The Nigerian film industry has witnessed some great improvements in the last two decades with some movies gaining international critical reviews and screening across the world at festivals and cinema halls across the world.
Solomon Unoke
The Nigerian movie industry has recorded tremendous success over the years. Now, it is a far cry from its growing years of dramas shot for cheap celluloid screens to multi-millions Naira production of sophisticated filming and post production equipment with thrilling stories.
Some of these new works have gained attention of the international world, including acclaimed reviews and partnership with Hollywood and Bollywood producers and streaming networks.
Here is a list of some of the most critically acclaimed movies in Nigeria that have gained international attentions in recent times.
- “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” (2019) – “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” is a gripping thriller that tells the story of Nnamdi, who sacrifices everything to join a secret society in hopes of attaining wealth and fame. However, he soon realizes that the cost of his actions is too high. The movie, which is a sequel to the 1992 classic “Living in Bondage,” is a perfect blend of suspense, horror, and drama. It was a critical and commercial success and has won several awards.
- “The Wedding Party” (2016) – “The Wedding Party” is a romantic comedy that follows the story of a wealthy Nigerian family as they prepare for the wedding of their daughter to her fiancé from a humble background. The movie explores themes of love, culture, and class. It was a huge box office success and became the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time of its release. The movie’s success led to a sequel, “The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai.”
- “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2013) – “Half of a Yellow Sun” is an adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel of the same name. The movie takes place in the 1960s during the Nigerian-Biafran War and explores the lives of two sisters, their partners, and their experiences during the war. The movie is a powerful and emotional depiction of the war and its impact on the people involved. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, and Anika Noni Rose.
- “The Figurine” (2009) – “The Figurine” is a supernatural thriller that follows the story of two friends who find a mystical figurine while serving in the National Youth Service Corps. The movie explores themes of destiny, friendship, and the consequences of our actions. It was a critical success and won several awards, including Best Picture at the African Movie Academy Awards.
- “October 1” (2014) – “October 1” is a historical thriller that takes place in 1960s Nigeria, on the eve of the country’s independence from Britain. The movie follows a police officer tasked with solving a series of murders in a rural town. The movie explores themes of identity, culture, and the effects of colonialism. It was a critical success and won several awards, including Best Nigerian Film at the Africa International Film Festival.
- “King of Boys” (2018) – “King of Boys” is a crime thriller that follows the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami, a businesswoman and philanthropist with a checkered past. She is drawn back into the world of politics and crime when her past comes back to haunt her. The movie explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption. It was a critical and commercial success and has won several awards.
- “The Milkmaid” (2020) – “The Milkmaid” is a drama that tells the story of Aisha, a Fulani milkmaid, who confronts religious extremism in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. The movie explores themes of extremism, tolerance, and the search for peace. It was a critical success and has won several awards, including Best Nigerian Film at the Africa International Film Festival.
- “Tatu” (2017) – “Tatu” is a thriller that follows the story of Tatu, a young girl who must journey into the dark underworld of human trafficking to save her sister from a forced marriage. The movie explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. It was a commercial success and has won several awards.
- “Ije: The Journey” (2010) – “Ije: The Journey” is a drama that tells the story of two sisters, Chioma and Anya, who reunite in Nigeria after years of living apart. Chioma is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, and Anya must fight to clear her sister’s name. The movie explores themes of family, loyalty, and the Nigerian justice system. It was a critical success and has won several awards, including Best Picture at the African Movie Academy Awards.
- “The CEO” (2016) – “The CEO” is a thriller that follows the story of five executives who compete for the top position of a multinational company. They are taken on a retreat to a remote location where they are tested both physically and mentally. The movie explores themes of ambition, greed, and betrayal. It was a commercial success and has won several awards.
