It is still Women’s Month, and regardless of all that has been happening in the country, in this house, we’re celebrating Nigerian women (and the Nollywood movies they light up).
It’s no secret that in Nollywood, women reign supreme. Whether they’re breaking box office records or delivering stellar performances, female actors continue to captivate movie lovers. But beyond being leading ladies, women are also making their mark behind the camera, directing some of Nollywood’s best and biggest movies.
Here are ten (10) must-watch Nollywood movies directed by women:
1. Lionheart (2018)
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director: Genevieve Nnaji
Genre: Drama
Lionheart tells the story of Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji), who steps up to run her father’s transportation company when health issues force him to step down. Facing numerous challenges in a male-dominated industry, Adaeze must collaborate with her unconventional uncle (Nkem “Osofia” Owoh) to save the company from financial ruin. This film marks Nnaji’s directorial debut, and also stars Onyeka Onwenu, Pete Edochie, Phyno and Jemima Osunde.
2. King of Boys (2018)
Runtime: 3h 2m
Director: Kemi Adetiba
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Alhaja Eniola Salami (Sola Sobowale) is a powerful businesswoman and philanthropist with a notorious past. As she aspires for a political position, she becomes entangled in a power struggle that threatens everything she holds dear. Kemi Adetiba’s King of Boys is a gripping tale of ambition, politics, and the dark corridors of power in Nigeria. The cast also includes Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Sharon Ooja and Reminisce.
Watch King of Boys on Netflix.
3. Gangs of Lagos (2023)
Runtime: 2h 4m
Director: Jade Osiberu
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
This Nollywood action film follows a group of childhood friends—Tobi Bakre, Chike, and Adesua Etomi-Wellington—as they navigate their destinies amidst the bustling streets of Isale Eko, Lagos. Drawn into the complex world of crime and politics, they confront challenges that test their loyalty and aspirations. Osiberu reimagines Lagos’s underworld, highlighting the intricate ties between street gangs and political power. The cast includes Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Akpotha and Olarotimi Fakunle.
Watch Gangs of Lagos on Prime Video.
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4. Journey to Self (2013)
Runtime: 2hrs
Director: Tope Oshin
Genre: Drama
This drama revolves around four childhood friends—Nse Ikpe-Etim, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Ashionye Michelle Raccah and Katherine Obiang—who reunite following the death of their mutual friend, Uche. Through a series of letters left by Uche, the women embark on a journey of self-discovery, confronting personal issues such as domestic violence, marital secrets, and societal expectations.
Watch Journey to Self on Prime Video.
5. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (2024)
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters
Genre: Biographical Drama
This biopic chronicles the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the feminist and activist who fought tirelessly for women’s rights and suffrage. Bolanle Austen-Peters brings to life the story of a woman who challenged colonial rule and patriarchal norms, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian history. Kehinde Bankole and Joke Silva both play Ransome-Kuti at different stages of her life. Other cast members include Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, and Jide Kosoko.
Watch Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti on Prime Video.
6. Sistá (2022)
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Drama
Sistá follows a hard-working young mother (Kehinde Bankole) abandoned by her lover and left to fend for her two children. Through sheer grit, she raises the children as a single mother. But years later, by chance, her lover reunites with her and demands to have a place in his children’s life. This movie is about spurned love and the pressures we face to forgive when we’re not ready. The cast includes Deyemi Okanlawon and Bisola Aiyeola.
7. Rattlesnake (1994)
Runtime: 2h 30m
Director: Amaka Igwe
Genre: Crime, Drama
Rattlesnake tells the story of Ahanna (Francis Duru), a young man drawn into a life of crime after his father dies and financial hardships set in. This film invites us to ask ourselves whether crime is ever an option. Three decades later, the Amaka Igwe classic is as relevant as it was in 1994. In 2020, a remake, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, directed by Ramsey Nouah, was released. The cast includes Nkem Owoh, Ann Njemanze, Bob Manuel and Ernest Obi.
8. Dry (2014)
Runtime: 1h 55m
Director: Stephanie Linus (Okereke)
Genre: Drama
Dry addresses the harrowing issues of child marriage and Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Northern Nigeria. The film follows a young girl’s struggle and a doctor’s journey to make a difference, highlighting the resilience of women and the need for societal change. This drama, directed by Stephanie Linus, brings sensitivity and urgency to these critical issues that continue to ravage the entire country. The cast includes Stephanie Linus as Dr. Zara, Liz Benson-Ameye, Olu Jacobs and Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge.
9. The Meeting (2012)
Runtime: 2h 12m
Director: Mildred Okwo
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
The Meeting follows Makinde Esho (Femi Jacobs), a corporate executive from Lagos, who travels to Abuja for a crucial business meeting. He encounters unexpected bureaucratic challenges, particularly from the quirky receptionist Clara Ikemba (for which Rita Dominic won an AMVCA). Mildred Okwo’s direction offers a humorous yet insightful look into Nigerian bureaucratic processes and the surprises life holds. The cast also includes Kate Henshaw, Kehinde Bankole and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman.
10 Bariga Sugar (2017)
Runtime: 21 minutes
Director: Ifeoma Nkiruka Chukwuogo
Genre: Drama, Short Film
Bariga Sugar is a poignant short film set in a brothel compound in Nigeria. The narrative centres on the tender friendship between eight-year-old Ese and ten-year-old Jamil, both children of sex workers residing in the brothel. The film delves into their innocent bond amidst the challenging environment they inhabit, offering a heartfelt exploration of childhood, resilience, and hope.
Watch Bariga Sugar on YouTube.
