2024 has been a groundbreaking year for Nollywood, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of storytelling and cinematography. Audiences were taken by surprise with innovative narratives and bold productions, while others offered fresh takes on classic Nollywood tales.
The movies listed below were chosen for their remarkable efforts to elevate the standard of excellence in an industry where that has often been the greatest challenge.
Here are the 10 Best Nollywood Movies of 2024:
Everybody Loves Jenifa
The latest instalment in Funke Akindele’s beloved Jenifa franchise is the talk of the town! Everybody Loves Jenifa takes fans on a heartwarming journey as Jenifa embraces a new role as a humanitarian. In a surprising twist, Jenifa and Toyo Baby (Juliana Olayode) reconcile, bringing back the fan-favourite duo. Shippers are also treated to updates on Jenifa and Sege’s (Falz) love story.
The star-studded cast includes Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Chimezie Imo, Jackie Appiah, and Layi Wasabi.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Bolanle Austen-Peters’ biopic, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, based on the life of the iconic activist, is as relevant today as it would have been in the early 20th century, when it is set. Themes of unjust taxation, government oppression, and a populace conditioned to endure subjugation remain strikingly familiar.
Beyond these timeless tropes, the film offers a fresh and compelling exploration of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s life, portraying her not just as an educator and activist but also as a wife, mother, and fearless pioneer of “good trouble”—a perspective far richer than any Social Studies class could provide.
The cast includes Kehinde Bankole as Funmilayo, Joke Silva as Older Funmilayo, Adunni Ade as Mrs. Thompson, Jide Kosoko as Otun, Oga Bello as Alake, Dele Odule as Osi, Omowumi Dada as Grace Eniola, and Iremide Adeoye as Young Israel.
House of Ga’a
House of Ga’a, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, chronicles the rise and ruthless reign of Bashorun Ga’a during the height of the Oyo Empire. The story follows Ga’a as he orchestrates the downfall of several Alaafins, amassing so much power and influence that he becomes more formidable than the Alaafin he served. Despite securing numerous victories for the empire, his ambition and tyranny lead to a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and legacy.
The cast includes Femi Branch as Bashorun Ga’a, Mike Afolarin, Tosin Adeyemi, Funke Akindele, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Abraham, Lateef Adedimeji, and Tope Adenibuyan.
Lisabi: The Uprising
Set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire, Lisabi: The Uprising tells the gripping story of an Egba farmer who sparks a rebellion against the oppressive regime. Rallying his fellow farmers and harnessing mysterious abilities, he leads a daring revolt that results in the defeat of over 6,000 Oyo soldiers. This pivotal act secures Egba’s independence after centuries of subjugation, etching his name into Yoruba history.
Executive produced by Lateef Adedimeji and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film features Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Itele Yekini, Ibrahim Chattah, Mo Bimpe, Eniola Ajao, Liquorose Afije, and Lateef Adedimeji.
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos
Directed by The Agbajowo Collective, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos is a powerful drama that brings attention to the plight of the Otodo-Gbame settlement, a slum community in Lagos that was forcibly demolished in 2017, displacing over 30,000 people. The film follows a young single mother who stumbles upon a bag of cash, viewing it as her chance for a better life.
However, her escape from poverty is threatened when corrupt politicians manipulate members of the community to settle old scores. The film explores themes of survival, corruption, and social injustice in contemporary Lagos. The cast includes Teniola Aladese, Temiloluwa Ami-Williams, Gerard Avlessi, and Kachi Okechukwu.
Farmer’s Bride
Farmer’s Bride tells the story of Funmi, a young woman forced by her parents to marry a wealthy older farmer. As is often the case in Nollywood dramas, sparks fly when she crosses paths with Femi, the farmer’s young university-dropout nephew, leading to a forbidden romance that unravels their lives and sets the stage for a gripping tale.
As the story unfolds, Funmi falls deeply in love with Femi, but tragedy strikes. In her village, strict customs dictate that if a child’s paternity is questioned, the baby’s life is forfeit, and the mother faces severe consequences. This shocking turn of events pits Funmi against her community with devastating stakes.
The cast are Wumi Toriola, Tobi Bakre, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, Ayako Kirishima, Femi Branch, Gaichi Kôno, and Gbubemi Ejeye.
Christmas in Lagos
Jade Osiberu’s latest Prime Video original, Christmas in Lagos, is a dazzling exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery set against a backdrop of Lagosian opulence and flair.
The story centres on Fiyin (Teniola Aladese), a young woman navigating unrequited love for her best friend, Elo (Shalom C. Obiago). Elo’s return from the U.S. to propose to his girlfriend, Yagazie (Angel Anosike), sets off a chain of emotional events. In her pursuit of Elo’s affection, Fiyin tests their friendship and the foundation of Elo and Yagazie’s relationship, leading to revelations that change everything.
Adding to the intrigue is a parallel romantic subplot featuring Gbemi (Shaffy Bello), whose heart is sought by two suitors: the charming Toye (Wale Ojo) and the powerful Chief Dozie (Richard Mofe-Damijo).
Tòkunbò
Directed by Ramsey Nouah, Tòkunbò is a gripping action-drama starring Gideon Okeke as Tokunbo, a former car smuggler forced back into the dangerous criminal world when his son falls ill. Tokunbo must deliver a kidnapped child to the Seme border or face deadly consequences for his family.
As he navigates betrayal, Tokunbo faces a dangerous conspiracy involving Deputy Governor Raymond and the daughter of a high-ranking government official. The film also features an all-star cast, including Majid Michel, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Adunni Ade, Ibrahim Itele Yekini, Tosin Adeyemi, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.
Momiwa
Directed by Biodun Stephen, Momiwa tells the poignant and drama-filled story of a single father, Naeto (Uzor Arukwe), who is forced to raise his children alone after his wife leaves him during a financial crisis. However, Momiwa (Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze) enters their lives as a supportive figure, helping Naeto rebuild his life and creating a unique family dynamic.
Their newfound happiness is disrupted when Naeto’s ex-wife, Kiki (Iyabo Ojo), returns, and the family is torn between the past and present. Naeto struggles with anger towards Kiki, but Momiwa persuades him to give her a second chance.
The Weekend
The Weekend is a gripping Nigerian thriller about the complexities of in-law dynamics, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with unpredictable twists. Directed by Daniel Oriahi, the film follows Nikiya (Uzoamaka Aniunoh), an orphan yearning for a family who finds solace in her fiancé, Luke (Bucci Franklin).
Despite his reluctance, Luke eventually agrees to introduce Nikiya to his family. However, what starts as a simple visit quickly unravels as Nikiya discovers the deep-seated family secrets that Luke has been hiding, leading to tension and conflict. The cast includes Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang, Meg Otanwa, Gloria Anozie-Young, Damilola Ogunsi, James Gardiner, and Bryan Okoye.
