The Story⚡
Our latest piece is a rundown of the most popular Nigerian titles on Netflix in 2023 using Flixpatrol data.
With this top 15 data chart, Nigerian filmmakers or anyone interested in the sub-saharan market can now leverage this data from streaming platforms to better understand what the consumers like watching.
From stories about love, true life tales, crime action and melodrama – here are the Top 15 Nollywood Movies on Netflix Nigeria in 2023.
15.
The One For Sarah
Directed by Lyndsey F. Efejuku, ‘The One For Sarah’ is a heartfelt romantic drama.
The story revolves around Sarah, who, after enduring emotional abuse, embarks on a journey to rediscover her self-worth and find love. Starring Beverly Naya, Uzor Arukwe, Bucci Franklin, Adunni Ade, and Bimbo Ademoye, the film, written by Egbemawei Dimiyei Sammy, held a spot in Netflix’s top 10 for an impressive 34 days, showcasing its widespread popularity.
14
Dark October
Inspired by a true story, a Nigerian university student facing difficulties in retrieving owed money turns to friends for assistance. Directed by Toka McBaror, written by Odewa Shaga and Linda Ikeji, and produced by Linda Ikeji, the film delves into an unfortunate turn of events when their quest goes awry.
Starring Chuks Joseph, Kem Ajieh-Ikechukwu, Munachi Okpara, and Oriaku Kelechukwu James, the narrative takes a harrowing twist as the town embraces jungle justice against these university students attempting to reclaim their money. The gripping story held a position in Netflix’s top 10 for an impressive 26 days, showcasing the film’s compelling tale and resonating with audiences.
13
A Sunday Affair
Directed by Walter Taylaur and written by a talented team, including Mo Abudu, Darrel Bristow-Bovey, and Nnegest Likké, this romantic film stars Dakore Akande, Oris Erhuero, and Moses Akerele. Lifelong friends Uche and Toyin face a unique challenge when they both fall for the same complicated man. The movie gracefully explores love, loyalty, and heartbreak, captivating audiences and staying in the top 10 for 29 days.
12.
Strangers
This captivating drama, staying in the top 10 for an impressive 32 days, is written by Anthony Eloka, produced by Banji Adesanmi, and skillfully directed by Biodun Stephen. The story revolves around a young traditional boy grappling with a life-ending disease. Starring Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Debbie Felix, the film takes an unexpected turn when strangers, previously unknown to the protagonist, enter his life. Notably, the poignant tale earned the Gold Award for Directing at the International Independent Film Awards in Los Angeles, offering a unique blend of emotion, tradition, and the unpredictable nature of life.
11.
Passport
Passport is a delightful Nigerian Nollywood comedy directed by Dimeji Ajibola, produced by Vincent Okonkwo, and written by Abosi Ogba. The film boasts a stellar cast including Mercy Johnson Okojie, Jide Kosoko, Jim Iyke, Zubby Michael, and Lateef Adedimeji, and it was distributed by VSL Media.
Centering around two key characters, Oscar, who misplaces his passport, and Kopiko, aspiring to be the community chairperson by defeating Terminator in the elections, the movie offers a humorous and entertaining storyline. ‘Passport’ earned its place on Netflix’s top 10 for an impressive 37 days, showcasing its popularity and widespread appeal.
10.
Blood Vessels
Crafted by chance, ‘Blood Vessel’ brings together six individuals escaping an oil-polluted town, unknowingly stowing away on a mysterious ship with unforeseen dangers. Starring Adaobi Dibor, David Ezekiel, Jidekene Achufusi, Sylvester Ekanem, Levi Chikere, Obinna Okenwa, Alex Cyr Budin, and René Mena, this Play Network production was directed by Moses Inwang and written by Musa Jeffery David, Justin Dix, and Jordan Prosser. Notably, the movie held a solid spot in Netflix’s top 10 for an extraordinary 23 days, attesting to its captivating storyline and audience engagement.
9.
Obara M
Exploring the depths of identity and redemption, ‘Obara’M,’ meaning ‘My Blood’ in Igbo, unfolds as Oluchi, an emerging musician, grapples with her past mistakes following her estranged father’s demise. Directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Stephen Okonkwo, the film boasts a talented cast including Nancy Isime, Darisimi Nadi, Deyemi Okanlawon, Nkem Owoh, Onyeka Owenu, and Bolanle Ninalowo. Notably, the movie held a strong presence in Netflix’s top 10 for a striking 33 days, reflecting its compelling narrative and audience appeal.
8
The Wait
The Wait is a Nigerian faith-based drama directed by Yemi Morafa and Fiyin Gambo, with production by Tolu LordTanner. Starring Nse Ikpe Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jimmy Odukoya, Ini Dima-Okojie, Meg Otanwa, Chimezie Imo, and Aisha Sanni-Shittu, the film is an adaptation of the faith-based book ‘God’s Waiting Room’ by prominent Nigerian lawyer Yewande Zaccheaus. The storyline revolves around a dedicated doctor aiding couples desperate for a baby. The Wait made a lasting impact, securing a spot in Netflix’s top 10 for a noteworthy 33 days.
7.
Ijogbon
Ijogbon, the 2023 coming-of-age adventure film produced by Kunle Afolayan and distributed by Netflix, shares the gripping tale of four teenagers from a remote village in southwest Nigeria. The movie, which held a position in the top 10 for an remarkable 34 days, revolves around the teens’ discovery of a pouch of diamonds and their decision to keep it despite the rightful owners searching for them. This choice leads them into perilous events, putting one of them in serious trouble.
The film, part of Kunle Afolayan’s three-movie agreement with Netflix, was written by Tunde Babalola and was released on October 13, 2023. The stellar cast includes Gabriel Afolayan, Adunni Ade, Dorathy Bachor, Sam Dede, Femi Branch, Yemi Sodimu, Bimbo Manuel, Yemi Solade, and more. Shot in Oyo State at the KAP Film Village and Resort, Ijogbon offers an engaging adventure set against the backdrop of rural Nigeria.
6.
The Wildflower
Set in a shared compound, The Wildflower tells the compelling story of three women facing different forms of assault from the men around them. Focused on 24-year-old Rolake Dabiri, portrayed by an ensemble cast including Damilare Kuku, Deyemi Okanlawon, Toyin Abraham, Sandra Okunzuwa, Zubby Michael, Etinosa Idemudia, Nosa Rex, Imoh Eboh, Kiki Omeili, Eso Dike, Angel Unigwe, and Rachel Isaac, the film explores her decision to speak up and revolt against the oppressive men. Directed by Biodun Stephen and written by Niyi Akinmolayan and Mannie Oiseomaye, The Wildflower addresses important societal issues with a powerful narrative. It was on the Top 10 Netflix movies for 36 days.
5.
Before Valentine
Directed by Michelle Bello and written by Diche Enunwa, the film delves into the drama-filled lives of four salon hairdressers as they navigate unexpected twists in their love lives on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The captivating narrative features a talented ensemble cast, including Yvonne Jegede, Shawn Faqua, Meg Otanwa, Uche Nwaefuna, and others. The movie held a remarkable spot in Netflix’s top 10 for 41 days, offering viewers an entertaining blend of romance and drama.
4.
A Simple Lie
In this Biodun Stephen Production, five friends find themselves entangled in secret affairs, only to have their hidden truths revealed through the terminal illness of one of them. Written by Mannie Oiseomaye and skillfully directed by Biodun Stephen, the film explores the consequences of seemingly small lies. Notably, the movie held a spot in the top 10 on Netflix for an impressive 40 days.
3.
Ijakunmo
Ijakumo (The Born Again Stripper) follows Asabi, out for revenge against her deceitful ex-lover turned Lagos pastor, Jide. As secrets unfold, Jide’s darker side is exposed, involving a hidden cabal. Asabi seeks help from Sharon, a stripper and church choir member, turning Jide’s world upside down.
Produced by Toyin Abraham, the 2022 suspense thriller was on the Netflix Top 10 for an impressive 60 days and it stars Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Lolade Okusanya, Bimbo Akintola, Olumide Oworu, Lillian Afegbai, and others. With a storyline by Kehinde Joseph and directed by Adebayo Tijani, ‘Ijakumo’ is a tale of revenge and hidden truths.
2.
The Black Book
Directed and produced by Editi Effiong and Kemi Lala Akindoju, with cinematography by Yinka Edwards, this movie, which held a top 10 spot for 55 days, follows a bereaved deacon seeking justice after his son is wrongly accused of kidnapping.
Written by Bunmi Ajakaiye and Editi Effiong, the cast features Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Olumide Owuru, Shaffy Bello, Alex Usifo, and Ireti Doyle. The storyline promises a powerful exploration of justice and redemption, combining expert direction, compelling storytelling, and a stellar ensemble cast.
1.
Jagun Jagun
The Epic, directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Salami and produced by Femi Adebayo, unfolds the tale of a Warlord named Ogundiji, threatened by the potential of a young warrior, Gbotija, seeking vengeance for his father’s death. Ogundiji, a dictator known for seizing kingdoms for wrong leaders, faces a new challenge with the arrival of Gbotija.
Starring Femi Adebayo, Adedimeji Abdulateef, Odunlade Adekola, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Adebayo Salami, Fathia Williams, Bimbo Ademoye, and others, the movie secured a spot in Netflix’s top 10 for an extraordinary 48 days.
The film garnered significant attention, amassing 2,100,000 views in its first three days and reaching 3,700,000 views by August 20, 2023. This success propelled it to become one of the top 10 most-watched non-English films globally during its release period.
In Summary
With the top 5 titles on this Netflix chart filled with Nollywood, 2023 was quite the growth output year for local producers who were able to meet up with consumer taste and demand.
Global hits from Jagun Jagun, The Black Book and Ijobon also foretell how audiences outside Africa are becoming more sizable by the year and posit that there is a business case for big-budget Hollywood type of productions to be made here and exported.
