Whether it’s a shitty day at work, a wonky encounter with a danfo driver or just a general dissatisfaction with life, everyone has bad days. Sometimes, all you really need is a warm hug to make you feel better. And that feeling doesn’t even need to come from a person. It can come from a movie. Here’s a list of Nollywood movies that feel exactly like that.
1. Up North (2018)
Running time: 1h 39m
Director: Tope Oshin
Genre: Drama, Romance
Bassey (Banky W), a privileged, rich kid from Lagos, is sent by his strict father to Bauchi State for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year so he can learn that life isn’t a bed of roses. As he navigates the unfamiliar terrain and culture, he unexpectedly finds friendship and romance among the local community. Now, he must decide whether to return to the comfortable life he’s used to or forge his own path in the place that has captured his heart.
Up North is a gentle reminder that home isn’t always a place, and it’s okay to step outside your comfort zone and find beauty in unfamiliar places.
2. Introducing the Kujus (2020)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Mausi (Bisola Aiyeola) and her brother Maugbe (Timini Egbuson) trick their estranged siblings into returning to Badagry for their mother’s five-year remembrance. This reunion leads to hilarious tussles, forcing them to confront old wounds and to figure out whether blood is thicker than water.
There’s something really comforting about watching warring family members find their way back to each other. The Kujus show us that even the most fractured relationships aren’t beyond healing.
Watch Introducing the Kujus on Prime Video.
3. Uno: The F in Family (2024)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Comedy, Drama
After 10 years away from his family, Junior (Keezyto) travels to Enugu with his fiancée (Tomi Ojo) to seek his family’s blessing. Now his parents are stuck with deciding whether to accept their prodigal son and his Muslim wife or not.
This story captures the universal longing for acceptance from one’s own family. But more importantly, it reinforces the notion that coming home is almost always worth the risk.
This film is currently unavailable on streaming platforms.
4. Battle On Buka Street (2022)
Running time: 2h 20m
Director: Funke Akindele
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Two half-sisters, Yejide (Funke Akindele) and Awele (Mercy Johnson), have been rivals since birth — literally, born a minute apart to different mothers in a polygamous household. Years later, their feud reignites when both open rival bukas (food stalls) directly across the street from each other.
At the beginning of the movie, we are thrown into sibling rivalry at its peak, but at its core, we get to experience two sisters who learn the beauty of sisterhood.
Watch Battle on Buka Street on Prime Video.
5. Lionheart (2018)
Running time: 1h 35m
Director: Genevieve Nnaji
Genre: Drama
Directed by and starring Genevieve Nnaji, Lionheart is a corporate drama that holds the title of Nigeria’s first Netflix Original. Set in the scenic city of Enugu, it follows a young woman trying to save her family’s business while navigating a partnership with her eccentric uncle, who—to her dismay—was chosen as interim CEO instead of her.
LionHeart feels comforting for many reasons, from the setting to the actors’ nostalgic feel. But what arguably stands out the most is the story. It feels like a reassuring pat on the back for anyone fighting to be seen or valued, whether in the family or workspace.
6. A Lagos Love Story (2025)
Running time: 1h 45m
Director: Naz Onuzo
Genre: Romance, Drama
Promise Quest (Jemima Osunde) is a responsible young woman juggling three lives: a demanding events job, a chaotic home, and the emotional labour of shielding her teenage sister’s dreams.
When she’s tasked with managing Afrobeats superstar King Kator (Mike Afolarin) for a major culture festival, their worlds collide in the most Lagos way possible. And that is really what makes the movie special, it perfectly captures the chaos of finding love in Lagos.
Watch A Lagos Love Story on Netflix
7. Fine Wine (2021)
Running time: 1h 30m
Director: Seyi Babatope
Genre: Romance, Drama
Mr Seye George (RMD) falls in love with Kaima (Ego Nwosu), a much younger woman. As their unexpected relationship blossoms, they have to confront opposition from George’s family and harsh judgment from society over their significant age gap.
Everyone loves a good age-gap romance. And Fine Wine doesn’t let its viewers down. Watching two people choose each other despite societal judgment will always be a heartfelt story.
8. A Naija Christmas (2021)
Running time: 2h 1m
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Mama (Rachel Oniga) is tired of her three sons being unmarried. So, she does what any Nigerian parent would do: subtle emotional blackmail, but with a twist. She demands her sons bring home wives to satisfy her Christmas wish—and promises the family house to whoever pulls it off first.
A Naija Christmas is essentially a hilarious and pure lighthearted ode to the lengths we’d go to make our family proud.
Watch A Naija Christmas on Netflix.
9. Phone Swap (2012)
Running time: 1h 57m
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Phone Swap follows the love story Mary and Akin. The plot kicks off when Mary (Nse Ikpe-etim) and Akin (Wale Ojo) bump into each other at the airport, accidentally mixing up their phones.
Now, they must live each other’s lives until they get their devices back. There’s something oddly soothing about watching two strangers discover each other through the sweetest twist of fate.
10. Mofe ni Mofe (2021)
Running time: 1h 40m
Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Romance, Drama
Mofe (Lateef Adedimeji) is a man deeply traumatized by being jilted on his wedding day, and Moji is a woman who has endured four failed engagements in just three years. Their blossoming relationship quickly hits a major roadblock because of their conflicting wants; Mofe wants a quiet, private wedding, while Moji insists on an extravagant event.
If you’ve ever let past trauma affect your present relationships, you’d love Mofe Ni Mofe. It tenderly explores how past hurts can shape our present fears, but it also goes further to show how the right person can make healing possible.
Watch Mofe Ni Mofe on YouTube.
