Nollywood has put out some of the best emotional and heartbreaking films in the last 2000s, and some of these films, even when action- or comedy-centred, have brought tears to our eyes and made us leave the room more excited than we came in. In this article, we list our top 10 Nollywood emotionally charged films of the decade.
- Isoken
“Isoken” is a 2017 movie that revolves around a woman who challenges societal norms and the cultural pressure surrounding women in their 30s. It forces a look at the dangerous narrative of the patriarchy. Dakore Akande’s role was beautifully written and acted out and is still seen as one of the best characters in a Nollywood romance film. The film was the directorial debut of Jade Osiberu, and some of the cast members are Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin, Jemima Osunde and Marc Rhys. It is number 1 on our list for its emotional depth and how beautifully it portrays the struggles faced by older women in Nigerian society.
- Citation
When a bright student goes after her entire university in the bid to expose a well-known professor who tried to rape her, chaos unfolds in the university with her at the centre of it all. Directed by Kunle Afolayan, it stars Temi Otedola, Gabriel Afolayan, Bukunmi Oluwashina and Jimmy Jean-Louis. The delicate and yet strong way in which “Citation” portrayed a victim of sexual abuse is why it is at number 2 on our list.
- Joba
This 2019 film follows the life of a young couple struggling with childlessness in a society that continues to mount pressure on them, with heavy focus on the wife who begins to struggle with her mental health and attempts to commit suicide. “Joba” does a great job of handling the heaviness of mental illness, societal pressure, the yearning of a childless couple and the importance of support between a couple. It is emotional and yet a great love story, hence why it is third on our list. Biodun Stephen directed it and features Blossom Chukwujekwu, Ayomide Egegbe, and David Uzoma Aboy.
- ‘76
Set in the 90s and in the military era, “76” depicts the loyalty and sacrifice of a pregnant wife who goes above and beyond to prove the innocence of her husband when he is framed for murder. This film by Izu Ojukwu, starring Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, and Ramsay Nouah, is a master class in bravery and the importance of integrity. It is the fourth film on our list.
- Half Of A Yellow Sun
This adaptation of the beloved novel by Chimamanda Adichie follows the story of two sisters whose journey back to Nigeria post-colonialism has them going on different paths in life. When the civil war breaks out and political tensions escalate, they put aside their differences to fight and establish an independent republic. Directed by Biyi Bandele and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Boyega, and Thandiwe Newton, this is one of the best adaptations of a Nigerian book and has continued to set the pace for other adaptations even over a decade later. It is number 5 on our ranking.
- A Tribe Called Judah
The 2023 film ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ follows the life of the Judah family and their matriarch, Mama JJ, as they face a crisis that threatens to destroy their peace, causing them to unite and find joy in family to solve the problems threatening their lives. Directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu, some of the cast members for this film are Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Uzee Usman, Jide Kene Achufusi, Nse Ikpe Etim and Genoveva Umeh. It is the third highest-grossing film in Nigeria, and it is number 6 on our list for how it portrays the importance of family bonds and support, regardless of differences.
- Mr And Mrs
In this 2012 film, a woman struggles with the reality of her life being limited to kitchen duties by a husband who is ashamed of her, and another couple who believes they have the perfect marriage but soon find out it is all a smoke screen. Set in a time when gender inequality was not a huge topic, this film played a huge role in pointing out the inequalities faced by women in their marital homes. It is number 7 on our rankings, and it was directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka and stars Nse Ikpe Etim, Joseph Benjamin and Barbara Soky.
- Fine Wine
Ranking as the eighth film on our list, “Fine Wine” is a 2021 film that follows the dilemma of a wealthy older man who finds himself in love with a much younger woman. He is forced to confront the stigma and societal boundaries around his feelings and age-gap relationships. It was directed by Seyi Babatope, and stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Segun Arinze, Ademola Adedoyin and Baaj Adebule.
- Gangs of Lagos
Although a thriller film, “Gangs of Lagos” is a Nollywood film that was able to strike a perfect balance between thriller and emotional satisfaction. When three friends adopted by the same man find out their father has been murdered, they are pushed in different directions and forced to join gangs that cause tensions between them. It is number 9 on our list because while it is an action thriller film, it was able to tug at our heartstrings. Directed by Jade Osiberu, it features Chike, Adesua Etomi, Iyabo Ojo and Tobi Bakre.
- Stigma
This 2013 film is exactly as its name implies. It is a film based on the discrimination faced by persons living with HIV in a village in Rivers State and the characters whose lives are most impacted by the stigma. Diminas Dagogo directed it and stars Emeka Ike, Jackie Appiah, Ngozi Nwosu, Francis Duru and Clem Ohameze. It ranks tenth on our list for how well it portrays the stigma faced by persons living with HIV without minimising the negative outlook placed on them by the average Nigerian.
