I love Hollywood movies. As long as it has stars like Will Smith, Jason Statham, Jason Momoa, Dwayne Johnson, or Scarlett Johansson, I’m game. Watching only Hollywood movies is the fate of those who have no idea about the rest of the movie industry. Great movies are not limited to Hollywood anymore.
Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is often heralded as one of the world’s most thriving. The number of movies they’ve produced since their beginning in the 1960s would make your head spin: over 600,000! But this isn’t a post about their quantity; it’s a post about their quality.
After 60 years in existence, Nollywood has finally reached a point where they have produced some blockbusters that have truly stood the test of time.
Even in New York, it was possible to find DVDs with Nollywood movies. Later, it expanded globally. Nowadays, it is one of the largest film industries. You can even watch Netflix Nigerian movies nowadays. Yes, you didn’t misunderstand. Netflix, as well as a few Chinese companies, signed contracts with EbonyLife Films and Ayo Mkun. The latter are Nigeria’s movie-producing giants.
Does Netflix Have Nigerian Movies?
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In 2018, Netflix started to make original Nollywood movies. More and more people across the globe can value Nigerian cinema now. Don’t be adamant about them.
By the way, Nollywood movies on Netflix are not available to everyone. If you want to access geo-restricted content, use a Firefox VPN plugin that is easy to install and connects you to fast, responsive servers across the globe.
VeePN is a fast, secure, and anonymous VPN service that lets you browse the internet through an IP address in another country. This means that you can unblock websites and access content that might be blocked in your location. This free VPN extension also provides unlimited traffic and bandwidth so you can stream as much content as you like from anywhere in the world without any limitations.
It is arguably one of the best VPNs for streaming movies. I’ve used it and I love it. Plus, it’s super affordable. If you feel like watching Nollywood movies online but you can’t because your IP is blocked, try this service and thank me later.
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Best Nollywood Movies This Decade
Nollywood, Nigeria’s movie industry used to make films that didn’t appeal to people living outside Nigeria and found no market outside the country. Thankfully, Nollywood has cleaned up its act to become one of the world’s leading film industries. And it’s really fun to watch Nigerian films. This is one of the reasons why Nollywood films are gaining more international appreciation day by day.
So based on my experiences watching films and reading everyone else’s suggestions, these are my top 10 Nollywood films that I think everyone ought to watch right now.
1. Chief Daddy (2018)
Chief Daddy is a comedy movie that was released in 2018. It stars like Kate Henshaw, Funke Akindele, Ini Edo, and Falz. The movie was directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and produced by Mosunmola Abudu and Temidayo Abudu.
This is a Nollywood comedy/drama. The plot goes about a family, each member of which finds it difficult to deal with one another, especially after the sudden death of the billionaire head of the family. Everyone wants to get a piece of fortune.
2. Elevator Baby (2019)
This Nollywood drama thriller is directed by Akay Mason and produced by Niyi Akinmolayan. Toyin Abraham, Timini Egbuson, Sambasa Nzeribe, and other Nigerian actors are among the cast.
The plot depicts Dare who is a wealthy engineering graduate having no job. His father died in an incident. The main character spends his time drinking with his unemployed friends. After meeting a poor and pregnant girl Abigail in the elevator, his lifestyle changes.
3. Lost in London (2017)
Lost in London is a 2017 Nigerian comedy film written and produced by Uduak Isong Oguamanam and directed by Sunkanmi Adebayo. The film stars Ime Bishop Umoh, Alexx Ekubo, Ella Bates, and Khafi Kareem.
If you are a fan of comedies, this movie about two Nigerian students who appeared in London due to an exchange program is for you. Watching their London adventures and challenges is a lot of fun!
4. Blood Sisters (2021)
Blood Sisters is a 2022 Nigerian drama movie which is directed by Biyi Bandele and Kenneth Gyang and streaming exclusively on Netflix. This film features Ramsey Noah, Nancy Isime, Kate Henshaw, Wale OjoKehinde Bankole, and Gabriel Afolayan.
The crime thriller follows the story of two best friends who became fugitives right after the husband of one disappeared and was found dead after a few days.
5. Lionheart (2018)
Nollywood movies are growing in popularity worldwide, but many people still don’t know about them. Lionheart is a prime example of what Nollywood has to offer.
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Lionheart is the first original Nollywood movie by Netflix. It is produced by Chinny Onwugbenu. The director of the movie Genevieve Nnaji is also a part of the cast. The story is quite dramatic. It tells us about a woman who takes care of her father and his passing away. The problem of a lady boss in a sexist society is also covered.
6. The Wedding Party 2 (2016)
The Wedding Party 2 is currently the third highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time. It is one of the most popular Nollywood releases ever. This movie is notable for being one of the first Nigerian films to be widely screened in theatres outside of Nigeria.
A date night turns into a proposal and the rest you must see yourself! A British girl dating a Nigerian guy and what her family thinks about it.
7. Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019)
Living in Bondage is one more supernatural Nigerian thriller. It was produced by Charles Okpaleke. You may remember the classic 1992 Living in Bondage. The film issued in 2019 is a sequel to it. Some of the cast are Kenneth Okonkwo and Kanayo O. Kanayo. The main villain is played by Ramsey Nouah. The film got mostly positive reviews from critics.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is an exciting film that tells the true story of a man who escaped his cult and was able to build a life for himself and his family.
8. Fifty (2015)
If you are a fan of Desperate Housewives, then Fifty is exactly for you. The movie depicts the lives of four 50+ y.o. women from Lagos, Nigeria. You will enjoy watching their dramas and life challenges. Career problems, affairs with married men, unexpected pregnancies, and many other events from their lives are waiting for you.
9. Sugar Rush (2019)
Sugar Rush (2019) is a Nigerian crime action comedy film that was directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Jadesola Osiberu and Bunmi Ajakaiye. The film stars Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bimbo Ademoye who appear as the lead cast.
A fun and exciting story about three sisters who found $800 million and couldn’t decide whether they should pick the money or not. You will find a few pretty notable Nigerian actors and actresses in that movie.
10. Kasanova (2019)
Kasanova is a Nollywood romantic comedy produced by Eddie Young. This is just a love story of different members of the family. It stars big Nollywood stars like Wale Ojo, Iretiola Doyle, and Toyin Abraham.
A single dad falls in love with a single mother. The couple falls in love through their children who ensure there is a battle for love, family, and friendship. This iconic film has grossed over ₦15 million since its release.
Best Nollywood Movies in 2023
Gangs of Lagos
This is a crime thriller that follows the story of a young man named Tunde, who joins a notorious gang in Lagos to escape poverty and violence. However, he soon realizes that he has entered a world of betrayal, corruption, and murder. The movie stars Femi Jacobs, Zainab Balogun, and Gabriel Afolayan.
Dark October
This is a horror movie that revolves around a group of friends who decide to spend a weekend at a haunted house in October. However, they soon discover that the house is inhabited by a vengeful spirit who wants to kill them one by one. The movie stars Beverly Naya, Ramsey Nouah, and Bimbo Akintola.
Jagun Jagun
This is an action-adventure movie that follows the story of a brave warrior named Jagun, who leads his people in a rebellion against a tyrannical king. Along the way, he faces many dangers and enemies, as well as finds love and friendship. The movie stars Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, and Odunlade Adekola.
Big Love
This is a romantic comedy that centers around the love life of a plus-sized woman named Lola, who struggles to find a suitable partner. She meets David, a handsome and successful man who seems to be interested in her. However, she soon finds out that he has a hidden agenda. The movie stars Eniola Badmus, Alexx Ekubo, and Funke Akindele.
The Black Book
This is a mystery thriller that tells the story of the Nigerian Civil War through the eyes of a young girl named Ada, who finds a diary belonging to her grandfather, a British colonial officer. The diary reveals the secrets and atrocities of the war, as well as the love story between her grandfather and a Nigerian woman. The movie stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Ramsey Nouah, and Joke Silva.
Mami Wata
This is a fantasy drama that follows the story of a fisherman named Chike, who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Ogechi. However, he soon discovers that she is actually Mami Wata, a water goddess who can grant wishes but also demands sacrifices. The movie stars Daniel K Daniel, Linda Ejiofor, and Chioma Chukwuka.
All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White
This is a drama romance that explores the relationship between two interracial couples in Nigeria. One couple is made up of Ngozi, a Nigerian woman, and James, an American man. The other couple is made up of Ayo, a Nigerian man, and Lisa, an American woman. The movie shows how they deal with cultural differences, family expectations, and social pressures. The movie stars Omoni Oboli, OC Ukeje, and Kate Henshaw.
A Sunday Affair
This is a drama romance that follows the story of two strangers who meet on a Sunday morning at a church service. They feel an instant connection and decide to spend the day together. However, they soon realize that they have very different backgrounds and lifestyles. The movie stars Rita Dominic, and Joseph Benjamin.
The Trade
This is a drama thriller that follows the story of two brothers who are involved in human trafficking. One brother is an agent who recruits young girls for prostitution abroad. The other brother is a lawyer who tries to rescue them and bring them back home. The movie stars Jim Iyke and Mercy Johnson.
Love in a Pandemic
This is a drama romance that follows the story of two lovers who are separated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They try to keep their relationship alive through video calls and messages. However, they face many challenges and temptations along the way. The movie stars Ini Dima-Okojie and Timini Egbuson.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, the 10 best Nollywood movies that you can watch right now. Perhaps, these will give you new ideas for Nigerian movie night entertainment.
Nollywood keeps getting better by the day. No longer are we in a dead zone of endless repetitions and unoriginal plots of a man who uses his family members for ritual and is haunted by their ghosts till he confesses. Instead, Nigerian movies have taken a turn to plot-driven, story-based narratives. Before we sign off, we’d like to know what your favorite Nollywood movies are. Please let us know in the comments.
Hi there, I'm Heaven. I'm an entrepreneur, blogger, and digital marketing enthusiast. When I'm not watching anime or learning something new from TikTok, I post and vlog about my incredible life experiences as a digital entrepreneur.
