11 Best Nigerian Movies

11 Best Nigerian Movies

Nollywood is the Nigerian film industry, that is responsible for the world-class entertainment the country and Africa, enjoys. The movie industry has evolved over the years with breath new taking talents hitting the screens each day, coming out with some of the most watched Nigerian movies. Nollywood has greatly been recognized internationally as a competitor in the film world and has developed in terms of pictures, productions, scripting, effects, plots and more. Over the years, a few films have stood out and remain evergreen. Here are 11 of the best Nigerian movies.

1. Osuofia in London

Osuofia in London is a 2003 comedy film directed by Kingsley Ogoro starring Nkem Owoh. The film centers around a village man who travels to London after the death of his younger brother, Donatus, who had built a good amount of wealth for himself. He returns with his brother’s British fiancée, Samantha as his new wife, making drama unfold in the family. Osoufia in London shot star actor Nkem Owoh to the limelight as the film is arguably one of the most watched Nigerian movies of all time. This film followed up with a sequel Osoufia in London 2 in 2004.

2. Dangerous Twins

Dangerous Twins s a 2004 Nigerian drama film written, produced and directed by Tade Ogidan. The three-part film stars the legendary Ramsey Nuoah, Stella Damasus-Aboderin Sola Sobowale, Nobert Young and Bimbo Akintola. The film tells the story of Twins, Taiye and Kehinde played by Ramsey Nouah. Taiye a playboy based in London and Kehinde, a married man with three children in Nigeria. Identical twins trade places due to Taiye being frustrated by his single life, trust is betrayed, and violence erupts. The film which is the first of its kind took Nollywood by storm selling a storyline the viewing public is not used to. This film also opened doors for lead actor, Ramsey Nuoah as it earned him a lot of respect as a versatile artist. The film went on to win the 1^st Africa Magic Movie Academy Awards for Best Special Effects.

3. Dry

Dry is a 2014 Nigerian drama film directed by Stephanie Linus and starring Stephanie Okereke-Linus, Liz Benson, Olu Jacobs, William McNamara, Darwin Shaw and Paul Sambo. The emotional movie centers around the life of a little girl Halima, made a child bride, violated, abused, eventually develops vaginal fistula, is ostracized by the community and dies in the hands of her mother who had just recently found her. The brilliant production addresses issues concerning girls predominantly in Northern Nigeria. With amazing picture and plot, Dry is one of Nigeria’s best films.

4. Jenifa

Jenifa is a 2008 Nigerian comedy-drama and Yoruba film starring Funke Akindele. The film received 4 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008. The film is one of the largest to come out of the Yoruba movie industry, a breakthrough for Funke Akindele and other actors. The film centered on Suliat, a village girl from Ayetoro who gains admissions in the university, wishes to belong but struggles with her unexposed self. This movie also stars Eniola Badmus, Iyabo Ojo, Odulade Adekola, Adebayo Salami, Mosunmola Filan and Ronke Odusanya. A decade later and the character, Jenifa, is still relevant as it has been made into a comedy TV series, Jenifa’s Diary.

5. Egg of Life

Egg of Life is a 2003 Nigerian drama film directed by Andy Amenechi. The film brought lead actress Nkiru Sylvanus to the limelight as it centered around an egg of life to be sourced from the evil forest by a group of young girls to cure the sick prince of which the maiden who returns alive will be his bride. The epic film stars veterans such as Clarion Chukwurah-Abiola, Pete Edochie, Nkiru Sylvanus and Georgina Onuoha.

6. October 1

October 1 is a 2014 Kunle Afolayan dark, psychological, thriller film written by Tunde which depicts the road to independence in a small town, Akote with a little twist. Danladi Waziri, played by Sadiq Daba, is deployed to a remote village, Akote to investigate the serial rape and murders of Akote virgins before October 1. This film is a breath of fresh air with a daring tale and amazing plot twist. Costumed to perfection by Deola Sageo, this film stars Sadiq Daba, Kayode Olaiya, David Bailie, Kehinde Bankole, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Nick Rhys, Femi Adebayo, Kunle Afolayon, Bimbo Manuel, Ibrahim Chatta and introduces Demola Adedoyin

7. Aki na Ukwa

Aki na Ukwa is one of Nigeria’s most popular comedy films of all time. The 2002 Nigerian comedy film was directed by Amayo Uzo Philips, starring Osita Iheme as Paw Paw and Chinedu Ikedezie as Aki. This film gave birth to the sensational duo Aki and Paw Paw and is regarded the funniest Nigerian comedy of all time.

8. Maami

Maami is a 2011 Nigerian drama film produced and directed by Tunde Kelani. It is based on a novel of the same name, written by Femi Osofisan. The film was adapted to screen by Tunde Babalola. The film is set two days before the World Cup and tells the story of Kashimawo played by Wole Ojo, a promising soccer player who comes to terms with the agonies of his childhood, poverty, struggle and unconditional love of his maami (mother), played by Funke Akindele and estranged father. This Yoruba film also stars Olumide Bakare.

9. State of Emergency

State of Emergency is a 2004 Nigerian action movie by Teco Benson, starring the lords of action J.T Tom West, Saint Obi, and Bimbo Manuel. The film centers around a hostile takeover of the House of Assembly with the country’s leaders taken as hostages.

10. Domitilla

Domitilla is a 1996 Nigerian thriller centered around the life of a prostitute and prostitution ring. The memorable film stars the late Enebeli Elebuwa, Kate Henshaw-Nuttall and Charles Okafor.

11. Diamond Ring

Diamond Ring is a 1998 Nigerian horror film, centered around a young boy and his friends who steal a diamond ring from the grave of a dead beauty queen. The ghost of the pageant girl later haunts the young boy and his household. The movie by Tunde Ogidan stars Teju Baby Face, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bukky Ajayi, Bimbo Akintola, Liz Benson and Susan Cave