It’s another month and another Nollywood movie recommendation list. If you’ve opened Netflix for the hundredth time this week, ready to binge something local and close to home, I’ve got you.
Here are the 10 best Nollywood movies you should watch on Netflix this May 2025.
Ada Omo Daddy (2023)
Running time: 2h 3m
Director: Akay Mason and Adebayo Tijani
Genre: Comedy Drama
Ada Omo Daddy is a Nigerian family drama that follows the story of Ada (Omowunmi Dada), a young woman preparing for her wedding when her long-lost biological father reappears, causing turmoil in her family. The film delves into themes of identity, family secrets, and the complexities of love and forgiveness.
Although Ada Omo Daddy has received criticism for its inconsistent storytelling and lack of character development, it boasts strong performances and a robust visual appeal, making it a good watch.
Watch Ada Omo Daddy on Netflix.
Anchor Baby (2010)
Running time: 1h 35m
Director: Lonzo Nzekwe
Genre: Drama
Joyce (Omoni Oboli) and Paul Unanga (Sam Sarpong) are a Nigerian couple living illegally in the U.S. Five months into her pregnancy, Joyce decided to give birth in America to secure citizenship for their child. Ignoring a deportation order, they go into hiding. When Paul is caught and deported, Joyce faces the harsh realities of survival in a foreign land.
Joyce meets a friend who offers her shelter and assistance. However, her journey takes a dark turn as she becomes entangled in a web of identity theft and deceit. This Nollywood movie is old, but gold. You should press play.
Breaded Life (2021)
Running time: 2h
Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Comedy Drama
Breaded Life flips the script on the “rich kid gets humbled” storyline, giving us something funny and surprisingly deep. Sunmisola (Timini Egbuson) experiences a surreal scenario where everyone he knows forgets him, leaving only a bread hawker, Todowede (Bimbo Ademoye), to recognise him. This premise sets the stage for a deeper exploration of identity and self-worth.
If you’re looking for a movie that can make you laugh and cry, you’ve found one.
Watch Breaded Life on Netflix.
Dark October (2023)
Running time: 1h 50m
Director: Toka McBaror
Genre: Drama
Dark October takes the real-life horror of the ALUU4 tragedy and puts it right in our faces. The actors: Chuks Joseph, Munachi Okpara, Kem-Ajieh Ikechukwu, and Kelechukwu Oriaku play the ALUU4, who were victims of jungle justice.
This film offers more context to the lives of the boys, their hopes and ambitions, and how Ugonna Obuzor, Lloyd Toku, Chiadika Biringa, and Tekena Elkanah ended up in that community that day in 2012.
Watch Dark October on Netflix.
Dazzling Mirage (2014)
Running time: 1h 30m
Director: Tunde Kelani
Genre: Drama
This movie is based on the book by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare. It’s the story of Funmiwo (Kemi Lala Akindoju), a vibrant young woman with sickle cell anaemia. Despite societal stigma and personal challenges, she strives to lead a fulfilling life, pursuing a career, love, and motherhood. The narrative delves into her emotional and physical battles, shedding light on the realities faced by individuals with sickle cell disorder.
Kemi Lala’s depth and authenticity to the character and plot bring an emotional cinematic experience that combines storytelling with social consciousness.
Watch Dazzling Mirage on Netflix.
Elesin Oba: The King’s Horsemen (2022)
Running time: 1h 36m
Director: Biyi Bandele
Genre: Epic Drama
Set in 1943 colonial Nigeria, Elesin (Odunlade Adekola), the king’s horseman, must commit ritual suicide to accompany the recently deceased Alaafin, a king, to the afterlife. However, British colonial officer Simon Pilkings (Mark Elderkin) intervenes, deeming the practice barbaric. As Elesin’s son, Olunde (Deyemi Okanlawon), returns from studying medicine in England, he faces the tragic consequences of his father’s failure to fulfil his duty.
This movie is an adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s play of the same title. Are you a lover of book-movie adaptations? Watch this.
Watch Elesin Oba: The King’s Horsemen on Netflix.
Elevator Baby (2019)
Running time: 1h 23m
Director: Akay Mason
Genre: Drama/Thriller
In Elevator Baby, Dare (Timini Egbuson) is a privileged young man with a fiery temper who finds himself stuck in a faulty elevator with a semi-literate pregnant woman, Abigail (Toyin Abraham). As the elevator malfunctions and Abigail enters labour, Dare is forced to take responsibility for the situation. The film explores themes of class, responsibility, and personal growth.
If you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking drama that delves into human emotions and societal issues, Elevator Baby is a must-watch.
Watch Elevator Baby on Netflix.
Light In The Dark (2019)
Running time: 1h 45m
Director: Ekene Mekwunye
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Jumoke (Rita Dominic) and Emeka (Kalu Ikeagwu) are a couple whose lives are upended by a harrowing act of violence. Despite societal pressures and familial expectations, their inter-tribal love story blossoms. However, a traumatic home invasion shatters their peace, leading to more emotional and relational problems. As they grapple with the aftermath, the film delves into themes of trust, healing, and the complexities of love in the face of adversity.
This movie brilliantly addresses sensitive issues such as domestic violence and the psychological impact of trauma and its effects on individuals and relationships. This is highly recommended.
Watch Light In The Dark on Netflix.
Swallow (2021)
Running time: 2h 8m
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Genre: Drama
This Kunle Afolayan-directed movie, based on Sef Atta’s novel of the same title, follows Tolani Ajao (Eniola “Niyola” Akinbo), a young bank secretary facing systemic corruption and harassment. Her roommate, Rose (Ijeoma Grace Agu), introduces her to the perilous world of drug trafficking as a means to escape their struggles. As Tolani grapples with moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of their choices, this Nollywood movie delves into themes of survival, societal pressures, and the pursuit of a better life.
The film authentically portrays Lagos in the 1980s, capturing the era’s fashion, music, and socio-political climate. Swallow is a must-watch movie that intertwines personal struggles with broader societal themes.
The Griot (2021)
Running time: 1h 49m
Director: Adeoluwa Owu
Genre: Drama
Set in the fictional village of Wakajaye, the story follows Lakunle (Adedimeji Lateef), a talented but shy storyteller who entrusts his stories to his more outgoing friend, Sanmi (Temiloluwa Fosudo). As Lakunle falls for the village musician, Tiwa (Goodness Emmanuel), he struggles to express his feelings, relying on Sanmi to communicate on his behalf.
However, Sanmi’s ambitions lead to a series of events that test the bonds of friendship and love. If you’re big on folktales and epic films, watch this movie.
