A Netflix subscription is cool but have you tried finding movies to stream then just quitting the whole thing midway? Let’s plug you to the best Nollywood movies to stream on Netflix that are sure to keep you glued throughout the viewing duration.
“Anikulapo“
The Netflix original, produced and directed by Kunle Afolayan, premiered September 30, 2022. 11 days after its release, it went to top of the Netflix weekly global chart as the most viewed non-English Netflix original movie after garnering 8,730,000 views in less than two weeks. Anikulapo follows an overzealous traveller, Saro (Kunle Remi), who takes advantage of the power he got from a mystical bird. It stars Bimbo Ademoye, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Sola Sobowale.
“Omo Ghetto: The Saga“
Funke Akindele’s Omo Ghetto: The Saga was initially released to cinemas in December 2020. But the gangster comedy finally arrived on Netflix on September 10, 2021 and became one of the most viewed Nollywood title on the streaming platform at the time. Omo Ghetto is about twin sisters who were displaced at birth. It raked in a total of ₦636m at the Nigerian box office and featured Eniola Badmus, Chioma Akpotha, Zubby Michael and Deyemi Okanlawon.
“Jagun Jagun“
Following King of Thieves (2022)’s hugely successful theatrical run, Femi Adebayo sent his 2023 offering, Jagun Jagun, straight to Netflix. The Yoruba epic raked in 2.1 million viewing hours after one week of release and is currently the most-watched Nollywood title on Netflix. Jagun Jagun tells the story of a young man who joins an elite army in his bid to become a powerful warrior and win a woman’s heart.
“A Naija Christmas“
Kunle Afolayan’s A Naija Christmas holds the record of the first Nigerian Christmas film to debut on Netflix. The title which stars late veteran, Rachel Oniga, premiered on December 16, 2021. A Naija Christmas is about an aging mother who is distraught because her sons have refused to get married and give her grandchildren. It stars Kunle Remi, Efa Iwara and Linda Osifo.
“King of Boys“
Kemi Adetiba’s feature film, King of Boys, was released to cinemas in October 2018. But the political thriller didn’t land on Netflix until September 20, 2019. King of Boys follows Alhaja Eniola Salami (played by Sola Sobowale) in her tussle for power in a world where men call the shots. It raked in over ₦231 million at the box office and was one of the most-watched Nollywood titles when it landed on Netflix.
“Citation“
Content creator and billionaire daughter, Temi Otedola, made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan’s Citation, which was released exclusively on Netflix on November 6, 2020. She played a young graduate student, Moremi, who takes on a university professor, Lucien N’Dyare (Jimmy Jean-Louis), who tried to sexually abuse her. Joke Silva, Sadiq Daba and Gabriel Afolayan star in the film.
“Chief Daddy“
EbonyLife’s Chief Daddy is no doubt one of the best Nollywood movies to stream on Netflix, especially if you’re looking to have a good laugh. The star-studded film was released to the cinemas in December 2018 but arrived on Netflix on March 15, 2019. Chief Daddy revolves around family and what plays out after a wealthy patriarch suddenly passes away. Some cast members include Shaffy Bello, Rachel Oniga, Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo, among others.
“October 1“
Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 should be on your radar if you’re looking for a Nollywood title that gives a brief account of Nigerian history. It was released on October 1, 2014, to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration at the time, and debuted on Netflix in March 2015. The Nollywood thriller stars Sadiq Daba, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kehinde Bankole and Kayode Olaiya.
“Sugar Rush“
Directed by Kayode Kasum, Sugar Rush follows the story of three sisters who stumble upon a large sum of money and find themselves in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy. The comedy-action was released to Nigerian cinemas in December 2019. It premiered on the streaming platform in July 2020. Bisola Aiyeola, Adesua Etomi and Bimbo Ademoye played the three sisters.
“Isoken“
If you’re big on love and mushy feelings, then Jade Osiberu’s Isoken is one of the best Nollywood movies to stream on Netflix. It deserves your time and data. The romantic drama was initially released in June 2017 before finding its way to Netflix in December 2019. Isoken is about a 34-year-old spinster whose singledom worries her family members. Some of the cast members include Dakore Egbuson, Tina Mba and Funke Akindele.
“Oloture“
Directed by Kenneth Gyang, Oloture explores the dark world of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Nigeria. The Nollywood title was released for cinema viewing in October 2019 and arrived on Netflix in October 2020. With Sharon Ooja playing the lead, it tells the story of a young investigative journalist named Ehi, who goes undercover as a prostitute to expose a human trafficking syndicate.
“Lionheart“
Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut skipped a theatrical run after it was acquired by Netflix in September 2018. The drama premiered in January 2019 to rave reviews from viewers across the world. Lionheart follows Adaeze (Genevieve Nnaji) as she takes charge of her father’s failing company despite barriers from a sexist society. Pete Edochie, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Nkem Owoh starred in the movie.
“The Bling Lagosians“
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, The Bling Lagosians hit the Nigerian cinemas in 2019 and premiered on Netflix on October 11 of the same year. The comedy is about the Holloway family, who realise they’re broke but still try to keep up appearances as one of the wealthiest families in the city of Lagos. Cast members include Elvina Ibru, Denola Grey and Sharon Ooja.
“Living in Bondage: Breaking Free“
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is the remake of the 1992 Nollywood classic. Directed by Ramsey Nouah, it was released to Nigerian cinemas in November 2019 and debuted on Netflix in May 2020. It follows the life of an ambitious young man who gets involved with the occult in his bid to become wealthy. Jide Kene Achufusi, Enyinna Nwigwe and Shawn Faqua are featured in the film.
“Elesin Oba“
Ebonylife’s Elesin Oba is an adaptation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s 1975 play, Death and the King’s Horseman. The Yoruba language film premiered exclusively on Netflix on September 10, 2020. In it, the titular character had to commit ritual suicide to aid the late king’s passage to the afterlife. Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlanwon and Jide Kosoko feature.
“Anikulapo: The Rise of The Spectre”
Director Kunle Afolayan kicked off 2024 with the four-part series of his hugely successful 2022 Netflix Original film, Anikulapo.
In Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre, Saro is given a second chance at life but he’s confronted with a daunting debt owed to the afterlife. He’s tasked to return to Earth and undo the resurrection of the 20 souls he had once brought back to life.
Meanwhile, the Oyo kingdom suffers a series of calamities due to the Akala’s curse, with the oracle prescribing Arolake’s return as the only solution.
The series debuted on Netflix in March 2024. Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Sola Sobowale are joined by new cast members like Owobo Ogunde, Layi Wasabi, and Lateef Adedimeji, among others. It’s available to stream on Netflix.
“Shanty Town”
If you loved Jade Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos or Ebonylife’s Oloture, this six-part series released in January 2023 will get you hooked from start to finish. Chidi Mokeme makes an epic Nollywood comeback alongside veterans like Sola Sobowale, Nse Ikpe Etim, and played Scar; a scary underworld lord. Shanty Town explores the lives of sex workers who try to escape the grip of a notorious kingpin who answers to powerful politicians.
“A Sunday Affair”
Dubbed the Valentine Day’s movie of 2023, A Sunday Affair stars two of Nollywood’s most iconic actresses, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Dakore Akande. The powerhouses cast as best friends, Uche and Toyin, fall in love with the same man, and it’s a downward spiral from there that makes for gripping TV. From the cheesy romance to the dramatic chaos, it has all the ingredients to make you blush.
“Ayinla”
If you grew up in a Yoruba home or have grandparents who love music, you’ll have heard a song or two from the Apala musician, Ayinla Omowura. In case you don’t know, there’s a movie biopic about the late musician made by legendary filmmaker, Tunde Kelani.
Released in 2021, Ayinla follows the life of the famed Apala musician until his untimely death at the hands of his manager. Lateef Adedimeji plays the titular character with support from Ade Laoye, Kunle Afolayan and Mr Macaroni.
“Adire”
If you loved Kehinde Bankole in Sista, Adire should be on your Netflix binge list. Released in January 2023, the movie tells a story of redemption, resilience, and self-discovery.
It follows the life of a young woman whose hopes of becoming a famous lingerie designer are dashed by the harsh realities of her life as a sex worker. As Adire dares to break free from the chains of her past, she also embarks on an inspiring journey of faith, courage, and empowerment. Femi Branch, Ifeanyi Kalu, and Mama Rainbow, among others, star in the movie.
“Amina”
This 2021 period drama portrays the events that led to the warrior queen Amina of Zazzau (modern day Zaria)’s ascension to the throne of her father’s empire. Lucy Ameh played the titular character. The movie also stars Ali Nuhu, Clarion Chukwura, Usman Tijani, among others.
“Oloture: The Journey”
Ebonylife has revisited its critically acclaimed 2019 drama, Oloture, for a series which premiered on Netflix in June 2024. The series returns with some familiar faces and new cast members. Sharon Ooja reprises her role as Ehi (an undercover journalist), while Bucci Franklin and Stan Nze join as new cast members.
“Blood Sisters”
Want to see the legendary Kate Henshaw play a bougie, super strict mum who gives zero shits about her children’s happiness? Then Blood Sisters should be on your radar.
Released in May 2020, the series tells the story of two best friends Sarah and Kemi as they prepare for the former’s grand wedding with her wealthy and belligerent fiancé Kola. What should be a dream wedding evolves into a nightmare when, a few moments into the wedding, Kemi walks in on Kola strangling Sarah. She intervenes and is beaten up, too. While trying to defend Sarah and herself, she accidentally kills Kola. The rest of the series follows Kemi and Sarah as they strive to cover their sordid deeds. Nancy Isime, Ini Dima-Okojie, and Deyemi Okanlawon, among others, are featured.
“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, and Osas Ighodaro, among others.
“The Royal Hibiscus Hotel”
If you’re a fan of Nollywood romcoms, you’ll love The Royal Hibiscus Hotel. 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, and others feature in this film.
“Áfàméfùnà”
Got questions about the workings of the Igbo apprenticeship system? Well, you’re in luck. This Kayode Kasumu-directed movie is the first feature-length film on the Igbo apprenticeship system and how it revitalized the community’s economy.
It follows the story of Áfàméfùnà, a young apprentice who was brought in for questioning following the death of his friend Paulo. Through flashback, viewers are taken on a journey that shows how both friends navigated the world of Igbo apprenticeship in Nigeria under Odogwu. Things were going smooth between the friends until Odogwu decided to settle Áfàméfùnà before Paulo. Jide Kene Achufusi, Segun Arinze, Eso Dike, Stan Nze, among others star in this movie.
“Tokunbo”
If you enjoyed watching Nollywood action flicks like Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, Tokunbo deserves your screen time. Released in August 2024, the Ramsey Nouah directed action drama explores themes of kidnapping, political mobs, and survival. It follows the story of an ex-car smuggler racing against time to deliver a kidnapped girl who happens to be the daughter of a high profile government official. Gideon Okeke, Adunni Ade, Darasimi Nnadi,among others star in the movie.
