The Nigerian film industry in 2021 had stunning productions that should be included in all movie lovers’ must-watch lists.
We’ve listed some of the best movies to come out of Nollywood in 2021.
If you are a movie lover, then you must have seen some of the movies listed in this article but if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
La Femme Anjola
Mildred Okwo’s crime thriller tells the narrative of a young stockbroker who becomes entangled in the sexual web of a femme fatale. At this year’s AMAA, ‘La Femme Anjola’ received numerous nominations.
Critics and moviegoers alike praised the film, which stars The Voice Nigeria graduate Nonso Bassey and Nollywood icon Rita Dominic.
Ayinla
The non-biopic film, directed by Tunde Kelani, is based on the final moments of legendary Apala singer Ayinla Omowura, and it has won hearts for far more than its nostalgic themes.
The picture, from acting to production design, reminds everyone of Kelani’s filmmaking standard, which is rarely surpassed in the industry.
The Prophetess
‘Prophetess’ tells the story of a prophetess who gets herself into more trouble than she bargained for when she makes a false football prediction. It’s a comedy about everyday people in everyday situations, with football thrown in for good measure; everything a typical Nigerian cinemagoer wants to see.
Soon after its April premiere, the comedy film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan became a box office hit grossing over N131 million.
The Breaded Life
‘Breaded Life’ follows the narrative of a spoiled brat who falls in love with an illiterate bread vendor.
The film, directed by Biodun Stephen, is climbing the charts with N32,702,150 in its second week. Timini Egbuson plays the lead role in the film, which also includes Bimbo Ademoye, Tina Mba, and Bisola Aiyeola.
Eyimofe
The film recounts the journeys of Mofe, a factory worker, and Rosa, a hairdresser, as they try to make a better life for themselves as immigrants.
Jude Akuwudike, Temi Ami-Williams, Cynthia Ebijie, Sadiq Daba, Tomiwa Edun, Jacobs Alexander, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, and Lala Akindoju are among the cast members.
The Wait
“The Wait” directed by Yemi Morafa follows the lives of many individuals and families as they attempt to navigate through life’s disappointments and hurdles while waiting for their day in the spotlight. It’s about two marriages, a job seeker, and a dedicated doctor whose lives are entwined in a story of patience and redemption.
Nse Ikpe-Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kate Henshaw, Joke Silva, Jimmy Odukoya, Chimezie Imo, and Meg Otanwa are among the cast members.
Juju Stories
Michael Omonua, Abba Makama, and C.J Obasi wrote and directed Juju Stories, a three-part anthology film that explores stories rooted in Nigerian folklore and urban mythology. Three stories are included in the film: “Love Potion,” “Yam,” and “Suffer The Witch.”
Juju Stories had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in 2021, where it received the Boccalino d’Oro prize for best film. Since then, it’s screened at a number of film festivals and is currently showing in select theaters.
Swallow
Swallow is a film that portrays a fascinating portrait of Nigeria in the 1980s.
Swallow is a narrative about two women, Tolani (Niyola) and Rose (Ijeoma Grace-Agu), who are connected by their battle to survive in a patriarchal culture. It is based on Sefi Atta’s 2008 novel of the same name.
Director Kunle Afolayan casted Deyemi Okanlawon, Eniola Badmus, and Kelvin Ikeduba to help bring this Netflix original to life.
We decided to include two series that topped the charts on Netflix on our list.
King of Boys: The Return of the King
In this 7-part spin-off series to King of Boys, Alhaja Eniola Salami starts afresh and sets her sights on a different position of power, fueled by revenge, regret and ruthlessness.
It boasts of an ensemble cast including Sola Sobowale, Toni Tones, Osas Ighodaro, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Efa Iwara, Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, Illbliss.
Smart Money Woman
The Smart Money Woman 7-part series is based on the book by Arese Ugwu with the same title. It premiered on Netflix on the 16th of September.
The story centres around five friends Zuri, Tami, Lara, Adesua, and Ladun exploring their relationship with money. It stars Osas Ighodaro, Lala Akindoju, Ini Dima-Okojie, Toni Tones and Ebenezer Eno.
