Undoubtedly, 2022 was a year in which numerous Nollywood films found success on Netflix. The industry is undoubtedly reaching new heights and elevating the nation in the international entertainment spotlight, from accolades and recognitions received within Nigeria to outside assessments.
The best film industry in Africa and one of the best in the world is still Nollywood. With so many Nollywood films available on Netflix, it may be difficult for the typical user to choose wisely when looking for a movie on the top streaming service in the world. To that aim, we have put together this post to highlight the top 5 Naija Netflix movies of 2022. Let’s begin! Fasten your seatbelts and wear your helmets or you might be blown away.
5. The Set up 2: The Set Up 2 is a follow-up to the 2019 movie “The Set Up.” In this masterpiece from Netflix, Chike is still getting used to her new role as an agent for a global organization when one of the people she holds most dear is abducted by a hardened criminal (Usi). Then, she is compelled to abandon everything and pursue Usi. She is unaware that the kidnapping was a “Set Up” to draw her in.
Will Chike defeat Usi or will she regret forgoing her ideal job in order to rescue the day?
Personally, I feel that this sequel was very unnecessary but the producers found a way to tell a new story from Chike’s story in ‘The Set up’ and it wasn’t so bad. I’d give this movie a 4/10.
Adesua Etomi Wellington, Kehinde Bankole, Nancy Isime, Tina Mba, Uzor Arukwe, Kate Henshaw, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stan Nze, and Lota Chukwu are among the Nollywood celebrities who appear in this movie and it was directed by Naz Onuzo.
4. The man of God: Another unexpected box office hit that was directed by Bolanle Austen Peters is The Man of God. In the movie, Sam, a young guy played by Akah Nnani, is confronted with the harsh reality of wanting to live a life of faith in the face of numerous forces vying for his soul.
In the first 24 hours after its debut on April 14, 2022, the movie topped the charts in Nigeria. It was also one of the top 10 movies on Netflix in a number of other nations, including the US and Canada. I’d give this movie a 5/10 because somehow I got confused with the whole plot.
Other Nollywood celebrities who appear in it include Olumide Oworu, Mawuli Gavor, Eucharia Anunobi, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Prince Nelson Enwerem, and Osas Ighodaro.
3. Elesin Oba; The king’s Horseman: The historical drama, which is based on actual events and is an adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s play ‘Death and the king’s horseman’, was directed by the late, multitalented Biyi Bandele and depicts the account of Elesin, the king’s horseman. He intends to commit ritual suicide so that he might travel to the afterlife with the king. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he is unable to accomplish his duties, which causes a number of bad occurrences.
Despite the fact that “Elesin Oba” contains a lot of good moral teachings, it lacks the layers and conversation that could easily transform it into a masterpiece and secure the Oscar recognition of the plot and subject so richly merit. It’s a good watch anyway and I’ll give it a 5/10.
2. Blood sisters: According to Netflix users, Blood Sisters is the best Nollywood series of 2022. It held the title of the most-watched Nollywood film on Netflix for a while.
In the thriller series, Kemi and Sarah, two best friends who killed a man in self-defense, turn into runaway sisters. The victim’s family wants them killed, and unfortunately, they have enough clout to persuade the authorities to administer justice in their favor. What would happen to the sisters?
The four-episode series continues to be talked about weeks after its official debut on May 5, 2022, especially in light of its achievements, which are detailed below.
- The first original Nigerian series on Netflix is called Blood Sisters.
- In just 6 days, the series received over 11 million global views.
- Over 31 nations, including Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Japan, Canada, and the United States, had Blood Sisters in their top 10 charts.
- It received equal attention on Variety, which caused a stir once more.
Veteran performers including Kate Henshaw, Ramsey Nouah, Uche Jumbo, and Segun Arinze appear in the film. Ini-Dima Okojie and Nancy Isime played key roles. Mo Abudu produced it.
I can say that the producers, directors, and actors in this movie put their all into their job and that’s why I’ll give the movie a 9/10.
1. Anikulapo: The most talked-about Nollywood movie now available on Netflix is Anikulapo. The “Kunle Afolayan film” portrays the tale of love, loss, and betrayal.
Saro, a less than innocent traveler, earns himself an avoidable death sentence by having an affair with Queen Arolake, the queen’s wife. He is, however, granted a second opportunity to live after a mythical bird (Akala) awakens him from the dead and grants him the ability to resuscitate the dead, making him a much-desired and powerful man in the town.
Will Saro remain loyal to Arolake and his source of strength? Or is he going to abuse his position of authority and desert his love?
Numerous well-known Nollywood actors appear in Anikulapo, including Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Taiwo Hassan, Fathia Balogun, and Oga Bello. The most recent accomplishment for the movie was its ranking in the top 10 trending Netflix movies in the United Kingdom. The movie has gained popularity in several nations.
Let’s give this movie a 9/10 because of the work that was put into it to make it almost perfect. I say almost perfect because the Akala bird looked too fake. Lol.
In conclusion, 2022 was certainly the year for Nollywood and Naija Netflix. The industry boasted of many milestones and achievements, there was a visible improvement in direction and production and they basically outdid themselves this year. Let’s look forward to 2023 being a better year.
Thank you for reading Top 5 Naija Netflix movies of 2022. Cheers!!
