Gone are the days where people never really wanted to watch Nollywood movies because of how mediocre the production was. Nollywood movies as at this year 2023, has become a highly acclaimed movie industry across the globe, gaining recognition and fast becoming a beloved amongst Nigerians— there is no need whatsoever, to enjoy only the comfort of movies of other countries — as the Nollywoood industry is getting better and diversifying their storylines.
Long before now, right from the 00s, one way to enjoy movies from the box of Nollywood was to look out for the actors and understand the storyline. It is supposed to seeing a movie with cast such as Stephanie Okereke, Jim Iyke, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Patience Ozokwor, amongst others is a sure guarantee to sitting glued to the television screen for hours that in simple form, is worth it.
Anything short of a scenario like this, gives off the intuition that the movie is below standard — which in its own way, is true.
However, with the refining energy of movie producers and filmmakers, introduction of cinema movies and Netflix inculcation, Nollywood gets better and the most important criteria to watch a Nollywood movie and be assured to enjoy it for its run time is the notability of the film producer and director, who for the love of high reputation of his movie, wouldn’t want to cast actors below standard.
The high surge of movies been released yearly is not alarming, it is refreshing and gives us supple chance to digest in as many movies as possible, it becomes so hard to have a top-rated movies ; more movies are produced, sequels of old Nollywood movies are even made and contemporary producers are doing a marvel job with their works.
Below are some of our top-rated movies that if you haven’t watched in this year 2023, you should give it a try!
Shanty Town — 2023
This series is a stellar production created by Chinenye Nworah that features legendary actors such as Chidi Mokeme, Sola Sobowale, Ini Edo, amongst others. It sees the appearance of new stars in the movie scene such as Mercy Eke, Lilian Afe, Paul Okoye, and more.
The series focuses on a group of street hustlers mostly females who attempt to escape from the hands of a notorious street lord, where all efforts made appears futile as the strong tie of blood and political uphold makes freedom non-feasible.
As a Netflix series, the production has gathered nomination already in the upcoming AMVCA award.
Brotherhood — 2022
A literal action movie, Brotherhood produced by the ever-ready Jade Osiberu tells the tale of twin brothers whose adulthood faces the opposite sides of the law – while one is a criminal, the other is a law enforcing citizen.
The cast ranges from Tobi Bakre, Toni Tones, Falz, Sam Dede, Basketmouth, and more.
The cinema movie grazes the hem of themes such as thuggery, criminality, law enforcement, romance, amongst others.
A Simple Lie — 2022
In this movie, see how Bisola Aiyeola’s lying role in the movie, spirals beyond limits when she first lies to her ex and how a little lie leads to hours of confession and unleashed secrets that exists between her and her friends.
Directed by Biodun Stephen and available on Netflix, A Simple Lie features actors such as Bolaji Ogunmola, Kachi Nnochiri, Bisola Aiyeola, Bukunmi Adeaga-Illori, Emmanuel Ikubese, amongst others.
Before Valentine’s — 2022
In this rom-com Nollywood movie, see how four hairdressers in a typical Lagos salon bump in and out of relationship dramas, as well as family issues while all preparing for the biggest love day in a year, Valentine’s Day.
This love story revolves around a number of characters played by actors such as Uche Nwaefuna, Ben Lugo Touituo, Venita Akpofure, Bolaji Ogunmola, Teddy Adenibuyan.
A Sunday Affair — 2023
Watch in this movie, how lifelong best friends played by Dakore Akande and Nse-Ikpe Etim, fall head over heels in love with a man (Oris Erhuero) and how both friends leave their love interest confused on where exactly, his love lies.
Released on the lover’s day this year, the movie highly settles for an ideal romantic movie you and yours can watch and snack over.
Gangs of Lagos — 2023
Only recently released on Prime, this Jade Osiberu’s produced movie highlights the political landscape of Nigeria and Lagos, how people in political power don’t get to the position by their sheer knowledge or their empathy for the masses, but by how much power they are able to amass.
It also focuses on the plotting of three friends (Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chike) who are drawn into gang war, displaying the steps through which one can get to the highest level of thuggery.
Anikulapo — 2022
Anikulapo was produced by the savoury Kunle Afolayan, whose movie heavily leans into the Yoruba culture. This movie focuses on a young man (Kunle Remi) who firsts escapes death by his illicit affair with the King’s wife (Bimbo Ademoye), beat death at its own game and yet again, walks into death trap with his greed and obstinacy.
Man of God — 2022
Akah Nnani’s role as Samuel faces conflict between his youngster’s Christian faith and his yearn to tear out of it as an adult. He is sandwiched between his worldly yearns and the faith of his harsh upbringing.
The movie asides focusing on faith, also grazes on romance where Samuel though in love with Joy (Atlanta Bridget Johnson) ends up with his old time friend, Teju (Osaa Ighodaro)
Jolly Roger — 2022
In this movie, an encounter with two crooked cops set up a whirlwind of events that turns the character’s lives in the movie into one of greed, deceit, murder and revenge.
Jolly Roger covers the theme of karma, romance and corruption— with actors such as Frank Donga, Daniel Ettim, Toni Tones and others giving brilliant performances.
Far From Home — 2022
Watch Ishaya Bello (Mike Afolayan) battle with spirals of events following his single decisions of stealing from his drug boss and cheating to gain access into an exclusive private high school.
The teenage boy in an attempt to rectify his deeds, pursue his art dream, leads himself to a line of danger, dragging those who supposedly care and love him down the pit hole.
With drug lords such as Governor (Bucci Franklin) and Rambo (Ninalowo Bolanle), Ishaya is faced with no escape route, harming even, his family members.