As the curtain closes on 2024, the Nigerian movie industry, known as Nollywood, has once again proven its mettle as a powerhouse of creative storytelling. From the cinema screens to streaming platforms, Nollywood movies have continued to captivate audiences with their unique blend of drama, romance, comedy, and social commentary.
With a slew of blockbuster releases, box office success, and talented actors making waves, 2024 has been an unforgettable year for Nollywood.
Let’s take a look at the top five movies of the year, based on plot, actor performances, and general production quality.
“Farmer’s Bride”
Set in 1980s Ibadan, “Farmer’s Bride” is a tale of Odun, a wealthy, lonely farmer, who seeks solace in marriage with a young bride, Funmi. However, their union is fraught with challenges as Funmi struggles to find happiness and eventually embarks on a forbidden affair with Odun’s nephew. The consequences of their actions lead to a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
While romance and love are staples of Nollywood movies plot, its portrayal in ‘Farmer’s Bride brought a unique perspective to storytelling. The unexpected twists and turns add depth, making the story even more captivating. “Farmer’s Bride” presents love in a way that has not been explored in the genre, giving it a fresh perspective that stands out from other Nollywood films.
Released in the cinemas on September 27, 2024, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Tobi Bakre, Gbubemi Ejeye, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wumi Toriola. It was refreshing to see Bakare break away from his usual gangster roles and deliver a performance that showed a broad range of emotions. Ejeye also beautifully embodied her character, using her body language and facial expressions to great effect.
It is no surprise that “Farmer’s Bride”, which comes in at number five on our list, holds the spot as one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films earning over ₦154 million.
“Smart Money Woman”
Although not a movie, the show deserves a spot on the list. Following its critically acclaimed debut in 2021, Smart Money Woman season two premiered on 31 October 2024, on the Azuwa Studios YouTube channel. Based on Arese Ugwu’s 2016 book of the same title, the show follows the lives of five women.
The second season of “Smart Money Woman,” which takes our number four spot picks up a year after the ladies’ life-changing experiences. Each episode shows a new side to these women and how their actions affect their financial power, which also helps viewers learn a thing or two. At the end of the season, the show closes on a very high note which leaves you hoping for another season.
“Everybody loves Jenifa”
Despite being released about a week ago on Friday, 13 December 2024, Funke Akindele’s latest instalment of Jenifa’s story, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has topped the Nigerian box office, opening with a whopping ₦45.22 million and quickly breaking records by making ₦200 million in three days.
The movie shows how Jenifa and her companions encounter a lethal drug lord in Ghana after a bag of drugs is inadvertently left in their rental. While Funke Akindele takes the lead role, she also directs an all-star cast, including Nancy Isime, Layi Wasabi, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, Patience Ozokwor, Chimezie Imo, and Falz.
In comparison to movies that often jeopardise quality when featuring a long list of star casts, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” does a fantastic job of maintaining a healthy balance and delivering solid performances earning it the third spot on our list.
“Seven Doors”
Femi Adebayo’s “Seven Doors” was listed among our must-see Nollywood movies for the 2024 holiday season, and it did not fall short. Marking his directorial debut, this historical drama whisks audiences away to 18th and 19th-century Nigeria. The film which comes in at number two, masterfully explores themes of love, betrayal, and the delicate balance between tradition and progress.
At the heart of the story is a Yoruba king, played by Femi Adebayo, and his Igbo queen, portrayed by Chioma Akpotha. Their kingdom’s peace is disrupted by the arrival of a Hausa investor, whose plans threaten to upend their cherished traditions, setting the stage for a dramatic clash of cultures and a quest for redemption.
Unlike many films that rush their storylines, this one takes its time. Each of the six episodes is carefully constructed, allowing viewers to truly connect with the narrative. The cast also does a great job of interpreting their roles, which evokes genuine reactions from the audience and leaves them with a true appreciation for the movie.
“Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti”
Taking the spot for the best Nollywood movie of 2024 is the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti biopic by Bolanle Austen-Peters. The epic garnered so many positive reviews and even won the Best Movie of the Year at the 2023 edition of AFRIFF. It grossed ₦157 million at the Nigerian Box Office. With Kehinde Bankole as the lead, the movie portrays the life of the Nigerian activist and mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
Written by Tunde Babalola the movie tells the tale of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s mother, from her groundbreaking years as the first female pupil at Abeokuta Grammar School to her union with Israel Ransome-Kuti. Together with her husband, Funmilayo opposed injustice and founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union This led to a bloody conflict with traditional and colonial leaders who stood in the way of justice.
With a cast that includes veteran actor Joke Silva, best lead actress AMVCA 2024 Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Omowunmi Dada, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Yewande Osamein and Iremide Adeoye, character delivery was impeccable.
“Funmilayo Ransome Kuti” was also exceptional for its attention to detail. The set designs, costumes, and storytelling showed the crew’s intentionality in producing an authentic movie with great quality.
There you go, the top five Nollywood movies of 2024. While it was hard to cram such an incredible year into a short list, it is a testament to the fact that the industry is poised for even greater heights in the years to come.
