Nollywood really showed off with the number of amazing projects we got. From epic to action, down to comedy movies, we saw different movie genres that blew our minds. Here are our top 10 Nollywood movies of 2024.
10. Queen Lateefah
A movie about a young lady who is tired of the life she lives in the ghetto where there are no opportunities. She takes an alternate route to make it big by defrauding businesses to maintain a high status in society, but things turn around when she meets someone who captures her heart, leading her to pretend to be someone she is not. The movie, released in September, stars Wumi Toriola and Kunle Remi and was directed by Adeoluwa Owo. Other cast members include Nancy Cime, Folakemi Babatunde, Bubemi Ejeye, Femi Adebayo, Brodda Shaggi, and more. The cinematography, set designs, and location were perfectly chosen to align with the plot and theme of the movie.
9. Muri & Ko
The movie shows us the life of a petty thief whose life takes a drastic turn with one thrilling adventurous experience. As the title suggests, the movie shows the bond between Muri, a petty thief, and a celebrity kid who get stuck together on crazy adventures. Written and directed by Biodun Steven, the lead actor is Kunle Remi. The movie, which is a comedy-crime adventure with a Nollywood theme, also features a cast including Feyinfoluwa Asenuga, Bisola Ayoola, Buchi Franklin, Femi Jacob, Charles Okocha, and more. Muri & Ko is a fun watch with an interesting angle to Nollywood adventure, balancing drama and comedy.
8. House of Ga’a
An epic Nollywood movie about a mighty warrior and his family who come into power and rule numerous towns in the old Oyo Kingdom with an iron fist. Ga’a himself ends up being a kingmaker, which leads to him having many enemies. Directed by Bolanle Austin Peter, the movie is based on true events in the 18th century in southwestern Nigeria where there was a real Ga’a. The movie features strong performances from Femi Branch, Mike Afolarin, Jide J Black, Ibrahim Chatta, Funke Akindele, and Toyin Abraham.
7. Ajosepo
A movie about a love fest between two families coming together to unite their children. Things take an unexpected turn a day before the wedding, revealing family secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Released in cinemas on April 10, 2024, and directed by Kayode Kasum, the movie features an enticing cast including Tomike Adeoye, Mike Afolarin, Yemi Solade, Bisola Ayeola, Timini Egbuson, Ronke Oshodioke, Deyemi Okolawan, Ibrahim Yekini, Mercy Aigbe, and more. The movie showcases how a Nigerian wedding party, particularly a Yoruba wedding, takes place through its performances, set designs, party attire, and more.
6. Ajakaju (Beast of Two Worlds)
A movie about royalty and succession in the olden days, and the drama that unfolds when a king is yet to produce a male heir to succeed him after his transition to the afterlife. The movie, which grossed 100 million naira in the first five days of release, features a thrilling cast including Odunlade Adekola as the king, Eniola Ajawo, Femi Adebayo, Shola Sobowale as the king’s mother, Adedemeji Lateef as a hunter in the village, and many more.
5. Farmer’s Bride
A movie about desire, betrayal, and deceit. The story follows a middle-aged and successful farmer who takes a younger lady as his wife. As they get along gradually, things become more complicated when a third party enters the picture. Budemi Ejeye plays the bride who is not thrilled to be married to an older man. Femi Branch plays the middle-aged farmer, with Tobi Bakare in a lead role, alongside Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wumi Toriola. The movie features excellent color grading, enhancing the aesthetics and perfect camera angles.
4. Lisabi
Based on true events, it covers the story of Lisabi, a courageous farmer who turned into a formidable warlord, rising against the oppressive rule of the Oyo Empire through heavy taxation. Lisabi led his fellow Egba farmers to fight for their freedom from this daunting oppression. The movie, produced by Lateef Adedemeji and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, features a brilliant cast, including Lateef Adedemeji as the legendary Lisabi, Odunlade Adekola, Gabriele Afolayan, Macaroni, and Ibrahim Charter as the ruthless head of the guard. The cinematography, color grading, attire selection, makeup for originality, visual effects, and location settings all added flavor to the overall product. A sequel is set to be released in 2025.
3. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Capturing a significant historical event in Nigeria, “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” takes viewers through detailed information with amazing cast performances from Kehinde Bankole, who played the historical figure perfectly, Imade Ayo Olumoko, who played the younger role of Funmilayo, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, and Joke Silva, who narrated the true-life events. The movie directed by Bolanle Austin Peters and written by Tunde Babalola won the award for Best Screenwriting at the 2024 AMVCA. It is one of the best biopics from Nollywood and the all-time highest-grossing biopic in West Africa.
2. With Difficulty Comes Ease
From the maker of “Breathe Of Life” and director Akorede Azeeze comes “With Difficulty Comes Ease,” a movie about a young widow who goes through various circumstances and experiences while observing a mandatory mourning period in the home of her mother-in-law, all while heavily pregnant. The drama features a cast which includes Uzoamaka Aniunoh as the widow, Caleb Richard, Ummi Baba-Ahmed, and Michelle Dede. The movie touches on themes of emotion and sorrow. The location selection fits perfectly with the story and enhances its impact. The movie tells a compelling story of grief, religious conversion, and more.
1. The Weekend
A Nollywood horror movie that covers the events when a girl spends the weekend with her fiancé’s family. During this visit, she notices something strange about the people living in the town. The movie is directed by Daniel Oriahi and features a stellar cast, including Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Bucci Franklin, Gloria Anozie, Meg Otanwa, and James Gardiner. The cinematography and camera work are aesthetically pleasing, and the sound design perfectly conveys the mood and events taking place. The location selection was well-chosen. This movie offers a fresh angle in Nollywood horror, filled with suspense and thrills.
