Funke Akindele has cemented her place as a key figure in Nigerian cinema. With consistent yearly film releases, engaging promotional content, and a track record of box-office success, she remains one of Nollywood’s most prolific filmmakers.
This week, her name resurfaces in film discussions with the release of Finding Me, where she takes on a romantic role—a refreshing departure from her signature comedic characters. While this may surprise some viewers, her diverse filmography proves her versatility as an actor.
If you’re looking for standout performances from Funke Akindele, here are her 10 best in Nollywood movies, ranked.
10. Agbefo (2006)
Running time: 1h 44m
Director: Olarenwaju Abiodun
Genre: Crime/Drama
Funke Akindele plays Yemisi, a young woman struggling to support her sick sister and impoverished family after the death of their wealthy father. Their situation worsens when their father’s relatives seize his property, leaving them with nothing.
Desperate to survive, Yemisi takes on odd jobs but later turns to prostitution and, eventually, armed robbery.
Throughout the film, her character undergoes multiple transformations, showcasing different personalities.
9. Your Excellency (2019)
Running time: 2h
Director: Funke Akindele
Genre: Comedy/Political Drama
Funke Akindele is Kemi Ajadi, the loving, semi-illiterate second wife and most-trusted confidant of Chief Olalekan Ajadi (Akin Lewis), a wealthy businessman and presidential candidate.
Though her character in this film is playful, she acts the stereotypical role of a wife who remains supportive and dedicated to her spouse. There’s also a romantic side to Kemi. And despite all the political satires flying around in the movie, her romantic bond with her husband stays memorable.
If you’re looking for a feel-good movie that passes social commentary without doing too much, watch Your Excellency. It’s also Funke’s directorial debut.
Watch Your Excellency on Netflix.
8. Battle on Buka Street (2022)
Running time: 2h 22m
Directors: Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde
Genre: Comedy
Funke Akindele delivers a standout performance as Yejide, a thriving “mama-put” owner whose world is turned upside down when her step-sister, Awele (Mercy Johnson), opens a competing food spot. Their long-standing sibling rivalry escalates into an all-out war as they battle for the coveted “King of Buka Street” title.
Akindele shines in this role, balancing comedy with emotional depth as she portrays a woman consumed by competition yet driven by personal struggles. Her ability to seamlessly switch between humour and drama makes Battle on Buka Street one of her most memorable performances.
Watch Battle on Buka Street on Prime Video.
7. Omo Ghetto (Part 1 & 2) (2010)
Running time: 6h 3m
Director: Abiodun Olanrewaju
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Funke Akindele delivers a phenomenal dual performance in Omo Ghetto, playing identical twins with completely opposite personalities. She seamlessly embodies Lefty, a rough-and-tough gangster with a good heart, and Ayomide, an uptight, sophisticated woman who has never set foot in the slums.
Switching effortlessly between street slang and polished elegance, Akindele showcases her versatility, making each twin feel distinct yet equally compelling. Her ability to carry both roles with such authenticity is what makes Omo Ghetto one of her most iconic performances.
The film’s success and lasting impact led to a sequel, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, a decade later, proving its place in Nollywood’s pop culture history.
Watch Omo Ghetto (Part 1 & 2) on YouTube.
6. Finding Me (2025)
Running time: 2h 35m
Director: Funke Akindele and Isioma Osaje
Genre: Romantic Drama
In Finding Me, Funke Akindele delivers one of her most emotionally layered performances as Atinuke, a woman trapped in a cycle of low self-esteem, infidelity, and emotional abuse. Her journey from self-sacrifice to self-discovery is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Akindele masterfully portrays Atinuke’s quiet suffering, making every moment of her transformation feel deeply personal and real. Her chemistry with Efa Iwara, who plays Anthony, the man who rekindles her sense of self-worth, adds depth to the romantic arc.
Stepping away from her usual comedic roles, Akindele proves her range once again, making Finding Me a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and nuanced acting.
Watch Finding Me on Prime Video.
5. Taiwo Taiwo (Part 1 & 2) (2008)
Running time: 3h 21m
Director: Muhydeen S. Ayinde
Genre: Crime
Funke Akindele delivers a gripping performance as Taiwo, a devoted wife and mother by day and a ruthless armed robber by night. Alongside Femi Adebayo, who plays her husband and partner-in-crime, she brings to life a character who is both loving and dangerously cunning.
Her ability to seamlessly switch between the two extremes—gentle homemaker and strategic criminal mastermind—makes this performance one of her most impressive. Akindele’s portrayal of T-girl is intense, calculated, and effortlessly charismatic, proving she can own action-driven roles just as well as comedic ones.
If you’re looking for a Nollywood take on Bonnie and Clyde, Taiwo Taiwo is a must-watch.
Watch Taiwo Taiwo (Part 1 & 2) on YouTube.
4. Kujenra (2011)
Running time: 2h 51m
Director: Adebayo Tijani
Genre: Epic
In Kujenra, Funke Akindele steps into the role of a fierce warrior unlike any she’s played before. As Kujenra, she commands both the human and spirit worlds, unleashing vengeance on an entire town by capturing and killing its men—an act of retribution for the wrongs their king committed against her mother.
Akindele’s performance is both chilling and commanding. She fully embodies the rage and power of a woman consumed by vengeance, yet she injects moments of softness when she spares women and young girls. Her ability to balance brutality with moments of emotional depth makes Kujenra an unforgettable character.
This is Akindele at her most intense, delivering a gripping performance in an epic tale of justice and revenge.
3. Jenifa (2008)
Running time: 2h 51m
Director: Muhydeen S. Ayinde
Genre: Comedy
Jenifa is the film that cemented Funke Akindele’s legacy in Nollywood. As the unforgettable Jenifa, she plays a naive village girl desperate to reinvent herself as a city socialite. Her exaggerated mannerisms, mispronounced English, and relentless efforts to “belong” make the character both hilarious and deeply relatable.
Beyond the comedy, Akindele brings emotional depth to Jenifa, making her more than just a caricature. She embodies the struggles of people who try too hard to fit in, masking insecurity with flamboyance. Her performance was so iconic that it launched an entire Jenifa franchise, including The Return of Jenifa (2011), the long-running TV series Jenifa’s Diary (2015–present), and Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024).
Akindele’s ability to make Jenifa both ridiculous and sympathetic is why this remains one of her best performances—and her most career-defining.
2. Maami (2011)
Running time: 1h 33m
Director: Tunde Kelani
Genre: Drama
In Maami, Funke Akindele delivers one of her most heartfelt performances as the titular character—a struggling yet determined single mother raising her son, Kashimawo (Wole Ojo), against all odds. She embodies resilience, love, and sacrifice, showing a side of her acting that is deeply emotional and raw.
Akindele’s portrayal of Maami is tender yet powerful, as she balances the hardships of life with unwavering devotion to her child. The film, told from Kashimawo’s perspective, highlights her sacrifices in a way that makes Akindele’s performance even more poignant.
This role proved her range beyond comedy, showcasing her ability to command a deeply moving drama. Her performance in Maami lingers long after the credits roll.
1. A Tribe Called Judah (2023)
Running time: 2h 14m
Director: Adeoluwa Owu
Genre: Comedy/Crime
In A Tribe Called Judah, Funke Akindele delivers a powerhouse performance as Jedidiah, a struggling single mother of five boys. Faced with renal failure, her survival depends on her children—who, despite their love for her, often test her patience with their chaotic behaviour.
Akindele embodies the complexities of motherhood, seamlessly switching between moments of strength, frustration, and deep affection. She makes Jedidiah feel real—equal parts vulnerable and formidable. Her performance anchors the film, turning what could have been a simple crime-comedy into an emotionally charged story about family and sacrifice.
Beyond her performance, this film cemented Akindele’s status as a box office titan. A Tribe Called Judah became the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time, earning ₦1.4 billion. With this, Akindele secured her third consecutive box office record, following Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) and Battle on Buka Street (2022).
Akindele’s ability to mix humour with heartfelt drama in A Tribe Called Judah makes this her most defining performance yet.
Watch A Tribe Called Judah on Prime Video.
