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Nollywood is renowned globally for its dramatic storytelling. Still, nothing elevates a film quite like a brilliant, jaw-dropping plot twist that leads viewers confidently down one path before suddenly ripping the rug out from under their feet.

From family secrets and boardroom betrayals to supernatural reversals and hidden identities, these movies have major spoilers and plots designed to make you gasp, rewind, and question everything that shows on your screen.

To avoid ruining it for you in case you still want to be surprised, we’ve tagged the plot twist so you can avoid it.

10. Men In Love (2010)

Running time: 1h 15m

Director: Moses Ebere

Genre: Drama

The marriage of Charles (John Dumelo) and Whitney (Tonto Dikeh) is under strain due to Charles’ persistent serial cheating. They attempt a vacation to save their relationship, but Charles’ distraction by other women continues. Complicating matters further, Charles’ old friend, Alex (Muna Obiekwe), arrives and begins making aggressive romantic advances toward him, unexpectedly inserting a subplot involving Alex’s homosexuality.

Plot Twist: Here, the plot of an already bad movie veers into the absurd and ignorant territory of early 2000s filmmaking in Nollywood. After building up the drama around Alex’s same-sex attraction, the shocking twist follows: Alex is not, in fact, gay. Instead, Nollywood explains away his attraction as a “demonic curse” — a literal spell cast by a village witch — ridiculously establishing queerness as an infectious problem rather than a genuine identity.

Watch Men In Love on YouTube.

9. Captured (2025)

Running time: 1h 50m

Director: Jide ‘Blaze’ Oyegbile

Genre: Thriller, Drama

This is a drama about a missing child and the emotional turmoil of a broken family trying to find her. The search for the kidnapped child intensifies, focusing on who could possibly be holding her captive and why. The tension builds around a desperate, unknown threat trying to extort the family.

Plot Twist: The whole mystery is turned upside down when it’s revealed that the kidnapping was staged by the child herself. She orchestrated the entire disappearance and ransom demand to get back at her dad for treating her mom badly and to secure enough money to get her and them out of the country.

Watch Captured on YouTube.

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8. Devil Is A Liar (2025)

Running time: 1h 39m

Director: Moses Inwang

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Adaora Phillips (Nse Ikpe-Etim) is a successful, career-driven woman who’s being harassed by society for being unmarried. She finally meets Jaiye, a younger man who seems too perfect to be true. They marry, but the perfection shatters when Jaiye begins to psychologically torment her, slowly isolating her and stripping her of her career and self-worth.

Plot Twist: The entire narrative of Adaora as a victim who must claw her way back from ruin after Jaiye bankrupts her serves as a setup. The shocking reveal is that Adaora engineered the entire relationship, the marriage, and the subsequent “financial ruin” as a long game for revenge against Jaiye for something he did to her years ago. She faked her own breakdown and calculated every single step to bring him down.

Watch Devil Is A Liar on Netflix.

7. The Set Up (2019)

Running time: 1h 44m

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Chike (Adesua Etomi-Wellington), a former drug trafficker, is rescued from the law and hired by Madam Enitan (Tina Mba) to work with Edem (Jim Iyke) to execute an elaborate, high-stakes con. They are going to defraud a seemingly naive heiress, Motunrayo (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) of her massive fortune.

Plot Twist: Chike thinks she’s the one running the game, expertly navigating fake identities, double-crosses, and dangerous associates. We soon realize that Chike is merely a pawn in Madam Enitan’s game, a tool she plans to hand over to law enforcement for her past involvement in the drug world. When Chike discovers her betrayal, she turns the tables on her madam.

Watch The Set Up on Netflix.

6. Red Circle (2025)

Running time: 1h 59m

Director: Akay Ilozobhie

Genre: Crime Thriller

Fikayo Holloway (Folu Storm), a journalist from an elite Lagos family, goes rogue to investigate a highly dangerous, organised crime ring known as the “Red Circle.” Driven by her journalistic integrity and a desire to expose the darkness hidden beneath Lagos’s wealth, she closes in on the syndicate’s shadowy operations, facing threats that hit uncomfortably close to her wealthy home.

Plot Twist: The betrayal is exposed in the final act as the matriarch of the Holloway family is revealed to be the leader of the Red Circle crime syndicate she is investigating.

Red Circle isn’t currently streaming anywhere.

5. The Black Book (2023)

Running time: 2h 7m

Director: Editi Effiong

Genre: Crime, Action Thriller

Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo), a devout church deacon, is forced to return to his dark past as an assassin when corrupt police officers, working for the nefarious General Issa (Alex Usifo), unjustly murder his innocent son. Edima embarks on a brutal, John Wick-style quest for revenge, assisted by Victoria Kalu (Ade Laoye), a journalist.

Plot Twist: Shockingly, Edima was General Issa’s former top assassin, and one of the last jobs he carried out before leaving his dark life was killing the mother of Victoria Kalu, the investigative journalist helping him expose Issa. Edima’s path to justice for his son is inextricably linked to seeking atonement for the sin of murdering Victoria’s mother years ago. His revenge mission is a twisted form of penance.

Watch The Black Book on Netflix.

4. The Figurine (2009)

Running time: 2h 2m

Director: Kunle Afolayan

Genre: Thriller

Two friends, Sola (Kunle Afolayan) and Femi (Ramsey Nouah), find a mystical wooden figurine of the goddess Araromire in an abandoned shrine during their NYSC camp. According to the legend, the figurine grants seven years of unbelievable good luck, followed immediately by seven years of devastating bad luck.

Sola takes the figurine, and both friends achieve wild success. Seven years later, the bad luck starts, and Femi begins to struggle, convinced the goddess is exacting her price.

Plot Twist: However, the crushing twist is that Femi had been orchestrating the bad luck all along. Driven mad by his unrequited love for Mona (Omoni Oboli), Sola’s wife, Femi meticulously orchestrated all the “bad luck” events and even murdered people to make Sola appear cursed and unworthy of Mona.

Watch The Figurine on YouTube.

3. A Weekend to Forget (2023)

Running time: 1h 38m

Director: Damola Ademola

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

A group of seven friends gather for a fancy weekend getaway. One of them ends up dead in the swimming pool, and their motives start coming to the fore: from old grudges, to unfaithful spouses, to just being rich and miserable. The detective on the case begins the gruelling process of exposing who among them is the murderer.

Plot Twist: After countless hours of finger-pointing and dredging up old secrets, the intense whodunit finally delivers a shocking climax. The victim, Ndali (Erica Nlewedim), was not killed by any of the main suspects. Instead, the killer is revealed to be Bem (Neo Akpofure), the quiet, harmless-seeming boyfriend of one of the friends, who was barely an active part of the core group.

Watch A Weekend to Forget on Prime Video.

2. October 1 (2014)

Running time: 2h 29m

Director: Kunle Afolayan

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

It’s 1960, and Nigeria is about to gain Independence. A serial killer is murdering young, virgin women in the sleepy town of Akote. Inspector Danladi Waziri (Sadiq Baba) is tasked with solving the case quietly and identifying the culprit before October 1st arrives. When the inspector gets to the root of the mysterious killings, he realises that the killer is the town’s beloved crown prince Aderopo, who just returned from the U.K.

Aderopo’s murders are revealed to be an act of revenge stemming from years of sexual abuse he suffered alongside his friend, Agbekoya (Kunle Afolayan), at the hands of the seemingly benevolent and the white colonial priest Reverend Dowling.

Plot Twist: The colonial government orders Waziri to cover up the truth to avoid scandalising Independence Day.

Watch October 1 on YouTube.

1. A Green Fever (2023)

Running time: 1h 51m

Director: Taiwo Egunjobi

Genre: Neo-Noir, Thriller

Kunmi Braithwaite (Temilolu Fosudo), an architect, is travelling with his daughter when she suddenly falls ill with a rare, life-threatening green fever. In desperation, he seeks shelter at a secluded mansion owned by the secretive Colonel Bashiru (William Benson) and his girlfriend, Mathilda (Ruby Precious Okezie).

Plot Twist: As we get deeper into the story, the plot twist slowly unravels. The story of the sick daughter is a lie. The green fever is also a lie. Kunmi is just an architect hired to steal classified documents from the Colonel.

Watch A Green Fever on Prime Video.

ALSO READ: 10 Feel-Good Nollywood Movies to Watch When You Need A Mood Boost

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When you think of Nigerian movies that keep you glued to your seat, The Herd might just redefine that standard. Funded by Airscape, Serendipity HHC, ToriTori, and FilmOne Studios, the film hits cinemas nationwide today, October 17, 2025, and given people’s reaction to the movie at the premiere, many are about to watch one of the most heartfelt, intense love stories-turned-nightmares ever told on screen.

But behind the gripping drama, the emotions, and that unforgettable wedding scene that goes horribly wrong, lies the vision of some of the Executive Producers who saw beyond the script.

Meet Efe Ejukorlem of Airscape Studio and Chukwudi Ulogo of Serendipity HHC, two of the visionaries who didn’t just put their money behind The Herd, but their belief that African cinema can be both powerful and profitable.

According to Efe Ejukorlem, the film’s script hit differently from the start.

“When I spoke with Etim and he shared the story, I could tell this wasn’t just another Nollywood storyline; it was layered with the continuous reality of Nigerians. I knew right away it had to be invested in.”

For Chukwudi, the decision to co-finance The Herd had little to do with Serendipity HCC, a health-based company; it was a strategy.

“We’ve reached a point where storytelling in Nigeria needs a business backbone. You can’t just make a good movie; it has to be structured, marketed, and positioned like an investment. The Herd gave us a chance to prove that model.”

Their companies, Airscape Studio and Serendipity HHC, are already known for pushing boundaries in their own ways, but The Herd marks a new chapter, one where cinema meets capital.

“We want to prove that Nigerian films can have global quality and emotional weight without losing cultural authenticity,” Efe Ejukorlem said. “We invested because we believed in the story’s soul.”

With The Herd finally in cinemas, Ulogo Chukwudi and Efe Ejukorlem are already thinking bigger. They’re making a declaration that African stories deserve scale, sophistication, and serious funding.

There are few things that lift the spirit quite like a good feel-good movie. Whether you’re going through the motions or everything currently showing just feels dull and similar, a solid Nollywood pick can turn your mood around.

Still, with endless options, finding the right film can feel like work, and that’s where we come in. We’ve combed through the archives of Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube to bring you the best Nollywood comfort watches for those moments when life feels a little too heavy.

Here are 10 feel-good Nollywood movies to watch when you’re stressed.

10. Unforeseen Love (2025)

Running time: 2h 2m

Director: Austine Onyema

Genre: Romance

Henry (Ogechukwu Victory Michael) and Ben (Martins Ogbebor) are two broke friends desperate to escape their struggling lives. Their plan? Scam Nancy (Mercy Isoyip), the wealthy woman in their estate. Henry pretends to be a charming, self-made chef. But the plan stops feeling like one somewhere between the lies and late-night dinners.

Despite Ben’s warnings to “stick to the script,” Henry falls for Nancy for real. Soon, he’s living her life of luxury and pretending it’s his own — until guilt, jealousy, and betrayal set the whole thing on fire. Unforeseen Love is messy, emotional, and surprisingly tender — the kind of film that reminds you how unpredictable love (and karma) can be.

Watch Unforeseen Love on YouTube.

9. Casa De Novia (2023)

Running time: 1h 49m

Director: Uyoyou Adia

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

When Yoyo (Anee Icha), lands a surprisingly affordable apartment, it feels like her commuting woes are finally over, until she discovers she’s sharing the place with a ghost. Efosa (Eso Dike), the restless heir to the Igbinovia empire, still haunts the mansion after his mysterious death.

What begins as fear quickly turns into an unexpected friendship, as Yoyo and Efosa team up to uncover the truth behind his murder. Casa De Novia blends humour, heart, and just the right dose of the supernatural, a delightfully quirky watch that proves even ghosts can have unfinished business and great chemistry.

Watch Casa De Novia on Prime Video.

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8. Big Joe (2025)

Running time: 2h 12m

Directors: Fredrick Leonard and Desmond Anyanwu

Genre: Romcom

Michael’s (Fredrick Leonard) home is a pressure cooker of secrets, chaos, and barely-contained drama. At the centre of it all is Big Joe (Ukeme), the all-purpose handyman who doubles as cook, cleaner, gatekeeper, and unofficial family therapist.

Between Michael’s unpredictable girlfriend, his meddlesome younger sister, and one wild incident after another, Big Joe somehow keeps the household from falling apart.

Big Joe is a funny, warm-hearted romcom about the everyday heroics that hold families and sanity together.

Watch Big Joe on YouTube.

7. Mofe Ni Mofe (2021)

Running time: 1h 36m

Director:

Genre: Comedy, Drama

After being jilted on his wedding day, Mofe (Lateef Adedimeji) wants something simple, love without spectacle. However, Moji (Jumoke Odetola) has survived four failed engagements and is determined to have the wedding of the century, if only to silence her critics.

Their love is real, but their visions couldn’t be more different. What follows is a battle of pride, healing, and compromise — a heartfelt comedy about two people trying to rebuild trust without losing themselves in the process. Mofe Ni Mofe is proof that sometimes, love is easy. It’s the wedding that’s the real drama.

Watch Mofe Ni Mofe on YouTube.

6. The Order of Things (2022)

Running time: 1h 38m

Director: Dr. Sid

Genre: Romcom

Tunde (Timini Egbuson) is ready to get married, but his family isn’t prepared for him to do so. According to tradition, his older brother Demi (Obi Maduegbuna) must get married first. The only problem? Demi is a shy, socially awkward techie who can barely hold a conversation, let alone survive Lagos dating.

To fast-track their happily ever after, Tunde and his fiancée launch “Project Find Demi a Wife,” complete with a makeover and a crash course in romance. What follows is a string of hilarious disasters, heartfelt moments, and family chaos.

The Order of Things is a charming romcom about love, loyalty, and learning to let life unfold in its own time.

Watch The Order of Things on Netflix.

5. 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.

What begins as a business clash quickly spirals into a full-blown street war, dragging in their families, neighbours, and the entire community.

With powerhouse performances from Sola Sobowale and Tina Mba as the mothers who started it all, Battle on Buka Street is a hilarious, chaotic, and deeply Nigerian story about pride, family, and forgiveness.

Watch Battle On Buka Street on Prime Video.

4. The Man for the Job (2022)

Running time: 2h 1m

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Genre: Drama

Joseph Barnabas (Uzor Arukwe) is a former tech bro turned ride-hailing driver, just trying to make ends meet. But one good deed — helping a young programmer, Zina (Temi Otedola), fix a glitch in her app — spirals into a nightmare when he’s accused of being part of a massive fraud scheme.

As his life begins to crumble, Joseph must rely on his sharp-witted wife, Esohe (Ini Edo), and loyal friend, Tega (Ibrahim Suleiman), to uncover the truth. The Man for the Job is a gripping mix of family drama and tech-world intrigue that asks how far a man will go to clear his name when the system turns against him.

Watch The Man for the Job on Prime Video.

3. All Na Vibes (2021)

Running time: 1h 20m

Director: Taiwo Egunjobi

Genre: Drama

Three teenagers’ lives are upended after a party goes terribly wrong. Lamidi (Molawa Davis) talks his friend Abiola (Tega Ethan) into hosting a house party, but what should have been a night of fun quickly descends into chaos when Sade (Tolu Osaile) — the spoiled daughter of a powerful politician — goes missing.

As panic spreads and the search for Sade intensifies, the friends are forced to face the ugly realities of class, privilege, and corruption that shape their world. All Na Vibes is a sharp, unsettling coming-of-age drama that captures the restlessness of Nigerian youth and the high cost of a single bad decision.

Watch All Na Vibes on Netflix.

2. Dinner At My Place (2022)

Running time: 1h 43

Director: Kevin Luther Apaa

Genre: Rom-com

Nonso (Timini Egbuson) has planned the perfect proposal, a cosy dinner, soft lighting, and his late mother’s priceless ring hidden in a bowl of egusi soup for that big, romantic reveal.

Everything is set until his unpredictable ex, Bisi (Bisola Aiyeola), crashes dinner and accidentally swallows the ring. What follows is a hilarious night of panic, improvisation, and emotional chaos as Nonso tries to salvage both the proposal and his peace of mind. Dinner at My Place is a witty, feel-good romcom that proves love stories never go exactly as planned — and that’s half the fun.

Watch Dinner At My Place on Netflix.

1. Lionheart (2018)

Running time: 1h 35m

Director: Genevieve Nnaji

Genre: Drama

Adaeze Obiagu (Genevieve Nnaji) is a highly ambitious and capable young woman working as a director in her family’s transportation company, Lionheart. When her father, Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie), suddenly falls ill, she’s ready and expected to take over the day-to-day running of the business. However, her father overlooks her for the acting CEO position, choosing instead to entrust the company to his brother, Godswill (Nkem Owoh).

Adaeze must now work with her uncle, a man whose traditional and superstitious approach clashes sharply with her modern business sense, to save the company. The company faces a looming threat of collapse due to mounting debts, forcing Adaeze and Godswill to collaborate to keep the family legacy afloat.

Watch Lionheart on Netflix.

ALSO READ: Every Nollywood Remake So Far, Ranked from Best to Worst

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A few months ago, I wrote about the chances of the acclaimed historical drama My Father’s Shadow finally earning Nigeria its first nomination for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the Oscars. Well, it looks like Nigeria will have to keep waiting as My Father’s Shadow has been selected as the U.K.’s official submission for the category instead.

My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature from British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr., made history earlier this year as the first Nigerian feature screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it earned rave reviews and a special mention from the jury.

Set against the tense backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian elections and filmed entirely in Lagos and Ibadan, My Father’s Shadow follows a day in the life of two brothers (played by newcomers Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo) as they travel with their estranged father (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) from a small village to Lagos.

Who is behind the film?

The film was written by Wale Davies (one half of the beloved rap duo Show Dem Camp) and co-written by Akinola Davies Jr., marking their second collaboration after Lizard (2020), which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2021 and earned a BAFTA nomination for ‘Best British Short Film.’

Produced by U.K.-based Element Pictures (in association with Crybaby and Fatherland Productions), My Father’s Shadow brings together a creative team that bridges British and Nigerian cinema.

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Producers include Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions, with Dìrísù, Wale Davies, and Akinola Davies Jr. also serving as executive producers.

In a statement, the filmmaking team said:

“We are so proud to be telling this Nigerian story and to sit alongside others in the international feature category that curate local to global stories, creating a diversity of storytelling that thrives through the power of collaboration.”

What are the film’s Oscar chances now?

In my earlier analysis of the film’s Oscar prospects, I noted that none of Nigeria’s four previous submissions — Lionheart (2019), The Milkmaid (2020), Mami Wata (2023), and Mai Martaba (2024) — were able to make it onto the 15-film shortlist that precedes the nominations.

By contrast, the U.K. has received three nominations from 22 submissions in this category, even winning its first Oscar two years ago for the German historical drama, The Zone of Interest (2023). That track record significantly boosts My Father’s Shadow’s chances of making the cut.

While the film is yet to premiere in the U.K., it continues to show in Nigerian cinemas, where it was released by Film One to critical and commercial success. It topped the Nigerian box office on its opening weekend in September and drew praise from moviegoers for its stunning cinematography and thoughtful writing.

The Oscar shortlist for ‘Best International Feature Film’ will be announced on December 16, followed by the final five nominees on January 22.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch When You’re Homesick Abroad

If you’ve spent more time scrolling through Netflix than actually watching something, we get it — choosing a Nollywood movie these days feels like another full-time job. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you.

From chaotic love stories to tear-jerking family dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies, Netflix is packed with gems that remind us why Nollywood stays undefeated.

ALSO READ: 100 Nigerians on the Highs and Lows of Modern Love

Here are ten of the best Nollywood films on Netflix to add to your October watchlist — no skips, no stress.

1. King of Boys (2018)

Running time: 2h 49m

Director: Kemi Adetiba

Genre: Action/Thriller

At nearly three hours long, King of Boys is as ambitious as its protagonist. The film follows Eniola Salami (Sola Sobowale), a formidable businesswoman and political power broker whose public influence is matched only by her ruthless control of Lagos’s criminal underworld.

When her pursuit of legitimacy collides with the violent realities of the empire she built, she’s forced to navigate betrayal, loss, and the high price of power in a man’s world.

Directed by Kemi Adetiba, King of Boys is a sprawling narrative about ambition and survival.

Watch King of Boys on Netflix.

2. Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper (2022)

Running time: 2h

Director: Adebayo Tijani

Genre: Drama

Ashabi (Toyin Abraham) was once the adored daughter of a powerful Pentecostal pastor — until a scandal exiled her from the pulpit’s glow to society’s shadows. Years later, she returns transformed, a stripper with fire in her eyes and vengeance on her mind.

Her target: Pastor (Kunle Remi), her father’s protégé and the congregation’s saintly idol, whose charm masks moral decay.

What follows is a glossy, slow-burning drama of temptation and revenge, where faith becomes theatre and desire a weapon. Adebayo Tijani stages his story with the heightened energy of a moral thriller — all neon lights, whispered confessions, and the irresistible pull of sin.

Watch Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper on Netflix.

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3. Kasala (2017)

Runtime: 1h 24m

Director: Emamode Edosio

Genre: Comedy

When Tunji (Emeka Nwagbaraocha) “borrows” his uncle’s prized car for a quick joyride, he and his friends imagine a night of freedom and fun. Instead, they crash headlong into chaos.

With the car wrecked and the clock ticking before Uncle Taju (Jide Kosoko) returns, the boys have just five hours to scrape together a miracle — or face certain doom.

Kasala! is a fast-paced, sun-drenched Lagos adventure that captures the restlessness and resilience of youth.

Watch Kasala on Netflix.

4. 93 Days (2016)

Running time: 2h 5m

Director: Steve Gukas

Genre: Drama

93 Days is a gripping, deeply human retelling of Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola crisis — a moment when courage, sacrifice, and science collided to save an entire nation. At its heart is Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh (Bimbo Akintola), whose quick action and moral clarity contained the outbreak before it could devastate Lagos.

Director Steve Gukas builds the tension like a medical thriller, but the story’s power lies in its realism: the exhaustion in hospital corridors, the quiet fear behind each mask, and the defiance of ordinary people facing the unthinkable.

Watch 93 Days on Netflix.

5. Love Is War (2019)

Director: Omoni Oboli

Running time: 1h 49 m

Genre: Drama

In Love Is War, Omoni Oboli turns the domestic into the political — and back again — with striking precision.

She stars opposite Richard Mofe-Damijo as a married couple whose playful argument about ambition snowballs into a real-life political contest. Both decide to run for governor, and suddenly campaign posters replace family portraits.

What begins as marital mischief quickly becomes a referendum on ego, loyalty, and the fragile balance between love and power. Every campaign scene brims with subtext — debates sound like couples’ therapy sessions, and private arguments spill into public view.

Watch Love Is War on Netflix.

6. The Wildflower (2024)

Running time: 1h 47m

Director: Biodun Stephen

Genre: Drama

In The Wildflower, Biodun Stephen turns an ordinary compound into a crucible of gender, power, and survival. Three women live side by side — Rolake (Damilare Kuku), harassed at work; Mama Adaolisa (Toyin Abraham), trapped in a violent marriage; and her daughter, Adaolisa (Sandra Okunzuwa), coming of age in a world that teaches fear as self-preservation.

Their stories unfold in quiet, parallel beats until one act of resistance shatters the routine. Rolake’s decision to fight back becomes the spark that binds them all, forcing silence to give way to reckoning.

Watch The Wildflowers on YouTube.

7. Man of God (2022)

Running time: 1h 51m

Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters

Genre: Drama

In Man of God, Bolanle Austen-Peters examines the uneasy marriage between faith and ambition through the life of Samuel Obalolu (Akah Nnani), the rebellious son of a fire-and-brimstone pastor.

Raised under the weight of piety and punishment, Samuel flees home in search of freedom — and finds it in the seductive mix of music, romance, and reckless independence that university life promises.

But the rebellion that once felt like salvation curdles into something more complicated. Years later, Samuel reemerges as a charismatic preacher, adored by his congregation and haunted by his past.

Watch Man of God on Netflix.

8. Glamour Girls (2022)

Running time: 2h 5m

Director: Bunmi Ajakaiye

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Bunmi Ajakaiye’s Glamour Girls, a reimagining of the 1994 cult classic, dives headfirst into the seductive chaos of Lagos’s elite nightlife — a world where money buys access, but never safety.

At its centre is Emma (Sharon Ooja-Nwoke), a young woman whose sudden job loss pushes her from the strip club to the penthouse, from survival to spectacle.

The film unravels in glitter and shadows, charting Emma’s transformation as she joins a circle of high-end escorts orbiting the city’s most powerful men. Every encounter feels like a transaction, every promise a trap.

Watch Glamour Girls on Netflix.

9. Sugar Rush (2019)

Running time: 1h 59m

Director: Kayode Kasum

Genre: Action/Comedy

Kayode Kasum’s Sugar Rush takes the classic heist caper and gives it a deliriously Nigerian spin — loud, fast, and unapologetically over the top.

When three sisters (Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bimbo Ademoye, and Bisola Aiyeola) stumble upon $800,000 at a crime scene, their impulsive decision to keep it sets off a chain reaction of chaos.

What follows is a riotous sprint through Lagos’s underworld, where corrupt agents, gangsters, and the supernatural all collide in the pursuit of misplaced money.

Beneath the laughter, Sugar Rush plays like a satire of greed and luck — a reminder that in Nigeria, even miracles come with small print.

Watch Sugar Rush on Netflix.

10. Ada Omo Daddy (2023)

Runtime: 2h 3m

Directors: Adebayo Tijani and Akay Mason

Genre: Comedy/Drama

At once boisterous and heartfelt, Ada Omo Daddy unfolds within the joyful pandemonium of a Nigerian wedding — where music, money, and emotion all compete for attention.

Pero (Omowunmi Dada) is preparing to marry the love of her life, Victor (Tayo Faniran), when her long-estranged biological father (Charles Okafor) reappears, threatening to upend years of delicate family equilibrium.

Ada Omo Daddy is both spectacle and study — a vibrant meditation on love, forgiveness, and the complicated choreography of family.

Watch Ada Omo Daddy on Netflix.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch On YouTube (October 2025)

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Bikiya Graham-Douglas first came to the spotlight with her role in Flower Girl, which earned her an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA). But long before she transitioned to the screen, she had built a stellar career as a theatre actress.

Since Flower Girl, she’s starred in films like God Calling, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Guy Ritchie’s Hollywood war drama The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, in which she played Madame Igbokwe. She has also worked as a producer, including on For Amina, released last year, and Remi X Nneoma, coming in 2026.

But acting wasn’t always an easy path for her. Growing up, her father didn’t always support her dream of becoming an actor. In this interview with Zikoko, she opens up about fighting for the career she wanted, finding her place in the industry, and the moment her father finally apologised to her.

This is an AsToldTo Dennis.

The first time I told my father I wanted to become an actress, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I stood still, watching him, anticipating what he would say. “You would become a lawyer,” he said finally. I was shattered.

I come from a long history of strong women. My mother’s grandmother chose not to be complacent and fought her way through in a society that didn’t give her her due. We called her Omosefe — a child is worth more than wealth. She became a successful businesswoman, owning properties across the country.

My mother’s mother, my grandmother, was widowed early in her marriage, left alone to raise nine children by herself. She only went to school up to primary six, but she didn’t relent. She sent her children to school, some even abroad. One was an ambassador, another an inventor, and another became a minister. She spoke over 50 languages, and she owned businesses and properties across the country.

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ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies About Nigerian History

My mother was a medical doctor who later became a member of the House of Representatives and then an ambassador. Her sister was a minister. For us, acting was something you did for leisure, not as a career. Like my mother, who once played Sidi in a staging of Wole Soyinka’s Lion and the Jewel, I was supposed to only think of acting as leisure, not a real job.

So I went to the University of Portsmouth and did my bachelor’s in Economics and Law. But I never stopped thinking about acting. When I left university, I was supposed to be like my siblings and get a master’s degree. But I applied to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and got a scholarship.

This tiny taste was all I needed to know that this is what I wanted to do with my life.

My mother said to me, “Whatever you do, make sure you’re the best at it.” My father was furious. To him, I was wasting time and opportunity. A master’s degree in Economics and Law would solidify my standing in the labour market. I shut him down, and our relationship strained.

After my program at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, I returned to school, this time to the Oxford School of Drama, where I got a master’s in Acting. I specialised in Shakespearean acting. Then Daddy fell ill. His doctor, a childhood friend of his, was based in the UK. He had been his private doctor for years, so he had to come to the UK for treatment. I went into full caregiver mode.

Every day, he watched me leave the house for Oxford to learn to be an actress — the career he had specifically told me not to pursue. We had disagreements, sometimes fights. And every day I came back home and cared for him.

It was my father who first introduced me to theatre. Growing up, he was a Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Culture. He took my siblings and me to watch theatre plays. I watched him be part of theatre shows as commissioner.

He booked artists to perform at events and carnivals. This was why I wanted to become a performer — because my father had shown me how exciting it was to be one. How could I even have been resentful of him in those days when he was sick and I cared for him? It was he who showed me that this life was possible. And I loved him for it.

As I left Oxford, he got better and went back to Nigeria. I wanted to continue my training.

So I went to The Bridge Theatre Training Company, where I learnt Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. I moved back to Nigeria and threw myself fully into theatre. At first, I was acting only in the classics: Lion and the Jewel, Death of the King’s Horseman, The Gods Are to Blame. But then I realised we needed to tell more stories.

I had to do something.

So I started Beeta Productions to make fresh stage plays. I realised I needed fresh dramas to stage, so I started the Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF), under which I launched the Beeta Playwright Competition to elevate playwrights.

In all of this, my father didn’t see my vision. But things started to change after I landed the role of Stella in the 2013 Michelle Bello flick, Flower Girl. To date, it’s one of my most lauded performances. I didn’t know that my father watched the film, but he did — and he loved it. I was nominated for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Supporting Actress for the role, and I won. Later, my mother told me my father had gathered all his friends into a room and made them vote for me. He was proud of my work, and I didn’t know it yet.

That same year, in 2014, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) decided to name Port Harcourt the World Book Capital. BUAF was tapped to be the official theatre partner for the event. My parents attended the plays that we put together.

After my father had watched these plays and we were winding down, he finally had something to say. In front of everybody, Daddy took the microphone and apologised to me for not supporting this passion of mine as aggressively as he should have earlier on.

That was who he was. He was the kind of man who apologised and made up. I burst into tears and we hugged each other.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies About Nigerian History

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Finding a good Nollywood movie on YouTube can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With thousands of movies scattered across the platform, the experience can feel overwhelming—an endless scroll of dramas, comedies, and thrillers of varying quality.

This October, we’ve sifted through the clutter to highlight 10 standout films that capture the range of Nollywood storytelling. From tender family dramas to nuanced explorations of love and resilience, these are the titles that make a night in feel like an event.

1. Awakened Love (2025)

Running time: 1h 42m

Director: Morgan Ukaegbu

Genre: Romance

Sharon (Bolaji Ogunmola) returns from abroad with little more than pride to her name, only to be swept off her feet by Alex (Benjamin Effiong), a man with a Mercedes and the manners of a perfect suitor. The spell breaks quickly. Back at home, Sharon discovers Alex is no mysterious saviour but the son of her mother’s friend—and that the flashy car he flaunted was never his, but hers.

Embarrassed and angry, she vows to keep her distance. But in the claustrophobic closeness of shared living space, disdain begins to fray. What emerges is a slow-burning romance, fueled by sharp exchanges, lingering stares, and the thin line between irritation and desire.

Watch Awakened Love on YouTube.

2. To Be Better or Bitter (2025)

Running time: 2h 32m

Director: Chidinma Chijoke

Genre: Drama

Innocent (Maurice Sam) fancies himself clever, juggling his marriage with Chioma (Sonia Uche) while pursuing an affair with Sonia (Pamela Okoye). To mask his infidelity, he stores his mistress’s number under “Mechanic,” certain he has outwitted suspicion.

But a single misstep—a phone call at the wrong moment—collapses his carefully constructed façade. What follows is less a scandal than a reckoning, as Chioma’s intuition hardens into clarity. The film charts her slow but steady confrontation with betrayal, asking whether love is enough to salvage a broken union, or if self-preservation demands she walk away.

Watch To Better or Bitter on YouTube.

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3. Finding My Way (2025)

Running time: 1h 24m

Director: Adesua O. Solanke

Genre: Drama

Folarin (Uzor Arukwe) is a fixture of Lagos nightlife, a man who thrives on parties and fleeting pleasures. But when the mother of his child dies unexpectedly, he is forced into a role he has long resisted: father to a daughter he barely knows.

The film traces his uneasy transition from recklessness to responsibility, asking what it truly means to grow up. Finding My Way does not romanticise the journey; instead, it confronts the pain of neglect, the weight of accountability, and the difficult, often unglamorous work of becoming the parent a child deserves.

Watch Finding My Way on YouTube.

4. Insurance Company (2025)

Running time: 1h 53m

Director: Okey Ifeanyi

Genre: Drama

At its core, Insurance Company is a portrait of longing and consequence. Bernadine (Lilian Esoro), a young wife pursuing a master’s degree abroad, falls into a passionate affair with Taye (Nonso Bassey). What begins as escape soon grows into something harder to erase.

Back in Nigeria, she returns to her husband, Samuel (Deza the Great), and the life she has built. But secrets do not stay buried for long. As the affair edges into the open, the film explores the cost of desire when weighed against duty, tradition and the fragile architecture of marriage.

Watch Insurance Company on YouTube.

5. Beyond the Cloud (2025)

Running time: 1h 21m

Director: Chijoke Okeke Oguno

Genre: Romance

On screen, their connection is electric. Off-screen, it becomes something more. Jidenna (Peter Komba), an actor on the rise, meets Chioma (Angel Unigwe) during filming, and what begins as scripted chemistry deepens into real affection.

But their love story soon collides with a more rigid script: Chioma’s mother (Chioma Nwosu), whose disapproval casts a long shadow over their happiness. Beyond the Cloud frames young love against the weight of parental expectations, asking whether passion can endure when family sees only warning signs.

Watch Beyond the Cloud on YouTube.

6. Miss Independent (2025)

Running time: 1h 50m

Director: Akin Tijani

Genre: Romance

Oby (Bamike “Bambam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan) has lived her adult life by a vow she and her childhood friends once made: never depend on men, never repeat the mistakes of their mothers. While those friends gradually softened into more traditional roles, Oby doubled down, carving out a career as a feminist advocate and unapologetic voice for women’s autonomy.

Then comes Ejike (Bobby Ekpe), a man who upends her assumptions by being everything she didn’t expect—steady, patient, quietly attentive. Their growing connection forces Oby to reckon with the tension between her hard-won ideals and the disarming possibility of love that doesn’t diminish, but expands, her freedom.

Watch Miss Independent on YouTube.

7. Queen of Lies (2025)

Running time: 1h 56m

Director: Pascal Amanfo

Genre: Romance

Sarah (Chisom Okoye), a gifted hairstylist with a flair for fabrication, tells one small lie that snowballs into a spectacle: she claims on social media that Michgold (Uti Nwachukwu), a handsome but typecast actor, is her boyfriend. The post goes viral, reshaping both their lives.

For Michgold, the rumour becomes a reinvention, recasting him in the public imagination and reviving his career. For Sarah, it’s an unexpected gateway to fame and influence. But as performance bleeds into reality, the fragile arrangement is threatened by a rival intent on exposing the ruse—and staking her own claim on Michgold’s heart.

Watch Queen of Lies on YouTube.

8. To Love and Kabash (2025)

Running time: 1h 52m

Director: Uzo Osimpka

Genre: Romance

Tamara (Ekama Etim-Inyang) is balancing a busy life—career, friendships, and her faith—when she’s pulled into an unusual assignment: coaching Tosin (Eso Dike), a principled headteacher more devoted to scripture than to dating, on how to become “romantically eligible.” Their pastor, it seems, thinks a little guidance might soften Tosin’s edges.

What begins with awkward tutorials slowly evolves into something richer: a meditation on love, vulnerability, and the courage to let belief and desire coexist. To Love and Kabash frames romance not as a contradiction of faith, but as another form of it.

Watch To Love and Kabash on YouTube.

9. Twin Deception (2025)

Running time: 2h 16m

Director: Mo Fakorede

Genre: Drama

Tobi (Taye Arimoro), a hustler with quick wit and little to lose, discovers a wealthy man who looks exactly like him. When fate offers a chance to trade places, he seizes the opportunity, imagining a life cushioned by privilege.

But what begins as an escape turns into entanglement. For three months, Tobi inhabits a world of secrets, betrayals and blurred loyalties, where every slip risks exposure. Twin Deception plays like a parable on ambition and identity, asking what is gained—and what is lost—when you gamble with someone else’s life.

Watch Twin Deception on YouTube.

10. Bolaji and the Man’s Wife (2025)

Running time: 2h 09m

Director: Nwosu Abagana Richard

Genre: Drama

Idris (Qwasi Blay) is a man determined to bend marriage to his will, demanding loyalty from his wife, Jolene (Onyii Alex), even as he pursues other women. When she resists, he delivers an ultimatum: accept an open marriage or face divorce. But their fragile union is further shattered after a violent robbery leaves Jolene traumatised.

Rather than offering comfort, Idris turns her suffering into a weapon, shaming her and exploiting her pain. Bolaji and the Man’s Wife is a stark portrait of cruelty and control, tracing Jolene’s struggle against a collapsing marriage, her husband’s manipulations, and the suffocating weight of faith and family expectation.

Watch Bolaji and the Man’s Wife on YouTube.

ALSO READ: 10 of the Best Nollywood RomComs With 10/10 Chemistry

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Who needs complex plot twists when Nollywood is already serving something even better, fine men? From the cinema screen to your late-night Showmax binge, some people aren’t watching for the storyline. They’re here for the jawlines, the biceps, and the type of smile that makes you pause and rewind.

So, in the spirit of thirst and fan service, we asked the people and they answered. Here are 25 of the hottest men in Nollywood, ranked by fans, because sometimes beauty is the plot.

25. Adekanla Desalu (aka Deza the Great)

If you like your men bald, bearded, and effortlessly fine, Adekanla Desalu is your guy. He first popped up in Catwalq as Barry and hasn’t slowed down since. With over 150 films (yes, one-five-zero) and seven producer credits, he’s basically Nollywood’s hard-working zaddy. You’ve probably spotted him in Big Love, Hell & Fury, Two Captains, or Unusual Arrangements.

“Generally, I have a thing for bald men with full beards, and Salu has exactly that.” — Kene

24. Mike Afolarin

From Kasala to Netflix’s Far From Home, Mike Afolarin has cemented himself as Nollywood’s certified sweet boy. Whether he’s playing the hustling Ishaya Bello or showing off his range in Battle on Buka Street and House of Ga’a, he always knows how to keep fans hooked. Add an AMVCA nomination to the mix and it’s clear Mike isn’t just fine—he’s talented too.

“He is a fantastic actor, and he typically has a sweet mouth in all his roles. What’s there not to find attractive?” — Ogoma

23. Joseph Benjamin

Joseph Benjamin has been in the game long enough to earn his “OG fine man” badge. He started out on a children’s TV show, then grew into the kind of actor who could make you cry in Tango With Me, swoon in Mr. & Mrs., or blush during Kiss & Tell. Add Murder at Prime Suites to the mix, and you see the range. When he’s not acting, he’s modelling, doing voice-overs, or charming the nation, hosting shows like he did with MTN Project Fame.

“He is a different type of fine man and is more mature than many of those other guys in Nollywood.” — Charles

22. Zubby Michael

If Nollywood had a “Chief Bad Boy,” Zubby Michael would be sitting on the throne. From The Three Widows to Royal Storm and Professional Lady, he’s perfected the art of playing the rugged villain you low-key can’t take your eyes off. The combo of his rough edges, commanding screen presence, and that signature Igbo-English mix is exactly what keeps fans coming back.

“Zubby just has that bad-boy energy that draws you in. I also like the way he mixes Igbo and English in his roles.” — Neche

21. Efa Iwara

First a rapper, now Nollywood’s certified lover boy, Efa Iwara has mastered the art of being the on-screen playboy we love to hate (or secretly love to love). From The Men’s Club to Seven, This Lady Called Life, Isoken, and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, he’s proven he can switch it up between romance and thrillers with ease. Still, his “bad boy with feelings” vibe is what really seals the deal.

“The way Efa is always playing playboy reminds me of my ex, and that’s why I find him attractive. Don’t judge.” — Bimpe

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20. Chidi Mokeme

Before Nollywood’s new school of fine men, there was Chidi Mokeme—the original bad boy with a presence so commanding, you just know he’ll steal every scene (and maybe your heart). He first became a household name hosting Gulder Ultimate Search (aka the reason half of Nigeria tuned in every week), then cemented his legacy with unforgettable roles in 76, Shanty Town, and To Kill a Monkey. Add in his fluency in multiple languages, and Chidi isn’t just fine—he’s versatile fine.

“I’ve been crushing on Chidi since his Gulder Ultimate Search days, and now that he’s leaning into more bad-boy roles in Nollywood, my attraction has only grown stronger.” — Favour

19. Ik Ogbonna

If Nollywood ever needed a poster child for tall, clean and stylish, IK Ogbonna would be front and centre. He started out as a model before breaking into acting in 2013 with Playing Safe (alongside Tonto Dikeh and Ini Edo), and since then, he’s given us hits like Love Lorn, Disguise, and The Washerman. Between his sharp fashion sense, smooth screen presence, and those unforgettable eyes, it’s no wonder fans can’t look away.

“There is something about his eyes and yeah, his stereotypical Igbo bad boy roles too that add to his charm.” — Dami

18. Eso Dike

Eso Dike is proof that Nollywood doesn’t just give us actors,it gives us dangerously fine men who know precisely how fine they are. From The Smart Money Woman to Game On, and big-screen hits like Ijakumo, The Wildflower, and The Stand Up, he’s shown he’s more than just eye candy. Still, his real fanbase? The YouTube girlies who have claimed him as their screen boyfriend. And honestly, can you blame them?

“He is an insanely fine boy who knows he looks good and definitely knows how to dress.” — Goodness

17. Bucci Franklyn

Bucci Franklyn is the definition of “silent rizz.” He doesn’t need to shout, he just shows up on screen, and suddenly you’re hooked. Before Nollywood snatched him up, he was a radio presenter, but his breakout in Knockout Blessing and Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story proved he was made for the big screen. With To Kill a Monkey pushing him onto the global stage, Bucci is officially Nollywood’s smooth operator.

“He perfectly fits that Warri fine boy archetype that is bad for others but good for you.” — Jolade

16. Jim Iyke

Jim Iyke isn’t just an actor, he’s a whole Nollywood era. Known for his mix of bad boy swagger and lover boy charm, he’s the kind of man who can break your heart on screen and still have you begging for more. From Last Flight to Abuja to The Set Up, Merry Men, and Seven & a Half Dates, he’s proven his range again and again. Off-screen, he wears multiple hats as the founder of Untamed Productions, Untamed Records, and the Jim Iyke Foundation. Basically, fine + talent + philanthropy = a dangerous combo.

“He just has that swagger to him, and I think dark men are the hottest people on this earth.” — Alice

15. Bolanle Ninalowo

Before Nollywood, Bolanle Ninalowo was crunching numbers as an accountant in the US—now he’s the man crunching hearts on screen. Known for bringing serious muscle-man energy to his roles, he’s the guy who makes you believe in Nollywood superheroes. From producing Rebirth to acting in Rise of the Maroons, Ratnik, and Almajiri, he has built a reputation as the dependable action star with leading-man charm. Plus, that physique? It’s practically a supporting character.

“Bolanle’s acting is on another level, and his physique is the icing on the cake.” — Chika

14. Jide Kene Achufusi

Jidekene Achufusi has that kind of screen presence that makes you stop mid-scroll and pay attention. He shot into the spotlight as Nnamdi Okeke in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, a role that earned him the AMVCA Trailblazer award and Best Actor (English) at the BON Awards.

Since then, he’s stacked his resume with hits like Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards, Money Miss Road, Brotherhood, and A Tribe Called Judah. Now, with his first TV series City of Dreams in the works—a love letter to his home state, Enugu—he’s proving he’s more than just a pretty face.

“Jidekene’s intensity on screen and the way he owns every role makes it impossible not to swoon.” — Tola

13. Deyemi Okanlawon

Deyemi Okanlawon is the kind of actor who makes versatility look sexy. From Omo Ghetto: The Saga to Blood Sisters and King of Boys: The Return of the King, he’s proven he can slip into any role and own it completely.

Beyond the talent, though, Deyemi just radiates “husband material” energy—the type of man you’d wake up beside, smile at, and thank your stars for. The only catch? Sorry, ladies, he’s very much married.

“He looks like the kind of man you’d wake up to admire every day as your husband and smile. Sad thing is that he is married.” — Sonia

12. Stan Nze

Stan Nze is proof that Nollywood heartthrobs don’t just come with good looks—they come with talent that makes you stay glued to the screen. From Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story to Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story and Prophetess, he’s shown a knack for complex, layered characters that tug at your emotions. Pair that with his Igbo-strong-man energy, and you’ll understand why fans can’t stop swooning.

“I might have a bias for Igbo strong men and Stan Nze gives exactly that.” — Angela

11. Tobi Bakre

From Big Brother Naija crush to award-winning actor, Tobi Bakre’s glow-up has been something to watch. After swapping his banking career for the big screen, he made his debut in Kunle Afolayan’s Mokalik and has since delivered standout performances in Sugar Rush, Brotherhood, Slum King, and his AMVCA-winning role as Obalola in Gangs of Lagos. On screen, he’s intense; off screen, he’s everyone’s favourite “boy next door turned Nollywood star.”

“I just loved him since BBN. He was my crush then, lol. I may or may not have wanted to marry him, too. But now he’s happily marrie,d so I don’t think much about him.” — Princess

10. Miracle Dike

Miracle Dike is Nollywood’s resident sweet boy—the kind of actor whose boyish charm reels you in before his talent seals the deal. Since his debut around 2013, he’s been steadily carving a name for himself with roles in Better Half, I Will Wait For You, 10 Reasons Why, and The Perfect Match. Whether he’s playing the romantic lead or giving you light, feel-good vibes, Chidi knows how to keep eyes glued to the screen (and, let’s be honest, to his Instagram too).

“He has a boyish charm to him that makes it hard to take your eyes off him, whether on screen or from his Instagram pictures. He has a beautiful smile, too.” — Sharon

9. Michael Dappa

Michael Dappa is giving full-package heartthrob energy—body, face, lips, and even the kind of glasses that make “nerdish hot” an actual category. He broke out with Kill Boro and has since kept eyes on him with Love Can Be Messy and Wife for Christmas. Awards may still be on the way, but with his looks and talent, it’s only a matter of time before Nollywood fully crowns him.

“Body, face, lips, glasses (=nerdish hot).” — Nkoli

8. Kanayo O Kanayo

Kanayo O. Kanayo is Nollywood royalty—literally and spiritually (if you know, you know ). Ever since his breakout as Chief Omego in Living in Bondage, he’s perfected the art of playing the intense, sometimes villainous, sometimes occult roles that keep audiences hooked.

With over 100 films under his belt and a 2024 BON Lifetime Achievement Award, KOK is proof that fine + iconic = timeless.

“I am attracted to cult niggas. I won’t be explaining further.” — Dalu

7. Kunle Remi

Kunle Remi is Nollywood’s certified leading man—the type who can charm you in a romcom today and have you weeping in a period drama tomorrow. Long before the movie fame, he first caught national attention by winning Gulder Ultimate Search back in 2010 (yes, fine boy + survival skills). Since then, he’s delivered standout performances in Anikulapo, Gold Statue, and Tiwa’s Baggage, proving he’s not just eye candy—he’s got the range too.

“Aahhn, see fine boy now. He is insanely attractive.” — Bukola

6. Uzor Arukwe

Uzor Arukwe is that actor who’s been steadily climbing the Nollywood ranks, and now everyone can see why. He first grabbed attention after bagging AMVCA 2020 nominations for Smash and Size 12 in the “Best Actor in Comedy or Movie” category. Since then, the nominations haven’t stopped—Best of Nollywood Awards and even a 2025 AMVCA nod for Suspicion. His breakout roles in Sergeant Tutu, Code Wilo, and Unspoken Truth showed just how versatile he is, whether he’s playing funny, serious, or somewhere in between.

“Hellooooo have you seen him? He is the definition of hot.” — Lekan

5. Ramsey Noah

Ramsey Nouah is the blueprint. For years, he’s carried Nollywood’s leading-man crown, especially with his unforgettable romantic roles. But he’s more than just a lover boy—he’s an award-winning actor, with trophies like Best Actor at the AMAA under his belt.

From The Figurine to 76, Rattle Snake, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, Ramsey has shown time and again that he can switch between romance, drama, and action with ease. Decades in, and his charm hasn’t dimmed one bit.

“His steeze never falters.” — Chinonye

4. Maurice Sam

Maurice Sam is Nollywood’s resident heartthrob-in-the-making. First stealing the spotlight as Acid in the TV series Hustle, he’s since carved a niche for himself in romance-heavy and feel-good stories.

Whether in The Big Fat Lie, Blood Sisters, or Team Six, Maurice brings a certain warmth and intensity that makes him hard to ignore. With multiple award nominations already, his star power is only getting brighter.

“He looks like the typical black guy that most girls like, and I am most girls.” — Gabriella

3. Daniel Etim Effiong

Daniel Etim-Effiong has built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and dependable leading men. Handsome, charismatic, and often cast as the lover boy, he’s the guy who can sell both tenderness and swagger on screen. His wife, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, has even admitted she sometimes feels uneasy about just how many kissing scenes he gets booked for—a true testament to his heartthrob appeal.

“I like that he has this aura, like a macho man or something. He is just really hot.” — Dare

2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

RMD is Nollywood royalty. With a career spanning decades, he has become a cultural icon, winning numerous accolades—including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 AMAA. From Ripples and Diamond Ring to Out of Bounds, The Wedding Party, and King of Boys: The Return of the King, RMD has remained a fixture on screen.

His impeccable fashion sense, charisma, and ability to embody “old money vibes” make him just as much of a heartthrob today as when he first started out.

“RMD gives old money vibes and he looks younger than his age.” — Demi

1.Timini Egbuson

Timini Egbuson is one of Nollywood’s most bankable younger leading men. He first appeared on Tinsel before gaining wider recognition with MTV’s Shuga. His breakout came with Elevator Baby, which won him Best Actor in a Drama at the 2020 AMVCA. Since then, he’s headlined popular films like Breaded Life, Isoken, and A Tribe Called Judah. With his youthful style, effortless charm, and bad-boy persona, Timini has firmly cemented himself as a fan favourite and Nollywood heartthrob.

“He has an insane amount of aura. He’s fine, he has a good sense of style, speaks well, and is a good flirt. What more do you need?” — David

ALSO READ: 20 of the Most Bankable Nollywood Stars of the 21st Century

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Nollywood isn’t just an industry—it’s a cultural force. What began as scrappy home videos has grown into one of the most prolific and influential film industries in the world. At the heart of this transformation are the directors: visionaries who turned limited resources into unforgettable stories, and local tales into global phenomena.

These filmmakers didn’t just shoot movies; they built a language of cinema that is distinctly Nigerian, merging tradition with modernity, laughter with critique, and entertainment with cultural memory. Their persistence and artistry shaped how the world sees Nollywood, and how Nollywood sees itself.

Here are the ten directors whose impact continues to define Nigerian cinema—and why their films remain essential viewing.

10. Biyi Bandele

Biyi Bandele was a filmmaker with a rare gift: the ability to translate literature into cinema without losing its complexity. His 2013 adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun was one of Nollywood’s most ambitious undertakings, weaving the intimacy of love stories into the vast backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War. He followed it with Fifty (2015), a glossy, Lagos-set drama about four women confronting ageing, ambition and desire, a film that expanded Nollywood’s conversation about modern life.

His final work, Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman (2022), adapted from Wole Soyinka’s stage classic, was a fitting capstone — a meditation on duty, tradition and betrayal. Bandele’s career was defined by a commitment to stories that demanded both scale and seriousness, marking him as one of Nollywood’s most literate and ambitious directors.

Must-Watch: Half of a Yellow Sun — a sweeping portrait of love and war that remains one of Nollywood’s most daring productions.

9. Mildred Okwo

Mildred Okwo is one of Nollywood’s most acclaimed female directors, celebrated for her sharp character work and unapologetically female perspectives. Her breakthrough film, The Meeting (2012), was a turning point for Nigerian romantic comedies — a polished, witty production that paired political satire with a love story, proving that Nollywood could be both entertaining and incisive.

She followed it with Suru L’ere (2016), a lighthearted look at ambition and hustle in Lagos, and La Femme Anjola (2021), a sultry neo-noir that pushed Nollywood into darker, more stylish territory. Across genres, Okwo has maintained a reputation for precision and sophistication, raising the bar for what mainstream Nigerian cinema can achieve.

Must-Watch: The Meeting — a deft blend of satire, romance, and comedy that set a new standard for Nollywood storytelling.

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8. C.J. “Fiery” Obasi

C.J. Obasi belongs to a new generation of Nigerian filmmakers intent on pushing Nollywood beyond its traditional boundaries. His debut feature, Ojuju (2014), shot on a shoestring budget, announced his arrival with urgency and vision. The film, a zombie thriller rooted in Lagos life, won Best Nigerian Film at AFRIFF and established him as a director who could make genre cinema feel both local and universal.

He has since expanded his oeuvre with O-Town (2015), a gritty crime tale, and Hello, Rain (2018), a short adaptation of Nnedi Okorafor’s Afro-futurist story. But it was Mami Wata (2023), his black-and-white reimagining of West African folklore, that placed him firmly on the international stage. Premiering at Sundance and winning the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography, the film signalled Nollywood’s growing presence on the festival circuit.

Obasi’s work is marked by visual boldness and a willingness to merge fantasy, folklore and horror into something entirely his own.

Must-Watch: Mami Wata — a striking, dreamlike vision that transforms myth into cinematic poetry.

7. Teco Benson

Teco Benson is often credited with reshaping Nollywood’s relationship with action and suspense. Beginning his career as an actor in the early 1990s before moving behind the camera, he distinguished himself in an industry long dominated by melodrama, proving that Nigerian cinema could handle thrillers with grit and urgency.

His State of Emergency (2004) was a watershed moment, blending political corruption, gunfights and high-stakes drama in a way audiences hadn’t seen before. He went on to show his range with Two Brides and a Baby (2011), a romantic drama, and returned to darker territory with Accident (2013), a taut psychological film that won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Nigerian Film.

Benson’s career is defined by versatility and a willingness to experiment, but it is his mastery of tension and pacing that ensures his place in Nollywood history.

Must-Watch: Accident — a tightly wound thriller that showcases Benson at his most precise and compelling.

ALSO READ: 10 Nollywood Actors Who Used to Be Famous and What They Do Now

6. Jade Osiberu

Jade Osiberu represents a new wave of Nollywood directors who balance box-office appeal with critical recognition. Her debut, Isoken (2017), a romantic comedy about love and cultural expectations, earned her Best Director at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and quickly established her as a filmmaker with both craft and commercial instincts.

She followed with Sugar Rush (2019), one of the year’s highest-grossing Nigerian films, and expanded into bigger, riskier productions with Brotherhood (2022) and Gangs of Lagos (2022). Together, these films confirmed her ability to handle scale, spectacle and storytelling without losing sight of character.

Through her company, Greoh Studios, Osiberu has also created a space for high production values, strong ensemble casts and stories that resonate at home and among the Nigerian diaspora. Her work signals Nollywood’s ambition to compete on a global stage while staying rooted in local realities.

Must-Watch: Gangs of Lagos — a gritty, high-energy drama that reflects both her commercial boldness and her drive for more daring Nigerian storytelling.

5. Tade Ogidan

Tade Ogidan is one of Nollywood’s veteran filmmakers, a writer, producer and director whose career has shaped the industry across decades. Known for weaving together adventure, comedy, and drama with moral or patriotic undertones, he helped define the sensibilities of old Nollywood with a string of influential titles. Films like Owo Blow (1996), Out of Bounds (1997) and Diamond Ring (1998) remain landmarks of the 1990s home-video era, often cited for their storytelling ambition and enduring cultural resonance.

Ogidan has continued to adapt with time. His Gold Statue (2019) revisited the blend of comedy, adventure and drama for a new generation, balancing ensemble storytelling with social themes while still appealing to audiences that grew up with his earlier work.

Across his career, Ogidan has been defined by consistency — a filmmaker whose range and longevity secure him a place among Nollywood’s most enduring voices.

Must-Watch: Gold Statue — a testament to his ability to manage large casts, marry humour with deeper questions, and bridge generations of Nollywood audiences.

4. Kunle Afolayan

Kunle Afolayan has come to embody what is often described as “New Nollywood.” His films are marked by higher production values, careful attention to cinematography and sound, and a willingness to explore genres that stretch from romance to thrillers, history to folklore. At a time when audiences were adjusting their expectations of Nigerian cinema, Afolayan helped set a new benchmark.

His breakthrough, The Figurine: Araromire (2009), fused romance, destiny and the supernatural into a taut, suspenseful story that felt both modern and distinctly Nigerian. The film is widely credited with shifting perceptions of what Nollywood could achieve on screen. He has since built a varied catalogue that includes Phone Swap (2012), the period thriller October 1 (2014), the satirical Mokalik (2019), Swallow (2021) and Anikulapo (2022), each expanding the scope of his filmmaking.

Afolayan’s work is ambitious, layered and cinematic, combining local specificity with universal themes — a hallmark of the Nollywood renaissance.

Must-Watch: The Figurine: Araromire — a gripping blend of mystery and romance that wrestles with faith, friendship and fate.

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Nollywood has never been shy about drama — betrayal, romance, wealth, and the dangerous chase for it. But tucked inside the chaos are surprisingly sharp lessons about money.

From Andy’s ill-fated quest for occult riches in Living in Bondage to Zuri’s lifestyle creep in The Smart Money Woman, these stories remind us that money can build empires, destroy families, or leave you flat broke.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch On Netflix (September 2025)

Here are 10 times Nollywood accidentally schooled us on the money game:

1. The Smart Money Woman (2020 series)

When Your Salary Isn’t Enough to Save You

Genre: Drama, Romance
Running time: 13 episodes (~40 mins each)

Zuri has the Lagos dream: a great job, designer wardrobe, and buzzing social life. But when unexpected expenses hit, she realises she’s been living from paycheck to paycheck. This is a reminder that even a high income can leave you broke if your money has no structure.

The Money Lesson:
Lifestyle creep is subtle and dangerous. Without budgeting, saving, or investing, your earnings could be sucked into weekend thrills and fleeting status. The show reminds us that financial freedom is built on discipline, not vibes.

Watch The Smart Money Woman on YouTube.

2. New Money (2018)

Sudden Wealth, Sudden Problems

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running time: 1h 47m

Toun is a salesgirl at a Lagos boutique until she discovers she’s the sole heir to her billionaire father’s empire. Her world flips overnight — from selling clothes to signing deals and dining with Lagos’s high society. But she soon learns that wealth comes with pressure, fake friends, and enemies she never knew existed.

The Money Lesson:
Money doesn’t only expand your lifestyle, it magnifies your problems. Sudden wealth can feel more like a burden than a blessing without preparation and wisdom.

Watch New Money on Netflix.

3. The Set Up (2019)

Not Every Bag Is Worth Chasing

Genre: Thriller, Crime Drama
Running time: 1h 42m

Chike, a young woman with a troubled past, gets pulled into elaborate cons where love, crime, and betrayal collide. The schemes promise big paydays, but every move leaves her more entangled and less in control of her future.

The Money Lesson:
Not all opportunities are worth the payout. When money requires you to compromise your safety or integrity, it’s not income; it’s a liability dressed as a hustle.

Watch The Set Up on Netflix.

4. Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019)

The Price of Easy Wealth

Genre: Thriller, Supernatural Drama
Running time: 2h 30m

Nnamdi, son of Andy from the original Living in Bondage (1992), is lured by a secret cult of powerful men who promise him influence and riches. But as he steps into their world, he realises that every fortune has a hidden price.

The Money Lesson:

The temptation of shortcuts is timeless. Quick wealth almost always comes with hidden costs — debts, dangers, or obligations that strip away freedom.

Watch Living in Bondage on Netflix.

5. Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)

Flash Without Foundation

Genre: Action Comedy
Running time: 1h 46m

Four wealthy Abuja bachelors live fast and spend faster — flashy cars, designer suits, lavish parties. Beneath the glamour, though, are shady deals, messy relationships, and an empire that could crumble at any moment.

The Money Lesson:

Money without discipline is just noise. The men may look untouchable, but reckless living leaves even the richest vulnerable to collapse.

Watch Merry Men on Netflix.

6. Quam’s Money (2020)

When Everyone Sees You as an ATM

Genre: Comedy, Crime Drama
Running time: 1h 54m

Once a humble security guard, Quam wins the lottery and becomes an overnight millionaire. But the moment his fortune is public, friends, strangers, and scammers circle him like sharks. He quickly realises that wealth attracts more predators than opportunities.

The Money Lesson:
Making money is one thing; protecting it is another. Sudden riches can leave you even more vulnerable than poverty without boundaries and caution.

Watch Quam’s Money on Netflix.

7. Chief Daddy (2018)

Inheritance Can Break Families

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running time: 1h 39m

When Chief Beecroft dies, his sprawling family gathers to split his fortune, only to discover mistresses, secret children, and hidden debts. What should have been a legacy becomes a circus of greed and betrayal.

The Money Lesson:
Wealth without structure leaves behind chaos. A will, estate plan, or even honest conversations about money can prevent family wars after death.

Watch Chief Daddy on Netflix

8. The Bling Lagosians (2019)

When Status Becomes a Debt Trap

Genre: Drama, Comedy
Running time: 1h 37m

The Holloways are preparing an extravagant birthday bash while their finances spiral out of control. With debts mounting and creditors circling, they risk everything to keep up appearances of wealth.

The Money Lesson:

Living for status is a financial prison. Chasing image over stability leaves you broke, anxious, and constantly performing for people who don’t pay your bills.

Watch The Bling Lagosians on Netflix

9. Glamour Girls (1994 / 2022)

The Cost of the Fast Life

Genre: Drama
Running time: 2h 0m (1994); 2h 5m (2022)

From the original’s sugar daddy economy to the reboot’s luxury-obsessed “big girl” culture, Glamour Girls shows women navigating love, survival, and ambition in a world where beauty and sex are traded for wealth.

The Money Lesson:

Shortcuts can elevate lifestyle but rarely build stability. When your income depends on someone else’s pocket, your freedom is always on lease.

Watch Glamour Girls on Netflix.

10. Osuofia in London (2003)

Inheritance Is Never Free Money

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running time: 1h 50m

Osuofia, a villager, inherits his brother’s wealth in London. But once abroad, he clashes with foreign culture, greedy relatives, and opportunists eager to exploit his naivety.

The Money Lesson:

Windfalls without financial literacy are a trap. Inherited money without preparation often slips through the fingers.

Watch Osuofia in London on YouTube.

10. Men In Love (2010)

9. Captured (2025)

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8. Devil Is A Liar (2025)

7. The Set Up (2019)

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Netflix TV Series to Watch When You’re Homesick

6. Red Circle (2025)

5. The Black Book (2023)

4. The Figurine (2009)

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3. A Weekend to Forget (2023)

2. October 1 (2014)

1. A Green Fever (2023)

ALSO READ: 10 Feel-Good Nollywood Movies to Watch When You Need A Mood Boost

10. Unforeseen Love (2025)

9. Casa De Novia (2023)

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8. Big Joe (2025)

7. Mofe Ni Mofe (2021)

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Netflix TV Series to Watch When You’re Homesick

6. The Order of Things (2022)

5. Battle On Buka Street (2022)

4. The Man for the Job (2022)

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3. All Na Vibes (2021)

2. Dinner At My Place (2022)

1. Lionheart (2018)

ALSO READ: Every Nollywood Remake So Far, Ranked from Best to Worst

Who is behind the film?

What are the film’s Oscar chances now?

1. King of Boys (2018)

2. Ijakumo: Born Again Stripper (2022)

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3. Kasala (2017)

4. 93 Days (2016)

READ NEXT: The 10 Sexiest Nollywood Movies On Netflix

5. Love Is War (2019)

6. The Wildflower (2024)

7. Man of God (2022)

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8. Glamour Girls (2022)

9. Sugar Rush (2019)

10. Ada Omo Daddy (2023)

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch On YouTube (October 2025)

This is an AsToldTo Dennis.

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ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies About Nigerian History

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ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies About Nigerian History

1. Awakened Love (2025)

2. To Be Better or Bitter (2025)

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3. Finding My Way (2025)

4. Insurance Company (2025)

5. Beyond the Cloud (2025)

READ NEXT: The 10 Best Nollywood Movies About Nigerian History

6. Miss Independent (2025)

7. Queen of Lies (2025)

8. To Love and Kabash (2025)

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9. Twin Deception (2025)

10. Bolaji and the Man’s Wife (2025)

ALSO READ: 10 of the Best Nollywood RomComs With 10/10 Chemistry

25. Adekanla Desalu (aka Deza the Great)

24. Mike Afolarin

23. Joseph Benjamin

22. Zubby Michael

21. Efa Iwara

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20. Chidi Mokeme

19. Ik Ogbonna

18. Eso Dike

17. Bucci Franklyn

16. Jim Iyke

15. Bolanle Ninalowo

14. Jide Kene Achufusi

13. Deyemi Okanlawon

12. Stan Nze

11. Tobi Bakre

10. Miracle Dike