With thousands of films produced yearly, Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is a significant force in African cinema. After Bollywood in India, it is the second-largest film industry globally in terms of volume. Nollywood has a worldwide following thanks to its inventive and classic storytelling, distinctive cultural tales, and imaginative movies.
Our guide highlights the top 10 Nollywood films that have significantly impacted the industry, regardless of your familiarity with the genre or want to rewatch some timeless masterpieces.
We have chosen films for this list based on their critical and commercial success, cultural relevance, and capacity to showcase a variety of Nollywood genres. These films, which range from comedies to dramas, have influenced the business and are still beloved by audiences. Let’s now explore the top ten Nigerian films you must see.
1. Living in Bondage (1992)
Photo Source: IMDb.
Living in Bondage is the movie that gave rise to contemporary Nollywood. This film, which Chris Obi Rapu directed, is about a man who joins a covert cult in an attempt to become wealthy. However, he quickly understands the repercussions of his decisions. It was among the first Nigerian films to tackle the complicated issues of spirituality and avarice, and its popularity helped to establish Nollywood as we know it today.
Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor wrote the film, Ogunjiofor produced it, and Jafac Wine provided sponsorship.
Classic actors like Kenneth Okonkwo and Nnenna Nwabueze played breakthrough roles in the movie. It is recognised as the first home video from Nigeria to become a huge hit.
Kenneth Nnebue sold the rights to Living in Bondage to veteran actors Ramsey Nouah and Charles Okpaleke in 2015 for a potential remake to be shot in Nigeria, Europe, and America.
Photo Source: The Guardian Nigeria News.
Nouah said in 2018 that his adaptation had evolved into a follow-up, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, which debuted on November 8, 2019, and became the eleventh highest-grossing Nigerian film. In addition to original performers Okonkwo, Kanayo, and Udokwu (whose role was reduced to a single cameo), Nouah, who plays the cult’s new chief priest, make his directorial debut.
The plot revolves around Nnamdi, Andy’s son, and his ostentatious pursuit of fortune, much like his father did. Alongside Swanky JKA in his breakthrough role, former MBGN Muna Abii makes her acting debut.
The movie made its Netflix debut in May 2020 after its theatrical release.
2. The Wedding Party (2016)
Photo Source: InkBlot Productions.
The Wedding Party is a must-watch for lovers of romantic comedy. At the time of its release, the Kemi Adetiba-directed movie was the highest-grossing Nollywood production, a record that was broken by Funke Akindele’s Omo Ghetto: The Saga in 2021. In Canada, it debuted on September 8, 2016, at the Toronto International Film Festival, and in Lagos, on November 26, 2016, at the Eko Hotel and Suites.
The plot centres on the mayhem that follows a high-society Nigerian wedding. Given its witty humour, endearing characters, and understanding of Nigerian wedding customs, it’s no surprise that this film became a worldwide sensation.
Its sequel, The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai, was released in 2017 and was directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. In May 2017, principal photography for the movie, which was filmed in Dubai and Lagos, started. It is the fourth-highest-earning Nigerian movie ever, raking in ₦500,000,000 at the box office.
The movie featured amazing actors like Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Ireti Doyle.
3. Lionheart (2018)
Photo Source: Netflix.
Lionheart was a landmark for Nollywood because it was the first Nigerian film to be purchased by Netflix. The movie, directed by Genevieve Nnaji and produced by Chinny Onwugbenu, is about a lady who has to take over her family’s failing business. Lionheart is popular with both domestic and foreign viewers because it successfully combines comedy, drama, and themes of female empowerment.
It stars veteran actors like Pete Edochie, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Nkem Owoh. In addition to Peter Okoye’s and Chibuzor Azubuike’s (commonly known as Phyno) acting debuts, the film marked Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut. On January 4, 2019, the movie was made available on Netflix globally.
Lionheart was nominated for the 92nd Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category as Nigeria’s submission. It was Nigeria’s first time sending a movie to the Oscars. Since roughly ten minutes of the movie are in Igbo and the remainder of the conversation is in English, the Academy disqualified the film on November 4, 2019. The movie made ₦21.3m at the box office.
4. October 1 (2014)
Photo Source: Pulse Nigeria.
This historical thriller, directed by Kunle Afolayan, is set on the eve of Nigeria’s 1960 independence. It centres on a police officer from northern Nigeria investigating a string of killings in a tiny town.
In addition to being a gripping murder mystery, October 1 delves into the tensions in Nigeria before its independence. The film received high praise from critics and took home numerous accolades for its photography and narrative.
The movie stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Olaiya, and Demola Adedoyin. Using period costumes and props, October 1 was produced in Lagos, Ilara-Mokin, Akure, and the towns that border Akure between August and September 2013, with a budget of US$2 million (315 million in 2013).
The movie debuted on September 28, 2014, and became available to viewers worldwide on October 3. Within six months of its release, it brought in just over₦100 million (US$610,000 in 2014); Afolayan attributed the low revenue to movie piracy.
The movie also won multiple accolades at the 2014 Africa International Film Festival, including Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor.
5. Osuofia in London (2003)
Photo Source: IMDb.
This humorous movie, starring Nkem Owoh, tells the story of a villager who moves to London after inheriting a fortune. The movie examines the cultural conflicts between contemporary Western society and rural Nigerian life. The film’s humour and relatability made it one of Nollywood’s most cherished comedies, and Nkem Owoh’s portrayal of Osuofia is legendary.
The movie features veteran actors like Francis Odega and the late Cynthia Okereke. Kingsley Ogoro directed Osuofia in London.
6. King of Boys (2018)
Photo Source: Netflix.
King of Boys is a compelling political thriller directed by Kemi Adetiba that explores the power structures in Nigerian politics. The movie explores loyalty, power, and corruption as it follows the ascent and decline of a prominent businesswoman with criminal connections. Its success cemented its status as a contemporary Nollywood classic, which spawned a sequel and a Netflix series.
Following their collaboration on her directing debut, The Wedding Party, it brings Kemi Adetiba back together with Adesua Etomi and Sola Sobowale. Other star cast members include Nigerian rappers Illbliss and Reminisce on their acting debut, Osas Ighodaro, Paul Sambo, and Akin Lewis, amongst others.
After seven weeks in theatres, King of Boys made₦200 million, for a total of₦245 million. The sequel, The Return of the King, debuted as a seven-part limited series on Netflix exclusively on August 27, 2021.
7. Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Photo Source: Cristina Sander’s Blog.
Half of a Yellow Sun, based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling book, takes place during the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War. The film, directed by Biyi Bandele, follows two sisters and the individuals in their lives as they negotiate the unstable political environment. The movie offers a glimpse into a significant period in Nigerian history while simultaneously being a love story and a historical drama.
The classic movie features Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandiwe Newton, Onyeka Onwenu, Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle, Genevieve Nnaji, OC Ukeje, and John Boyega.
Filmed on location in Nigeria, the movie debuted at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival’s Special Presentation section.
8. A Tribe Called Judah (2023)
Photo Source: YouTube.
Produced by Funke Akindele, the 2023 Nigerian film A Tribe Called Judah features a cast that includes Yvonne Jegede, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Fathia Balogun, Timini Egbuson, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde Olumide Oworu, Genoveva Umeh, Nse Ikpe Etim, and many others. The movie was released in theatres around the country on December 15, 2023. According to Akindele, the movie is partly based on her mother’s life and is dedicated to her late mother.
In A Tribe Called Judah, Funke Akindele plays Jedidah Judah, a single mother with five boys from five different dads from five different tribes, each with their distinct traits. When Jedidah gets chronic renal disease, things get worse. She needs₦18 million to pay for her surgery and ₦400,000 each week for dialysis.
After the movie hit theatres on December 15, 2023, it became the first Nollywood movie to earn over 113 million won in its first weekend of release and the first Nollywood production to reach one billion naira at the box office.
9. Isoken (2017)
Photo Source: The Culture Custodian.
The romantic comedy Isoken, directed by Jade Osiberu, examines the pressures Nigerian women endure to be married at a specific age. The film centres on Isoken, a lady who is caught between a contemporary romantic connection and a conventional family match. It is accessible and energising because it tackles issues of identity, love, and social expectations.
Tribe85 Productions produced the movie, which was distributed by Evrit Film in the UK and Silverbird Distributions in Nigeria. It debuted in the UK on May 24, 2017, at London’s West End’s Cineworld.
It made its debut in Nigeria on June 16, 2017, at the Landmark Event Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos. The film is one of the creative industry initiatives funded by the Bank of Industry’s NollyFund loan program.
Reviews for the film were overwhelmingly positive. Even though Nollywood Reinvented gave the film a 64% rating, they also say that “beautiful” is the best adjective to describe it.
After receiving numerous nominations and accolades, Isoken went on to win the 2018 AMVCA Best Film West African and Best Director honours, as well as the Best Foreign Film prize at the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta and the Prix du Public at Nollywood Week Paris. Isoken established Jadesola as a film director and an award-winning director.
10. The Figurine (2009)
Photo Source: IMDb.
Kunle Afolayan’s spooky thriller The Figurine completes our list. The movie’s subjects are two friends who find a mysterious statue that brings both good fortune and calamity. The Figurine is still a favourite among fans because of its complexity and suspense, and it pioneered Nollywood’s shift towards better production quality and intricate storytelling.
The movie, written by Kemi Adesoye, stars Omoni Oboli, Jide Kosoko, and Ramsey Nouah.
When it debuted at the 2009 Rotterdam International Film Festival, the movie received high praise from critics. At the 6th Africa Film Academy Awards, it garnered ten nominations and took home five prizes, including Best Picture, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Visual Effects, and Heart of Africa.
The book Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspectives on the Figurine, which provides a scholarly study of the film’s events, was published on July 31, 2014. It received positive reviews. Some higher education institutions’ arts departments have also employed the figurine as a subject of instructional studies.
The Figurine was a hit at the Nigerian box office. Due to the limited number of theatres in the country in 2009, the film’s total revenue after eight weeks of release was estimated to be around 30 million Naira.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Nollywood? Nollywood is the term used to describe the Nigerian film industry, known for producing a high volume of movies each year.
- How can I watch Nigerian movies outside Nigeria? Many Nigerian films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
- What are some new trends in Nollywood? Recent trends include higher production values, international collaborations, and a growing focus on diverse genres such as thrillers and biopics.
- Which Nollywood movie made the highest box office revenue? The Wedding Party (2016) currently holds the record for the highest-grossing Nollywood film.
- Are there Nollywood movies in other languages apart from English? Yes, many Nollywood films are produced in local languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, with English subtitles.