Imagine sitting down to watch a Nollywood film, expecting the usual drama, romance, or maybe a few laughs. And then, out of nowhere, it’s like the plot hits you with a perfect long-range shot, straight into the top corner.

You’re left wide-eyed, mouth open, questioning everything you thought you knew about the story. That’s the beauty of Nollywood; just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, it pulls off a play so unpredictable, that you have to pause and replay scenes just to make sure you saw it right. Whether it’s a secret twin, a sudden betrayal, a mind-bending reveal that leaves you gasping, or “the mother of my mother’s mother murdered her mother”, Nollywood sure knows how to keep us all on the tip of our toes.

Let’s dive into some of the most jaw-dropping, what-just-happened plot twists the Nollywood industry has blessed us with!

A Green Fever (2023)

A Green Fever will leave you saying after its end, “That’s crazy.” Set against the backdrop of 1980s Nigeria, we follow a desperate father racing against time to save his daughter from a rare illness. As he pulls into a seemingly innocuous house, the tension thickens; a soldier blocks his path, and an unexpected twist awaits inside. With the clock ticking a coup brewing, and the thrills ensuing, we’re left grappling with the haunting question: is he merely a concerned parent or something far more sinister?

As secrets unravel, you’re left pondering the true intentions of the architect, the complex relationships at play, and the chilling reality behind the colonel’s carefully guarded life. Is there more to this family than meets the eye? Each revelation pulls you deeper into a world where nothing is as it seems, keeping you on the edge of your seat and yearning for answers. Streaming on Prime Video.

The Weekend (2024)

You might have expected a sweet romantic getaway, but what unfolds is a nightmare you never saw coming. Eager to meet her fiancé Luc’s family and fill the void of her orphaned past, Nikiya’s innocent desire leads her to a village shrouded in mystery and tradition. As the weekend progresses, it quickly transforms into a battle for survival.

With each twist and turn, you’re left questioning the depths of love and the secrets we keep from those closest to us. What was Luc truly hiding? Does he really love Nikiya? As their idyllic plans unravel, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, pondering the age-old dilemma of what to reveal or conceal before taking the plunge into marital bliss. This film will not only keep you guessing but also leave you grappling with the shocking realities of trust and betrayal after the credits roll.

October 1 (2014)

At the threshold of Nigeria’s independence, Inspector Danladi Waziri investigates a series of brutal murders of two women in Akote Town. As the murder count rises to five, it becomes clear that Waziri is dealing with a hardened serial killer. With each character shrouded in suspicion, you quickly realize that the true horror lies beneath the surface.

You might expect a simple murder mystery from this Kunle Afolayan thriller, but what unfolds is a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, a shocking twist turns everything upside down.

Streaming on Prime Video.

The House of Secrets (2023)

Imagine realizing that your current reality is a lie! Yes. That was Sarah’s story. She is living a comfortable life until she begins to recall hidden secrets. The unfolding mystery compels you to question the motives of those around her while exploring themes of trust and the choices driven by love.

With Niyi Akinmolayan at the helm, the film captivates with striking visuals and an evocative soundtrack, drawing you into a world shrouded in secrets. Although the film employs numerous plot twists, some feel unearned and may leave you feeling disconnected from the stakes. As Sarah navigates her fragmented memories, the unexpected revelations will keep you on your toes, challenging your perceptions and leaving you in shock. Streaming on Prime Video.

A Weekend to Forget (2023)

How can a weekend getaway become a weekend of nightmares?

In A Weekend to Forget, a group of friends gather for what was supposed to be a fun-filled escape. Chaos begins with a shocking murder. Now, they are thrust into a web of suspicion and deceit. With trust shattered and alliances tested, you can’t help but wonder: Who is the murderer? Was it a complete stranger, or someone hiding a darker secret?

As each character reveals layers of hidden motives and tangled relationships, the plot twists leave you reeling, forcing you to question everything you thought you knew. With every revelation, the stakes escalate, and the question of survival looms large: Will they all make it out alive?

Streaming on Prime Video.

Still not satisfied? okay, one more. Niyi Akinmolayan’s The Setup. The film follows A former drug smuggler and a confidence artist gets more than she bargains for when she is hired by a down on his luck businessman to assist with his scheme to marry a wealthy heiress. Things quickly take a turn for the worse as she realises that there is more to the scheme than meets the eye.