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Movies About Africa

Movies about Africa on Netflix

Africa is a fascinating and extremely diverse continent. There is so much to explore and learn. Netflix has a great selection of movies that are available with the theme centered on Africa. African films serve the intention to find films that are made for Africans to enjoy and celebrate their rich culture and history. It also helps to anticipate a future that awaits today’s generations and those yet unborn. Netflix has a range of modern films that tell the story of the African history to movies that move away from the old stereotypical depictions of Africans in Hollywood.

Here is a selection of the movies about Africa available on Netflix:

Difret

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An Ethiopian movie based on real-life events. The movie tackles issues with an emphasis on the subject of Women’s rights on the African continent. Difret is great for people interested in Women’s rights, especially in African countries.

Lies Men Tell

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A hilarious drama about wives who deal with their cheating husbands.

The African Doctor

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A comedy-drama that is based on a real-life story, which shares the trials of a doctor and his family who go through a new climate while trying to remain true to themselves.

Finding Mercy

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A drama about burglars that happen upon a woman in labor – one goes to jail, and the other takes home an infant he names Mercy.

The Square

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The Emmy-award winning Netflix original film, directed by Egyptian-American filmmaker Jehane Noujaim, documents the 2011 Egyptian protests, which led to the overthrow of their military leader.

Flower Girl

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A Nigerian comedy revolving around the story of Kemi, who is dying to get married to a young man that is desperate to get ahead in his career.

Ties That Bind

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An African movie filmed in Ghana that has earned 7 nominations at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards and eventually won the award for the category Achievement in Screenplay.

Fifty

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Fifty is a romantic drama that captures some of the pivotal days of four women at the pinnacle of their careers.

October 1

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A dark, psychological thriller – this film is about the investigation of the frequent female murder cases in the community and solving the mystery before the Nigerian flag is raised on Nigeria’s Independence Day.

Confusion Na Wa

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A Nigerian dark comedy-drama – this film has won the award for Best Nigerian film in 2013. The film tells a story of how many interconnected separate events can come together to complicate the lives of people.

Top Movies about Africa

Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom:

This film, starring Idris Elba, is the best cinematic take on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela. It is about his life from his time as a young lawyer fighting against the oppressive apartheid laws to becoming the country’s first democratically elected president.

Invictus

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This popular movie stars A-list actors such as Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. The movie tells the story of South African President Nelson Mandela’s attempt to unite the country by enlisting the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Out of Africa

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Winner of the Best Picture Academy Award, Out of Africa is the true story of a woman who runs a Kenyan plantation (Meryl Streep) and falls in love with a mysterious hunter (Robert Redford). It has lions, breathtaking sceneries and romance to boot.

Hotel Rwanda

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Although this movie was set in a tragic time in Rwanda, the movie has happy and uplifting points and showcases how strong the human spirit is.

The Lion King

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This popular movie is forever loved and even though it is animated, it shows the beauty of some of the African countries.

I Dreamed of Africa

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The film tells the true story of Kuki Gallman, an Italian woman who relocates to Africa to run a farm, and while it has heartbreaking moments at times, it is an uplifting movie at the same time.

Casablanca

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Ranked as one of the greatest American films of all time, this 1942 romance takes place in Casablanca, one of the largest cities in Morocco. Rick and Ilsa are star-crossed lovers during the Second World War.

Blood Diamond

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Blood Diamond follows one local fisherman’s gut-wrenching hardship during the conflict. It is a good African war movie with a compelling story line.

The Gods Must Be Crazy

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One of the top South African films of all time. The story is set in Botswana but this movie tells the tale of a rural village with little knowledge of the outside world.

Gorillas In The Mist

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The story of Dian Fossey, a scientist who came to Africa to study the vanishing mountain gorillas, and who later fought to protect them.

African Movies on History

African historical movies are often about famous black people. They often focus on their stories of bravery in the face of oppression. The top historical black movies are based on civil rights leaders, sports stars, and legendary musicians. Some famous African historical movies include:

  • 12 Years a Slave
  • Glory
  • Hotel Rwanda
  • Invictus
  • The Color Purple
  • The Color Purple
  • Winnie Mandela

Movies about War in Africa

Movies about war in Africa are focused on the conflicts, struggle, and rebellions that have occurred in Africa. Some of these movies include:

  • Zulu (1963)
  • Africa: Blood and Guts (1966)
  • The Battle of Algiers (1966)
  • Hotel Rwanda (2004)
  • Blackhawk Down (2001)
  • Liberia: An Uncivil War (2004)
  • The Last King of Scotland (2006)
  • Machine Gun Preacher (2011)
  • War Witch (2012)
  • Tears of the Sun (2003)

Movies about Lions in Africa

Lions are beautiful and fierce creatures. Movies that revolve around the lions in Africa have scenery that is exceptional and focuses on the wild and safari. Some of these movies include:

  • Born Free (1966)
  • The Last Lioness (Documentary)
  • The Last Lions (Documentary)
  • Eternal Enemies: Lions and Hyenas
  • Christian the Lion – Morningstar Productions
  • African Cats – DisneyNature, by Keith Scholey
  • The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe
  • The Lion King
  • Madagascar

Movies about Poverty in Africa

Poverty in Africa is the result of dramatic social changes, ongoing political unrest and turbulent economic transitions. Movies about the background of poverty in South African include:

  • The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
  • Black Girl (1966)
  • From A Whisper (2009)
  • Hyenas (1992)
  • Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Movies about Aids in Africa

There are many heart-wrenching movies with a theme that focuses on AIDS, the patients, their families, and loved ones. These include:

Movies about South Africa

South African movies are filled with talent, class and chemistry. Some popular South African movies include:

Take a look today at some of these movies that focus on Africa, its people, culture, issues and history – it will help you to better understand this amazing country.