Netflix is currently one of the most popular streaming services. This is, however, not surprising as it is the pioneer of the modern streaming era. Since 2013, when Netflix started producing original content, it has become home to some of the best stories of the last decade.
For lovers of Nollywood, the streaming service has plenty to offer. Here is our ranking of undeniably great Nollywood Netflix originals we have seen so far.
10. A Naija Christmas (2021)
Running time: 2h 1m
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Genre: Comedy, Drama
This romantic comedy follows three brothers (Kunle Remi, Abayomi Alvin, Efa Iwara) as they scramble to find wives to grant their mother’s Christmas wish—bring home a good girl— and ultimately inherit the family house, which goes to whoever achieves this first.
The movie deserves praise for many reasons, notably its artistic cinematography, which brings the story to life. However, what makes it most endearing is the humour. Overall, it is an undeniably enjoyable watch.
Watch A Naija Christmas on Netflix.
9. Tokunbo (2024)
Running time: 2h 13m
Director: Tope Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani
Genre: Drama, History
Directed by the acclaimed actor turned director, Ramsey Nouah, Tokunbo follows a repentant car smuggler (Gideon Okeke) trying to leave the world of crime behind but getting pulled back in when he unknowingly finds himself entangled in a deadly kidnapping mission.
This is not Ramsey Nouah’s first rodeo with action thrillers, so naturally, expectations were high. Fortunately, the film delivers on all fronts: phenomenal acting, edge-of-your-seat scenes, and a buildup of perfectly paced tension.
8. Namaste Wahala (2020)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Hamisha Daryani Ahuja
Genre: Romance, Comedy
It is not every day you see an Indian-Nigerian movie collaboration. This novelty makes Namaste Wahala stand out. It follows an interracial couple (Ini Dima-Okojie, Ruslaan Mumtaz) )who fall in love, only to find their relationship tested by overbearing parents and cultural differences.
Namaste Wahala is intentionally cheesy. The opening scene, for instance, features the couple bumping into each other, followed by the dramatic slow-motion stare Bollywood is famous for. It is a feel-good, mostly predictable watch,
Watch Namaste Wahala on Netflix.
7. Oloture (2019)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Kenneth Gyang
Genre: Crime, Drama
A harrowing and eye-opening tale of survival, Òlòtūré is inspired by a 2014 trafficking investigation by Premium Times. It follows a young journalist (Sharon Ooja) who goes undercover as a sex worker to expose a human trafficking syndicate.
Òlòtūré is not an easy watch, but it is a powerful story that shines a light on the horrors of human trafficking. Kenneth Gyang uses the film to show the realities of human trafficking in the country.
6. The Black Book (2023)
Running time: 2h 4m
Director: Editi Effiong
Genre: Thriller
In many ways, The Black Book is Nigeria’s version of John Wick. It follows a deacon (Richard Mofe-Damijo) with a dark military past who goes on a rampage to clear his son’s name after his son is framed and killed by corrupt policemen.
As Editi Effiong’s directorial debut, The Black Book is bold, daring to shift away from the norm. One sees this in the framing: it is not so much a revenge film as it is a story about a man seeking justice, an interesting contrast considering the protagonist is the most feared man in the country.
Watch The Black Book on Netflix.
ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch on YouTube (January 2026)
5. House of Gaa (2024)
Running time: 1h 59m
Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters
Genre: Drama, History
House of Ga’a is an epic abut 18th-century Oyo politics. The film chronicles the ruthless rise and eventual downfall of Bashorun Ga’a, the infamous and powerful kingmaker, as seen through the eyes of his son.
Rooted in history, the plot is fraught with court politics, betrayal, violence, and young love. The actors deliver excellent performances that bring the narrative to life, with Femi Branch delivering a truly complex villain in Bashorun Ga’a.
Watch House of Ga’a on Netflix.
4. Jagun Jagun (2023)
Running time: 2h 13m
Director: Tope Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani
Genre: Drama, History
Directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani, Jagun Jagun tells the story of a young man (Femi Adebayo) determined to become a mighty warrior. In his quest, he finds himself at odds with a bloodthirsty warlord who feels threatened by his potential.
Heavily imbued with Yoruba mythology, Jagun Jagun is a mythical exploration of the price of ambition. One of the movie’s major strengths is its production design, which compels viewers to appreciate the beautiful world within the movie..
3. Citation (2020)
Running time: 2h 31m
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Genre: Drama
A tense academic drama directed by Kunle Afolayan, Citation follows a brilliant student, Moremi (Temi Otedola), who reports a popular professor for attempted sexual assault. The film primarily focuses on the ensuing tribunal process, where the victim effectively becomes the one on trial.
Few stories are as important as those that mirror real life, and this is why Citation stands out. It boldly tackles the Sex For Grades epidemic in Nigerian universities. For the most part, the film relies on Afolayan’s seasoned expertise to shine. This is evident in the film’s smooth editing, which effortlessly weaves together past and present timelines.
2. Lion Heart (2018)
Running time: 2h 13m
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—has chosen as interim CEO instead of her.
Lionheart is well-shot, well-written, and refreshingly defies the melodrama typical of some Nollywood movies. The cast is incredibly charming, offering a perfect slice-of-life experience. The Enugu setting and the familiarity of the veteran cast give this movie a warm and endearing factor.
1. King of Boys (2018)
Running time: 2h 49m
Director: Kemi Adetiba
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Kemi Adetiba delivered what is undoubtedly her magnum opus with this masterpiece. King of Boys takes viewers on a journey through the dark criminal underworld of Lagos. It tells the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami, a businesswoman and philanthropist whose dark past is revealed during her ruthless struggle for political power.
Sola Sobowale created one of the most legendary characters in Nollywood history with her terrific performance as Eniola. King of Boys also serves as a relevant and timely piece of social commentary. It offers a searing look into the workings of Nigerian politics, exposing how the elite often manipulate the lower class to orchestrate evil and maintain their dominance.
Watch King of Boys on Netflix.
