Nollywood has produced many epic films that have made us laugh, cry, and feel anxious and left us at the edge of our seats. These films cut across genres and languages, and in this article, we rank our 10 epic Nollywood films that we had no choice but to love.
- Aníkúlapó (2022)
Directed by Kunle Afolayan, this is a mythical epic fantasy, and it follows the adventures of an overzealous traveler who encounters death when he has an affair with the king’s wife. Killed, he meets a mystical creature on his way to the afterlife with the ability to give him a second chance at life. “Aníkúlapó” is till date a fan-favorite fantasy drama that showed us a glimpse of everything the mythical genre needs to thrive in Nollywood, which is why it is ranked number 1 on our list.
It stars Kunle Afolayan, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Taiwo Hassan, and Faithia Balogun.
- Amina (2021)
Set in the 16th century, “Amina” is an historical action film that details the life of a young woman who realizes that she must use her military skills and prowess to defend her family’s kingdom from the enemies waging war against them. Directed by Izu Ojukwu, some of the cast members are Lucy Ameh, Ali Nuhu, Yakubu Mohammed, and Clarion Chukwura.
“Amina’s” female-centric approach and the writing of its female lead character put it at the top of our list of Nollywood epic films; it is ranked 2nd.
- King of Thieves (2022)
Ranked at number 3 for how thrilling and yet heart wrenching it is, “King of Thieves” is an epic folktale that follows the fictional kingdom of “Ajeromi” and the chaos that unfolds when a feared bandit launches an attack on the people. When the commoners are forced to rise as warriors against the bandit and his raiders, the tides are turned around.
It was co-directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani, and it stars Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta, Odunlade Adekola, and Brodda Shaggi.
- Jagun Jagun (2023)
Set in an epic period, “Jagun Jagun” follows the story of a brave young man who dreams of becoming a powerful warrior and joining the kingdom’s elite army. When he joins and finds himself in the snare of a maniacal warlord, he must fight against the bloodthirsty warlord while nurturing the love he finds.
Directed by Tope Adebayo and Femi Adebayo, who is also the main character, alongside Fathia Balogun, Lateef Adedimeji, and Odunlade Adekola. “Jagun Jagun” ranked 4th on our list for the storytelling, the attention to detail evident in the film and the majestic portrayal of warriors in Nigeria.
- House of Ga’a (2024)
This epic film is centred on the rise, fall, and life of a ruthless leader and one of the most powerful men who reigned over the Oyo Empire until he was deposed by his own son.
It is ranked 5th on our list for not portraying a main character as ruthless while still maintaining the true essence of the story, which lies in the downfall of a power-drunk ruler. It was directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, and it features Femi Branch, Mike Afolarin, and Funke Akindele.
- Labake Olododo (2025)
Ranked 6th, “Labake Olododo” gave us everything we needed from a female-led film while still maintaining an action-packed atmosphere. The film follows the oppression, power struggles, and betrayal a woman faces as she challenges the norms of her traditional Yoruba community.
It was directed by Biodun Stephen and stars Iyabo Ojo, Kiitan Bukola, Olarotimi Fakunle, and Omowunmi Ajiboye.
- Igodo: The Land of The Living Dead (1999)
Ranked number 7 on our list, this adventure film follows seven courageous warriors sent to the land of the living dead to find a way to save their kingdom from an unknown curse plaguing it. “Igodo” is on our list for how much of a masterpiece it is; considering the era in which it was filmed, it is a timeless Nollywood film.
The film was directed by Andy Amenchi and stars Sam Dede, Charles Okafor, Prince James Uche, and Amaechi Muonagor.
- Ìyálóde (2025)
Action-packed, emotionally charged, and fierce, “Ìyálóde” ranks 8th. Set in an epic, traditional kingdom, a woman becomes the fiercest force, and her power is challenged while loyalties are tested. Directed by Adebayo Tijani, it stars Toyin Abraham, Muyiwa Adedamola, and Kareem Adepoju.
- The Legend of Inikpi (2020)
Set in a 16th-century Igala kingdom, as an impending war looms over the head of the Bini kingdom, the oracle demands that the king make a huge sacrifice that could cost the life of his daughter, Princess Inikpi.
This is the 9th film on our list. It is a beautiful film that showcases Bini culture, the importance of bravery, and a father’s love. “The Legend of Inikpi” does a good job of depicting the intersection of duty and love. It was directed by Frank Rajah Arase and features Tracy Idonije Adebo, Odunlade Adekola, and Ivy Blessing Agbo.
- Colours of Fire (2025)
Set in an epic fantasy land ruled by a powerful kingdom and ancient tradition, a warrior’s mission to protect his people leads him to unearth a secret that could change the fate of two clans forever.
It was directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and stars Osas Ighodaro, Uzor Arukwe, Mercy Aigbe, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch, and Ibrahim Chatta. “Colours of Fire” is ranked 10th on our list for how befitting its name is; it is a colourful, bold, and bright take on a Nollywood epic film.
