10 Essential Nigerian Movies to Add To Your List

Nigerian movies are some of the best that Africa has to offer, with recent movie premieres seeing a super high turn up, we decided to collect ten essential Nollywood movies you all need to add to your to watch list. Grab your popcorn and let’s explore them in no particular order.

Lunchtime Heroes

Released in 2015, the movie revolves around seven high school students whose lives were changed by a corper (Banke) posted to their school. They all suck at sports, hence are unqualified for a statewide competition, but are grouped to take part in a skills challenge.

With appearances from Omoni Oboli, Diana Yekinni, Kenneth Okolie, Dakore Akande and others, this is an exciting movie that can be a fun family experience. So, enjoy this juicy treat from Seyi Babatope, who brings new child characters to the Nollywood scene in a family-friendly comic production.

Watch Lunchtime Heroes!

Ayamma: Music in the Forest

Set in the heart of Akwa Ibom and released late 2016, it captures the African culture (Ibibio) to the peak. It is a hit movie from popular Nigerian producer and director, Emem Isong-Amadi.

Iko, played by talented diva, Adesua Etomi Wellington, is a poor village girl blessed with a golden voice that captures the heart of an already betrothed prince. The movie marries music, dance, and drama in a beautifully executed comic package.

What is a love story without some revenge, lust, drama and more drama?!

Isoken

Hmm, here comes a romantic drama-packed Nollywood comedy centered on the life of Isoken Osayande. She is a beautiful but unmarried 34-year-old lady which is cause for alarm in a “marriage-is-an-achievement” kind of society.

Isoken’s youngest sister is getting married and her overbearing mother goes into matchmaking mood, finding Osaze who is your perfect man. But another player enters the ring; Kevin, a Caucasian Edo man and she has to make a choice.

Released in 2017 and directed by Jade Osiberu, Isoken is a movie we all can relate to; I was glued till the very end!

Flower Girl

You’ll love the perfect combination of romance and comedy that Flower Girl brings to the table. Damilola Adegbite portrays Kemi, an adorable star-strucked young lady who works in the flower shop of her parents and sets out to get the man of her dreams, Umar (portrayed by Chris Attoh). Enlisting the help of a popular Nollywood movie hunk, Tunde (played by Blossom Chukwujekwu), plans are set in motion.

Released in 2013, it is a drama that will get you cracking up. Who doesn’t like a good love story?

Watch Flower Girl!

Slow Country

Played by Ivie Okujaiye, Kome is a brave but homeless teen mom introduced to prostitution and drug trafficking by a drug Lord in her search for a good life for her son. When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she attempts to flee. Her ruthless drug lord isn’t quite ready to let go and drama ensues.

Released in 2016, Slow Country is about sacrifices and choices. If you are looking for a Nollywood action, drama and thriller in one package, this Eric Achimien movie is your go-to!

93 Days

Dedicated to Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, the Nigerian physician who helped in the containment of the Ebola Virus, this movie is proof that Nollywood has vastly improved. Patrick Sawyer plays the victim infected with the disease when he collapsed at the Murtala International Airport in Nigeria.

Based on a true story and released in 2016, 93 days is a Nigerian thriller that captures patriotism and sacrifice to its very core. With the outbreak of a deadly disease known as Ebola, men and women risk everything they have to save mankind and contain its spread. It is one you cannot afford to miss!

76

From the stables of Adonis Productions comes this Nigerian historical blockbuster drama that celebrates the bravery of soldiers and the strength of their wives (who are under-acknowledged).

Released in 2016, the drama revolves around Captain Joseph Dewa (played by Ramsey Noah), who is accused unjustly of pioneering an unsuccessful military coup and his pregnant wife, Suzie (played by Rita Dominic) who struggles to prove his innocence.

With real events adapted from Nigerian political events like the assassination of Late Gen. Murtala Mohammed and repeated coupe attempts, this movie will keep you in suspense and make you understand your history lessons better!

The Department

If you are into crime, love and action thriller, then this Nollywood movie is a must-watch for you. Released in 2015 with flawless performances from Majid Michel, Desmond Elliot, O.C Ukeje, Osas Ighodaro and a host of others, it is a drama that exposes the illegal activities practiced by a secret department with regards to corporate takeovers, and is one fraught with crime, betrayal, theft, and blackmail. This is definitely a movie to see.

Watch The Department!

Oloibiri

Oloibiri is a story that captures the impact of oil discovery on the lives of the natives and those around them. Released in 2016, it is a Nollywood action thriller that tells the sad tale of oil exploitation by government agencies since the discovery of oil in the historic Oloibiri town, a small Nigerian village in Bayelsa state where oil was first discovered.

With appearances from Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ivie Okujaiye among others, it communicates a powerful message about the sad plight of the Niger Deltans and the gross underdevelopment of their land.

Half of a Yellow Sun

Adapted from a novel with the same title, written by renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this is a movie that describes the post-colonial era and the struggles of Nigerians whose lives were affected by the Biafra war. Particular reference is given to Odenigbo, his wife Olanna, her twin sister, Kainene and her love, Richard.

Released in 2014, the cast perfectly brings the 1960s to life in a drama on love, struggles, and loss. It’s worth every minute spent viewing it.

These Nollywood releases are super-amazing; your positive reviews are going to prove that. So, what are you still waiting for? Get adding already!