Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is one of the largest and most prolific in the world. Producing over 2,000 movies annually, Nollywood offers a diverse and vibrant range of genres, themes, and styles. Whether you are a fan of Nigerian culture, entertainment, or cinema, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in Nollywood movies.
In this article, we will showcase the top 5 Nigerian movies of the last decade, from 2014 to 2024. These movies are not only popular and acclaimed but also represent the quality and creativity of Nollywood. They cover different genres, such as comedy, drama, romance, and thriller. They also explore various aspects of Nigerian society, history, and identity.
So, without further ado, here are the 5 best Nigerian movies of the last decade, a list of Nollywood classics that you should watch and share.
Table of Contents
1. Osuofia in London (2014)
A sequel to the 2003 hit comedy Osuofia in London, this movie follows the hilarious adventures of Osuofia, a Nigerian villager who travels to London to claim his inheritance from his late brother. Directed by Kingsley Ogoro and starring Nkem Owoh, the movie is a satire of the culture clash between Nigeria and Britain, as well as the challenges and opportunities of immigration.
The movie is full of funny scenes and dialogues, such as Osuofia’s encounter with a British policeman, his confusion over the London Underground, and his attempt to woo a white woman. The movie also has a message of self-reliance and patriotism, as Osuofia decides to return to Nigeria and invest his money in his community, rather than staying in London and living a lavish lifestyle.
The movie is a perfect example of a Nollywood comedy, as it makes fun of the differences and similarities between Nigeria and Britain, as well as the joys and troubles of immigration. It also showcases the Nigerian humor, which is often witty, sarcastic, and self-deprecating. The movie is a laugh-out-loud comedy, that also teaches a lesson about the value of home and identity.
Osuofia in London was a commercial and critical success, earning over ₦100 million at the box office and winning several awards, such as the Best Original Soundtrack at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
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2. The Wedding Party (2016)
One of the most successful and beloved Nollywood movies of all time, The Wedding Party is a hilarious and heartwarming depiction of the Nigerian wedding culture, the family drama, and the love story. Directed by Kemi Adetiba and starring Banky Wellington and Adesua Etomi, the movie follows the chaotic events that unfold during the wedding ceremony of Dunni, a wealthy Nigerian bride, and Dozie, a handsome Nigerian groom.
The movie is full of humor, romance, and music, as Dunni and Dozie face various challenges and obstacles, such as an ex-girlfriend, a disgruntled father, a missing ring, and a surprise pregnancy. The movie also showcases the diversity and unity of Nigeria, as the wedding brings together people from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds.
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The movie was a huge commercial and critical success, grossing over ₦450 million and becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time. It also received positive reviews, winning several awards, such as the Best Movie West Africa at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The Wedding Party is a perfect example of a Nollywood comedy, as it combines laughter, romance, and music in a fun and festive way. It also showcases the Nigerian wedding culture, which is a major aspect of the Nigerian society and identity. The movie is a celebration of love, family, and tradition, as well as a reflection of the diversity and unity of Nigeria.
3. Isoken (2017)
A romantic comedy that follows the life of Isoken, a successful and single 34-year-old woman who faces pressure from her family and society to get married and settle down.
Directed by Jadesola Osiberu and starring Dakore Akande, the movie is a refreshing and relatable take on the issues of love, marriage, and happiness in the modern Nigerian context.
Isoken is a perfect example of a Nollywood romance, as it explores the themes of love, marriage, and happiness realistically and humorously. It also showcases Nigerian women, who are trying to find their own happiness and fulfillment in life. The movie is a reflection of women, who are not defined by their marital status, but by their personal choices.
The movie is full of humor, charm, and romance, as Isoken has to choose between two suitors: a handsome and wealthy Nigerian man who meets her family’s expectations, and a charming and adventurous British man who makes her happy. The movie also depicts the Nigerian women, who are often pressured and judged by their family and society, but who also have their own dreams and desires.
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The movie was a commercial and critical success, earning over ₦90 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing Nigerian movies of 2017. It also received positive reviews, winning several awards, such as the Best Nigerian Film at the 2018 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
So, if you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon, then Isoken is the one for you. It is a movie that will appeal to anyone who loves a good romance, a good comedy, or a good story.
4. The Lion Heart (2018)
A groundbreaking and inspiring movie, The Lion Heart is the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria. Directed by and starring Genevieve Nnaji, the movie tells the story of Adaeze, a young and ambitious woman who has to run her father’s company, Lion Heart, after he suffers a health crisis, and deals with the challenges of the male-dominated business world.
The movie is praised for its strong performance, especially by Nnaji, who plays the determined and courageous protagonist, as well as its beautiful cinematography and soundtrack. The movie also portrays the Nigerian women, the family values, and the cultural heritage, in a positive and empowering way.
The movie was a box office hit, grossing over ₦80 million and becoming one of the highest-grossing Nigerian movies of 2018. It also received critical acclaim, winning several awards, such as the Outstanding World Cinema Motion Picture at the Black Reel Awards.
The Lion Heart is a perfect example of a Nollywood drama, as it depicts the struggles and successes of a Nigerian woman in the business world, as well as the importance of family and culture. It also showcases the Nigerian women, who are often overlooked and underestimated, but who are actually strong, smart, and capable. The movie is a tribute to the Nigerian women, who are the lion hearts of the nation.
5. King of Boys (2018)
A gripping and gritty movie, King of Boys is a political thriller that tells the story of Eniola Salami, a powerful businesswoman and crime lord who has political ambitions and faces opposition from her rivals and enemies. Directed by Kemi Adetiba and starring Sola Sobowale, the movie is a suspenseful and captivating portrayal of the Nigerian underworld, the corruption of the political system, and the struggle for power and survival.
The movie is praised for its strong performances, especially by Sobowale, who plays the complex and charismatic protagonist, as well as its realistic and nuanced depiction of the Nigerian society and culture. The movie also exposes the dark and dirty side of the Nigerian politics, which is often riddled with corruption, violence, and intrigue.
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The movie was a box office hit, grossing over ₦240 million and becoming the fourth highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time. It also received critical acclaim, winning several awards, such as the Best Nigerian Film at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
King of Boys is a perfect example of a Nollywood thriller, as it delivers a suspenseful and captivating plot, full of twists and turns, as well as a compelling and controversial character, who is both a hero and a villain. It also showcases Nigerian politics, which is often a game of power and survival. The movie is a commentary on the Nigerian society, which is often divided by class, gender, and ethnicity.
So, if you are looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then King of Boys is the one for you. It is a movie that will appeal to anyone who loves a good thriller, a good drama, or a good challenge.
Conclusion
Nollywood movies are not only entertaining and enjoyable but also insightful and inspiring. They reflect the diversity, richness, and complexity of the Nigerian culture, history, and identity. They also showcase the talent, creativity, and potential of the Nigerian film industry.
In this blog post, we have listed the 5 best Nigerian movies of the last decade that you should watch and share. These movies cover different genres, such as comedy, drama, romance, thriller, and horror. They also explore various aspects of Nigerian society, history, and identity.
We hope you have enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about Nollywood movies. If you have, please share it with your friends and family, and let us know what you think in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.