10 best Nigerian movies ranked (ratings, actors + bonus)

Are you a fan of Nigerian movies? You can attest that Nollywood has evolved tremendously over the years, the Nigerian film industry did not disappoint anyone at all. Below are some of the best Nigerian movies so far.

More Nigerian filmmakers are pushing boundaries when it comes to content creation and distribution. Several films are showcased at international platforms such as the Toronto Film Festival. As we applaud the strides made, here are the top Nigerian movies.

Best Nigerian movies

Looking for some recent and interesting Nollywood films? Here are the best Nigerian films that you must watch.

1. Up North

IMDb rating 9.1/10

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This Tope Oshin directed film focuses on the themes of family, friendship, and love through the life of Basset (Banky W). Basset, a rebellious heir, is sent to the NYSC to teach him life skills and prepare him to lead his father's company. The other cast members include Kanayo O Kanayo, Adesuwa Etomi, Michelle Dede, Rahama Sadau and Akin Lewis. The movie was premiered in December 2018 and had since received positive reviews.

2. King of Boys

IMDb rating 9.0/10

This political thriller was directed by Kemi Adetiba hit cinemas in October 2018. King of Boys focuses on the struggle for power. The main act Alhaja (Sola Sobolawe) is a philanthropist and businesswoman. As she tries to achieve her political ambitions, she has to overcome a power struggle that could bring her down. To stay at the top, she will have to be strategic, cunning, and ruthless. The movie also features Adesua Etomi, Reminisce, Illbiss, Toni Tonnes, Paul Sambo, and Akin Lewis.

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3. Lara and the Beat

IMDb rating 8.5/10

This drama/romance film directed by Tosin Coker was launched in cinemas in July 2018. The movie follows the story of Giwa sisters and the financial crisis in their parents' company. With this development, the young and beautiful girls must learn how to live outside their privileged bubble. They now have to work towards building their future and salvaging their family's past glory. The cast includes Seyi Shey, Sharon Ooja, Somkele Iyamma, and Ademola Adedoyin among others.

4. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel

IMDb rating 6.6/10

The movie officially debuted in Nigeria on the 10th of February, 2018. Before then, it had premiered during the Toronto Film Festival on the 8th of September, 2017. This romantic film was directed by Ishaya Bako centers around Opeoluwa (Zainab Balogun), a London-based chef who visits Nigeria. While she is home, she concentrates on reviving her family's hotel. Zainab's mother is keen on finding her a life partner. When things seem to be falling in place, Zainab learns that her new beau Deji (Kenneth Okoli) plans to purchase the hotel. The other cast members include Deyemi Okaniawon, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, and Hide Kisoko.

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5. Esohe

IMDb rating 6.3/10

This thriller movie that was directed by Charles Uwagbaie and Robert O'Peters debuted in Nigeria on January 19th, 2018. The film has three themes (love, mystery, and death) spanning over two centuries. US-based Nigerian immigrant Gary (Jimmy Jean-Luis) cannot understand the visions and nightmares of the past that keep appearing. As such, he goes back to his hometown of Benin City to find meaning and truth behind the nightmares. The other cast members include Desmond Elliot, Jemima Osunde, Toyin Aiyemakun, and Chris Attoh. The film also features foreign actors Kyle Colton and Misty Lockheart. Esohe earned five African Academy Awards nominations.

6. Lion Heart

IMDb rating 5.4/10

Genevieve Nnaji's inaugural directional movie premiered in September 2018. Lion Heart centers around Adaeze (Genevieve) who has to pick up the mantle from her dad Ernest (Pete Edochie). As Ernest steps aside due to health issues, he leaves the company with financial issues. Adaeze and her uncle now have to figure out how to keep the company running or else they risk losing it. The other cast members include Nkem Owoh, Kanayo O Kanayo, Onyeka Onwenu, Peter Okeyo, Jemima Osunde, and Kalu Ikeagwu.

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Netflix acquired rights to distribute Lion Heart a day before its debut in the Toronto Film Festival. As such, Lion Heart became Nigeria's first Netflix original movie.

7. Merry Men; The Teal Yoruba Demons

This AY Makun brainchild focuses on the life of four eligible bachelors. The objective of the four men is to redistribute wealth by stealing from the corrupt elite and then giving back to the needy. The main characters in this film are Ayo Alesinlove (Ramsey Noah), Remix Martins (Folarin Falana), Naz Okigbo (Jim Ikye), and Amaju Abioritsegbemi (AY Makun). The Merry Men live a luxurious life. They also enjoy the attention of women including the powerful and rich. As they enjoy the pleasures of this world, they have to fight politicians planning to demolish Ayo's village. The supporting cast includes veterans like Francis Duru, Ireti Doyle, Hide Kasoko, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Segun Arinze.

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8. New Money

Released in March 2018, New Money focuses on the life of Toun (Jemima Osunde), a sales girl who becomes a billionaire. With the inheritance from her father (Kalu Ikeagwu), she has to learn to live like the rich. At the same time, Toun has to take care of the multibillion-dollar company her dad left her. The dilemma of the 23-year-old Toun is whether she should enjoy the new-found wealth or focus on building the company. This Tope Oshin directed movie also features Folarin Falana, Kate Henshaw, Dakore Akande, Wale Ojo, and Adeolu Adefarasin. As of January 3rd, the movie has zero reviews on IMDb.

9. Seven and a Half Dates

This comedy/romance film directed by Biodun Stephen focuses on the life of Bisola (Mercy Johnson). She has a successful career but has not found love. As a result, her father (Akin Lewis) decides to help by encouraging her to go to ten dates he arranged for her. In the meantime, Bisola's younger sister Mabel is in an abusive relationship. The other stars in the movie include Jim Ikye, Sola Sobowale, Toyin Aimakhu, MC Lively, and Ali Nuhu among others.

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10. Chief Daddy

This Niyi Akinmoloyan directed movie premiered on December 14th, 2018. Chief Beecroft, a billionaire industrialist, is the subject of the film. He is the primary financier for his relatives, staff, and mistresses. Chief lives large until his sudden death. His families and children will learn about each other after his death. The cast of the movie includes veterans Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh, Beverly Osu, Ini Edo, and Funke Akindele.

Honourable mentions

These two Nollywood movies are worth mentioning.

Wedding Party 2

IMDb rating 7.5/10

If you loved The Wedding Party, then you should definitely check out this movie. The main stars in this romantic comedy are Adesua Etomi (Dunni) and Banky W (Dozie). The Wedding Party 2 focuses on the love story of Dunni and Dozie. The two will face challenges such as family interferences and intercultural differences. The movie premiered in December 2017 and is among the trending Nigerian movies of 2018.

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God Calling

This BB Sasore directed movie addresses the themes of spirituality and faith. The cast includes Nkem Owoh, Tina Mba, Karibi Fubara, and Richard Mofe.

There are several other Nigerian movies that are worth watching. As we begin the new year, we can only hope for excellent content from Nollywood.

Source: Briefly News