Entertainment
10 Best Nollywood Movies on Prime Video (2024)
So in this write-up we shall explore the top 10 must-watch Nollywood movies available on giant streaming platform, Prime Video.
From compelling storytelling to outstanding performances, the Nigerian movie industry has shown great transitioning over time. The industry has transitioned from the travel theatre groups that characterized the industry in the 60s to the Big screen in the 70s and 80s, the home video era in the 2000s, and now the streaming era.
Thanks to platforms like Netflix, Showmax, and Prime Video, we have access to tons of Nollywood Movies in the confines our homes for very cheap price. These movies offer a delightful experience with a captivating blend of culture, storytelling, and entertainment for movie enthusiasts.
Unfotunately recent developments reveal that the giant streaming platform Prime Video has decided to cut its funding and resources allocated to Africa and the Middle East, concentrating on its European originals. By implication, the streaming platform would no longer fund movies and original content from Nigeria.
While this might be huge blow on the Nollywood industry, the platform services alongside some its previously funded movies such ‘Gangs of Lagos’, ‘She Must Be Obeyed’ are still available in Nigeria. So in this write-up we shall explore the top 10 must-watch Nollywood movies available on Prime Video.
1. GANGS OF LAGOS
One of the movies that made waves in 2023 was Gangs of Lagos which was shown on Prime Video. This movie was released on April 7, 2023, and was skillfully directed by Jadesola Osiberu.
This movie portrays the story of three friends, Oba, Ify, and Gift who grew up on the streets of Isale Eko, an area ruled by politically affiliated gangs. They got caught up in gang wars which helped them to uncover secrets and eventually realize their full potential.
Stars like Tobi Bakre, Tayo Faniran, Adesua Etomi, Bimbo Ademoye, Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka, Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abraham, were featured in the movie. Aided by a good cinematic effect and the stalwart character display of the actors, this movie made it as one of the best movies of the year
This movie got awards like the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Young Actor.
2. BATTLE ON BUKA STREET
Battle on Buka Street is an amazing movie produced and directed by the veteran Funke Akindele. The movie was made available on Prime Video in 2022.
The movie speaks of the story of two half-sisters in a lifetime rivalry that seemed to have transcended from their mothers and the end of the rivalry. Although laced with lessons, the little spice of comedy thrilled the viewers.
The movie featured veteran actors like Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Sola Sobowale, Tina Mba, Nkem Owoh, Femi Jacobs, Kelvin Ikeduba, Sani Musa Danja, and Bimbo Ademoye.
3. TRADE
One of the few Nollywood movies that got attention in 2023 was The Trade. Written by Jadesola Osiberu, the storyline explores social vices affecting our society. which many believed to be based on a true life story.
This story is about a notoriously cunning kidnapper known only by name, who has ravaged the southern part of Nigeria for over a decade. ‘Eric’ undertakes a job that brings the law closer than ever before.
The casts are Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stan Nze, Rita Dominic, Ali Nuhu, Nengi Adoki, Waje, Chiwetalu Agu, Uru Eke, Gideon Okeke, Denola Grey, Charles Inojie, Mercy Aigbe, Abayomi Alvin, Dr. Sid, Francis Odega, Chimezie Imo, Kelechi Udegbe, Yemi Solade, Francis Onwochei, Angel Unigwe, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Stephanie Isuma (Calabar Chic), and Shawn Faqua.
The movie’s relatedness and the way it mirrors the society and the everyday life of a Nigerian made it one of the best movies that was shown on Prime Video.
4. BROTHERHOOD
One of the best productions of Jade Osiberu is Brotherhood. The film was first released to cinemas in Africa on 23 September 2022. It was later placed on Prime Video, one of the best streaming platforms.
This film reveals the story of twin brothers, Akin and Wale who after the death of their parents, were forced to go through life by themselves.
After years of fighting to survive on the streets of Lagos, two brothers fall on opposite sides of the law. The bonds of brotherhood are put to the ultimate test as one joins a task force that hunts down the other and his gang.
The movie featured Tobi Bakre, Falz, Basketmouth, Mr Macaroni, Sam Dede, Toni Tones, Oc Ukeje, Ronke Oshodi Oke, and several others.
5. SISTA
One of the movies that thrilled viewers in 2o22 was Sista. Sista tells the story of a struggling single mother who faces her worst nightmare when the father of her children comes into their lives and completely steals their attention all for himself. It was written and produced by Biodun Stephen.
The movie featured veterans like Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Bisola Aiyeola. Although possessing a simple storyline of a young girl as she transits through every phase of her life, the plot keeps the viewer interested until the last scene. It is indeed a good watch.
6. KINGS OF THIEVES(Ageshinkole)
The screenplay is written by Yinka Laoye from a story by Femi Adebayo and directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani. The movie was released in 2022.
King of Thieves is a story of a famous town and prosperous kingdom of Ajeromi. The situation changed when a powerful bandit, driven by the thirst for revenge, exerted a reign of terror on the peaceful community.
The casts her Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abraham, Ibrahim Chatta, Lateef Adedimeji, Aisha Lawal, Broda Shaggi, Segun Arinze, Mr Macaroni, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami
The cultural elements in the movie distinguished it from the Nollywood viewers are used to.
7. BIG LOVE
Big Love is a movie written and directed by veteran Biodun Stephen in 2023. The trailer of the movie has viewers waiting in eager expectation of the characters of Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson in a love story.
The story highlights how the flaws in tradition, cause cognitive dissonance when it frowns on the acceptance of people we love.
The raw acting talents of both actors shine through as the story unfolds.
8. LOVE IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC
This movie speaks of a love story that happened amidst one of the most unforgettable moments in human history, the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the story of Bolanle, a customer care attendant who meets Alex, the man of her dreams, and their adjustment to their newly found love.
The movie was written by Amaka Chidioka and Abosi Ogba and directed by Akay Ilozobhie.
The movie starred Nancy Isime, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ronke Odusanya, Eso Dike, and several others.
9. INTRODUCING THE KUJUS
Introducing The Kujus is a heart-warming and relatable comedy drama about 5 siblings who have been at a crossroads since their mother’s death. They do not want to return to their hometown in Badagry for the five-year remembrance of their mother’s death. Maucy Kuju (played by Bisola Aiyeola) with the help of Maugbe Kuju (played by Timini Egbuson) orchestrates a plan to bring their other siblings together. For the plan to succeed, she must trick her siblings, but the volatile nature of their relationship means she does not know how exactly it’ll go.
The movie was put together by the collaboration of Biodun Stephen, Mannie Oiseomaye, and Donald Tombia. It was directed by Biodun Stephen.
The casts include top Nollywood stars like Timini Egbuson, Femi Jacobs, Bisola AIyeola, Ronke Odusanya, Kunle Remi, and Bimbo Ademoye.
10. LA FEMME ANJOLA
La Femme Anjola is a 2021 film written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Mildred Okwo.
The story revolves around a stockbroker who falls in love with a mysterious woman. Anjola is married to a gangster who owns a nightclub where she does live performances.
The casts are Rita Dominic, Nonso Bassey, Joke Silva, Femi Jacobs, Aderounmu Adejumoke, Bassey Ekpeyong, Uzor Osimkpa, Paul Adams, Shawn Faqua, Michelle Dede, Mumbi Maina, and Soso Soberekon.
Summary
Here is a summary of the top 10 must-watch Nollywood movies available on Prime Video.
- Gangs of Lagos
- Battle on Buka Street
- Trade
- Brotherhood
- Sista
- King of thieves
- Big Love
- Love in a Pandemic
- Introducing the Kujus
- La Femme Anjola