Eight Films That have Put Nollywood in the Global space 

Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming film industry, has experienced a remarkable transformation over the years with their films breaking barriers and earning recognition on the global stage. From humble beginnings in the 1940s traveling theatres to the VHS era of the 1990s, Nollywood has evolved into a powerhouse of cinematic excellence.

In recent years, it has shattered glass ceilings, making its presence felt worldwide through a series of groundbreaking films. From Netflix originals to prestigious award nominations, Nollywood has proven that it is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema. In this article, we will explore eight films that have catapulted Nollywood into the global spotlight, highlighting its achievements and contributions to the international film industry.

Lion Heart – First Netflix Original Film and Oscar Nomination 

In 2019, Nollywood’s veteran actress Genevieve Nnaji made her directorial debut with “Lionheart.” The film, centered around a first daughter’s struggle to save her father’s company, marked a historic moment for Nollywood as it became the first Nigerian film to secure a Netflix original release. Additionally, “Lionheart” garnered attention by receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best International Film, making it the first Nollywood movie to achieve this honor, although it was later disqualified due to language constraints. This milestone showcased Nollywood’s growing influence and quality in global filmmaking.

Blood Sisters – First Netflix Original Series

A remake of the 2003 Nollywood classic “Blood Sister,” the mini-series adaptation made its debut on Netflix as the platform’s first Nigerian original series. Titled “Blood Sister: Redemption,” this series quickly gained international acclaim by entering the top 10 list in 30 countries and accumulating over 11 million hours of viewing. This achievement solidified Nollywood’s presence on the global streaming stage, reaffirming its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.

Mami Water – First Nigerian Feature Film at Sundance 

In a groundbreaking moment for Nollywood, “Mami Wata,” a black and white fantasy thriller directed by CJ Obasi and produced by Oge Obasi, premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in 2023. This marked the first time a Nigerian feature film was featured at the world’s largest indie film festival. “Mami Wata” went on to receive numerous accolades, including the 2023 National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award and an Oscar nomination for Best International Film in 2024, highlighting Nollywood’s growing recognition on the global stage.

Gangs of Lagos – First Nigerian Prime Video Original 

“Gangs of Lagos,” Nollywood’s debut Prime Video original, made a significant impact on the global streaming scene. This series, created and directed by Jade Osiberu, offered a relatable narrative that resonated with viewers worldwide. With compelling storytelling and engaging fight scenes, “Gangs of Lagos” brought Nollywood’s unique storytelling to a broader audience through Amazon Prime Video, further solidifying its global reach and influence.

The Black Book – Top Five on Global Netflix 

Editi Effiong’s revenge thriller, “The Black Book,” achieved remarkable success on Netflix. Released in September 2023, the film quickly climbed to the third position on Netflix’s global charts by the year’s end, attracting more than 20 million views worldwide. Within just 48 hours of its release, “The Black Book” garnered 5.6 million views, breaking into Netflix’s Top 10 list in over 69 countries. This achievement underscored Nollywood’s ability to produce captivating content that resonates with audiences on a global scale.

Blood Vessel – Number 1 Non-English Film on Netflix 

Moses Inwang’s thriller “Blood Vessel” gained international acclaim by becoming the number one non-English film on Netflix. Set in the Ijaw and Niger Delta pidgin languages, the film captured the imagination of viewers, accumulating over 8.8 million hours of viewing time and 4.4 million views. This achievement showcased Nollywood’s storytelling prowess and its capacity to create compelling narratives that transcend language barriers, resonating with a diverse global audience.

Shanty Town – Most Streamed African Original in Nigeria 

After a two-year hiatus, Chidi Mokeme returned to the screen with “Shanty Town” in January 2023. This Netflix original series not only captivated Nigerian audiences but also earned the distinction of being the most streamed African original in Nigeria. It held viewers in its grip for months and ranked as the second most-streamed across the entire African continent. “Shanty Town” exemplified Nollywood’s ability to create content that resonates deeply with local and international audiences alike.

A Tribe Called Judah –  The First Film to Gross ₦1 Billion

Funke Akindele achieved a remarkable milestone with “A Tribe Called Judah.” The film, released in cinemas on December 15, quickly soared to ₦400 million at the box office within seven days. In just three weeks, it achieved an astonishing ₦1 billion in sales, marking a historic moment as the first Nollywood film to reach this financial milestone. Funke Akindele’s movie success demonstrated Nollywood’s incredible box office potential and its ability to produce blockbusters that captivate audiences and break financial records.

In conclusion, Nollywood’s journey from humble beginnings to global prominence is an inspiring tale of resilience, creativity, and determination. Through these eight remarkable films, Nollywood has not only solidified its place on the international stage but also demonstrated its capacity to tell compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. From Netflix originals and Oscar nominations to record-breaking box office sales, Nollywood continues to defy expectations and push boundaries, enriching the global film industry with its unique narratives and cultural perspectives