Top 50 Nollywood movies of all time
Ava White
Updated on April 07, 2026
Over the years, the Nigerian movie industry has moved from grass to grace. People now enjoy watching Nollywood movies because of the revamped, intriguing storylines and the improved quality of the cinematography and action. While there are many Nollywood movies, a few have stood the test of time and still get a standing ovation when watched. This piece, therefore, looks at the top 50 Nollywood movies of all time.
Top 50 Nollywood movies of all time
This list is compiled based on the Internet Movie Database (IMBd), the world’s largest, most authoritative source for celebrity information, movies and TV shows. This platform reveals statistics about movies and TV shows, including information about the cast and crew. IMBd combines votes cast by registered users and combines them to make up the rating of a movie.
So, here are the top 50 Nollywood movies of all time:
Blood Sisters
This 2003 movie is indeed one of the most outstanding pieces out of Nollywood. Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and others starred in the movie. Tchidi Chikere directed it. It has an IMBd rating of 8.9/10.
Battle on Buka Street
This 2022 movie has an IMBd rating of 8.8/10 and was directed by Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde. The film had the likes of Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Sola Sobowale as its cast.
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Christmas in Miami
Released in December 2021, Christmas in Miami has an IMBd rating of 8.7/10. It was directed by Robert Peters and featured stars like Catherine Olsen and Ayo Makun.
Igodo
Igodo has an IMBd rating of 8.6/10. Released in 1999, this Nollywood movie still has viewers glued to their seats whenever they watch it. Directed by Andy Amenechi, and Don Pedro Obaseki, Igodo featured stars like Pete Edochie, Amaechi Muonagor and Sam Dede.
Things Fall Apart
With an IMBd rating of 8.5/10, this movie remains a legendary piece to date. Starring legends like Pete Edochie and Justice Esiri, this 1987 movie was directed by David Orere.
Mr and Mrs
One movie that Nollywood fans seem not to get enough of is Mr and Mrs. With an IMBd rating of 8.5/10, this 2012 movie was directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka. Starring were Nse Ikpe-Etim, Joseph Benjamin and others.
Aki na Ukwa
This 2003 Nollywood comedy movie, which launched the acting careers of Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze, has an IMBd rating of 8.4/10. This movie remains evergreen in the hearts of Nigerians and can never grow old. Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips, it featured actors like Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze and Amaechi Muonagor.
Brave Heart
Directed by John Uche, this movie has an IMBd rating of 8.4/10. It featured Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Joke Silva, Zack Orji and others.
Gone
With an IMBd rating of 7.9/10, the 2021 movie was directed by Daniel Ademinokan. Starring in the movie were Ada Ameh, Sam Dede and others.
Omo Ghetto: The Saga
A sequel to the 2010 Nollywood crime comedy “Omo Ghetto”, Omo Ghetto: The Saga has an IMBd rating of 7.6/10 and was the highest-grossing movie of 2020. Funke Akindele, Eniola Badmus and Deyemi Okanlawo were among the stars that starred in the movie. Akindele also directed the movie.
Living in Bondage
This 1992 masterpiece is suspense-packed and filled with some Nollywood legends. With an IMBd rating of 7/10, this drama thriller was directed by Chris Obi Rapu and featured Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Bob-Manuel Udokwu and others.
Aki and Paw
Aki and Paw has an IMBd rating of 7.3/10 and is one of Nollywood’s best outputs. Like “Aki and Ukwa”, this 2021 movie was welcomed with open arms because fans had missed seeing Aki and Paw on the big screen. Starring Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Amaechi Muonagor and others, the movie was directed by Biodun Stephen.
Osuofia in London 2
With an IMBd rating of 7.1/10, Nigerians can never get enough of the legend Nkem Owoh. This 2004 movie centres around the life of a village man named Osuofia (Nkem Owoh), who travelled to London following the death of his brother to take control of his properties and assets.
Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner
Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner is a sequel to the 2017 comedy, “Alakada Reloaded”. This 2020 movie, which has an IMBd rating of 6.9/10, racked up a whopping N112,149,600 at the box office collection. Featured in the movie were Toyin Abraham, Broda Shaggi, Stephanie Coker and others. Kayode Kasum directed this movie and it was a hit.
The Ghost and the Tout Too
Starring Toyin Abraham, Mercy Johnson-Okojie and others, this movie has an IMBd rating of 6.8/10. Directed by Micheal Akinrogunde, it can be said to be one of Nollywood’s finest pieces.
Your Excellency
Released in 2019, the comedy-drama has an IMBd rating of 6.6/10. Funke Akindele, Shaffy Bello and others starred in the movie. Akindele directed it.
Bad Comments
This 2021 movie was directed by Moses Inwang and has an IMBd rating of 6.6/10. The film had the likes of Osas Ighodaro, Jim Iyke and others.
Elevator Baby
People constantly hail Toyin Abraham for her awesome roleplay whenever they watch this movie. This 2019 movie has an IMBd rating of 6.5/10 and was directed by Akay IIozobhie. It featured the likes of Timini Egbuson, Shaffy Bello and Broda Shaggi.
Mother of George
With an IMBd rating of 6.5/10, this 2013 drama was directed by Andrew Dosunmu. Starring in the movie were Danai Gurira and others.
Isoken
Centred around the life of a young lady named Isoken, this movie has an IMBd rating of 6.5/10. Starring the likes of Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Joseph Benjamin, Funke Akindele and Damilola Adegbite, this movie was directed by Jadesola Osiberu.
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October 1
This historical piece will always be worth the hype. Directed by Kunle Afolayan, the movie has an IMBd rating of 6.4/10. Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Femi Adebayo, the late Sadiq Daba and others were featured in this film.
4th Republic
With an IMBd rating of 6.3/10, this 2019 movie was directed by Ishaya Bako. Featured in the movie were Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe and others.
Ije: The Journey
Ije: The Journey has an IMBd rating of 6.3/10. The movie featured two Nollywood sweethearts, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji. Directed by Chineze Anyaene, this movie lived up to fans’ expectations.
Half of a Yellow Sun
The movie is based on a novel of the same name written by the award-winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie. It has an IMBd rating of 6.1/10. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandiwe Newton, OC Ukeje and others, Biyi Bandele directed it.
King of Boys
With an IMBd rating of 6.1/10, this movie had Nigerians clued to the edge of their seat. Directed by Kemi Adetiba, King of Boys is one of the top Nollywood movies ever. Sola Sobowale, Toni Tones, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Titi Kuti and others were featured in this blockbuster.
The Wedding Party
This 2016 romantic comedy-drama has an IMBd rating of 5.9/10. Nigerians always love a good love story, and this was it. Starring the likes of Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Banky W, Sola Sobowale and Beverly Naya, the movie was directed by Kemi Adetiba.
God Calling
Directed by BB Sasore, God Calling has an IMBd rating of 5.8/10. This 2018 movie featured actors such as Zainab Balogun, the late Karibi Fubara and others.
30 Days in Atlanta
Directed by Robert Peters, 30 Days in Atlanta has an IMBd rating of 5.7/10. Starring Ayo Makun, Ramsey Nouah and Richard Mofe Damijo, this 2014 comedy gave Nigerians a good laugh.
Lionheart
One of the top 50 Nollywood movies of all time is Lionheart. With an IMBd rating of 5.7/10, the movie was directed by the screen goddess herself, Genevieve Nnaji. Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Genevieve Nnaji and Onyeka Onwenu among others were featured in this movie.
Oloture
Oloture is a real-life story that brings to life the woes of human trafficking. It was directed by Kenneth Gyang and has an IMBd rating of 5.6/10. Sharon Ooja, Beverly Osu, Omowumi Dada and others played various roles in the movie.
‘76
This 2016 movie has an IMBd rating of 5.5/10 and was directed by Izu Ojukwu. Starring Ramsey Nuoah, Chidi Mokeme and others, this movie depicted the circumstances around the 1976 bloody coup in Nigeria.
10 days in Sun City
This 2017 movie was directed by Adze Ugah and had an IMBd rating of 5.3/10. It featured the likes of Richard Mofe-Damijo and Adesua Etomi-Wellington.
Sugar Rush
With an IMBd rating of 5.2/10, Sugar Rush won the hearts of many because the crime comedy-drama was centred around three gorgeous sisters who were mischief makers. Starring Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bimbo Ademoye, Bisola Aiyeola and others, this masterpiece was directed by Kayode Kasum.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is a sequel to the 1992 movie, “Living in Bondage”. With an IMBd rating of 5.1/10, the movie was hyped by Nigerians because of the star-studded Nollywood actors featured in the movie. The cast included Kanayo. O. Kanayo, Zack Orji and Ramsey Nouah. This 2019 movie was directed by Ramsey Nouah and won many awards.
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Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons
This movie was loved by many because of the handsome stars like Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Falz, and Ayo Makun who were featured. It was directed by Toka McBaror and has an IMBd rating of 5.1/10.
Namaste Wahala
Starring Ini Dima-Okojie, and Ruslaan Mumtaz, this 2020 movie has an IMBd rating of 5/10. Hamisha Daryani Ahuja was the movie’s director.
A Trip to Jamaica
This movie has an IMBd rating of 5/10 and was directed by Robert. O. Peters. The likes of Ayo Makun, Funke Akindele and Nse Ikpe-Etim were featured in the movie.
Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
A remake of the 1995 thriller, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story has an IMBd rating of 4.9/10. The movie had some of Nollywood’s finest such as Osas Ighodaro, Ramsey Nouah and Stan Nze as its cast. Ramsey Nouah, arguably one of Nollywood’s finest, was the film’s director.
Mr. Ibu in London
Most people know Nollywood veteran actor John Okafor as “Mr. Ibu” because of his unique role as the character in this 2004 comedy drama. It was directed by Adim Williams and is an all-time favourite of many Nigerians. It has an IMBd rating of 4.8/10.
Last Flight to Abuja
The movie Last flight to Abuja has an IMBd rating of 4.3/10. It featured the likes of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Jim Iyke, while Obi Emelonye directed it.
Chief Daddy
Chief Daddy has an IMBd rating of 4.7/10. Falz, Kate Henshaw, Joke Silva and Ini Edo, among others, made an appearance in this movie.
The Figurine
With an IMBd rating of 4.4/10, this 2008 movie was directed by Kunle Afolayan. The cast included Ramsey Nouah and Omoni Oboli.
Nneka the Pretty Serpent
A remake of the 1994 movie with the same name, Nneka the Pretty Serpent has an IMBd rating of 4/10. Actors in the movie include Idia Aisien and Bimbo Ademoye.
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Amina
Directed by Izu Ojukwu, Amina is a historical piece about the legendary Zazzau empire warrior, Queen Amina. The movie has an IMBd rating of 4/10 and featured the likes of Lucy Ameh, Ali Nuhu, Sani Musa Danja, Clarion Chukwura and others.
Glamour Girls
A remake of the 1994 movie with the same name, this movie has an IMBd rating of 3.7/10. Sharon Ooja, Nse Ekpe-Etim, Jocelyn Dumas and others are featured in this movie.
Issakaba
This movie deserves a spot on the list of the top 50 Nollywood movies of all time because it is a legendary piece of work. Released in 2001 and based on a true-life story, the movie was directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun. It featured Sam Dede, Zulu Adigwe, Chiwetalu Agu, Pete Eneh and others.
Egg of Life
Though it does not have an IMBd rating, Egg of Life remains an epic piece in the hearts of Nigerians. Starring Funke Akindele, Padita Agu, Pete Edochie and Nkiru Sylvanus, the movie was directed by Andy Amenechi.
Karashika
The intrigue in this movie depicts a typical Nollywood movie and fans still love it. Directed by Christian Onu, it featured actors such as Becky Okorie and Bob-Manuel Udokwu.
Nneka the Pretty Serpent
This is one of the movies that makes Nollywood unique with all its drama. Zeb Ejiro directed the 1994 movie, which starred stars such as Ngozi Ezeonu, Rita Nzelu and Eucharia Annunobi.
Mama-G in America
This 2004 movie was directed by MacCollins Chidebe and is one of Patience Ozokwor‘s most popular movies.
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