10 Best Nollywood Movies Of 2023

The Nigerian movie industry “Nollywood” has experienced immense growth in the last few years. Becoming one of the biggest movie industries in the world.  The year 2023, has so far been fruitful for the entire industry as they have numerous quality releases, all from up till this moment. Taking a look at the 2023 Nigerian film Industry catalog, we have compiled a list of the 10 Best Nollywood Movies of 2023.

In previous years the  Nollywood industry was known for the number of movies it churned out each year and not the quality. However, things have taken a turn for the better, as we can now boast of the high production quality of our movies. From plot to cinematography, acting, SFX, editing, costume design, locations, and many more, we have witnessed impressive quality in these areas.

If you haven’t caught up with lovely movies released in 2023  because of your busy schedule throughout the year and you would like to use the holiday around the corner to enjoy interesting Nigerian movies, here are the 10 best Nollywood movies released in 2023.

1. Jagun Jagun

Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) is a 2023 Netflix original epic Yoruba film produced by Femi Adebayo Salami and Euphoria360 Media. Jagun Jagun is one of the 10 best Nollywood movies of 2023. It was directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami. The film stars Femi Adebayo, Adedimeji Lateef, Bimbo Ademoye, Faithia Balogun, Mr Macaroni, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Ibrahim Yekini and Muyiwa Ademola. It was released on the Netflix streaming platform on 10 August 2023, attaining critical acclaim in and outside Nigeria. 

2. Gangs of Lagos

Gangs of Lagos is about a group of friends whose lives have revolved around crime and violence since their childhood in the Isale Eko area of Lagos, Nigeria. So if you’re looking for an original Nigerian crime and thriller flick, this is the one for you. It belongs in a collection with the likes of Saworoide, King of Boys, and others with underlying social commentary. You’re in for a story about family, loyalty, and leadership, packed with action.

3. òrìṣà 

If you fell in love with Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves in 2022, this is another Yoruba epic that will have you at the edge of your seats. òrìṣà tells the story of a rogue king who loses respect for the gods and his people and is struck with insanity. This happens at a time when a gang of highly skilled warriors ally, threatening to take over his kingdom. Odunlade Adekola takes on the titular character and stars alongside Femi Adebayo, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, and Dele Odule, among others.

4. The Black Book

The Black Book is a 2023 Nigerian crime thriller film produced and directed by Editi Effiong, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Femi Branch, Alex Usifo, Ade Laoye and Ireti Doyle. The film was released to Netflix on 22 September 2023, Nigerian online newspaper Premium Times has likened Richard Mofe-Damijo’s character in the film to John Wick’s character owing to the storyline leaning towards a former hitman who is now drawn back into the criminal underworld he had abandoned.

5. Sista

This movie might make you shed a few tears just like I did myself. It’s about a struggling single mother who faces her worst nightmare when the father of her children returns accidentally to their lives and completely steals their attention all for himself whilst trying to make amends for past sins. He does this using his wealth and influence to entice them instead of seeking penance and establishing a connection.  Sista has fantastic casts like Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Bisola Aiyeola. Many Nigerians say it’s the best Nigerian film they’ve seen in a while.

6. A Sunday Affair

Dubbed the Valentine Day’s movie of 2023, A Sunday Affair stars two of Nollywood’s most iconic actresses, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Dakore Akande. Both actresses were cast as best friends, Uche and Toyin, who fall in love with the same man, and it downward spiral from there makes for gripping TV.  A love triangle ensues with the women unaware they are dating the same man. From the cheesy romance to the dramatic chaos, this movie has all the ingredients to make you blush. It has all the ingredients to make you blush.

7. House of Secrets

If you’ve ever been in doubt about the cinematic revolution that’s unfolding in Nollywood right now, this film is all you need to have a change of perspective. Director Niyi Akinmolayan raised the bar in cinematography and production design such that every scene leaves you more intrigued than the last. The story follows Sarah (Najite Dede), who regains her lost memories of a traumatic incident after extreme measures by people seeking to expose a corrupt politician. House of Secrets, definitely makes it to the list of the 10 Best Nollywood Movies of 2023.

8. Big Love

Our favourite Nollywood bad boy Timz, Timini Egbuson, stars alongside Bimbo Ademoye in this Biodun Stephen-directed romcom. Adil (Timini) falls in love with Adina (Bimbo), an independent woman struggling to make ends meet at a graduate training camp, but a secret threatens to ruin their love. Shaffy Bello, Jaiye Kuti, and Seyi Awolowo star in this film too.

9. Love in a Pandemic

In 2020, COVID-19 kept us in our homes, but it didn’t stop some people from finding true love. Bolanle (Nancy Isime), in an attempt to apologize to her boyfriend, dialed the wrong number belonging to Alex (Deyemi Okanlawon). The call to a stranger becomes routine, and feelings get involved, but the pandemic is in their way. If you need a movie to convince you that your boyfriend or girlfriend shouldn’t stop you from meeting your true love, Love In A Pandemic is the answer.

10. Ijogbon

Ijogbon is a 2023 coming-of-age adventure film produced by Kunle Afolayan and distributed by Netflix. This movie tells the story of four teenagers from a remote village in the southwest area of Nigeria. These four teenagers saw a pouch of diamonds in the strangest of ways and they chose to keep these diamonds, their decision to keep and conceal these diamonds despite the owners coming out to look for their diamonds led to some perilous events ahead of them, putting one of them in serious trouble.

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