As we step boldly into 2025, it’s only fitting that we pause to tip our hats to the cinematic gems that defined Nollywood in the past year. From January to December 2024, filmmakers treated us to stories that resonated, performances that lingered, and executions that reminded us why Nollywood remains a force to be reckoned with.

In curating this list, we considered how well each film was crafted, the power of its storytelling, the emotional impact it left behind, and, of course, our official Nollycritic rating.

So, sit back and let’s relive the magic as we count down Nollycritic’s Top 20 Films of 2024.

20. A Night in 2005

Initially released in cinemas, and currently streaming on Prime, Temidayo Makanjuola’s A Night in 2005 is a deeply introspective film that bravely tackles trauma, justice, and the lingering scars of abuse. Anchored by standout performances from Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Efa Iwara, the film creates an emotional weight that lingers long after the credits roll.

While its resolution feels slightly unsatisfying, the story’s raw honesty and poignant message about power imbalances keep it firmly etched in our minds. A Night in 2005 remains a thought-provoking entry that sparks essential conversations.

Streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 3.5/5

19. Everybody Loves Jenifa

Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa brings back the beloved character with her signature charm, infectious humour, and larger-than-life personality. Split into two distinct chapters, one set in Lagos and the other in Ghana; the film juggles comedy, drama, and thriller elements with varying degrees of success.

The film struggles with tonal inconsistency and an overcrowded narrative. Its emotional beats often take a backseat to comedic gimmicks and star-studded cameos, leaving some subplots unresolved. Despite its narrative flaws, the film, released in cinemas in December 2024, makes it a crowd-pleaser worthy of its spot on this list.

Rating: 3/5

18. A Father’s Love

Sebastian Ukwa’s A Father’s Love delivers an emotionally charged exploration of family, sacrifice, and the weight of fatherhood. It tackles the theme of paternity fraud with commendable sensitivity, leaving audiences with lingering reflections. David Jones delivers a stirring lead performance, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength.

The emotional peak of his raw, the pleading radio monologue remains one of the most memorable moments in Nollywood this year. While some plot choices feel contrived and pacing occasionally falters, the film’s sincerity and emotional core are impossible to ignore.

Streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 2.5/5

17. Soft Love

Soft Love, directed by Holmes Awa, delivers exactly what its title promises—a tender, cross-cultural romance wrapped in vibrant visuals and light-hearted humour. Cindy Mahlangu and Efa Iwara share magnetic chemistry that drives the film’s emotional beats, while the supporting cast, including Genoveva Umeh and Rosemary Zimu, adds warmth and relatability. Though it occasionally leans into rom-com clichés, the film’s charm, strong performances, and heartfelt storytelling keep it afloat.

Streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 3.5/5

16. Aburo

Yemi Morafa’s Aburo shines brightest in its quiet, heartfelt moments. The story of an unlikely friendship between a troubled ex-athlete and a spirited street urchin is anchored by standout performances from Maleek Sani, Wumi Toriola, and Charles Inojie. The film’s cinematography and use of lighting create striking visual moments that complement its emotional narrative. While some subplots feel underdeveloped and the romantic arc lacks authenticity,

Aburo still delivers a touching, if imperfect, story of resilience and redemption.

Rating: 3/5

15. What About Us?

Directed by Kayode Kasum, produced by Pastor Emmanuel Iren, What About Us? explores the intricacies of modern relationships and marriage through a narrative rich in emotional depth and moral introspection. With its rich dialogue, vibrant visuals, and carefully considered production design, the film builds an intimate world that feels both personal and universal. While the heavy reliance on dialogue occasionally overshadows visual storytelling opportunities, the film’s emotional core remains intact.

It’s a thoughtful exploration of connection and vulnerability, leaving audiences with much to ponder.

Rating: 3.5/5

14. Thin Line

Directed by Akay Mason and produced by Mercy Aigbe, Thin Line takes viewers on a tense ride through guilt, morality, and the search for redemption. Released in cinemas, the film captivates with its thoughtful use of lighting and clever symbolic choices that add layers to the narrative. While its exploration of faith feels surface-level at times, the film’s pacing and emotional beats keep audiences engaged. It’s a thoughtful addition to Nollywood’s growing catalogue of suspense-driven stories, with moments that linger long after viewing.

Thin Line delivers an engaging story underscored by its technical strengths and a well-paced plot.

Rating: 3.5/5

13. Queen Lateefah

Directed by Adeoluwa Owu and produced by Wumi Toriola, Queen Lateefah is a delightful mix of comedy and drama, blending sharp wit with heartfelt storytelling brought to the big screen. The film explores themes of identity, deception, and the pursuit of social mobility through the story of Lateefah, a woman living a double life in her quest for acceptance and stability. With sharp dialogue from the eponymous chatacter, and an engaging plot, the film delivers an enjoyable cinematic experience.

Released in cinemas, Queen Lateefah didn’t just win audiences over with its charm but also performed impressively at the box office, grossing ₦57 million in its opening weekend. The film remains a standout entry in Nollywood’s 2024 slate.

Rating: 3.5/5

12. House of Ga’a

House of Ga’a takes viewers into the historical world of the Oyo Empire, chronicling the rise and fall of the infamous Bashorun Ga’a. The film, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and written by Tunde Babalola and released on Netflix, it attempts to reframe a grand historical narrative through the lens of familial and personal conflict, offering an intimate perspective on power, ambition, and betrayal. Its production design, costumes, and set choices effectively recreate the era, while moments of creative cinematography shine particularly in scenes exploring spiritual symbolism.

While the narrative maintains engagement, it misses the emotional depth needed to fully capitalize on its unique perspective. House of Ga’a offers a commendable effort at reimagining historical storytelling in Nollywood.

Rating: 3.5/5

11. Ajosepo

Ajosepo offers a comedic yet heartfelt exploration of familial involvement in marriage, diving into the chaos, secrets, and emotional undercurrents that often accompany traditional Yoruba unions. Released in cinemas, the film captivates with its sharp writing, and clever visual storytelling. The attention to detail in set design, costume choices, and sound design enriches the overall viewing experience, while the narrative flows seamlessly, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish. However, occasional continuity errors and a slightly overstretched finale weaken the film’s tight execution.

Ajosepo succeeds in delivering a humorous, relatable, and visually polished story that resonates with its cultural roots.

Rating: 3.5/5

10. A Green Fever

Set in 1980s Nigeria, A Green Fever tells a suspenseful tale of secrets and survival. Taiwo Egunjobi’s direction builds tension through atmospheric lighting, moody visuals, and careful pacing. The film keeps viewers guessing while unravelling layers of deceit and hidden motivations. While its open-ended conclusion feels slightly abrupt, the storytelling remains deeply engaging.

It’s a thriller that respects its audience’s intelligence and rewards their patience. A Green Fever showcases a commendable effort in blending historical tension with intimate character-driven storytelling, marking it as a notable entry in Nollywood’s growing repertoire of thrillers.

Rating: 3.5/5

9. Suspicion

Directed by Tosin Igho, Suspicion ventures into Nollywood’s supernatural thriller space, blending elements of crime, action, and juju in an ambitious narrative. The film tackles themes of vengeance, grief, and the moral dilemmas surrounding justice, all set against a mystical backdrop. The visual effects and cinematography deliver some striking moments, with blue lighting adding an eerie aesthetic that complements the supernatural tone. However, while the plot offers twists and intrigue, the emotional weight of the story is occasionally diluted by rushed character arcs and uneven dialogue.

The film’s open-ended conclusion makes us anticipate a sequel, hinting at greater potential for world-building. Suspicion remains a noteworthy attempt at redefining the supernatural genre in Nollywood. This film is available on Prime Video.

Rating: 3.5/5

8. Kill Boro

Kill Boro stands out for its raw emotional weight and immersive storytelling. Directed by Courage Obayuwana and written by Priye Diri, they both craft a gritty tale of family, redemption, and desperation, anchored by cinematography that captures every tense moment and lingering silence. The handheld shots and moody colour palette deepen the story’s emotional stakes, while the authentic settings ground the narrative in harsh realities.

The authenticity of the locations adds an extra layer of realism to the narrative, grounding the film’s emotional stakes. Kill Boro remains a poignant and visually captivating drama that highlights the promise of its debut director and the growing ambition of Nollywood’s storytellers.

The film is available on Prime Video.

Rating: 3.5/5

7. Christmas in Lagos

Jade Osiberu’s Christmas in Lagos is vibrant and undeniably charming. Released on Prime Video, the film weaves together multiple storylines against the lively backdrop of Lagos’ festive Detty December. The visuals beautifully capture the city’s spirit, while the soundtrack adds a layer of emotional resonance to key moments. Although a few narrative choices feel slightly out of sync with the film’s flow, the overall experience is rich.

Christmas in Lagos is a delightful addition to Nollywood’s holiday film catalogue, offering vibes, warmth, and a few surprises along the way.

Rating: 4/5

6. With Difficulty Comes Ease

Korede Azeez delivers a deeply emotional story in With Difficulty Comes Ease, tackling grief, faith, and societal pressures with care and nuance. The story’s authenticity is its greatest strength, addressing sensitive topics like religious conversion, widowhood, corruption, and personal resilience with nuance and care without falling into cliché. The cinematography and colour grading mirror the story’s emotional tone. The storytelling remains heartfelt, reflective, and culturally significant proving that even quiet stories can make a loud impact.

This film is a touching and culturally significant narrative that reflects Nollywood’s growing commitment to diverse storytelling.

Rating: 3.5/5

5. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti isn’t just a historical film, it’s a powerful tribute. Initially released in cinemas and currently available on Prime, the film paints a vivid portrait of Funmilayo’s tireless advocacy for women’s rights and her unyielding fight against colonial and patriarchal oppression. The script shines with authenticity, blending sharp dialogue with well-researched storytelling. With stunning cinematography and meticulously recreated sets, the biopic brings the life of one of Nigeria’s most iconic activists to the screen with conviction.

The transitions between timelines are seamless, and the performances are deeply compelling. While the abrupt ending leaves viewers wanting more, the film still stands tall as a celebration of resilience, courage, and the indomitable spirit of Funmilayo herself that lingered after 

Rating: 4/5

4. Farmer’s Bride

Co-directed by Jack’enneth Opukeme and Adebayo Tijani, Farmer’s Bride blends emotional storytelling with rich cultural representation. The film explores forbidden love, societal pressure, and the battle for personal freedom with visual flair and a soundtrack that heightens every emotional beat. While its pacing has moments of inconsistency, the second act shines with a balance of tension and vulnerability.

Its thematic depth and cultural resonance secure its place among the year’s standout titles, making it a memorable entry in Nollywood’s romance-drama landscape. Released in cinemas, its ability to stir conversations about cultural expectations and individual agency solidifies its place as one of the more memorable Nollywood offerings of the year.

Rating: 4/5

3. A Ghetto Love Story

Daniel Oriahi’s A Ghetto Love Story delivers raw emotion wrapped in a gritty love story set against the harsh realities of urban survival. Its production design is rich with authenticity, while the cinematography and lighting pull audiences into the chaotic yet intimate world of Obinna and Stella. The narrative balances romance, societal commentary, and personal ambition with remarkable poise, though it occasionally leans too heavily on dialogue for exposition. Still, the emotional weight of the story and its carefully layered performances make it one of the year’s most engaging films.

A Ghetto Love Story remains an engaging romantic drama. Its narrative depth, cultural resonance, and sharp technical execution make it a standout entry in Nollywood’s cinematic landscape.

Rating: 4/5

2. Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising

In Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising, Omoni Oboli shifts gears, taking the beloved franchise into darker, more emotionally intense territory. Hilda Dokubo anchors the story with a riveting performance as Ebiere, a mother on a relentless quest for justice. The cinematography sharpens the story’s emotional focus, while the narrative explores maternal love, societal failure, and the grey areas of justice. Though comedic interruptions sometimes feel out of place, the film remains powerful, thought-provoking, and one of the most impactful entries in the series.

Wives on Strike 3: The Uprising successfully balances emotional resonance and social commentary, delivering a powerful cinematic experience.

Rating: 4/5

1. The Weekend

At the top of our list is The Weekend—a masterful psychological thriller from Daniel Oriahi that blends suspense, horror, and deeply unsettling family secrets. The film’s sharp cinematography, evocative sound design, and symbolic costume choices build an atmosphere thick with tension that enhanced the cinema experience. Uzoamaka Aniunoh shines in her role as Nikya, carrying the emotional weight of the story with precision, while Bucci Franklin delivers a compelling performance as Luke.

Although the film occasionally leans to predictable genre tropes and relies on familiar Hollywood storytelling frameworks, it remains an engaging and impactful cinematic experience. It’s a bold entry into Nollywood’s evolving thriller landscape and sets a benchmark for future genre films.

Rating: 4/5

And there you have it—Nollycritic’s Top 20 Nollywood Films of 2024. From thought-provoking dramas to thrilling suspense, this list highlights the diversity, ambition, and creativity driving Nigerian cinema forward. Which film captured your heart? Which one do you think deserved a higher spot? Let’s know in the comments section.