After working hard, Nigerians love to relax with a wide range of pastime activities. From playing traditional games and watching sports to partying out on Afrobeats and even placing real-money bets on online bookmakers, there is a lot to do to unwind. However, movies stand out among these activities by appealing to a more diverse audience across all age groups and backgrounds. After all, it is not by coincidence that Nollywood is the second-largest movie industry globally in terms of output.
2023 was particularly enjoyable for Nollywood fans. We were served amazing projects such as “Jagun Jagun,” “Shanty Town,” “Gangs of Lagos,” and many others. This year, the industry has maintained its upward trajectory, with even more high-quality productions capturing the attention of audiences both locally and around the world.
In this article, we will take a quick look at the top five must-watch Nollywood Netflix movies to relax in 2024. But before we dive in, you can read more here about the best online betting sites if that’s how you prefer to enjoy your free time.
Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre
With this project, the producer Kunle Afolayan aimed to build on the success of the beloved 2022 film Aníkúlápó. The movie, spanning six episodes, picks up where the original film left off. It continues the story of Saro (played by Kunle Remi) after his untimely death and unexpected return from heaven’s gate to fulfill certain unfinished tasks. It also dives into the life of Arolake (played by Bimbo Ademoye), exploring her journey after her escape from the Oyo kingdom and her eventual fallout with Saro.
Overall, the movie introduces intriguing new subplots and characters, further enriching the narrative and adding new layers to the original story. It’s indeed a must-watch, especially for those who have seen the original film.
Òlòtūré: The Journey
Òlòtūré: The Journey also picks up where the 2020 film Òlòtūré left off. It dives deeper into the dark and dangerous world of human trafficking, telling the story of Òlòtūré (played by Sharon Ooja) as she embarks on a harrowing journey from Nigeria to Europe, traveling through Niger and Libya via illegal migration.
The 3-episode series captures the intense challenges, risks, and brutal realities of trafficking. However, despite its gripping narrative, the story ends in a way that begs for continuity, hinting at the need for another follow-up to fully conclude Òlòtūré’s journey.
House of Gaa
House of Gaa tells the story of the infamous Bashorun Gaa (played by Femi Branch), a notorious nobleman and military leader in the old Oyo Empire. The movie follows his exploits in Oyo, rise to power, unchecked ambition, and eventual downfall.
Although adapted from a Historical source, the movie also includes some elements of fiction, which means it’s a blend of fact and imagination. It skillfully balances historical accuracy with creative storytelling, offering an even more exciting and engaging look at the story of one of Oyo’s most infamous figures.
Tòkunbò
Tokunbo is one of the latest Nollywood releases on Netflix, having just premiered on August 23, 2024. Since its debut, the film has garnered a reasonable amount of positive reviews and quickly became one of the trending Nollywood movies on Netflix.
The story centers around Tokunbo (played by Gideon Okeke), a former car smuggler caught in a high-stakes situation. After becoming involved in the kidnapping of the Central Bank Governor’s daughter, Folashade (played by Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi), Tokunbo must go through a dangerous path to deliver the girl to her captors and save his own family.
Postcards
Postcards is a captivating Nigerian-Indian Netflix series about four Nigerians living in India. The series explores the rich cultural intersections between Nigeria and India, delivering a compelling narrative around themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations.
The movie features a vibrant mix of seasoned Nollywood stars like Sola Sobowale, Tobi Bakre, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Rahama Sadau, and Nancy Isime. It also showcases popular Indian actors such as Rajneesh Duggal and the late Rio Kapadia.
Conclusion
2024 has been a really good year so far for Nigerian movie lovers so far. From gripping dramas to thrilling adventures, the Nollywood movie industry has consistently delivered a wide variety of films and series that cater to every taste. These top five releases are particularly noteworthy for their compelling storylines and outstanding performances. You shouldn’t miss them for anything.
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