The Nazi Cartel | Binge from Thursday, 10 July
Nazism. Cocaine. Coup d’états. This sounds like a wild novel, but it actually happened. The Nazi Cartel traces the horrifying real-life alliance between Klaus Barbie, Bolivian drug lords, and the early roots of cocaine empires. If geopolitical documentaries are your thing or if you just want to see how dark history can get – this is unmissable. The documentary will be available to to binge from Thursday, 10 July.
5. Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary | Stream from Friday, 18 July
Cue the smoothest playlist ever. This one’s for the music nerds and nostalgia junkies. It’s a groovy deep dive into “Yacht Rock”—yes”, that chill, velvety genre that ruled car radios in the 70s and 80s. With commentary from legends (Questlove), it’s a fun, feel-good watch that balances vibes and substance. Stream from Friday, 18 July.
6. The Americas S1 | Binge from Thursday, 17 July
Two words: Tom Hanks. He narrates this visual feast through Earth’s largest landmass, from icy tundras to tropical rainforests. It’s Planet Earth for the Americas, and the cinematography alone makes it worth your time. It might not be as emotionally intense as others on this list, but it’s breathtaking in its own right. Coming to Showmax on Thursday, 17 July.
If you’re looking for the perfect lineup of real-life stories this month, Showmax’s documentary lineup has you covered. See the full list of what to watch on Showmax in July 2025 here.
