Nollywood has undergone remarkable growth and increased visibility in the past five years. Previously known for quantity over quality, the industry has shifted towards producing movies with higher standards.
Notable improvements in plot, cinematography, acting, special effects, editing, costume design, and locations have elevated the overall quality of Nollywood films.
Each year, a standout movie captivates audiences, leaving them eager for more, whether in the form of a sequel or a series. Undoubtedly, this year Nollywood has skillfully taken viewers on an emotional rollercoaster with its diverse offerings.
Here’s a list of our top five Nollywood movies from 2023 that deserve a spot on your binge-watching list.
Gangs of Lagos
“Gangs of Lagos” a crime and action movie produced by Jadesola Osiberu, follows the lives of childhood friends immersed in crime in Lagos, Nigeria. Obalola’s encounter with a gang leader, Nino, “Eleniyan,” leads to mentorship which shapes his destiny. However, Nino’s death shatters their aspirations, forcing them to align with Kazeem, his ruthless partner. In a quest for revenge, Obalola uncovers Kazeem’s secrets, igniting a brutal gang war to avenge their losses and the victims of Kazeem’s greed.
The movie starred actors like Tobi Bakre, the sultry Bimbo Ademoye, femme extraordinaire, Adesua Etomi-Wellington and soft boy singer, Chike Osebuka.
The Cinematography was topnotch as it was greatly applied in the different scenes of the movie. “Gangs of Lagos” offered a realistic portrayal of street life, capturing intricate details that kept viewers thoroughly engaged.
Jagun jagun
“Jagun Jagun (The Warrior)” is a 2023 Netflix original Yoruba epic film, produced by Femi Adebayo Salami and Euphoria360 Media.
This Yoruba epic action narrates the journey of a young man striving to become a formidable warrior and win the heart of a woman. Along his path, he incurs the wrath of a bloodthirsty warlord who perceives him as a threat.
The film brilliantly captures Yoruba culture, seamlessly weaving together mythology, lore, and fiction.
“Jagun Jagun” sets a noteworthy standard for Nollywood producers contemplating the creation of epic films.
The Black Book
“The Black Book,” directed by Editi Effiong, begins with Professor Craig’s family being kidnapped and killed due to her revelation of corruption within the ministry. To divert attention, the plotters frame Damilola Edima, son of Paul Edima, a reformed gang member turned deacon. Paul seeks vengeance after his son’s death against General Issa, the mastermind and his former boss.
“The Black Book” features a stellar cast that includes Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye, and Ireti Doyle.
Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo portrays the character of Paul Edima in a manner reminiscent of the iconic American figure John Wick, creating an action thriller. Both characters share a similar backstory, as they are drawn back into the criminal underworld they had left behind.
Blood Vessel
“Blood Vessel” unfolds its compelling narrative in the heart of the Niger Delta, where the lives of Abbey, Boma, Degbe, Olotu, Tekena, and Oyinbraekemi become intertwined as they escape their oil-polluted town and unintentionally become stowaways on a mysterious ship.
The film premiered on December 8th and was executive produced by Charles Okpaleke. The ensemble cast, featuring Adaobi Dibor, David Ezekiel, Jidekene Achufusi, Sylvester Ekanem, Levi Chikere, Obinna Okenwa, Alex Cyr Budin, and René Mena.
The movie explores their perilous journey, testing friendships, loyalty, and love., delivers a deeply emotional experience. It also cinematically captures their fear, hope, and despair in every scene.
This Netflix Original, with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes, is presented in Ijaw and Pidgin English, with additional languages such as Russian and Igbo, and includes subtitles.
The Trade
The Trade narrates the tale of a notorious kidnapper, known only as ‘Eric,’ who has plagued the southern region of Nigeria for over a decade.
Based on true events, the film delves into his character, motivations, and the sequence of events leading to his close encounter with the law.
The movie showcases exceptional performances from the likes of Stan Nze, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shawn Faqua. They skillfully embody their characters, including nailing the accents, making the film a noteworthy addition to the genre.
The Trade stands out among Nollywood films by meticulously attending to details, presenting a somewhat authentic representation of indigenous language, and maximizing the talents of its actors.
2023 was a really good year for nollywood movies and the bar has been raised relatively high. The storytelling, cinematography and plot of these movies have been exceptional. However, we’re confident we will get movies in 2024 that will raise the bar even higher.
If you have not checked out these movies, you should definitely do so now!
