In this piece, we highlight artists who have stepped into character so convincingly that we almost forgot they primarily make music. From crime dramas and romances to political thrillers, here’s a list of Nigerian musicians who stepped into Nollywood and ate their roles.

10. in (2024)

is Ajani, the charming struggling guitarist and delivery boy who sweeps the fancy, London-returnee Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) off her feet during the Detty December madness. He鈥檚 quiet and has a charisma that suits the movie’s romantic tone.

.

9. in (2023)

is Ify, one of the three childhood friends at the centre of the story. Unlike the hardened gangsters around him, he dreams of becoming a musician and escaping the cycle of violence and gang life of Isale Eko. His tragic death single-handedly sets off the movie鈥檚 bloody revenge plot. His character is instantly likeable, and his performance adds heart to a story filled with brutality and tragedy.

.

8. in (2019)

had a brief but memorable appearance as Simi, a young, observant daughter of a local Buka owner in a noisy mechanic village, serving as a supporting character. Simi plays a version of the relatable girl-next-door we already love her for.

.

READ NEXT:听Why Your Favourite Nollywood Films Can鈥檛 Get Every Detail Right

7. in (2013)

delivered a powerful performance as Mama, Odenigbo’s (Chiwetalu Ejiofor) traditional and fiercely protective mother who makes life frustrating for her son’s highly educated partner, Olanna (Thandiwe Newton). She embodied the tensions between culture, class and modernity that run through the movie. It鈥檚 a short role, but her performance is unforgettable.

.

6. in (2019)

delivered one of the movie’s strongest supporting performances as Chuks, a pimp and trafficker network operative. He’s a man deeply involved in the exploitation at the centre of the story. He balances charm and menace in a way that reflects how trafficking networks often operate behind a fa莽ade of normalcy. In this movie, he’s what a top-tier villain should be.

.

5. in (2021)

Niyola (Eniola Akinbo) plays Tolani, a naive but principled bank secretary in the 1980s, dealing with a toxic boss, poverty and temptation to swallow drugs for cash to survive. It’s her acting and lead role debut, but she did the damn thing.

.

4. in (2022)

is Wale, a police officer forced into a deadly cat-and-mouse chase against a notorious armed robbery gang that just so happens to be led by his brother, Akin (Tobi Bakre). He delivered arguably his best performance as an actor in this role.

3. in (2016)

is Dozie in this movie. His performance works because he鈥檚 believable: charming and romantic without becoming exaggerated – all the qualities we have seen in his natural “Mr. Capable” R&B flair. He gives us the premium lover-boy presence the movie needs.

.

2. in (2018)

is Makanaki, the ruthless, power-hungry underworld boss who wants to hijack the crown from Eniola Salami (Sola Sobowale) by force. He plays a terrifying bad guy that we couldn’t take our eyes off. For a debut acting gig, his menacing screen presence and flawless delivery of street-smart Yoruba dialogue are mind-blowing.

.

1. in (2023)

In this movie, is Lamidi, a chaotic, party-loving teenager whose impulsive decision to throw a house party leads to a dark, life-altering mess during a long university strike. He is a frustrated Nigerian youth trying to find quick thrills in a depressing system. His performance is gritty and relatable, and it shows how fast a simple “cruise” can turn into a huge real-life disaster.

.

ALSO READ:听10 Cheesy Nollywood Romcoms That鈥檒l Have You Giggling And Kicking Your Feet

But not long after the teaser dropped, people began voicing their displeasure with what they deemed as inaccuracies. Particularly with the prison uniforms.

The scene showed some of the characters in prison wearing khaki outfits that looked very similar to the orange prison uniforms prisoners in countries like the US wear. And instantly, people started complaining that it did not look Nigerian enough.

But some of these inaccuracies are not simply the result of mediocrity. In some cases, it’s a fear of something bigger.

For example, did you know the producers of Gangs of Lagos were for 10 billion naira over their portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade institution in the film?

The lawsuit, filed by Isale Eko Descendants Union, alleged that the film wrongly associated the revered Eyo Masquerade with murder and gang violence. The case was eventually settled amicably through a formal apology from Amazon and the filmmakers to the Isale Eko people.

Similarly, the 2025 movie, Badagry, from the Ogu General Assembly who argued that the film misrepresented their community as violent.
After the public uproar and intervention of the National Film and Videos Censor Board, the producers had to retitle the film to “I Bad”.

But public outrage is only one part of the equation. There’s also censorship. In 2024, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB)

Outside of budget constraints or logistical issues, these restrictions play a huge role in stifling the creative freedom of filmmakers.

When the choice is between changing a few things or not getting the story out at all, it’s not surprising that many filmmakers choose the former.

So the next time you want to criticise a Nollywood film for getting certain details wrong, remember that not every inaccurate detail is proof of incompetence.

ALSO READ: Are YouTube Movies the Future of Nollywood?听

The听听is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria.听Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.听.

If that sounds like your kind of movie, you are in luck. Nollywood is definitely not short of cheesy ass romantic comedies, and we have curated some of the best ones for you on this list.

1. Isoken (2017)

Director: Jadesola Osiberu
Runtime: 1h 38m

Isoken (Dakore Akande) is a young, successful, and intelligent lady in her mid-thirties. Like many Nigerian women in that stage of life, she’s under pressure from family to get married. In the blink of an eye, Isoken goes from getting no men to having to choose between the handsome, husband material Osaze (Joseph Benjamin) and the sweet and unassuming, Caucasian Kevin (Marc Rhys). 

2. Call of My Life (2026)

Director: Dammy Twitch
Runtime: 1h 54m

Soluchi (Uzoamaka Power) is a hopeless romantic, the kind of girl who celebrates monthiversaries barely weeks into a relationship and always loves a little too hard. But when her boyfriend, Kalu (Zubby Michael) breaks up with her and she loses her job in the same breath, she retreats into her shell. That is, until she crosses paths with Eli (Andrew Bunting) and has to decide whether she is ready to open her heart and fall in love again.

Call of Life is currently in the cinemas. 

3. Flower girl (2013)

Director: Michelle Bello
Runtime: 1h 34m

Kemi (Damilola Adegbite) is a young, impressionable lady dying to get married. When her relationship with Umar (Chris Attoh) begins to go south, she turns to Tunde (Blossom Chukwugekwu), a famous Nollywood movie star, to help her save her relationship by making Umar jealous. Things come to a head when she starts falling for Tunde for real and now has to choose between the two of them.

4. Fine Wine (2021)

Director: Seyi Babatope
Runtime: 2h 10m

Mr Seye George (RMD) falls in love with Kaima (Ego Nwosu), a much younger woman. As their unexpected relationship blossoms, they have to confront opposition from George’s family and harsh judgment from society over their significant age gap. Everyone loves a good age-gap romance. And Fine Wine doesn鈥檛 let its viewers down. Watching two people choose each other despite societal judgment will always be a heartfelt story. 

The听听is returning on August 22, 2026, in Lagos! Come learn from finance experts and industry leaders, and partake in unfiltered conversations about building wealth and diversifying your income stream in a country like Nigeria.听Real stories, expert advice you can actually use, and a community ready to build wealth together.听.

5. Namaste Wahala (2020)

Director: Hamisha Daryani Ahuja 

Running time: 1h 46m

The movie follows an interracial couple (Ini Dima-Okojie, Ruslaan Mumtaz) who fall in love, only to find their relationship tested by overbearing parents and cultural differences.

鈥�Namaste Wahala is intentionally cheesy. The opening scene, for instance, features the couple bumping into each other, followed by the dramatic slow-motion stare Bollywood is famous for. If you love whimsical comedy, you鈥檇 love it.

6. Big Love (2023)

Director: Biodun Stephen

Runtime: 1h 35m

Who says you cannot find love during your graduate trainee program at a bank? Big Love follows Adil (Timini Egbuson) and Adina (Bimbo Ademoye) as they reconnect at a bank鈥檚 training school years after going their separate ways. As old feelings return and they slowly find their way back to each other, Adina struggles with a secret she has been hiding: she has a daughter. 

7. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)

Director: Ishayo Bako

Runtime: 1h 33m

Ope (Zainab Balogun) is a London-trained chef who abandons her life abroad to return home to her parents鈥� struggling hotel in Lagos. However, her plans to save the family business are complicated by a scheming sous-chef, a gossipy staff, and a proud father. As if that鈥檚 not enough, a handsome investor named Deji (Kenneth Okolie) won鈥檛 stop checking into the hotel. 

8. Wedding Party (2016)

Director: Kemi Adetiba 

Runtime: 1h 45m

In The Wedding Party, everything that can go wrong at a Lagos wedding goes wrong. Dunni ( Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Dozie (Banky W) are set to tie the knot and live happily ever after. But with warring mothers (Ireti Doyle and Sola Sobowale), a clingy ex and an overambitious planner, the celebration takes a chaotic turn. Admittedly, it sounds super chaotic, but you鈥檇 stay for the chemistry between Dunni and Dozie. 

9. Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards (2020)

Director: Kayode Kasum
Runtime: 1h 53m

What do you do when you are almost 30, single, and watching everyone around you move on with their lives? Kambili (Nancy Isime) is carefree and kind of spoilt, but only realises that after her boss (Toyin Abraham) fires her and her boyfriend (Mawuli Gavor) breaks up with her for not being wife material. In a bid to fix her life, and get her man back, she teams up with her friends to create a list of things she needs to change about herself. 

10. When love happens (2014)

Director: Seyi Babatope
Runtime: 1h 49m

When love happens is a classic romcom. The girl who shows up for everyone gets tired of showing up and decides to find her own love. Mo (Weruche Opia) is an events planner who has been sort of unlucky in love and is tired of playing matchmaker for her friends, so she turns to the internet to find her Mr. Right.

ALSO READ: Nollywood Movies People Think Are Romcoms But Actually Aren鈥檛

You are about to find out if you have been calling the wrong movies romcoms. These are ten Nollywood movies that feel like romcoms but aren鈥檛.

(2023)

Running time: 1h 36m

Director: Walter Banger

Genre: Romance, Drama

Two lifelong best friends, Uche (Nse Ikpe-Etim) and Toyin (Dakore Akande Eghuson), unknowingly fall for the same charming man called Sunday (Oris Erhuero), and it sets up an interesting Nollywood love triangle. A fallout happens when the women realise they鈥檙e dating the same guy.

However, the romantic rivalry is masked by a terminal cancer diagnosis. Instead of a cute competition for Sunday鈥檚 heart, the movie turns into a tear-jerking tragedy about mortality, grief and friendship. The romance with Sunday only serves as a catalyst for a much deeper look at the enduring power of friendship (in the face of death).

(2015)

Running time: 1h 33m

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Genre: Romance, Drama

Muna (Adesua Etomi Wellington) and Imoh (Kunle Remi) are a married couple whose lives get turned upside down after Imoh gets into an accident and slips into a coma. She sticks with him and hopes that he’ll regain consciousness soon. During the course, she meets Yemi (Blossom Chukwujekwu). One thing leads to another and she gets pregnant for him.

A few days after she finds out, Imoh wakes up from the coma. Eventually, she tells him and he tells her to abort. This leads to a back-and-forth, but eventually they make up and raise Yemi鈥檚 baby together. The romcom flair in this movie is missing. All there are themes of caregiving, marital duty and guilt.

.

(2019)

Running time: 1h 51m

Director: Omoni Oboli

Genre: Political Drama

A husband (Richard Mofe-Damijo) and wife (Omoni Oboli), both ambitious, end up running against each other for the governorship of their state. This is a political drama that refuses to play it for laughs. Their campaigns bring mudslinging that exposes deep-seated societal misogyny and the brutal, corrupt machinery of Nigerian politics. This is all the viewers see before the couple eventually kisses and makes up for the greater good of their family. The movie leaves viewers stressed rather than swooning.

.

(2002)

Running time: 2h 30m

Director: Steve Gukas

Genre: Romance, Drama

In this movie, we see Nadine (Genevieve Nnaji) picking herself up after a heartbreak. In short order, she meets Princewill (Richard Mofe-Damijo) and begins scheming to lock down the wealthy, handsome man. Out of desperation, she takes her friends鈥� advice to give him a mind-altering love potion.

Although they find love together at the end, Nadine鈥檚 desperation to trap Princewill in a spiritually manipulated relationship is purely an obsession. And there鈥檚 nothing funny about that.

.

(2012)

Running time: 1h 57m

Director: Kunle Afolayan

Genre: Family Drama, Comedy

Phone Swap is more of a coming-of-age movie, especially for Mary (Nse Ikpe-Etim), the female lead. One makes sense for the viewers to expect Mary and Akin (Wale Ojo), the male lead, to fall madly in love after their cute phone misunderstandings and an airport reunion. However, this turns out to be a fish-out-of-water family dramedy.

Along the way, Mary meets people who teach her how to come out of her shell and be more outspoken, while Akin has experiences that stop him from being such a self-centred and elitist douchebag.

.

READ NEXT: The Best Nollywood Movies to Watch on YouTube (May 2026)

(2018)

Running time: 1h 40m

Director: Tope Oshin

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Here, it鈥檚 way less about getting a girl. Up North is about Bassey (Bankole 鈥楤anky W鈥� Wellington), an heir to a wealthy family, as he strips away his entitlement. Sure, he finds love with Mariam (Rahama Sadau), but it鈥檚 second to the character development he gets from his friendship with Sadiq (Ibrahim Suleiman). In fact, they could have done away with the rain and subplots altogether.

.

(2020)

Running time: 2h

Director: Kayode Kasum

Genre: Drama

Aiyetide (Bisola Aiyeola) deals with scars of family abandonment and sexual assaults while trying to prove her worth as a chef and single mom. The presence of Obinna (Efa Iwara), a supportive man helping a struggling woman achieve her culinary dream, mimics the comforting, predictable style of a rom-com. But it鈥檚 not it. This movie is a comedic drama that unpacks trauma, survival and resilience.

The romantic subplot is beautifully executed, but it serves only as a compensation for her gruelling journey of self-actualisation and healing.

.

(2019)

Running time: 1h 55m

Director: Oluseyi 鈥楢surf鈥� Amuwa

Genre: Family Drama

This movie title literally translates to a chronic womaniser and that perhaps makes you think there鈥檚 a romcom here, but let鈥檚 look deeper. Femi (Wale Ojo), a smooth-talking womaniser, falls for Jessica (Iteti Doyle), the strict mother of his son鈥檚 love interest. Beneath their banters and romantic tropes, the movie spends significant time unpacking single parenthood, the trauma of losing a spouse, and the complicated, often messy drama of merging families.

This is a family drama about emotional baggage that uses a romcom as nothing more than a Trojan horse.

.

(2010)

Running time: 1h 13m

Director: Mahmood Ali-Balogun

Genre: Drama, Family

Seeing Genevieve Nnaji and Joseph Benjamin, two of Nollywood鈥檚 most bankable romantic leads at a time, together in a poster signals a sweet romance. However, Tango With Me is far from that. It鈥檚 a drama focused on severe trauma and the fragility of faith.

The movie begins with the bride being raped in their hotel room on their wedding night. This sets off a harrowing look into PTSD and marital breakdown. This is a movie about a couple drowning in the aftermath of a deep tragedy. Nothing comedic here.

.

(2019)

Running time: 1h 57m

Director: Kathryn Fasegha

Genre: Drama, Romance

This title suggests a breezy holiday romance, but it almost feels like one, only to turn into a story about the elite. Ejikeme (Mawuli Gavor) returns from the US and falls for Lola (Beverly Naya) despite being promised to another. The romance gets overshadowed by the themes of political manoeuvring and classism. Viewers learn more about the transactional nature of wealthy families than romance.

The lovers, Ejikeme and Lola, interact with the same intensity as two remote coworkers meeting for the first time at a company-mandated retreat. It鈥檚 wildly uninteresting and lacking heat.

.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch on Netflix (May 2026)

So I did the digging into YouTube for you, and picked out the standouts. If you鈥檙e looking for something solid to watch this May, here are 10 Nollywood movies.

10. (2025)

Running time: 2h 3m

Director: Austine Onyema

Genre: Romance

Adaku (Chinenye Nnebe) and Nonso (Michael Dappah) are bound together by a promise they didn’t agree to. Years ago, their mothers, in the peak of friendship, decided their future children would one day end up married. Unfortunately, the children are all grown  up now and can鈥檛 stand each other.

Sensing opportunity (and refusing to let go of their long-held dream), their mothers step in with a plan that forces the two into a close distance. Somewhere between annoyance and attraction, Adaku and Nonso discover they have a thing for each. A love story begins.

.

9. (2025)

Running time: 2h 10m

Director: Kingsley Fresh Onyema

Genre: Romance

We meet Cathy (Sandra Okunzuwa), a selfless nurse whose life takes a devastating turn when she receives a terminal diagnosis she keeps hidden from the world. She keeps showing up for everyone else, even as her own time begins to quietly slip away. Around the same time, she meets Manny Benson (Uzor Arukwe), whose world is just opening up.

They find love, but it鈥檚 pressed against urgency. Between what Cathy is losing and what Manny is just beginning to gain, they鈥檙e forced to ask what it means to love when time is no longer on your side.

.

8. (2025)

Running time: 1h 45m

Director: Uduak-Obong Patrick 

Genre: Romance

It was meant to be the proposal everyone talks about for years. Instead, one missing detail turns a carefully planned moment into an abrupt ending that neither Ramsey (Deyemi Okanlawon) nor Rita (Ekama Etim-Inyang) saw coming. They break up and are trying and failing to move on. No matter how far they try to run, life keeps looping them back into each other鈥檚 space like a stubborn algorithm refusing to refresh.

Between lingering feelings, they put bruised pride aside and attempt love again.

.

7. (2026)

Running time: 1h 24m

Director: Uduak-Obong Patrick

Genre: Romance

Adaora (Sarian Martin) is a Lagos event planner chasing breakthroughs. Her biggest shot yet is an elite Christmas Eve event for a high-end client. There鈥檚 just one problem: Oladapo (Daniel Etim Effiong), a rigid tech entrepreneur who holds the keys to the rooftop venue she needs. Their first meeting is anything but smooth. He鈥檚 strict, she鈥檚 determined, and neither is particularly impressed by the other.

Between right deadlines, late-night planning sessions, logistics and other responsibilities, they fall for each other. But their pride is also about to ruin both the event and whatever is beginning to grow between them.

.

6. (2025)

Running time: 1h 36m

Director: Sunny Peters

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Kay (Tioluwalogo Olakunbi-Black) and Jay (Ibitoye Ayodele) are two friends headed out for what should be a life-shaping morning. By the time they finally hit the road, it becomes clear their destination isn鈥檛 a regular outing, but an arranged meeting with a babalawo for money ritual.

They are about carry out their ritual when luck shows up unexpectedly. This makes them abandon the ritual, choosing the instant. But they鈥檙e already at the site of ritual, they can’t just turn back and quit. There are consequences to pay.

.

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch on Netflix (May 2026)

5. (2025)

Running time: 1h 26m

Director: Debola Santa Ogunshina

Genre: Drama

When the marriage of two close friends starts to fall apart, Theresa (Teniola Aladese) and Shola (Tayo Arimoro) are pulled back into each other鈥檚 world, whether they like it or not. As they step into the role of unofficial counsellors for their friends (Wendy Lawal and Gabriel Afolayan), unresolved emotions begin to come out.

But somewhere between mediation sessions, they realise they’re just as broken as the people they鈥檙e trying to fix.

.

4. (2026)

Running time: 2h 9m

Director: Omoruyi Efosa Emmanuel

Genre: Drama

Monica (Uche Montana), a selfless firstborn daughter finally distances herself from her toxic, ungrateful family to rebuild her life and tailoring business. However, when her father passes away and family debts pile up, she鈥檚 forced to get involved.

Now, she’s at risk of falling back into being the family’s financial saviour.

.

3. (2025)

Running time: 1h 32m

Director: Great-Val Edochie

Genre: Romance

Ibiere (Detola Jones) is pulled into the orbit of the powerful Daniels family after a wealthy socialite and her manipulative mother recruit her for a deception. They want her to seduce Prince Tayo Daniels (Daniel Etim Effiong), the family鈥檚 heir.

But this one-night arrangement snowballs into something far messier. After an unexpected encounter, fate throws Ibiere and Tayo together again when he unknowingly hires her at his company. As attraction and feelings grow, so do the lies holding everything together. Ibiere is forced to decide how far she鈥檚 willing to go for love and a second chance at the life she desires.

.

2. (2026)

Running time: 2h 15m

Director: Uduak-Obong Patrick

Genre: Drama, Romance

Chima (Chris Attoh), wrecked by loss, disappears without warning, abandoning the chaos of his old life for a sleepy village where nobody knows his name. He wants silence, distance, and maybe a chance to breathe again. Instead, he stumbles into the lives of two people carrying heartbreaks as heavy as his own: an aging man and Morenikeji (Details Jones), a guarded young woman.

While living in the village, old wounds begin to crack open and unlikely bonds start to form. But the life he ran from is moving closer by the day, threatening to destroy the happiness he has finally found.

.

1. (2026)

Running time: 1h 31m

Director: Great Valentine Edochie

Genre: Romance

Anjola is a story of motherhood. Folarin (Femi Jacobs) and Anjola (Bolaji Ogunmola) are a couple navigating the struggles of infertility. The struggle has taken a toll on both of them and a night of frustration with an option to stop trying or consider alternatives.

Eventually, they come to a point where they are left with surrogacy as their only option. They are desperate to have a family with kids, so they pursue it. But the process reveals fears that threaten to test their faith and relationship.

.

ALSO READ: The Best AMVCA 鈥楤est Movie鈥� Winners of All Time, Ranked

The ceremony for the 12th edition of the award took place last weekend, on May 9, leaving fans of African cinema debating snubs and surprises all over the internet. In celebration of the award show, we鈥檝e ranked the 12 best AMVCA 鈥楤est Movie鈥� winners of all time.听

12. (2019)

Award-winning year: 2020

Running time: 2h 29m

Director: Ramsey Nouah

Genre: Thriller

Country: Nigeria

A sequel to the 1992 Nollywood classic Living in Bondage, this film follows Nnamdi (Jide Kene Achufusi), an ambitious young man who turns to occult rituals in his desperate quest for wealth. However, he soon realises that the price of his newfound riches is far greater than he ever imagined.

Directed by Ramsey Nouah, the thriller features standout performances from Nancy Isime, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Nouah himself. If you’re looking for a gripping modern take on a Nollywood classic, this is a must-watch.

.

11. (2014)

Award-winning year: 2016

Running time: 1h 55m

Director: Stephanie Linus

Genre: Drama

Country: Nigeria

Dry addresses the harrowing issues of child marriage and Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Northern Nigeria. The film follows a young girl鈥檚 struggle and a doctor鈥檚 journey to make a difference, highlighting the resilience of women and the need for societal change. 

This drama, directed by Stephanie Linus, brings sensitivity and urgency to these critical issues that continue to ravage the entire country.鈥� The cast includes Stephanie Linus as Dr. Zara鈥�, Liz Benson-Ameye, Olu Jacobs and Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge.Dry 

.

10. Contract (2012)

Award-winning year: 2014

Running time: 2h 26m

Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Genre: Romance

Country: Ghana

Peter (Hlomla Dandala) has no interest in marriage or commitment, but he wants a child. His solution? Hire a surrogate. He finds Abena (Yvonne Okoro), a woman in need of money, and strikes a deal: she鈥檒l carry his baby, move in during the pregnancy, give birth, and then walk away.

Simple, right? Not quite. As the pregnancy progresses, Abena starts developing feelings for Peter 鈥� and, to his surprise, he just might have a heart after all.

If you鈥檙e in the mood for a heartwarming romance with a touch of comedy, Contract is worth a watch 鈥� if you can find it. Unfortunately, it鈥檚 not currently streaming anywhere.

9. (2017)

Award-winning year: 2018

Running time: 1h 55m

Director: Njue Kevin

Genre: Medical Drama

Country: Kenya

This gripping drama follows Zach (Nick Ndeda), a rookie paramedic determined to save a critically injured accident victim. But despite his best efforts, hospital after hospital refuses to admit the patient, forcing Zach to stay in the ambulance with him for a grueling 18 hours 鈥� until they finally find a facility willing to help.

With five AMVCA nominations, 18 Hours made history as the first Kenyan film to be recognised at the event 鈥� and it took home the ‘Best Movie’ award that year.

Medical dramas may be rare in African cinema, but 18 Hours delivers a powerful and emotional story that鈥檚 worth watching.

.

8. (2021)

Award-winning year: 2022

Running time: 1h 54m

Director: Izu Ojukwu

Genre: Action/Adventure

Country: Nigeria

This Arewa epic brings to life the legendary story of Queen Amina of Zazzau (modern-day Zaria). Played by Lucy Ameh, Amina is a fearless warrior whose ambition leads her to the throne, cementing her place in history.

Featuring a stellar cast that includes Ali Nuhu, Clarion Chukwura, and Sani Musa Danja, Amina speaks to Nollywood鈥檚 growing interest in historical epics. If you love stories of power, bravery, and legacy, this one is worth watching.

.

READ NEXT:听AMVCA 2026: The Complete List of Winners

7. (2022)

Award-winning year: 2023

Running time: 1h 51m

Director: Kunle Afolayan

Genre: Drama/Fantasy

Country: Nigeria

Anikulapo follows the story of Saro (Kunle Remi), a man gifted with the mystical power to bring people back to life. His name, meaning 鈥淗e who carries death in his pouch鈥� in Yoruba, hints at the immense power he wields. But as his abilities earn him fame, fortune, and influence, greed leads him down a dangerous path.

With its rich cultural themes, stunning costumes, and a gripping storyline, Anikulapo stands out as one of Nollywood鈥檚 most visually striking epics. If you love historical fantasy with deep Yoruba mythology, this one鈥檚 a must-watch.

.

6. (2014)

Award-winning year: 2015

Running time: 2h 25m

Director: Kunle Afolayan

Genre: Thriller/Mystery

Country: Nigeria

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria鈥檚 1960 independence, October 1 follows veteran police inspector Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Daba) as he investigates a series of brutal murders targeting women. His search for the killer leads to shocking revelations about the man responsible (Demola Adedoyin) and the dark history that shaped him.

Blending real historical events with gripping fiction, this film delivers a compelling mystery wrapped in stunning cinematography, a strong cast, and masterful storytelling. A true Nollywood classic, October 1 is a must-watch.

.

5. (2024)

Award-winning year: 2025

Running time: 1h 28m

Director: Afolabi Olalekan

Genre: Drama

Country: Nigeria

When the state government suddenly bans commercial motorcycles, nine lives are thrown into turmoil, from tech entrepreneurs Tayo (Ogranya Jable Osai) and Themba (Jesse Suntele), whose newly approved ride-hailing app is rendered useless overnight, to okada rider Abiola (Debo “Mr. Macaroni” Adedayo) and his wife Funke (Meg Otanwa), who are desperately trying to scrape together their daughter’s school fees before graduation day.

Caught in the same web are Edidiong (Mike Afolarin), a lawyer so disillusioned with Nigeria he already has a one-way ticket out; Dr. Cheta (Taye Arimoro), a doctor ground down by a system that trivialises human life; and Officer Ajayi (Femi Jacobs), a corrupt, reckless policeman who extorts at every checkpoint until his actions trigger a fatal and irreversible chain of events. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a country where no one, regardless of class, is safe from systemic dysfunction, and yet, somehow, everyone keeps pushing forward.

.

4. (2011)

Award-winning year: 2013

Running time: 1h 35m

Director: Sara Blecher

Genre: Drama

Country: South Africa

Set in 1988 at the height of apartheid, Otelo Burning follows three township boys鈥擮telo (Jafta Mamabolo), his younger brother Ntwe (Tshepang Mohlomi), and his best friend New Year (Thomas Gumede)鈥攚ho discover a passion for surfing after visiting a beach house. As Otelo rises to fame in the sport, his dreams are shattered when Ntwe is murdered, forcing him to choose between vengeance and his future.

Though released in 2011, this visually striking South African drama won Best Film at the 2013 AMVCAs. If you鈥檙e a fan of art house cinema, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.

.

3. (2016)

Award-winning year: 2017

Running time: 1h 55m

Director: Izu Ojukwu

Genre: Historical Drama

Country: Nigeria

Set against the backdrop of a turbulent period in Nigerian history, 鈥�76 follows a soldier who is wrongly accused of being involved in a coup plot to assassinate a general. With his life on the line, his pregnant wife fights against all odds to prove his innocence.

Blending history, romance, and political intrigue, this gripping drama is a must-watch for fans of military and historical films. If you鈥檙e looking for a Nollywood film that delivers both emotional depth and high stakes, 鈥�76 won鈥檛 disappoint.

.

2. (2023)

Award-winning year: 2024

Running time: 1h 54m

Director: BB Sasore

Genre: Drama

Country: Nigeria

Once a prosperous and gifted man, Timi (Wale Ojo) is left bitter and withdrawn after a devastating loss. His world takes an unexpected turn when Elijah (Chimezie Imo), a humble young man, becomes his housekeeper. As their bond deepens, Timi begins to heal, rediscover love, and find renewed purpose.

A beautifully crafted Nollywood drama, Breath of Life stands out with its heartfelt storytelling, powerful performances, and stunning cinematography. Arguably one of the finest Nollywood films in recent years, this is one you shouldn鈥檛 miss.

.

1. (2025)

Award-winning year: 2026

Running time: 1h 33m

Director: Akinola Davies Jr.

Genre: Drama

Country: Nigeria

My Father’s Shadow is set over a single day in Lagos on 24 June 1993, the day Nigeria’s military annulled the results of the country’s first democratic election. Folarin (Sope Dirisu), a working-class father, takes his two young sons, Akin (Chibuike Marvellous Egbo) and Remi (Godwin Egbo), across the city to collect his delayed salary.

As they navigate Lagos together, visiting markets, riding motorbikes, and moving around, cracks in the father-son relationship slowly surface. The city itself begins to boil over into protest and unrest. An ordinary errand descends into a tragic day that none of them will forget.

.

ALSO READ: AMVCA 2026: We Ranked The Must-See Celebrity Fashion

Scroll down to see the complete list of AMVCA 2026 winners.

Here is the complete list of AMVCA 2026 winners (in bold) and nominees.

Best Costume Design 

鈥淐olours of Fire鈥� 鈥� Valerie Okeke (WINNER)

鈥淭he Serpent鈥檚 gift鈥� 鈥� Mary Chukuma

鈥淭he Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)鈥� 鈥� Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade

Something About The Briggs鈥� 鈥� Yolanda Okereke

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� Ikechukwu Urum, John Joseph Angel

Best Makeup

鈥淟isabi (A Legend Is Born)鈥� 鈥� Adeola Thelma Bamgboye (WINNER)

鈥淏ehind The Scenes鈥� 鈥� Mojisola Imam

鈥淕ingerr鈥� 鈥� Diablaq Artistry

鈥淎banisete鈥� 鈥� Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

鈥淲arlord鈥� 鈥� Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)

鈥淪uky鈥� 鈥� Ruth Harcourt

鈥淟abake Olododo鈥� 鈥� Adeola Thelma Bamgboye

Best Art Direction 

鈥淐olours of Fire鈥� 鈥� Ajamolaya Bunmi (WINNER)

鈥淭he Serpent鈥檚 Gift鈥� 鈥� Zainab Oladupupo

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Omolade Abisola

鈥淎ljana鈥�- Olatunji Afolayan, Gideon Stephen

鈥淪uky鈥� 鈥� Victor Akpan

鈥淚nimba鈥� 鈥� Thabiso Senne

Best Sound/Sound Design

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Pius Fatoke, CJ Mirra (WINNER)

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Tolu Obanro

鈥淏en Made It鈥� 鈥� Vaughan Phillips

鈥淭he Party鈥� 鈥� Tolu Obanro

鈥淪ebata (The Beast)鈥� 鈥� Vaughan Phillips

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Fisayo Adefolaju

Best Cinematography

鈥淭o Kill A Monkey鈥� 鈥� Kabelo Thathe (WINNER)

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Jermaine Edwards

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Emmanuel Igbekele

鈥淔inding Nina鈥� 鈥� Daanong Gyang

鈥淭he Serpent鈥檚 Gift鈥� 鈥� Emmanuel Igbekele

鈥淪titches鈥� 鈥� KC Obiajulu

鈥淕ingerr鈥� 鈥� Emmanuel Igbekele

Best Writing TV Series 

鈥淢TV Shuga Masahariki鈥� 鈥� Annette Shadeya, Natasha Likimani, Mkamzee Mwatela, Arnold Mwanjila, Makgano Mamabolo (WINNER)

鈥淭he Wives鈥� 鈥� Donald Tombia, Timendu Aghahowa, Chiemeka Osuagwu

鈥淥ur Husband鈥� 鈥� Xavier Ighorodje

鈥淎ddis Fikir鈥� 鈥� Besufekade Mulu

鈥淏aba OH鈥� 鈥� Temilola Balogun

鈥淭he Party鈥� 鈥� Stephen Okonkwo

鈥淕izat鈥� 鈥� Yednekachew Ayne

Best Writing in a Movie

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Wale Davies (WINNER)

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Lani Aisida

鈥淏lackout鈥� 鈥� Ikenna Okpara

鈥淐ards on the Table鈥� 鈥� Shirleen Wangari

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Xavier Ighorodje

鈥淪uky鈥� 鈥� Isaac Ayodeji鈥�

鈥�3 Cold Dishes鈥� 鈥� Tomi Adesina

Best Digital Content Creator

鈥淟eave To Live鈥� 鈥� Emmanuel Kanaga and Sophia Chisom (WINNER)

鈥淒r Judgina 鈥� Situationally Transmitted Delusion鈥� 鈥� Elozonam Ogbolu and Genoveva Umeh

鈥淭he Marriage List鈥� 鈥� Destiny Ogie Osarewinda

鈥淭he Rate Race鈥� 鈥� Benedict Ehimare Oriaifo

鈥淟uxury Koko鈥� 鈥� Maryam Apaokagi-Greene (Taaoma)

鈥淎ugust Meeting Election鈥� 鈥� Steve Chuks

鈥淒id I Just Hear Muah鈥� 鈥� Akwaman

Best Indigenous Language Film (Central Africa)

鈥淢abanda鈥� 鈥� Kang Quintus (WINNER)

鈥淪afou (A Gift From Nature)鈥� 鈥� Nyasha Makamba

鈥淕olden Spoon鈥� 鈥� Egbe Francis Ettabrown

Best Indigenous Language Film (North Africa)

鈥淎rtal Alhanin: Our Memories鈥� 鈥� Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Abdulraham Eldouma (WINNER)

鈥淭he Omnipresent鈥� 鈥� Youssef Ben Khalifa

鈥淭he Delivery鈥� 鈥� Abdalla Ezyan

鈥淭he Hidden Voice鈥� 鈥� Houssem Eddine Abdelwahed

鈥淭his is Portsaid鈥� 鈥� Abdalla Ezyan

Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)

鈥淎ddis Fikir鈥� 鈥� Leul Shoaferaw (WINNER)

鈥淚nside Job鈥� 鈥� Kamau Wandug鈥檜, Joe Mahinda, Barbara Njeri Maina

鈥淪ayari鈥� 鈥� Omar Hamza, June Wairegi

鈥淢y Son鈥� 鈥� Isarito Mwakalindile

鈥淜imote鈥� 鈥� Hassan Mageye

Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)

鈥淭lhaho Ya Mosadi鈥� 鈥� Naledi Galane, Promise Ramoroka, Ernest Ramoroka, Modipadi Mokgohioa (WINNER)

鈥淏et I Love You鈥� 鈥� Joseph Duke, Keamogetse Modise

鈥淪ebata (The Beast) 鈥� African Entertainers

鈥淏en Made It鈥� 鈥� Thabang Mathuumetse, Thapelo Dikhutso

鈥淭erra of Queens and Kuma 2鈥� 鈥� Neo Leonardo Mokoena

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

鈥淟isabi (A Legend is Born)鈥� 鈥� Lateef Adedimeji (WINNERS)

“The Serpent鈥檚 Gift鈥� 鈥� Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

鈥淟abake Olododo鈥� 鈥� Alice Iyabo Ojo, Olukanmi Abayomi, Aalaba Onaolapo, Kene Okwuosa, Ladun Awobokun

鈥淎ljana鈥� 鈥� Grace Yachat Yakubu

鈥淥lorisha鈥� 鈥� Abiola Adeshina

Best Editing

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� Daniel Anyiam (WINNER)

鈥淐ordelia鈥� 鈥� Kazeem Agboola

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Omar Guzman Castro

鈥淟andline鈥� 鈥� Nwanguma Peter Chidebere, Dele Doherty

鈥�3 Cold Dishes鈥� 鈥� Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi鈥淥samede鈥� 鈥� Winston AIG-Ohioma

Best Documentary

鈥淏eyond Olympic Glory鈥� 鈥� Shedrack Salami (WINNER)

鈥淭he Good x The Bad of Afrobeat鈥� 鈥� Louis Ejiofor

鈥淭he People Shall鈥� 鈥� Mark Maina, Nick Wambugu

鈥淣ot Adressing This Anymore鈥� 鈥� Huzzain Bello

鈥淏OU鈥� 鈥� Mwaka Gerald Remmy

Best Short Film

鈥淗ussainin鈥� 鈥� Orire Nwani, Josh Olaoluwa (WINNER)

鈥淩ise鈥� 鈥� Jessie J. Rowlands

鈥淔leas鈥� 鈥� Jordy Sank

鈥淭elephone鈥� 鈥� Fimisinuola Adejonwo

鈥淢y Body, God鈥檚 Temple鈥� 鈥� Uzoamaka Power

Best Score/Music

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Duval Timothy, CJ Mirra (WINNER)

鈥�3 Cold Dishes鈥� 鈥� Nissi Ogulu

鈥淥samede鈥� 鈥� Chubb Okobah

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Tolu Obanro

鈥淭he Party鈥� 鈥� Tolu Obanro

鈥淢TV Shuga Mashariki鈥� 鈥� Sofresh

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� Oscar Heman-Ackah

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

鈥淚nimba鈥� 鈥� Siphosethu Tshapu , Thandi Ramathesele and Yolanda Ndhlovu (WINNER)

鈥淜ukoyi鈥� 鈥� David Akande

鈥淯ndugu鈥� 鈥� Hatibu Madudu

鈥淥ut N鈥� About (Harar)鈥� 鈥� Bruk Yibrah

鈥淜amapala Creme鈥� 鈥� Joel Ndugwa

鈥淭he Chocolate Empire鈥� 鈥� Grace Kahaki and Phillippe Bresson

鈥淢gbuka鈥� 鈥� Eze Izu

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

鈥淣igerian Idol (S10)鈥� 鈥� Sulaiman Kassim, Anneke De Ridder (WINNER)

鈥淭he Real Housewives of Lagos (S3)鈥� 鈥� Deola Art Alade, Darey Art Alade

鈥淯ltimate Girls Trip: Africa鈥� 鈥� Graeme Swanepoel

鈥淥ff Air鈥� 鈥� Gbemi and Toolz

鈥淥ut N鈥� About鈥� 鈥� Bruk Yibrah

READ HERE: AMVCA 2026: We Ranked The Must-See Celebrity Fashion

Best Scripted M-Net Original

鈥淭he Low Priest鈥� 鈥� Femi D. Ogunsanwo (WINNER)

鈥淎dam to Eve鈥� 鈥� Lizz Njagah and Alexandros Konstantaras

鈥淢other of the Brides鈥� 鈥� Rogba Arimoro and Bio Arimoro

鈥淭he Yard鈥� 鈥� James Kalu Omokwe

鈥淏obo鈥� 鈥� Maurice Muendo

Best Supporting Actress

“The Herd鈥� 鈥� Linda Ejiofor (WINNER)

鈥淥versabi Aunty鈥� 鈥� Olamide Kidbaby

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Bisola Aiyeola

鈥淭he Covenant Series鈥� 鈥� Sola Sobowale

鈥淎ljana鈥� 鈥� Nadia Dutch

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Amal Umar

鈥淢TV Shuga Mashariki鈥� 鈥� Juliebrenda Nyambura

鈥淏ehind the Scenes鈥� 鈥� Funke Ayotunde Akindele

Best Supporting Actor 

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� Bucci Franklin (WINNER)

鈥淭he Yard鈥� 鈥� Simileoluwa Hassan

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Lateef Adedemeji

鈥淐olours of Fire鈥� 鈥� Gabriel Afolayan

鈥淎gesinkole (King Of Thieves) 2鈥� 鈥� Femi Adebayo

鈥淩ed Circle鈥� 鈥� Lateef Adedimeji

鈥淥wabbe Thieves鈥� 鈥� Femi Branch

鈥淏ehind the Scenes鈥� 鈥� Uzor Arukwe

Best Lead Actress 

鈥淭he Serpent鈥檚 Gift鈥� 鈥� Linda Ejiofor (WINNER)

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� Bimbo Akintola

鈥淭he Lost Days鈥� 鈥� Ifeoma Fafunwa

鈥淪omething About The Briggs鈥� 鈥� Ariyike Owolagba

鈥淗er Excellency鈥� 鈥� Sola Sobowale

鈥淏ehind the Scenes鈥� 鈥� Scarlet Gomez

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Genoveva Umeh

鈥淢other of the Brides鈥� 鈥� Gloria Anozie-Young

Best Lead Actor 

鈥淐olours of Fire鈥� 鈥� Uzor Arukwe (WINNER)

鈥淥versabi Aunty鈥� 鈥� Mike Ezuruonye

鈥淟isabi (A Legend is Born)鈥� 鈥� Lateef Adedimeji

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� William Benson

鈥淕randpa Must Obey鈥� 鈥� Kanaya O. Kanayo

鈥淏et I Love You鈥� 鈥� Khumbuza Meyiwa

鈥�3 Cold Dishes鈥� 鈥� Wale Ojo

鈥淩ed Circle鈥� 鈥� Femi Branch

Trailblazer Award

Uche Montana (WINNER)

Industry Merit Award

Sola Sobowale (WINNER)

Kanayo O. Kanayo (WINNER)

Best Scripted Series 

鈥淚nimba鈥� 鈥� Siphosethu Tshapu, Thandi Ramathesele, Yolanda Ndhlovu (WINNER)

鈥淭o Kill a Monkey鈥� 鈥� Kemi Adetiba

鈥淭he Yard鈥� 鈥� James Kalu Omokwe

鈥淭he Chocolate Empire鈥� 鈥� Grace Kahaki, Philippe Bresson

鈥淜ash Money鈥� 鈥� Grace Khaki, Phillipe Benson

Best Director

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Akinola Davies JR (WINNER)

鈥淐ordelia鈥� 鈥� Tunde Kelani

鈥淥samede鈥� 鈥� James Kaluu Omokwe

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Daniel Etim Effiong

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Yemi Filmboy Morafa

鈥�3 Cold Dishes鈥� 鈥� Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi

Best Movie

鈥淢y Father鈥檚 Shadow鈥� 鈥� Funmbi Ogunbanwo, Rachel Dargavel (WINNER)

鈥淕ingerrr鈥� 鈥� Ope Ajayi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola, Onyeka Nnama

鈥淭he Herd鈥� 鈥� Daniel Etim Effiong, Efe Ejukoriem, Ulogo Chukwudi, Kene Okwuosa, Craig Shurn, Ladun Awobokun

鈥�3 Cold Dishes鈥� 鈥� Martial Dansou, Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi, Ly Oumar

鈥淭he Serpent鈥檚 Gift鈥� 鈥� Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi

鈥淏ehind the Scenes鈥� 鈥� Funke Ayotunde Akindele, Wendy Uwadie Imaseun

READ HERE: AMVCA 2026: We Ranked The Must-See Celebrity Fashion

If you鈥檙e scrolling for what to watch next, these are 10 Nollywood movies on Netflix worth your time right now.

10. (2020)

Running time: 1h 50m

Director: Funke Akindele and JJC

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Twin sisters separated at birth grow up in completely different worlds. Lefty (Funke Akindele) is street-smart, sharp-tongued, and shaped by Lagos hustle culture, while Ayomide (also played by Akindele) is posh, privileged and far removed from survival mode. When Ayomide returns to Nigeria, their lives collide, pulling her into Lefty鈥檚 unpredictable world of street alliances, loyalty and everyday chaos. It first starts as culture shock, then becomes something more complicated with tension and reluctant sisterhood.

.

9. (2023)

Running time: 2h 3m

Director: Adebayo Tijani and Akay Mason

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Ada Omo Daddy unfolds against the backdrop of a Nigerian wedding. Pero (Omowunmi Dada) is set to marry Victor (Tayo Faniran) when her long-absent biological father (Charles Okafor) suddenly reappears.

His return cracks open old wounds and unsettled truths, forcing family tensions to the surface just as the wedding festivities peak. What follows is a mix of laughter, emotion and revelations that threaten to rewrite what family means.

.

8. (2022)

Running time: 2h 5m

Director: Bunmi Ajakaiye

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Glamour Girls reimagines the 1994 cult classic through the shiny, predatory world of Lagos high society. At the centre is Emma (Sharon Ooja), whose life unravels after losing her job and slipping into survival mode. She becomes a stripper and is eventually pulled into the world of high-end escorting.

Surrounded by wealth, power and constant negotiation, Emma鈥檚 transformation is both dazzling and dangerous, as every luxury comes with a cost.

.

7. (2024)

Running time: 1h 40m

Director: Kayode Kasum

Genre: Drama, Musical

Oluchi (Nancy Isime) is a Lagos-based aspiring music star who left her village a decade ago in pursuit of fame and fortune. She鈥檚 also a deadbeat mother who left behind her daughter, Ihunnaya (Darsimi Nadi), to be raised by her grandfather, Humphrey (Nkem Owoh). When a family tragedy forces her back home, Oluchi is confronted with everything she tried to outrun.

The career she鈥檚 built in Lagos suddenly collides with the responsibility she abandoned, pushing her into an unexpected reckoning with motherhood, regret and the version of herself she鈥檚 become.

.

5. (2022)

Running time: 1h 36m

Director: Biyi Bandele

Genre: Epic

The King鈥檚 Horseman, adapted from Wole Soyinka鈥檚 classic play, is set in colonial Nigeria in 1943. Elesin (Odunlade Adekola), the king鈥檚 horseman, is expected to complete a sacred ritual after the death of the Alaafin by joining him in the afterlife. But British colonial officer Simon Pilkings (Mark Elderkin) intervenes, disrupting the rite in the name of civilization.

As tensions rise, Elesin鈥檚 son Olunde (Deyemi Okanlawon), newly returned from medical studies in England, is forced to confront the cultural rupture and the consequences of his father鈥檚 failure to die with the king.

.

6. (2022)

Running time: 1h 35m

Director: Lyndsey Efejuku

Genre: Romcom

Sarah (Beverly Naya) is a young lady trying to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship. Healing is slow, and just when she starts to breathe again, her friend Lizzy (Bimbo Ademoye) pushes her back into the dating world, landing her in a complicated triangle with Fred (Uzor Arukwe) and Michael (Bucci Franklin).

Her past. however, refuses to stay quiet. Her abusive ex, Dare (Daniel Etim Effiong), keeps resurfacing to threaten her with violence. This movie is about survival, trust and learning what safety looks like as much as it鈥檚 about romance.

.

READ NEXT:听Are YouTube Movies the Future of Nollywood?听

4. (2022)

Running time: 1h 25m

Director: Ebuka Njoku

Genre: Drama, Horror

This movie follows Ose (Keezyto) and Abacha (Somadina Adinma), two struggling aspiring actors whose dreams can鈥檛 keep up with their rent. They drift into cyber fraud, but when quick money doesn鈥檛 come fast enough, they鈥檙e pulled into a deeper and darker layer of cyber fraud known as Yahoo+, scams mixed with ritual practices, under the guidance of Ikolo (Ken Erics).

Their story runs alongside Kamso (Echelon Mbadiwe) and Pino-Pino (Ifeoma Obinwa), who are also caught in survival trades of their own. The movie examines ambition under pressure, where every choice has a cost.

.

3. (2020)

Running time: 2h

Director: Kayode Kasum

Genre: Rom-com

At 28, Kambili Maduka (Nancy Isime) thinks she has a clear deadline: get married before 30. Then everything falls apart. Her boyfriend (Mawuli Gavor) dumps her for not being 鈥渨ife material,鈥� and she gets suspended from work, forcing her to confront the life she鈥檚 been coasting through.

With her friends in her corner, Kambili begins to rebuild, figuring out what she actually wants beyond timelines and pressure. Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards blends romance, self-discovery, and Lagos girl chaos into a story about choosing yourself.

.

2. (2022)

Running time: 1h 51m

Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters

Genre: Drama

Man of God tells the story of Samuel Obalolu (Akah Nnani), a pastor鈥檚 son raised under his father’s rigid control. Tired of the pressure, he runs from home to explore freedom on his own terms; music, relationships and a life far from the pulpit, including entanglements with women like Teju (Osas Ighodaro) and Rekya (Dorcas Shola-Fapson).

Years later, Samuel returns as a celebrated preacher with a fast-growing church, but his past lingers. Beneath the success is guilt, betrayal, and a quiet spiritual crisis that refuses to stay buried.

.

1. (2020)

Running time: 2h 20m

Directors: Tosin Igho

Genre: Horror, Mystery

Nneka the Pretty Serpent is a supernatural thriller about a woman pulled into revenge by forces bigger than her. After witnessing her parents鈥� murder as a child, Nneka (Idia Aisien) grows up haunted until strange visions and powers reveal her link to a vengeful marine spirit. The deal is simple: power in exchange for taking down the powerful men behind her family鈥檚 death. Armed with new abilities, she becomes a deadly force moving through a world of secret societies and elite corruption. But the deeper she goes, the more she risks losing herself.

.

ALSO READ:听10 Nollywood Crime Thrillers That Will Keep You Guessing

The message from Dammy Twitch read, 鈥淎re you ready for your first feature?鈥� If you know Justin UG from his skits, this moment might surprise you. But it really shouldn’t. Those skits made rounds in secondary school group chats and still live rent-free in people’s heads, but they were never the whole story. We sat with him to talk about , Nollywood legends and love.

You started out making skits. When did you know you wanted to be in actual films?

I think this was during the time of skits like , when everybody was just starting out. Even then, people doing that weren’t necessarily thinking, oh my God, I want to act. It was just a new thing everybody really liked. But then I ended up getting a job as a photo and video journalist for a company. They鈥檙e now called . That’s where I learnt how to use Premiere Pro, a video editing software.

I liked the process of editing, I also liked the process of shooting, but I liked being in front of the camera more. This was in 2016, and I was like, I think I genuinely want to act. So when I got to the U.S., I decided that everything I do onwards will be to lead me to that position.

How did the events of you starring in Call of My Life come to be? Can you share the story?

I love telling people this story because I think it was, first of all, God. I had just released a short video on grief. The only reason I released it was because I wanted to show people that, behind all these skits, I take acting very seriously. That was me showing a different side of myself. A week after I posted the video, I started feeling very weird. Like nothing was really clicking. I went to sleep and woke up the next day to two messages. One was from a well-known producer.

The other was from Dammy Twitch, who was the director. I saw the preview of Dammy Twitch’s message, and he said, “Are you ready for your first feature?” I’m like, bro, what is going on? I’m also receiving a message from one of my favourite directors at the same time? Eventually, Dammy told me Blessing Uzzi was going to reach out. I did the audition, and I got the role. That was my first time ever doing a formal audition. She could tell that I was scared, but she was kind enough to guide me and made sure that I really understood what I was getting into.

What was it about the character of Ezekiel that made you say yes?

The first thing was the story. I have always told myself that if I was ever going to do my first role, the story had to make sense. I don’t want people watching it to think, “What is going on here?鈥� So the story being genuinely interesting was big for me. And then when they told me my character, I was like, okay. It was a very, very important supporting role. It鈥檚 one of those roles where when it’s your time to shine, you better shine. I was very grateful for that, honestly.

Comedy skits and feature films are different veins in entertainment. What surprised you the most about the process of making a full film?

Seeing every single moving part come together to make something successful. I realised there are so many things involved in making a movie, so many people involved. This project would literally fail if just one of those pieces goes missing.

Also experiencing how everybody comes together to make something work by every means possible. Even when there鈥檚 no light and Nigeria is happening. Everybody is still very much active and trying to make sure the project is successful. With skits, it’s just me and my camera. With movies, you need proper planning. The amount of planning that goes into making a film genuinely surprised me.

What was the most fun scene you shot, and what was the hardest part of it for you?

I enjoyed shooting every single scene, I really did. But there was a scene with where we both had to share the screen for the first time, just the two of us, nobody else. And I was nervous because Beverly is somebody.

You know her from Wedding Party; she’s been on TV. I’m supposed to be in a scene alone with this person. But we actually did it, and I really, really loved that scene. When the movie is out, you’ll know exactly which scene I’m talking about.

You’re sharing the screen with Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor. What’s that like as a younger actor?

Who would have thought that for my first-ever feature film, I would be with legends? You cannot talk about Nollywood without mentioning these people. I’m just genuinely grateful and fulfilled to even be in the same project as them. It’s crazy. I’m speechless. They didn’t even tell me until the first day on set. They said, “Oh yeah, and are in this鈥�. I said, 鈥淲hat?鈥� It was amazing.

Broda Shaggi is also in the film. Was it beneficial to have someone from the same background as you?

Not necessarily, because I didn’t know was in it until the day before we were supposed to shoot our scene together. He played the role of our boss in the movie. Before then, I was asking who our boss was, and they said, Broda Shaggi. I said that’s crazy. That was actually my first time meeting him. It was a really great time.

But I wouldn鈥檛 say it was beneficial. It was just really nice to see familiar faces. Even if someone has done just one movie, I’m excited to work with them. So it wasn’t about the skit background; it was about being around people who have done what I want to do.

For someone doing their first feature, the director matters a lot. What made Dammy Twitch the right director for this?

A bad director could literally spoil a good script. I’ve known Dammy Twitch for a long time, and we’re kind of friends. So when I got to Nigeria and went to his office, I told him straight, Dammy, it’s my first feature. I’m not about to flop on this movie. I don’t want a situation where you tell me this is good, we can manage, because I don’t want to be managed. Tell me when something isn’t right.

The way he communicates is amazing. After he’s watched a take, you’ll just see him walk toward you, and you already know he’s about to tell you something important. He’d pull you to the side and say, okay, I think you could do this better, show me more. And then there’s the Shakespeare moment from the .

That wasn’t in the script. Dammy called me to the side after a scene and said, “Show me something.鈥� We shot it. Immediately after, he said that was exactly what he needed. He’s such a good director.

Call of My Life seems to be a story about healing from heartbreak and finding love again. Is that personal to you?

One thousand percent. It’s a very relatable story and it’s also very personal. Lowkey, let me not cast everybody, but yes. It’s personal. We were all talking about our love lives at some point on set and it was so beautiful. It’s a story that everybody would be able to relate to.

Do you believe in the kind of love this film is selling?

I’m a lover boy, so yes. I believe it’s very possible. It starts off with a love where you’re giving more than you鈥檙e receiving. Then it transpires into this whole new phase where you’re doubting a new thing because of what you’ve experienced from your old thing. Just because the emotions are new and pure.

But when you eventually let it blossom, it’s just beautiful. It’s a totally different experience. It’s not just one type of love shown throughout, there are different stages. And I believe all of that is possible in real life. How it happened exactly, maybe not. But the feelings? Very possible.

Looking at where you started and where you are now, where do you see acting taking you?

First, I want people to see this project, because I think it would sink into people’s heads that, okay, this guy is really serious. That’s something I really tried with every scene I was in. After that, I’m going to start doing more auditions and taking acting classes, just to see what’s next.

I’m very open to working with different producers, as far as the story is great and makes sense. But I’m not in a rush to get into just anything. What’s for me will be for me and what’s not, I shouldn’t stress myself about it. I’m just going to keep auditioning, keep learning, and see how God leads.

Next Read: 鈥淪top Collecting Certificates鈥� 鈥� 2 Data Experts on Becoming a Data Professional in Nigeria

1. The Black Book (2024)

Running time: 2h 4m

Director: Editi Effiong 

In many ways, The Black Book is Nigeria鈥檚 version of John Wick. It follows a deacon (Richard Mofe-Damijo) with a dark military past who goes on a rampage to clear his son鈥檚 name after his son is framed and killed by corrupt policemen.

2. Gangs of Lagos (2023)

Running time: 2h 4m

Director: Jade Osiberu 

Set in the bustling streets of Isale Eko, Lagos, this film follows a group of childhood friends: Obalola (Tobi Bakre), Ify (Chike) and Gift (Adesua Etomi) as they navigate life and the treacherous waters of gang life and political puppeteering. 

3. Son of The Soil (2025)

Running time: 1h 56m

Director: Chee Keong Chung

Zion Ladejo (Razaaq Adoti), a former soldier who has spent most of his life in the US, returns to Nigeria after the death of his sister, Ronke (Sharon Rotimi), a hotel staff member who mistakenly witnessed a murder. In a bid to discover those responsible for his sister鈥檚 death, Zion finds himself returning to a past he thought he had left behind. 

4. Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020)

Running time: 2h 15m

Director: Ramsey Noah

After young Ahanna (Stan Nze) witnesses a street mob lynch a thief, and his father tells him only poor people suffer such public humiliation, it solidifies his determination to seek a better life. This leads to him creating a criminal gang called the Armadas, pulling off a series of successful heists.

5. Tokunbo (2024)

Running time: 1h 44m

Director: Ramsey Noah

Tokunbo follows a repentant car smuggler (Gideon Okeke) trying to leave the world of crime behind, only to be pulled back in when he unknowingly finds himself entangled in a deadly kidnapping mission.

6. Brotherhood (2022)

Running time: 2h 4m

Director: Loukman Ali

Twin brothers Akin (Tobi Bakre) and Wale Adetula (Falz) witnessed their parents’ murder as young boys. Years later, they find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Wale is part of the police while Akin, after his most recent prison release, joins a notorious gang, Ojuju boys. 

7. Shanty Town (2023)

Running time: 50m

Director: Dimeji Ajibola

Shanty Town follows a group of sex workers who live in the titular Shanty Town under the control of Scar (Chidi Mokeme), a ruthless gang leader.

8. The Herd听 (2025)

Running time: 2h 4m

Director: Daniel Etim Effiong 

What starts as a traffic jam turns into a nightmare when Gosi (Daniel Etim Effiong)  alongside his newly married friends are captured by kidnappers, disguised as herders. 

9. State of Emergency (2004)

Running time: 3h 22m

Director: Teco Benson

State of Emergency follows the crisis created by Omega 12, an intelligence team turned rogue. The story begins with the brutal murder of the children of high ranking politicians, all on the same day. An FBI Officer (Saint Obi) suspects that these killings are linked to a covert military squad he once belonged to, known as Omega 12 and is set to uncover the truth.

Watch State of Emergency on YouTube.

10. October 1 (2014)

Running time: 2h 25m

Director: Kunle Afolayan 

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria鈥檚 independence in 1960, October 1 follows a police detective (Kunle Remi) as he tries to uncover the truth behind a series of killings in a remote village.

ALSO READ: The Most Bingeable Nigerian Shows on YouTube