Old Nollywood movies were problematic AF, but they never failed to deliver on premium entertainment that had us glued to the front of our TV sets. They were good enough for us to join long queues at rental clubs and spend lunch allowances on VCD collections.
While Nollywood has really taken off in recent times, there’s something they say about humble beginnings and how they shouldn’t be forgotten. We’ve compiled the mother of all lists, featuring titles that’ll help you understand Nollywood’s history.
Old Nollywood action movies
“State of Emergency” (2004)
Jade Osiberu might’ve owned the action genre with Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, but State of Emergency existed before these flicks. It’s arguably the biggest action movie that came out of Nollywood in the early 2000s. Directed by Teco Benson, State of Emergency tells the story of a group of ex-militants who form a terrorist group and disrupt the peace in the nation through kidnap and murder.
The all-star cast features Saint Obi, Bimbo Manuel, Ernest Azuzu, Ashley Nwosu, Gentle Jack, Rachael Oniga, Bruno Iwuoha and Ejike Asiegbu, among others.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
State of Emergency is available to stream on YouTube.
“Most Wanted” (1996)
Nollywood doesn’t make them like this anymore, and that’s on period. This movie had the girlies carrying action on their back while delivering hot entertainment. Directed by Tunji Bamishigbin, Most Wanted follows the story of four unemployed ladies who disguise themselves as men to carry out a bank heist. A policeman soon finds out that his lover is a member of the “Most Wanted” gang.
Regina Askia, Ibinabo Fiberisima, Ayo Adesanya, Liz Benson, Antar Laniyan and Bob Manuel feature in this movie.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Most Wanted is available to stream on YouTube.
“Isakaaba” (2001)
Produced in 2001 by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Isakaaba is THE action movie. Inspired by true-life events, the movie follows the story of a community vigilante group, Bakassi Boys, who fight crime and corruption in society using supernatural powers. But the group also instils fear in the community.
Amaechi Muonagor, Susan Obi, Sam Dede and Chiwetalu Agu star in the film.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Isakaaba has five parts, and they’re all available to stream on YouTube.
Old Nollywood rom-com movies
“Ijele” (1999)
Genevieve Nnaji didn’t come to us by chance, and this movie is proof. Directed by Fred Amata, Ijele follows the story of a love-struck son of the gods, who would go to any length for the pretty Oma (Genevieve).
When Oma falls ill and is on the verge of death, Ijele travels through forbidden forests to find a cure for her. He refuses to take on another woman as a wife.
It stars Olu Jacobs, Genevieve Nnaji, Sam Dede, Eucharia Anunobi and Sam Loco Efe.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Ijele is available to stream on YouTube.
“Tango With Me” (2010)
While this movie is a rollercoaster of emotions, the sweet ending and connection between Joseph Benjamin and Genevieve Nnaji will have you sat. It follows the story of a young couple who met at an NYSC training camp. On their wedding night, thieves break in and rape the wife, a virgin waiting to be deflowered by her husband.
Tina Mba, Bimbo Manuel, Joke Silva and Bimbo Akintola also feature in the movie.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Tango With Me is available to stream on YouTube.
“Phone Swap” (2012)
Directed by Kunle Afolayan, Phone Swap was one of the hottest things to come out of Nollywood in 2012. It had the right mix of comedy and romance that got everyone giddy and glued to cinema screens.
It follows the story of a fashion designer (Nse Ikpe-Etim) who accidentally switches phones with an arrogant businessman (Wale Ojo) at the airport. They end up falling in love despite their initial reluctance to help each other.
The movie also features Joke Silva, Ada Ameh, Lydia Forson among others.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Phone Swap is available to stream on Netflix.
“Keeping Faith” (2002)
This Nollywood film is one for the books, and the reason isn’t far-fetched. Genevieve and RMD playing couple? Yes, please. Keeping Faith is about Nadine (Genevieve) who gets heartbroken when she visits her lover and finds out he’s married.
She meets and falls in love with Mr Princewill Sampa (RMD), but friends convince her to jazz him with a love potion. Then she gets caught in a mix and doesn’t know if he truly loves her or if it’s the jazz working.
Bimbo Akintola, Funlola Aofiyebi, Ego Boyo, Amaka Igwe and Joke Silva feature in the film.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Keeping Faith is available to stream on Netflix.
Nollywood comedy movies
“Osuofia in London” (2003)
If you’ve ever wondered why Nkem Owoh became a leading man in Nollywood, this movie will answer your question. Osuofia in London follows Osuofia (Nkem Owoh) as he learns of his brother’s demise in London and travels to the city to claim his inheritance.
However, things don’t go as he’d hoped. His brother’s wife in London puts up a fight against his claim to the inheritance. The movie also features Francis Odega and Cynthia Okereke, among others.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Osuofia in London is available to stream on YouTube.
“Aki na Ukwa” (2003)
Aki na Ukwa stamped Nollywood actors, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, as meme gods. The comedy follows the story of two mischievous brothers, PawPaw and Aki, who cause chaos in their home and the entire village.
Amaechi Muonagor, Oby Kechere and Frances Nsokwu feature in the film.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Aki na Ukwa is available to stream on YouTube.
“Tom and Jerry” (2003)
If there’s a Nollywood duo who can recreate the hilarity of the Warner Bros’ cartoon, Tom and Jerry, it’s surely Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme. After the success of Aki na Ukwa, the duo featured in this comedy extravaganza where they cause more problems and chaos for their family.
In Tom and Jerry, two young boys frustrate their blind grandfather until he’s forced to send them to their mother in a brothel. The movie features Sam Loco-Efe, Ada Ameh and Nkechi Asiegbu.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Tom and Jerry is available to stream on YouTube.
Old Nollywood horror movies
“Karishika” (1998)
When a Nollywood movie poster makes direct reference to Satan, you should know you’re in for a batshit crazy experience. Directed by Christian Onu, Karishika follows the story of a demon girl sent to the world by Lucifer to kill, destroy and recruit more people for hellfire.
The soundtrack “Karishika Karishika, Queen of Darkness. Lucifer Lucifer, King of Demons,” will have you clutching your pearls.
It stars Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Becky Okorie, Sandra Achums, Obi Mmadubugo, Amaechi Muonagor and Adaora Ukoh, among others.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Karishika is available to stream on YouTube.
“Nneka The Pretty Serpent” (1994)
When Nigerians thought Nollywood couldn’t scare them, writers and directors raised them Nneka the Pretty Serpent.
The horror drama takes a delve into the theme of demon possession, and it’ll leave you shaken for a bit.A woman turns to the river goddess for a child. Pushed by her desperation, she pledges to give the child to the goddess. Things go awry when the goddess returns for the child, who’s blessed with spiritual powers. Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ngozi Ezeonu, Sam Loco-Efe and Eucharia Anunobi feature in the film.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Nneka The Pretty Serpent is available to stream on YouTube.
“Igodo: Land of the Living Dead” (1999)
It’s AMC’s The Walking Dead but make it Nollywood. Directed by Andy Amenechi, Igodo: Land of the Living Dead follows the story of a village troubled by evil spirits and sorcery. To save the village, warriors must go into an evil forest to retrieve an item. Only Igodo returns alive.
Pete Edochie, Norbert Young, Sam Dede, Charles Okafor and Chidi Mokeme, among others, feature in the film.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Igodo: Land of the Living Dead is available to stream on YouTube.
“Living in Bondage” (1992)
The 2019 remake might’ve disappointed on the scare factor, but we can’t say the same of the Chris Obi-Rapu-directed classic of 1992. It was the mother that mothered blood-ritual-themed movies in Nollywood.
In Living in Bondage, a man who joins a secret cult kills his wife in a ritual sacrifice, becomes wealthy and is haunted by her ghost. You might rethink making midnight trips to the toilet after watching it.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kenneth Okonkwo, Bob-Manuel Udokwu feature in this film.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Living in Bondage is available to stream on YouTube.
“Egg of Life” (2003)
For a wholesome viewing experience, once you complete Igodo: Land of the Living Dead, Egg of Life should be next on your list.
Directed by Andy Amenechi, the movie follows the story of a group of girls sent to the evil forest to retrieve a magical egg that would save the life of the kingdom’s prince.
The film stars Padita Agu, Clarion Chukwura, Funke Akindele, Nkiru Sylvanus and Pete Edochie, among others.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Egg of Life is available to stream on YouTube.
“Diamond Ring” (1998)
If you’re up for some old Nollywood movies with ghost stories, this title should be top of your list. In the Tade Odigan-directed movie, Chidi (Teju Babyface) desecrates Mrs. Gladys’ (Liz Benson) corpse and steals her diamond ring to join the secret campus cult, XG. Chidi falls sick afterwards, and some of the friends who joined him on the raid lose their lives. Things only return to normal when they return the ring.
Diamond Ring also stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Akintola and Bukky Ajayi, among others.
Where to download and watch this Nollywood movie?
Diamond Ring is available to stream on YouTube.
