Whether you’re a new fan of Bridgerton who just binged all three seasons, or an old fan who is anxiously waiting for the second part of the third season to drop, we know some Nollywood romantic movies that might be the perfect placeholder.
“Big Love”
He might not be the Duke of Hastings, but our resident Nollywood bad boy, Timini Egbuson, has all the allure to keep you glued to your screens. He stars alongside Bimbo Ademoye in this Biodun Stephen-directed romcom.
Adil (Timini) falls in love with Adina (Bimbo), an independent woman struggling to make ends meet at a graduate training camp, but a secret threatens to ruin their love. Shaffy Bello, Jaiye Kuti and Seyi Awolowo star in this film too.
“Namaste Wahala”
You know how the fashion in “Bridgerton” is so fire? This might be the closest Nollywood movie to that because it combines the richness of Indian and Nigerian cultures.
Released in 2020, Namaste Wahala follows the budding romance between a Nigerian woman and an Indian man, leading to a charming and heartwarming tale of love, family and acceptance. It’s a delightful romantic comedy that celebrates love across cultural boundaries. Ini Dima-Okojie plays the lead with support from Richard Mofe-Damijo, Joke Silva, Osas Ighodaro, among others.
“Hey You”
Bridgerton had its fair share of slightly “rated 18” scenes, and if there’s one Nollywood movie that can reprise these steamy scenes, it has to be Hey You. This movie recruits Nollywood’s Timini Egbuson to play Abel, a 32-year-old software designer who is shy about meeting women. Abel will rather hide behind keypads as a fan-only user, watching red-room models and jerking off to their kinkiness. On the other side is Bianca, a caregiver at an orphanage who doubles as an adult model on the 18+ site, to which Abel is a subscriber. A friendship soon starts between the two, and things get hotter when Abel discover Bianca’s double life. Efe Irele and Stan Nze also star in this movie.
It’s available to stream on Prime Video.
“The Royal Hibiscus Hotel”
If you’re a fan of the picturesque settings in Bridgerton, you’ll love The Royal Hibiscus Hotel as it’s one of those Nollywood romantic movies with a stunning location.
Released in 2017, the Ebonylife production tells a charming love story as Ope, a talented London chef, navigates the challenges of reviving her parents’ struggling hotel. She soon encounters a guest who turns out to be her prince charming. Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Jide Kososo, among others, feature in this film.
It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“Isoken”
If you can relate to the way Bridgerton puts pressure on characters to find the perfect partner and get married, you’ll understand why Isoken deserves a spot on this list.
This 2017 movie follows the life of a woman who is under pressure to get married. When she meets Oshina, a handsome investment banker, she starts to question her ideas about love and marriage. It has all the tropes about self-discovery, family and finding love in unexpected places, just like Bridgerton. Isoken stars Dakore Egbuson and Joseph Benjamin, among others. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“A Sunday Affair”
It’s one of the Nollywood romantic movies that had lovers hooked during the Valentine’s Day period of 2023. Starring two of Nollywood’s most iconic actresses, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Dakore Akande, as best friends, the two fall in love with the same man, and it’s a downward spiral from there that makes for gripping TV. You’ll get the kick from this movie just like that Bridgerton season where the Sharma sisters fall for the Viscount Bridgerton. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“The Wedding Party”
You can’t possibly talk about Nollywood romantic classics and miss out on Ebonylife’s The Wedding Party. If you’re desperately hoping some of the Bridgerton couples take their romantic relationship offscreen to the modern day, this is one movie that’ll tickle your fancy.
Released in 2016, the romantic comedy which stars Adesua Etomi and Banky W unfolds against the backdrop of a lavish Nigerian wedding. Their love is threatened by cultural clashes that stem from the coming together of their different families. It also stars Sola Sobowale, Ali Baba, Ireti Doyle, among others. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
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