Today, Tuesday, 1 October, marks Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, reminding Nigerians of the battles they fought before retrieving their freedom from the British colonialists.

In honour of Nigeria’s Independence Day, here are some Nollywood movies about how Nigeria struggled to gain her independence, told in great detail with well-casted actors who portrayed their emotions on screen to match that of our forefathers.

To celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, we recommend these movies for you to watch with your friends and family as you recharge and remind yourself of your patriotic spirit.

1. The Amazing Grace (2006)

Directed by Jeta Amata and starring Nick Moran, Mbong Odungide, Fred Amata, Joke Silva, Enyinna Nwigwe, James Hicks, Chica Chukwu, Scott Clevedon, and Zack Amata.

The Amazing Grace tells the story of a British slave trader who takes the journey of a lifetime to West Africa, where he documents his experiences before becoming an Anglican priest and an abolitionist who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace”.

2. October 1 (2014)

Directed by Kunle Afolayan and starring Kunle Afolayan, Sadiq Daba, Ademola Adedoyin, Kehinde Bankole, Fabian Adeoye, Demola Adedoyin, Nick Rhys, Femi Adebayo, and more.

The plot of the film is set in a time leading to Nigeria’s independence; a detective from Northern Nigeria is tasked to solve the mystery behind a series of murder cases in a town called Akote. The detective’s search leads him to a killer who has murdered several women, including those close to him.

3. Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)

Adapted from the eponymous book written by Chimamanda Adichie, directed by Biyi Bandele and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Boyega, Thandiwe Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Zack Orji, Onyeka Onwenu, OC Ukeje, Wale Ojo, Anika Noni Rose.

The Nollywood film centres around the lives of twin sisters who return home to Nigeria and go their separate ways to explore love, loss, pain, and the aftermath of war. The film is set in the Civil War period, which forces the twin sisters to join in the fight for humanity. 

4. ‘76 (2016)

Directed by Izu Ojukwu and stars Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme, Pat Nebo, Adonijah Owiriwa, Bolaji Ogunmola, Daniel K. Daniel, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ben Nwosu, and more.

Based on actual events, ‘76 tells of the year 1976, a time of despair for Nigerians as the film was set after the Civil War and saw an innocent young soldier be framed for participating in the 1976 military coup, which led to the assassination of the great General Murtala Muhammed.

5. Invasion 1897 (2014)

By Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun and stars Chucky Venice, Segun Arinze, Nike Omoregbee, Rudolph Walker, Paul Obazele, Justus Esiri, Tim Robinson, and more.

The “Invasion 1897” depicts the story of the British Invasion in the Benin Kingdom in 1897, the exile of Oba Ovonramwen. It showcases a prince standing trial for the thievery of artefacts and the sad tale of the destruction of the powerful Benin Kingdom.

6. Oloibiri (2015)

Directed by Curtis Graham and stars Richard Mofe Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Clem Ohameze, Ivie Okujaye, Wale Adebayo, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Dayton Sinkia, and Lord Frank.

Oloibiri is an action film that tells the story of dirt, oil, and greed. It shows the plight of the Niger Delta residents and the ugly aftereffects of oil extraction from the region, their neglect from the government and the sufferings endured.