It’s that time of year again! The moment we’ve all been waiting for with bated breath— when we look back at our film calendar from December 2023 to May 2024.
In those months, Nollywood delivered a handful of films that have captivated audiences and critics amid ever-skyrocketing cinema ticket costs and mixed streaming options.
So far, we’ve seen a diverse mix of genres, outstanding performances in short films, and bold directorial choices in a period outing. From emotional dramas to noir crime thrillers, the best Nollywood films according to our critics, showcase the immense talent and creativity within Nigeria’s film industry when you cast your gaze wide.
Do not be alarmed if we do not mention films you and your kinsmen have seen but are yet to be publicly released. It simply means we can’t consider films that aren’t available to the public.
These selections come from films and TV shows released between D ecember 2023 to May 2024. In the short films category, they include short films we’ve reviewed within that same period regardless of their release dates.
The 8 Best Nollywood Movies of 2023
FILMS
Afamefuna (Directed by Kayode Kasum. Written by Anyanwu Sandra Adaora)
“ …Afamefuna offers a pleasurable sensory experience, maintaining the integrity of its culturally rich essence. You might exit the film with lingering questions about some characters’ motivations, yet the desire for answers doesn’t persist; the overall enjoyment leaves you satisfied. Kasum sets a higher bar with this creation, leaving audiences eager for his future endeavors.” Read more…
Afamefuna is available to watch on Netflix.
A Tribe Called Judah (Directed by Adeoluwa Owu and Funke Akindele. Written by Funke Akindele, Collins Okoh and Akinlabi Ishola)
“ Funke Akindele’s star-studded Christmas submission, A Tribe Called Judah, is a good film. The film hits all the right chords for a warm Nigerian family drama. There is the hard-working parent, there is the financial struggle in the family, and there are good children, and there are black sheep, and then there is the adversity that finally brings them all together. A Tribe Called Judah highlights that fear we all have as Nigerians. That every middle to low-income family is one surgery away from financial ruin.” Read more…
Watch now on Prime Video.
A Green Fever (Directed by Taiwo Egunjobi. Written by Isaac Ayodeji)
“A Green Fever’s strength is two-fold: In the points of revelations where we learn the truth about characters and in how genuinely those characters have presented themselves in respect to said truths.” Read more…
A Green Fever is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Aburo (Directed by Filmboy Morafa and written by Chidinma Ikechukwu Edeh and Stephen Oluboyo)
“Aburo is an inspiring celebration of the resilience of the human spirit captured through a fascinating kaleidoscope of its characters’ perils and triumphs. The film’s thoughtful exploration of familial relationships and street dynamics, combined with strong performances from the young”. Read more…
Aburo is currently showing at the cinemas.
TV SHOWS
Agu (Directed by Anis Halloway. Written by Stephanie Dadet, Jemine Edukugho, Uchechukwu William, and Uche Ikejimba)
“Agu blends legal drama, supernatural elements, and interpersonal relationships to present a captivating story that engages viewers. Watching both seasoned and fresh talents skillfully navigate the challenges of everyday Nigerian issues offers a refreshing perspective. The compelling story crafted by the writers and director elevates Agu to a notable position within the legal drama subgenre.” Read more…
Agu is streaming on Showmax.
SHORT FILMS
Boy Meets Girl (Written and Directed by Kaelo Iyizoba)
“Iyizoba’s well-travelled short film is a bare film that heralds you into the moment of realisation”.
Read more…
Tsoro da Ruwa (Written and Directed by Abu-Bakr Adamu)
“Abu-Bakr recognizes that there is a story, and there is jeopardy in the ordinary, in simple things like a parent punishing a child, like going for a swim and experiencing the joy of the now.” Read more…
A Quiet Monday (Written and Directed by Dika Ofoma)
“A Quiet Monday bears witness to a normalised violation. It is a decent submission into the Nollywood canon by a young filmmaker whose films comment on how huge problems affect private, intimate relationships” Read more…
The Long Wait (Written and Directed by Idiagi Eromosele)
“The Long Wait is an honest film… at its core, there is a truthfulness to the gruelling nature of unemployment that it captures, and in turn, a truthfulness to the gruelling nature of being human. That is what films should do.” Read more…
A Tale of Two First Dates (Written and Directed by Ayomide Napson)
“A Tale of Two First Dates draws strength from its controlled setting. Its compact, narrative plot is the type that leaves room for the actors to push boundaries as performers. There is good intent behind this production, and the effort shows, both in the writing and the execution.” Read more…
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