Top Nollywood Movies Every Foreigner Should Watch

By 9jaFinds Editorial Desk | Updated October 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: How Nollywood Became a Global Force

2. The Rise of Nigerian Cinema — From Lagos to Netflix

3. Top 20 Nollywood Movies Every Foreigner Should Watch

   • The Wedding Party (2016)

   • King of Boys (2018)

   • Lionheart (2018)

   • Citation (2020)

   • October 1 (2014)

   • and more…

4. Why Nollywood Matters Globally

5. Behind the Scenes: The Filmmakers Changing the Game

6. How to Stream Nollywood Movies Abroad

7. 9jaFinds: The No.1 Hub for Nigerian Culture and Commerce

8. FAQs: Nollywood 101 — What Foreigners Ask Most

9. Final Thoughts: Nigeria’s Storytelling Future

Introduction: How Nollywood Became a Global Force

In the heart of West Africa, an empire was built — not with oil or steel, but with stories.
Today, Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, stands as one of the world’s largest — second only to Bollywood and Hollywood in output.

Every week, hundreds of films roll out of Lagos, Asaba, and Abuja — rich in color, drama, and cultural truth. Yet beyond entertainment, Nollywood has become something deeper: a bridge.

It connects Nigerians in the diaspora longing for home, and foreigners seeking an authentic window into Africa’s soul.

From Netflix premieres to international film festivals, Nollywood is no longer an underdog — it’s a cultural powerhouse reshaping how the world views Africa.

The Rise of Nigerian Cinema — From Lagos to Netflix

The roots of Nollywood trace back to the early 1990s, when filmmakers like Kenneth Nnebue (of Living in Bondagefame) shot movies on VHS tapes. Those homegrown productions sparked a movement — accessible, emotional, and unmistakably Nigerian.

By 2020, streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax had caught on. Global audiences discovered stars like Genevieve Nnaji, RMD, Sola Sobowale, Adesua Etomi, and Kunle Afolayan, whose performances resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Today, Nollywood’s reach is global. From London’s Peckham cinemas to Toronto’s Afro-Caribbean festivals, Nigerian movies have become both entertainment and identity — a celebration of resilience, family, and humor.

Top 20 Nollywood Movies Every Foreigner Should Watch

Here’s your definitive guide to the must-watch Nollywood films that capture Nigeria’s spirit — from modern blockbusters to timeless classics.

Why Nollywood Matters Globally

Nollywood’s impact extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. It’s rewriting the global narrative about Africa — from stories of struggle to stories of success.

The industry contributes over $7 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP and employs millions, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. But beyond the numbers, Nollywood influences fashion, music, tourism, and even diplomacy.

Foreign audiences are drawn to:

• Authentic African storytelling

• Strong female leads and themes of empowerment

• Vibrant fashion, family, and faith

• Universal emotions told through local experiences

As Kemi Adetiba told CNN Africa, “We’re not just making films; we’re exporting culture.”

Behind the Scenes: The Filmmakers Changing the Game

The new wave of Nollywood is driven by visionaries — both veterans and fresh voices redefining what Nigerian cinema can be.

• Kemi Adetiba (King of Boys, The Wedding Party) — Blending grit and glamour.

• Kunle Afolayan (Aníkúlápó, Citation) — The craftsman of historical depth.

• Genevieve Nnaji (Lionheart) — The global face of modern Nollywood.

• Funke Akindele (Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah) — Breaking box-office records with relatable storytelling.

• Jade Osiberu (Isoken, Gangs of Lagos) — The bridge between tradition and Gen Z energy.

How to Stream Nollywood Movies Abroad

If you’re outside Nigeria, here’s how you can legally enjoy Nollywood’s best:

• Netflix Nigeria → Global catalog of top releases.

• Amazon Prime Video Africa → Award-winning and indie films.

• Showmax → African originals and series.

• YouTube Channels → IROKOtv, EbonyLife TV, and Africa Magic.

💡 Tip: You can find curated recommendations and streaming gear on 9jaFinds.com/shop — from smart projectors to African-inspired merch.

9jaFinds: The No.1 Hub for Nigerian Culture, Commerce & Community

Founded to bridge Nigeria with the world, 9jaFinds has become the ultimate digital hub for culture, commerce, and community.

From Nollywood spotlights and diaspora business stories to food, fashion, and travel guides — 9jaFinds connects Nigerians at home and abroad to everything that defines “Naija.”

Think of it as Forbes Africa meets BBC Pidgin meets The Shade Room — a new-age platform blending credibility with culture.

In just under a year, 9jaFinds has positioned itself among the Top 10 Emerging Media Publishing Brands, rivalling the likes of Complex, E! News, and National Geographic, by curating authentic, data-driven, and human-centered content about Nigeria’s evolution.

FAQs: Nollywood 101 for Foreigners

Q1: What does “Nollywood” mean?
A: It refers to Nigeria’s film industry — the second-largest in the world by volume.

Q2: Where can I watch Nollywood movies?
A: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Showmax, and YouTube.

Q3: Which Nollywood movie was Nigeria’s first Netflix Original?
A: Lionheart (2018), directed by Genevieve Nnaji.

Q4: Are Nollywood movies in English?
A: Mostly, but some include Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa with subtitles.

Q5: What genres are popular?
A: Drama, comedy, romance, thriller, and epic historical tales.

Q6: Can foreigners visit Nollywood sets?
A: Yes — Lagos and Asaba host film tours.

Q7: Who are the biggest Nollywood stars internationally?
A: Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Funke Akindele, and Ramsey Nouah.

Q8: What’s the difference between Old and New Nollywood?
A: Old Nollywood was VHS-driven and low-budget; New Nollywood is cinematic and global.

Q9: Does Nollywood influence Afrobeats culture?
A: Absolutely. Both industries fuel each other’s storytelling and global reach.

Q10: Is Nollywood profitable for investors?
A: Yes — streaming deals and cinema expansion have made it one of Africa’s most promising creative markets.

Conclusion: A Story Beyond the Screen

Nollywood is more than entertainment — it’s the heartbeat of Africa’s creative revolution.

For foreigners, watching a Nollywood film isn’t just viewing — it’s listening to Nigeria speak.

Whether it’s the laughter in The Wedding Party or the power struggles in King of Boys, these films embody the pulse of a nation with 250 languages, one spirit, and a billion dreams.

So next time you open Netflix or Prime, skip the algorithm. Type “Nollywood.”
And discover why the world is finally watching Nigeria.

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