It is Friday the 13th, popularly regarded as the “unlucky day” in Western superstition. What better day to close your curtains and watch some truly scary horror movies? Away from the popular choices like IT, The Conjuring, and Annabelle, some Nigerian horror films stand out.
We have come up with a list of five Nigerian horror films for your viewing pleasure today. Watching horror films set in your country of residence is typically scarier and more enjoyable, so give these movies a try.
The Figurine: Araromire (2009):
Directed by famed Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, The Figurine is a supernatural suspense thriller with elements of horror. It tells the story of two friends who find a mystical sculpture that brought them seven years of good fortune. Seven years of misfortune followed right after and things began to fall apart. The movie stars Ramsey Nouah, Kunle Afolayan, Omoni Oboli, and Funlola Aofiyebi. This is a movie for you if you are a fan of interesting plot twists.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019):
A sequel to the first instalment released in 1992, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free tells the story of Nnamdi Okeke, the son of Andy Okeke, a former member of the Brotherhood of Six. Being an ambitious young man, Nnamdi is also initiated to the dark side with the promise of money and fame. He soon discovers that he has bitten more than he can chew, but it is too late. Directed by Ramsey Nouah, the movie stars Swanky JKA, Ramsey Nouah, and Munachi Abii. You will enjoy this one if you love movies with blood and rituals.
Locked (2019):
You know you are in for a treat when you see Hilda Dokubo on the cast of a horror movie. In Locked (2019), she plays the role of a psychotic woman who holds her daughter and her fiance captive, after they discover her grave secret. Directed by Simon Peacemaker, the movie stars Hilda Dokubo, Sunny Neji, Belinda Effah, Charles Granville, and Abayomi Alvin. If you are a fan of movies with hostage plots, you should check this out.
The Mystic River (2021):
The only series on the list, The Mystic River tells the story of the strange disappearances of pregnant women in a rural village in Nigeria. When a doctor arrives in the village, she discovers that the strange disappearances are tied to a horrific tradition that needs to be stopped. Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko, and Lota Chukwu all star in lead roles. The series was directed by Uzodinma Okpechi. If you are a fan of traditional Nigerian movies, this one is for you.
Hex (2018):
Directed by legendary Nigerian video director Clarence Peters, Hex is a short film that will shock you to your core. With a run time of 26 minutes, you are sure to be on the edge of your seat all through. The film tells the story of five young Lagosians who experience strange occurrences, after hitting a mysterious man on their ride home. The film stars Ayoola, Kunle Remi, Liqourose, and Nancy Isime.
Other Nigerian horror films to watch include Nneka The Pretty Serpent and His House (starring Sope Dirisu and Wunmi Mosaku). All the movies on this list are available on Netflix bar Hex, which is available on YouTube. Make sure to keep a bottle of water close to you, to keep you hydrated for the ride.
