Life’s too stressful for intense films every day. Sometimes, all you need is a romcom with just the right swirl of romance and humour. Here’s a list of the best Nollywood romcoms to binge-watch on YouTube.
When Are We Getting Married is a romantic drama about two young lovebirds, Hope (Immaculate Oko-Kasum) and Aden (Ric Hassan), who move in together and grapple with expectations of marriage along with the ups and downs of cohabitation..
Widely considered the “mother” of modern Nollywood web series. It follows Tiwalade (Abimbola Craig), a plus-sized radio personality, as she navigates the pressure from her mother to lose weight and get married. The series chronicles her messy dating life and her eventual journey to self-love and a swoon-worthy romance with Mide (Ayoola Ayoola).
An office romance series featuring Leo (Ikechukwu Onunaku), a young millionaire businessman who develops feelings for Tade (Teniola Aladese), his executive assistant. The show explores their relationship as his journal becomes a diary documenting different women in his life.
After dreaming about an unknown man for a while, Kari (Sonia Irabor) makes it her mission to find out who the man is. Her best friend and roommate Ladi (Folu Storms) tries to be the voice of reason and helps keep Kari’s delusion on a minimal level — until one day, the unknown man in Kari’s dreams knocks on their door.
After realising her live-in boyfriend of three years is not motivated to propose anytime soon, Mayowa (Ebenezer Eno), with the help of her best friend Osaze (Omowunmi Dada), ‘breaks up’ with him and carries out a series of petty moves to get her boyfriend Leye (Eso Dike) to change his mind.
Love Like This follows the lives of several young middle class Nigerians who find themselves making lots of mistakes in the quest to find love. It is a perfect exploration of love, lust, friendship and heartbreak amongst young people.
In this hilarious series, Nengi Adoki plays a popular vlogger who has the worst luck with men. Each episode is an actual vlog episode giving us personal insight into her dating misadventures. In one episode, she finds herself at her ex’s wedding while on a blind date.
This secondary school drama focuses on Olive (Jeiel Damina) , her best friend Esther (Inemesit Esiet Alfred), and the new boy, Adam (Emmanuel Esiet). We follow these teenagers as they experience their first loves, while managing their family expectations, and the intense emotions of growing up.
Ella (Mimi Chaka) is a dedicated doctor running a charity clinic, and Yomi (Ayoola Ayolola) is a real estate mogul who wants her property. He tries to charm her to get what he wants, setting the stage for a classic “enemies to lovers” dynamic complicated by deceit.
TMC is one of the rare shows in Nollywood that is told from the male perspective. It revolves around four male friends—Aminu (Ayoola Ayolola), Louis (Baaj Adebule), Tayo (Efa Iwara) , and Lanre (Daniel Etim Effiong) —as they navigate their personal lives and complicated romantic relationships in Lagos.
Movies are one of the best ways to escape reality, drawing you into worlds as far apart as the slums of Makoko to the prehistoric Oyo kingdom. But perhaps the most potent kind are those that retell actual events, keeping real stories alive for generations.
Nollywood has been a gift that keeps giving, and its recent focus on true-life stories proves how much the industry continues to evolve.
Running time: 1h 31m Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters Genre: Drama
In this biopic, Kehinde Bankole stars as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. It tells the story of the pioneering educator, women’s rights activist, and political leader who challenged colonial rule and patriarchal norms in mid-20th-century Nigeria. The film traces her journey from Abeokuta Grammar School to becoming a fearless advocate for justice, laying the foundation for modern feminist activism in Nigeria.
This film is particularly significant because it brings to life a name we often hear in history books but rarely see in full colour, arriving at a moment when Nigerian audiences are craving stories that reflect their history.
Running time: 2h 5m Director: Steve Gukas Genre: Drama
93 Days is a gripping retelling of Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak. The film follows the heroic actions of Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, played by Bimbo Akintola, and her colleagues, who contained the virus before it could spread throughout Lagos.
With stunning performances from Danny Glover, Somkele Iyamah, Keppy Ekpenyong, and Gideon Okeke, the film captures the courage, sacrifice, and quick thinking that saved millions of Nigerians. It is both a tense medical thriller and a heartfelt tribute to the health workers who put their lives on the line.
Running time: 1h 30m Director: Moses Eskor Genre: Drama
In 1929: Women War, the women of Ikot Abasi made history when they rose against colonial taxation, challenging both British authority and the local warrant chiefs enforcing it. Sola Sobowale and Ireti Doyle play Mama Miroba and Adiaha Edem, respectively, the main characters. The film raptly captures the grit that fueled the popularly acclaimed women’s war in 1929.
Through gripping performances and in-depth detail, the movie turns a forgotten uprising into a moving reminder of the power of collective resistance. 1929: Women War is a very important story that shines a light on a crucial but often overlooked chapter in Nigerian history.
Idahosa Trails tells the inspiring true story of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a pioneering Nigerian Pentecostal leader known for his healing ministry and charismatic influence. The film follows a young American journalist who embarks on a journey to interview the preacher, believing the outcome would turn his journalism career around. Played by Charles Okafor, Idahosa’s character exudes warmth and the camaraderie that his followers have grown to admire him for.
The film explores themes of faith, healing, and the clash between doubt and belief. It captures the impact of Idahosa’s ministry not only on an individual level but also on the Christian community in Nigeria, writ large.
Running time: 1h 53m Director: Izu Ojukwu Genre: Historical drama
Set during the 1897 British expedition that destroyed the Benin Kingdom, Invasion 1897 centres on Oba Ovonramwen (Olu Jacobs), whose kingdom faces annihilation by foreign forces hungry for power and treasure. The film vividly portrays the political tensions, betrayal, and resistance around the invasion. Charles Inojie and Segun Arinze bring depth to characters caught between loyalty and survival.
This film goes beyond just warfare and tells the story of the shattering of a rich culture, the theft of sacred artefacts, and the resilience of a people fighting to preserve their identity. Invasion 1897 refuses to let this dark episode fade into history, challenging viewers to confront colonialism’s brutal legacy in Nigeria.
Running time: 1h 40m Director: Izu Ojukwu Genre: Historical Drama
Bringing one of Nigeria’s most celebrated legends to screen, Amina tells the story of the 16th-century warrior queen of Zazzau, whose courage and skill reshaped the future of her kingdom.
Lucy Ameh commands the role with confidence, portraying Amina’s transformation from a determined princess to a fearless military leader. She’s joined by Ali Nuhu as the loyal yet conflicted Danjuma, and Clarion Chukwura as the formidable palace elder who guards Zazzau’s traditions.
The film captures the essence of a leader who defied societal norms and fought for her people. Beautifully choreographed battle scenes and quality costumes bring to life a chapter of Nigerian history often left untold, making Amina a reminder of Nigerian women’s enduring place in leadership.
Running time: 1h 31m Director: Toka Mcbaror Genre: Drama
Dark October is a Nigerian film centred on the tragic lynching of four University of Port Harcourt students popularly known as the Aluu Four. The boys were falsely accused of theft and brutally killed by a mob in Aluu, Port Harcourt.
The film documents the event leading up to their deaths and the aftermath, highlighting the nationwide crisis sparked by this horrific incident. It tells the story of how a false alarm by a debtor led to the tragic end of these innocent students.
Through the performances of Chuks Joseph, Munachi Okpara, and Kelechukwu James, the film becomes a moving tribute to the victims and a harsh indictment of extrajudicial violence.
Running time: 2h Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters Genre: Drama
At the height of the Oyo Empire, Bashorun Ga’a (Femi Branch), a fierce military hero, leverages his influence to become more powerful than even the kings he once served. This power ultimately becomes his downfall. His son Oyemekun (Mike Afolarin) serves as our moral compass. Through Oyemekun’s eyes, we witness Ga’a’s ruthless manipulation: engineering kings’ deaths, defying royal authority, and even invoking dark rituals to maintain his dominance.
House of Ga’a stands out for the phenomenal performances by the actors and its realistic transportation of viewers to the 18th-century Oyo empire. It finely explores ambition and the corrupting cost of unchecked authority.
Running time: 1h 31m Director: Imoh Umoren Genre: Drama
Set in early 1920s Lagos during the Bubonic plague, the film follows Herbert Macaulay, a Nigerian nationalist, as he rallies Nigerians to confront their colonial oppressors. The story begins with Macaulay’s return from studying in Plymouth in 1893, when he takes up a surveying job with the colonial administration, which eventually leads him to a life of rebellion.
The story captures Macaulay’s personal battles, political activism, and sacrifices, showing how his leadership helped lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s independence movement. With sharp dialogue and period-accurate settings, the film paints a vivid picture of early 20th-century Nigeria and the struggles faced by those who dared to challenge colonial power.
Running time: 1h 57m Director: Obi Emelonye Genre: Drama
Last Flight to Abuja follows the harrowing final moments aboard a Lagos-to-Abuja flight. The film is inspired by a series of tragic plane crashes that stunned Nigeria in 2006. Interestingly, a week before the premiere, the fatal Dana Air Plane crash happened, killing over 153 people on board.
The story takes on the format of every typical airflight disaster film, using a series of flashbacks to reveal the backstories of the different passengers and what led them to be on that fateful flight.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its cast, which features some of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde plays the role of Suzie, and Jim Iyke plays David. Though part of a larger ensemble on board, their performance sets the pace for the unfolding drama as we glimpse into their lives through flashbacks.
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There are many perks to being away from home; you’re free, and no one is in your business. But there are many times when the longing for home creeps in, and all you can think of is being with your family. This feeling can come from just craving roadside suya or even the smell of Lagos. In those low moments, Nollywood movies, whether old or new, can be just the comfort you need.
So if you’re far from Nigeria and in the mood for nostalgia, here are 10 iconic Nollywood classics to help you feel just a little more connected to the homeland.
1. Osuofia in London (2003)
Running time: 1 hr 44 mins
Director: Kingsley Ogoro
Genre: Comedy
The title literally describes everything that happens in the movie. Nkem Owoh plays Osuofia, a bumbling and lovable young man whose life is turned upside down when he learns that his brother in London has died. The slapstick comedy follows Osuofia’s many adventures as he steps onto a plane and navigates his new life in London.
Suddenly thrust into the heart of a global city, Osuofia must navigate a new world of cold weather, confusing accents, and even more confusing inheritance laws; all while clashing with his late brother’s strong-willed English fiancée. This film is a funny comedy about immigration and will get you laughing out loud in no time.
This movie sets the tone for the comic familiarity many Nigerians have associated with the popular duo, Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze. Aki na Ukwa follows mischievous brothers Aki and Pawpaw as they cause trouble in their community through witty pranks.
These two young boys become a force in their tiny town, impossible to ignore, constantly challenging elderly authority and frustrating anyone who tries to discipline them.
Their antics blur the line between comedy and social satire, offering a humorous take on childhood and the sometimes absurdity of adult rules.
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3. October 1 (2014)
Running time: 1 hr 44 mins
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Genre: Historical Drama
A gripping historical thriller set on the eve of Nigeria’s independence, October 1 follows Inspector Danladi Waziri, a northern police officer sent to a quiet town in Western Nigeria to investigate a string of brutal murders. As Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, loomed, Waziri races to solve the case before the nation’s celebratory handover, uncovering dark secrets that threaten to overshadow the new republic.
Directed by Kunle Afolayan, the film mixes political tension and social commentary, perfectly capturing a country on the brink of new change. The cast includes Kehinde Bankole, Kunle Afolayan and Sadiq Daba.
A smart romantic dramedy with a cultural twist, Isoken features Dakore Egbuson-Akande as Isoken, a successful Nigerian woman in her thirties whose single status greatly disturbs her very traditional Nigerian family.
Under pressure to settle down, she finds herself torn between Osaze, the ideal Edo man played by Joseph Benjamin, and Kevin, a charming British suitor portrayed by Marc Rhys. As Isoken balances family expectations and personal desires, the film offers insights into love, identity, and cultural norms in Nigerian societies.
Lionheart stars Genevieve Nnaji as Adaeze, an ambitious executive unexpectedly thrust into leadership when her father, Ernest Obiagu, played by Pete Edochie, falls ill and can no longer manage the family’s transport business.
Determined to prove herself in a male-centred industry, Adaeze must navigate boardroom politics all while partnering with her eccentric but well-meaning uncle, played by Nkem Owoh.
As tensions rise and the company’s future hangs in the balance, Lionheart delivers a warm and quietly radical story about resilience and the strength of women in leadership. It marked Nigeria’s first-ever submission to the Oscars and remains a trendsetter in Nigeria’s entry into the global movie scene.
Òlòtūré is a tense, emotionally charged drama that follows a young investigative journalist, Òlòtūré, played by Sharon Ooja-Nwoye, as she goes undercover to expose the human trafficking rings operating beneath Lagos’s glittering cover.
Determined to expose the truth, she poses as a sex worker, navigating a world of exploitation and abuse. But as she goes further on this mission, the danger becomes very personal. Directed by Kenneth Gyang and produced by EbonyLife Films, this movie is inspired by true events and confronts the cost of bearing witness in a system designed to keep you silent.
In The Wedding Party, everything that can go wrong at a high-society Lagos wedding does. Dunni (played by Adesua Etomi-Wellington) wants a quiet, beautiful day. Dozie (played by Banky W) just wants to get through it. But with warring mothers (played by Ireti Doyle and Sola Sobowale), a clingy ex, an overambitious planner, and secrets flying faster than champagne corks, the celebration tilts into a far cry from a dreamy wedding for the couple.
With colourful characters, crisp dialogue, and over-the-top moments, the film offers a perfect insider glimpse at the non-glamorous side of Nigerian society.
Citation follows Moremi, played by Temi Otedola, a brilliant postgraduate student at a prestigious Nigerian university, whose academic journey is derailed when she accuses a respected foreign professor of sexual misconduct.
As the case unfolds, Moremi finds herself facing the full brunt of speaking out against authority in a very conservative country. This movie does a brilliant job of spotlighting the reality of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities.
Sola Sobowale plays Eniola Salami, a respected Lagos businesswoman and philanthropist who secretly controls the city’s criminal underworld. When she seeks political office and is denied due to her reputation, she is thrown into a hostile power tussle.
As alliances are strained and her cunning is put to the test, she must find a way to rise above it all.
In this biopic, Kehinde Bankole stars as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. It tells the story of the pioneering educator, women’s rights activist, and political leader who challenged colonial rule and patriarchal norms in mid-20th-century Nigeria. The film traces her journey from Abeokuta Grammar School to becoming a fearless advocate for justice, laying the foundation for modern feminist activism in Nigeria.
This film is particularly significant because it brings to life a name we often hear in history books but rarely see in full colour, arriving at a moment when Nigerian audiences are craving stories that reflect their history.
