As 2024 draws to a close, Nollywood can reflects on a remarkable year of compelling narratives, stellar performances, and record-breaking box office achievements.
From sweeping historical epics to side-splitting comedies, Nigerian filmmakers have once again demonstrated their flair for creating world-class content that resonates with local and international audiences alike. In this article, LEADERSHIP Weekend takes a look at the top 10 Nollywood films of the year, celebrating the movies that captured our imaginations, sparked meaningful discussions, and reaffirmed Nollywood’s growing influence in the global film scene.
1. Everybody Loves Jenifa
Everybody Loves Jenifa tells the story of Jenifa, played by Akindele, whose popularity comes under threat when a new neighbour, Lobster, begins to overshadow her charity work.
This sets off a series of events that force Jenifa to confront her feelings of jealousy and inadequacy. The plot thickens when she and her friends become embroiled with a drug baron during a trip to Ghana, adding an element of thriller to the narrative. The film boasts a talented cast, with Stan Nze and Omowunmi Dada playing key roles alongside Akindele. The film is co-directed by Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, with the screenplay written by Akindele, Akinlabi Ishola, and Collins Okoh.
2. Seven Doors
Seven Doors tells the story of Adedunjoye, a simple man who loves his wife and children. He was asked to become the King of Ilara Kingdom as the Kingship has gotten to his family lineage. Uninterested in the offer, he vehemently refused.
After several persuasions, he obliged and became the King. His ascension to the Kingship was followed by a lot of opposition who sought to make his tenure miserable. Soon after he becomes King, Ilara kingdom begins to experience turmoil and trouble, and after intervention from the chief priest, he was told to open seven doors, representing seven wives to appease for the wrongs of his forefathers. The King refuses and Ilara kingdom and the King’s house continue to be plagued with lot of misfortune including the death of the King’s daughter.
3. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
The film follows Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from her youth as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, her meeting with- and marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, her career as an educationist and the formation of the Abeokuta Women’s Union (initially called the Abeokuta Ladies’ Club) which led to the revolt against colonial rule and the patriarchy.
The film opens with a chilling portrayal of police brutality against civilians, with a focus on Funmilayo, who was allegedly thrown from a two-story building during the violent search for information on Fela Kuti’s whereabouts.
4. A Tribe Called Judah
A Tribe Called Judah tells the story of a single mother, Jedidah Judah (played by Funke Akindele), who has five sons from five different fathers from five different tribes. The first two sons are responsible and try their best to work and support their mother.
Meanwhile, the last three are less helpful: Pere (played by Timini Egbuson) is a chronic pickpocket, Shina (played by Tobi Makinde) is a hoodlum and tout in the community; and the last, Ejiro (played by Olumide Oworu), is naughty and only cares about his girlfriend, Testimony (played by Genoveva Umeh). Despite their bad behavior, Jedidah continues to support them and get them out of trouble.
5. Ajosepo
“Ajosepo” tells the story of a young couple, Dapo (Mike Afolarin) and Tani (Tomike Adeoye), preparing for their wedding. As their families gather in a hotel, festivities soon give way to turmoil as long-held secrets, family tensions, and unexpected revelations threaten to tear them apart. Co-produced by Feyifunmi Oginni and Kayode Kassum, the movie stars a talented cast including Mike Afolarin, Tomike Adeoye, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Baba Latin, Bisola Ayeiola, Lizzy Jay, Timini Egbuson, Muyiwa Ademola, Yemi Solade, Mercy Aigbe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bolaji Ogunmola, and others.
6. A Green Fever
A suave realtor and his sick daughter, in the aftermath of a medical emergency, seek refuge in a mysterious mansion, unraveling unsettling secrets in the middle of nowhere.
7. Momiwa
Momiwa tells the story of a family bonded by mutual affection and shared trauma. Naeto (Uzor Arukwe) is a single father who has to raise his children alone when his wife leaves him during financial misfortunes.
Luckily for him, Momiwa, also known as Chinonso (Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze), comes into his life as a guardian angel and supports him until he gets back on his feet. Together, they create a unique family situation and make the most of the cards dealt to them.
8. Criminal
Criminal, the latest film from Anthill Studios, is a hostage drama set within the walls of a hospital. The film is written by Nìyí Akinmolayan and directed by Dolapo Adigun, a product of a directing training program facilitated by Nìyí Akinmolayan last year.
The film tells the story of a criminal gang leader who holds a hospital hostage in order to get lifesaving treatment for his wounded brother.
9. A Father’s Love
The film depicts how life can be unfair and how things can turn around for better or worse. Life is unpredictable, and in the case of Mr David, an unexpected event revealed a deep secret.
The movie portrays the life of a modest family man in Lagos State who deeply loves his family and, despite the struggles, still has the heart to father an abandoned child. The baby eventually turns out to be a blessing in disguise.
10. Muri and Ko
Biodun Stephen takes it a notch with yet another thoughtfully crafted film that offers premium entertainment and more. Muri and Ko follow Muri, a thief who steals a car with a child in it – unknown to him. He later discovers that he’s a celebrity’s son, but embarks on a pursuit to sell the car.
However, he has to keep Cole, the boy safe, which leads to a series of amusing misadventures, spurring an unexpected friendship between the two. This riveting drama portrays the strength of unlikely friendships. With its engaging plot and well-rounded characters, it’s a film that leaves you wanting more.
