Embarking on a cinematic journey through the vibrant tapestry of Nollywood’s storytelling, the year 2023 has unfolded a spellbinding array of Nigerian films on Netflix.
From riveting dramas to captivating thrillers, each movie has left an indelible mark on the streaming platform.
As we delve into the Top 7 Naija Netflix Movies of 2023, get ready to be transported into worlds where tales of love, courage, and resilience unfold against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry. These cinematic gems have not only captivated local audiences but have also made their mark on the global stage, affirming Nollywood’s prowess in delivering compelling narratives that resonate far beyond its borders.
Join us on this cinematic voyage as we celebrate the storytelling prowess and cultural resonance of Naija cinema in the digital realm by listing out top 7 Naija Netflix Movies of 2023 in no particular order.
The Black Book
Naija Netflix reports that the action-thriller, featuring Nollywood icon Richard Mofe-Damijo as Paul Edima, a vengeful former security operative seeking justice for the killers of his only child, secured the fourth position globally among the platform’s English-language titles in its initial weekend.
Directed by Editi Effiong, the film garnered a minimum of 5.6 million views within the first two days, achieving a top-ten ranking in at least 38 countries, with audiences in South America and Europe also engaging, it also secured a long-lasting spot among Netflix top 10 movies for weeks. The cast included Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, and others.
Shanty Town
Second on our list is Chichi Nworah’s “Shanty Town” which emerged as the most-watched African Original in Nigeria and the second most-watched across the continent, as per Netflix’s inaugural “What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report” released in December, 2023.
This comprehensive report sheds light on the viewing habits of Netflix subscribers and covers hours watched from January to June 2023. “Shanty Town,” a compelling crime drama crafted by Chichi Nworah, vividly portrays the gritty and tumultuous life of the Lagos underworld.
The series gained significant attention upon its early 2023 release. Accumulating a total of 27.3 million hours viewed during the January to June 2023 period, it also spent long weeks in the Netflix Top 10 lounge.
A Sunday Affair
Another movie on our list of Naija Netflix’s top 2023 movies is the movie “A Sunday Affair”. This drama unfolds a narrative involving two close friends, Uche and Toyin, both captivated by Sunday, a charismatic yet imperfect bachelor. A love triangle emerges as the women remain unaware of their shared romantic interest.
The film showcases performances by actors such as Nse Ikpe Etim, Dakore Egbuson, and Alex Ekubo, among others. It gained significant traction on Netflix, securing a position in the top 10 rankings for over six consecutive weeks.
Jagun Jagun( The Warrior)
Upon its release, “Jagun Jagun” swiftly ascended the ranks, securing the fifth position on global non-English charts within a mere week of its release. By August 15, 2023, the film, directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, had accumulated a remarkable 2.1 million viewing hours on Netflix.
It has also achieved success in over 17 countries. Notably, the movie entered the top 10 in these countries within just 48 hours of its release on August 10, 2023. It spent weeks in the top 10 Netflix movies rank in 2023.
“Jagun Jagun” narrates the story of a young warrior who courageously challenges a ruthless warlord. The stellar cast includes Lateef Adedimeji, Adebayo Salami, Ibrahim Yekini, Bukunmi Oluwasina, Mr. Macaroni, Bimbo Ademoye, Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Balogun, and others.
The Rise of Igbinogun
Tunde Aina’s movie, “The Rise of Igbinogun,” became an instant hit on Netflix, ranking top of Nollywood’s most-watched movies in Nigeria since its release.
In the movie, a warrior faces the wrath of the king’s guards but rises to legendary status among the people by taking from the wealthy to empower the less fortunate. The film includes performances by Akin Lewis, Shaffy Bello, Enyinna Nwigwe, and others.
Ijakumo
“Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper” made its Netflix debut on Friday, June 23, 2023, and has emerged as a noteworthy Nollywood narrative reflecting the realities faced by Nigerian society.
The film delves into a tapestry of societal challenges, including greed, deceit, lust, betrayal, religious corruption, and vengeance, interwoven with elements of flamboyance, pride, ego, wealth, and power. Starring actors such as Kunle Remi, Bimbo Akintola, and Toyin Abraham, among others
“Ijakumo” maintained a position on the Netflix Top 10 list for over 10 weeks.
Far From Home
Naija Netfix unveiled the highest-viewed Nollywood titles in Africa on December 12, 2023, as part of its inaugural ‘What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report.’ This report, outlining subscriber viewing patterns from January to June 2023, highlighted two Nigerian films; “Shanty Town” and “Far from Home” securing ranks of 750 and 2088, respectively, on Netflix’s global scale. “Far from Home” garnered 9.8 million hours viewed in the first half of the year 2023.
