Top Nollywood Movies That Wowed Nigerians In 2023
By Grace Ekpo
The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, reached remarkable heights in 2023, producing a diverse array of titles spanning multiple genres. These movies attracted billions of viewers across cinema halls and various streaming platforms throughout the year. Here are the top movies that stood out in 2023:
1. **Gangs of Lagos:**
A Nigerian gangster crime thriller movie, *Gangs of Lagos,* directed by Jade Osiberu, was released on April 7, 2023. The film featured Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Bimbo Ademoye, Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo ‘Mr. Maraconi’ Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, and Funke Williams. The story revolves around a group of friends who grew up in the Isale Eko area of Lagos, Nigeria, and became entangled in crime and violence. Tobi Bakre won the Best Actor in a ‘Drama, Movie, or TV Series’ at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2023 for his lead role in the movie.
2. **Selina’s Wedding:**
Selina’s Wedding is a series that promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions in this hilarious rom-com, released on October 29, 2023. Mistaken identities, family drama, and the kind of wedding chaos that only Nollywood can deliver make it the perfect antidote to a bad day.
3. **Blood Vessel:**
Blood Vessel is a story that blurs the lines between reality and delusion, featuring a compelling performance by Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. Prepare to be shaken to your core by this chilling psychological horror with haunting visuals and a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and delusion.
4. **Jagun Jagun:**
Jagun Jagun, released on August 10, 2023, and directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijjani, features Femi Adebayo as Ogundiji, a feared warlord within and outside his community. The plot takes an intriguing turn when a young warrior, Gbotija, bursts onto the scene. The movie also stars Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Muyiwa Ademola, Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Balogun, Lateef Adedimeji, and Femi Adebayo.
5. **The Black Book:**
In The Black Book, Richard Mofe-Damijo plays Paul Edima, a devoted church deacon forced back into a life of crime when his son is wrongly killed. The movie features Nollywood veterans, including Richard Mofe-Damijo as the lead, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello, Alex Usifo, Bimbo Akintola, Bimbo Manuel, and many more.
6. **Òrìṣà:**
If you fell in love with Femi Adebayo’s ‘King of Thieves’ in 2022, Òrìṣà is another Yoruba epic that will have you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of a rogue king who loses respect for the gods and his people and is struck with insanity. Meanwhile, a gang of highly skilled warriors allies, threatening to take over his kingdom.
7. **Anikulapo:**
In this multiple-award-winning movie, newly married actor Kunle Remi stars as Saro. Saro, a young zealous man seeking greener pastures in the great Oyo Kingdom, sees his life take unexpected turns due to his affair with the king’s wife. However, through a mystical bird, he gets a second chance at life.
