Yoruba Nollywood movies might get all the flack for predictable storylines and chaotic subtitles, but one thing is clear: they deliver on entertainment. Snippets of scenes from classics like O Le Ku and Koto Aye make the social media rounds these days, to tell you how much Nigerians want these movies to make a comeback.
While Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun and Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo have done a good job of stirring up a bit of nostalgia, this compilation features other Yoruba Nollywood movies that deserve your attention at least once in this lifetime.
Yoruba action movies
“Ogbori Elemosho” (1963)
It’s one of the oldest epics to come out of Nollywood, through which veteran Nollywood actor, Lere Paimo, gained legend status for his iconic performance as Soun Ogunlola.
Ogbori Elemosho follows Soun, who ended Idagiri’s terror in his village. However, he is soon banished to Oyo, where he volunteers to help King Ajagbo and his comrades to fight Elemosho, a mysterious being that’s terrorising the town. The movie also features Idowu Phillips and Kareem Adepoju, among others.
“Saworoide” (1999)
From the stable of Mainframe Productions, Saworoide is one of Yoruba cinema’s rare military action offerings. It follows the story of a greedy King Lapite, who flouts his kingdom’s cultural values for his selfish interest. King Lapite’s life is cut short when a military coup usurps the throne.
Lere Paimo, Kunle Afolayan, Khabirat Kafidipe, Kunle Bamtefa, Bukky Wright and Kola Oyewo feature in the film.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
Saworoide is available to stream on YouTube.
“Jagun Jagun” (2023)
Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, the 2023 Nollywood epic tells the story of a young man who joins an elite army in his bid to become a powerful warrior and win the heart of a woman.
On his quest, he attracts the wrath of a bloodthirsty warlord who feels threatened by him. Featured are stars like Adedimeji Lateef, Bimbo Ademoye, Fathia Balogun and Mr Macaroni.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
Jagun Jagun is available to stream on Netflix.
“King of Thieves (Ageshinkole)” (2022)
Co-written by Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo, King of Thieves tells the story of Agesinkole, an all-powerful bandit, and his reign of terror in Ajeromi’s kingdom. However, there is more to Agesinkole than meets the eye.
The epic action is a culture-rich masterpiece, making it all the more engaging for viewers. The all-star cast features Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola and Ibrahim Chatta.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
Ageshinkole is available to stream on Amazon Prime Naija.
Romantic Nollywood movies
“Aya Mi Owon (Madam Dearest)” (2005)
Directed by the iconic Tade Ogidan, Madam Dearest will have you in a cocktail of emotions. It follows the story of Bukky, whose husband is jailed for life. She moves on and marries one of her husband’s employees due to mounting family pressure. But then, the original husband is exonerated. In her confusion, Bukky tells him that he’s the father of her son.
Released in 2005, Madam Dearest features Opeyemi Aiyeola, Sola Sobowale and Yemi Solade, among others.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
It’s available to stream on YouTube.
“Thunderbolt: Magun” (2001)
Directed and produced by the prolific Tunde Kelani, Thunderbolt: Magun revolves around Ngozi, an Igbo woman, and Yinka, a Yoruba man, who meet and fall in love during their one-year compulsory NYSC service. After getting married, rumours destroy their trust and ultimately lead to “magun”, a chastity control device that causes instant death to anyone who engages in sexual intercourse with its victim.
It features Ngozi Nwosu, Lanre Balogun and Bukky Ajayi, and is available to stream on YouTube.
“O Le Ku” (1997)
This classic Tunde Kelani film tells the emotional tale of Ajani’s (Yemi Shodimu) love triangle with Asake, Lola Ajasa and Sade. It might be the ultimate guide to understanding why Yoruba men are notorious, starring Lere Paimo, Iyabo Ogunsola, Feyikemi Abodunrin and Omolola Aderupoko, among others.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
O Le Ku is available for streaming on YouTube.
“Yemi My Lover” (1993)
Before Hollywood swooped young Nigerians off their feet with romcoms like Bridgerton
Written and produced by Yemi Ayebo, this movie had everything from hot romance to Bollywood-style musical performances. It featured Tajudeen Oyewole AKA Abija, Yemi Ayebo, Iyabo Momoh, Iya Rainbow and Dejo Tunfulu, among others.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
It’s available for streaming on YouTube.
Yoruba Comedy Movies
“Jenifa” (2008)
If you’ve ever wondered how Funke Akindele became a celebrated Nollywood comic actress, this movie is your answer.
Jenifa tells the story of Sulia (Funke Akindele) who seeks greener pastures in Lagos and ends up moving with the wrong crowd. Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo and Eniola Badmus feature in the film. Since then, it’s had spinoffs like The Return of Jenifa (2011) and the comedy series, Jenifa’s Diary (2015).
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
The original movie is available to stream on YouTube.
“Alakada” (2019)
Similar in some aspects to Funke Akindele’s Jenifa, Alakada tells the story of a young lady from an impoverished background who gains university admission and lies her way through just to impress her other students.
It’s one of the Yoruba Nollywood movies that cemented Toyin Abraham’s status in the industry as one who could act, but even more, crack people up. Released in 2019, Alakada features Helen Paul, Femi Adebayo and Doris Simeon, among others.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
It’s available for streaming on YouTube.
“Opa Kan” (2009)
If you’ve been around on X long enough, you must’ve seen this hilarious two-minute clip of Odunlade Adekola and Olaniyi Afonja’s encounter at a food vendor’s stall.
Opa Kan is the Yoruba version of Aki na Ukwa. It follows the story of two friends who strive to make better for themselves and get involved in mischief in the process. It also features Antar Laniyan among others.
“Jelili” (2011)
If you loved Toyin Abraham’s Alakada and Funke Akindele’s Jenifa, this is one of the Yoruba Nollywood movies that should be on your binge list. Jelili follows the story of a village boy, Jelili, known for his terrible farting habit.
He got a chance to leave the village and seek greener pastures, but all this could only happen if he wins a beauty pageant. Jelili features Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola and Baba Wande.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
It’s available for streaming on Netflix.
Yoruba Horror Movies
“Ti Oluwa Nile” (1993)
Another classic from the stable of Tunde Kelani’s Mainframe Film Productions, Ti Oluwa Nile is your go-to if you’re in the mood for some spooky ghost stories. The film, which shot veteran actor, Kareem Adepoju, to fame, follows the story of Chief Asiyanbi as he conspires with JP and Sanya to sell a sacred land.
As death takes the two other culprits for their misdeeds, Chief Asiyanbi makes several attempts to escape its claws. Ti Oluwa Nile features Kareem Adepoju, Dele Odule, Yemi Shodimu among others.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
It’s available for streaming on YouTube.
“Eran Iya Osogbo” (1999)
If you find a Nigerian who isn’t comfortable around black goats, this movie is probably the reason why. Directed by Koto Aye filmmaker, Ajileye, Eran Iya Osogbo follows the story of a granny who loves her goat more than everyone else and punishes those who harm it.
Turns out the goat was a human in animal form. Eran Iya Oshogbo features Madam Grace Oyin-Adejobi, Dele Odule and Ronke Oshodi Oke.
Where to download and watch this Yoruba Nollywood movie?
It’s available for streaming on YouTube.
“Koto Aye” (2001)
Produced by late filmmaker, Yekini Ajileye, Koto Aye is one of the Yoruba Nollywood movies popular for sending chills down viewers’ spines.
The movie follows the story of a village terrorised by a coven of evil witches. When the king tries to wage war against them, they go all out and make life a living hell for him.
Koto Aye features stars like Iya Gbonkan, Yekini Ajileye, Iyamileko and Koledowo, among others.
