According to Google Search data, 2024 was a year dominated by a mix of international and local productions in South Africa.
In the film category, the top spot was claimed by Inside Out 2, the sequel to the Disney hit animation, which itself became a hit upon release. In the second position was Bad Boys 4, fourth instalment of the action-comedy starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
Fool Me Once, Movie Box, and Deadpool take the next three spots. The first is a Netflix project, the last is the lead character of Deadpool & Wolverine, one of the biggest box office hits of 2024 globally.
In the series category, Baby Reindeer is the most searched project. Griselda Blanco and Beauty in Black are second and third on the list. Menendez Brothers took fourth. South African actors Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Siphesihile Mokoena, and Ronnie Nyakale also appeared on the most searched series list, coming fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.
All three actors are associated with series production. Mbatha-Raw (who is both South African and British) appears in Black Mirror and has a lead role in Apple TV’s Surface, although it appears her role in the Netflix film Life, starring Kevin Hart, contributed to her popularity over on Google.
Mokoena and Nyakale are national stars on South African TV. Nyakale made the news last year when he left popular series Generations after a long stint.
The 10 most searched films of 2024 for South Africa are:
- Inside Out 2
- Bad Boys 4
- Fool Me Once
- Movie Box
- Deadpool
- Damsel
- Divorce in the Black
- Shogun
- Beekeeper
- Road House
The 10 most searched series of 2024 for South Africa are:
- Baby Reindeer
- Griselda Blanco
- Beauty in Black
- Menendez Brothers
- Gugumbatha-Raw (South African-British actress)
- Siphesihle Mokoena (South African actress)
- Ronnie Nyakale (South African actor)
- The Crow
- House of the Dragon
- Big Brother Mzansi 2024