Undoubtedly, Nollywood showcased creative brilliance, delivering compelling stories and impressive performances and pushing storytelling boundaries in 2023. We saw some of the best movies to come out of the industry yet, with a mix of both fresh and old faces. In this article, we’re highlighting some of our favourite Nigerian movies this year.
The Black Book: This goes without saying: Editi Effiong’s ‘The Black Book’ was a global hit, topping Netflix’s charts across over 15 countries worldwide! From story to cinematography to acting, locations, etc., Editi showed us what’s possible if we could dare to dream. Starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Shaffy Bello, Sam Dede, Ade Laoye, Kelechi Udegbe, and many more, The Black Book gave us the thrill of a lifetime from beginning to end!
Gangs of Lagos: After ‘Brotherhood’, Jade Osiberu literally said, ‘Hold my beer’ as she wasn’t done. She dropped another action thriller that absolutely blew everyone away. Since its release in April, we have been unable to stop talking about and referring to it. Jade’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’ has had us in a chokehold for months! Tobi Bakre is seemingly the frontman for Nigerian action thrillers this period, and we’re here for it. We also saw outstanding performances from Olarotimi Fakunle, Tayo Faniran, Choke, Adesua Etomi, and more. This movie set a new standard for Nollywood thrillers.
Shanty Town: This six-part series was one of the first to be released this year, and what an opening it was for 2023. It certainly set a pedestal and hit the ball running for the other movies that followed. It saw the return of legendary Nollywood actor Chidi Mokeme, who came to show us he was and always will be one of the finest actors we’ve ever seen. From story to acting to stunts, fight choreography, SFX, etc., The series kept everyone talking for months!
Jagun Jagun: Femi Adebayo outdid himself in this epic thriller. From story to acting, suspense, costumes, and language, Jagun Jagun was that movie! Starring the likes of Adedimeji Lateef, Bimbo Ademoye, Faithia Balogun, Bukunmi Oluwashina, and Femi Adebayo himself, amongst others, the movie set a new standard for war epics and indigenous language films in Nigeria.
House of Secrets: This movie won us over with exceptional storytelling and mind-blowing cinematography; Niyi Akinmolayan really went all out for this one, and it’s no surprise it made it to our list!
A Tribe Called Judah: The ‘Queen of Box Office’, Funke Akindele released another banger this month that has left everyone in awe. She really never misses. From story to acting, there’s so much. A tribe called Judah is a compelling drama that will have you fixed on your seat from beginning to end.
Breath of Life: This is one movie everyone has been unable to stop talking about since its release about a week ago. Every frame, dialogue, scene, etc. is done with intentionality. It’s a grappling movie that guarantees a few tears here and there. Grab your tissues if you haven’t seen it yet. It is definitely worth it.