In 2024, Nollywood continued to shine, blending dynamism, groundbreaking innovations, and creative storytelling. It was a year of sheer brilliance, with a few storms of drama along the way (because what’s Nollywood without drama?).

At Nollycritic, we’ve put our heads together to curate a list of our 10 top-rated Nollywood series this year from December 2023 to December 2024. Our picks are based on critical acclaim, storytelling finesse, and, of course, our official ratings. A few of these gems snuck in during the final days of 2023 but left such a mark on us in 2024 that we just couldn’t leave them out.

Now, let’s dive into the stories that kept us glued to our screens and left lasting impressions.

1. Iwájú

This one’s a big deal—not just for Nollywood, but for African storytelling as a whole. A collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali Studios, Iwájú whisks us away to a futuristic Lagos bursting with life. We follow the story of Tola, a privileged young girl, and Kole, a tech genius with a rougher start in life. Together, they cross societal divides and unearth some shocking  truths.

The series impresses with its colourful animation, authentic voice performances, and a setting that blends sci-fi elements with familiar Lagos realities. The plot keeps things simple, but that’s part of its charm. Iwájú doesn’t try to overcomplicate what’s already a compelling story. For us, it’s not just a series; it’s a statement: African stories deserve to be told on a global stage, and Iwájú makes that loud and clear.

Iwájú is currently streaming via Disney+.

Rating: 4/5

2. WAR: Wrath and Revenge

Talk about intense! EbonyLife Studios knocked it out of the park with WAR: Wrath And Revenge. This gripping political thriller plunges us into the chaotic world of Kowa State, where Nuhu Bula, an ambitious gubernatorial candidate, and his determined wife, Binta Bula, navigate dangerous alliances and relentless opposition. WAR: Wrath And Revenge spins a tale of power, loyalty, and hidden agendas.

The sharp writing, breakneck pacing, and stellar performances from Rahama Sadau and Ifeanyi Kalu had us on the edge of our seats. It’s not just a story of power and betrayal; it’s a mirror reflecting Nigeria’s realities, where power is both seductive and burdensome. And while this series is a spin-off of Sons of the Caliphate, it totally stands on its own. That’s what makes it a standout, and a must-watch.

Rating: 3.5/5

3. Seven Doors

Blending Yoruba tradition with advanced cinematic storytelling and a robust budget, Seven Doors unfolds in Ilara Kingdom, where King Adedunjoye battles love, tradition, and a generational curse threatening his throne.

Directed by Femi Adebayo, the series shines in its breathtaking visuals, authentic cultural representation, and ambitious VFX execution. While performances from Chioma Akpotha and Aliu Gafar stand out, an over-reliance on theatrical acting and uneven pacing sometimes dampen the emotional impact. Sure, the pacing stumbles here and there, and we think it would pass for a 1 hour 30 minutes feature film, for us, Seven Doors is a bold leap forward for Yoruba Nollywood that showcases the evolving ambition of Nigerian cinema.

Rating: 3.5/5

4. Roses and Ivy

If you love drama, Roses and Ivy is for you! Directed by Biodun Stephen, this series dives deep into the messy, emotional world of sisterhood. Rose and Evelyn’s relationship is anything but simple, tangled up in betrayal, love, and impossible choices.

What keeps us hooked? Number one, the (sometimes, implausible) drama. Then, the stunning graphics, gripping soundtrack and scores, and top-tier performances. Uche Montana brings a layered intensity to Roselyn, while Munachi Abii’s Evelyn quietly tugs at our heartstrings. Sure, the story falters at times with forced twists and inconsistent character decisions, but each episode left us eager for the next. That’s why it earns a well-deserved spot on our list!

Roses and Ivy is currently streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 3/5

5. Inside Life

Talk about breaking the mould! Inside Life, directed by Clarence Peters, experiments with non-linear storytelling and multi-threaded narratives in a way that left us intrigued. The series intertwines several parallel stories, all anchored by a prison motif, exploring heavy themes such as crime, loss, love, and oh, a dash of supernatural mysticism for good measure.

The gritty realism of the opening episodes and powerful performances from Gabriel Afolayan and Meg Otanwa grabbed us immediately. And while the latter half struggled a bit with tonal shifts and repetitive moments, it didn’t take away from the overall ambition of the series. For us, Inside Life is proof that Nigerian storytelling is evolving, and we’re here for it.

Inside Life is streaming on Netflix.

Rating: 3/5

6. Postcards

Directed by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, Postcards presents an exploration of love, identity, and cultural connection, bridging the worlds of Nigeria and India (same as Hamisha’s previous offering, Namaste Wahala).

The story follows Aunty Bunmi (Sola Sobowale), her son Yemi (Tobi Bakre), and a combination of characters navigating personal struggles, family dynamics, and life-changing decisions in Mumbai. While the series excels in cinematography, emotive performances, notably from Sola Sobowale, Rahama Sadau, and Rajniesh Duggall, and a rich cultural blend, it falls short in delivering a truly standout narrative.

The plot remains straightforward and predictable, yet the cultural fusion offers a fresh perspective. Postcards is an emotionally engaging series, balancing simplicity with heartfelt moments.

Postcards is streaming on Netflix.

Rating: 3/5

7. Beyond The Veil (Season 2)

Returning for a second season, Beyond The Veil continues to explore the lives of Na’ima, Baddie, Hanifa, and Zizi as they navigate love, loss, and societal expectations. This season’s biggest win is Baddie’s emotional arc, which shines a much-needed light on the realities of domestic violence. Unfortunately, some other storylines don’t quite hit the mark: Na’ima’s narrative feels fragmented, Hanifa’s conclusion feels rushed, and Surrayah’s motivations remain unclear. Still, we couldn’t look away.

Irrespective, Beyond The Veil had its moments of brilliance, reminding us why we rooted for these characters in the first place. Streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 2.5/5

8. Life and Dirt

Bovi’s long-awaited Life and Dirt had us intrigued from the get-go. A supernatural thriller mixed with family drama and crime giving Living in Bondage? Sign us up! The series follows Yo, a business manager groomed by his mentor, Ajazi, to take over someday. But things spiral out of control when Yo joins a supernatural fellowship led by the mysterious Nene, forcing him to make dangerous decisions. Meanwhile, the Obi family struggles with betrayal, marital tensions, and a shocking twist that ties all the chaos together.

While the story brims with potential and serves up suspenseful twists, the rushed final episodes and plot holes left us wanting more. Why does Yo seek a native doctor to confront Nene’s power? And why does Ijeoma keep a baby she didn’t even want amid the turmoil? Still, Life and Dirt keeps us hooked with its storytelling and dark, atmospheric tone. It’s not perfect, but it still earns a spot on our list for daring to try something different.

Life and Dirt is streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 2.5/5

9. Anikulapo: Rise of the Sceptre

Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre brings Yoruba culture to life in a way that’s hard to ignore. Picking up after Saro’s fall from grace in the original film, the miniseries delves into his journey as he evades divine judgment, clashes with political forces in Oyo, and grapples with the havoc caused by the mythical Akala bird. The visuals are stunning, and the cultural representation, from the costumes to the dialogue steeped in Yoruba tradition, immerses viewers in a rich historical world.

That said, the storytelling wobbles. The timelines are confusing, and subplots, like the Oyomesi council’s power struggle and Bashorun’s schemes, feel half-baked, leaving the series with more ambition than coherence. Still, the effort to join mythology, history, and politics into a single narrative makes this a fascinating, if flawed, attempt at epic storytelling.

Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre earns a place on our list (being the first before Seven Doors) for its commitment to showcasing Yoruba culture on a grand scale. It’s bold, visually striking, and undeniably unique. Streaming on Netflix.

Rating: 2/5

10. Oloture: The Journey

When a sequel to a hit like Oloture drops, you can’t help but have high expectations. Sadly, Oloture: The Journey left us a bit underwhelmed. Oloture: The Journey takes us deeper into the perilous world of human trafficking, continuing Ehi’s fight for survival after narrowly escaping her captors in the original movie. The series masterfully captures the unrelenting tension and moral ambiguity of her journey to Europe, while also exploring the ripple effects of her actions back in Lagos. With well-placed suspense and raw storytelling, it sheds light on the harsh realities of trafficking, all while keeping viewers invested in Ehi’s fate.

The locations and cinematography are standouts, with desert crossings and action-packed moments that draw us right into the danger and desperation of Ehi’s world. Although the series leaves us with lingering questions and unresolved plotlines, its ability to spark conversation about human trafficking, the sacrifices made by its victims, its daring storytelling and unflinching portrayal of an important issue earn it a spot among the year’s best Nollywood series.

Oloture: The Journey is streaming on Netflix.

Rating: 2/5

These are our top picks for the best Nollywood series of 2024, each offering a unique blend of storytelling, cultural representation, and creativity. What do you think of our list. Did your favourites make the cut, or do you have others in mind?

Honourable mentions: Flawsome Season 2, Princess on the Hill

As we look forward to 2025, we can’t wait to see what Nollywood has in store for us. More groundbreaking stories, bold experiments, and unforgettable moments!