Get On Fusion

The Best Stories You'd See Today

6 Yoruba Nollywood Movies Ranked!

Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on facebook
Share on whatsapp
Nollywood Yoruba movie

We can’t begin to talk about Nollywood progress without including the Yoruba film industry. Nollywood has come a really long way over the years and the Yoruba film industry hasn’t been left behind. Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves is a testament to that fact.

This list spans over 20 years of Yoruba filmmaking. The oldest movie is Tunde Kelani’s Saworoide which was released in 1999 and the most recent one, Bolanle Austen-Peters’ House of Ga’a released in 2024. The timeline of this list acknowledges the fact that some movies have created a legacy that will never expire.

The list was curated based on the impact, popularity, and critical acclaim of the movies. On that note, here are the top 6 movies that the Yoruba film industry has produced over the years!

House of Ga’a – 6/10

Yoruba Nollywood Movie

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, House of Ga’a is a historical biopic that tells the story of Bashorun Ga’a. He is a ruthless kingmaker who rose to power in the 18th Century Oyo Empire through lies and supernatural connections. 

It explores the rise and fall of Bashorun Ga’a, whose reign is tragically cut short by a shocking betrayal. The movie is not just about Bashorun Ga’a himself. It explores the themes of power, treachery, and an enduring legacy.

Starring Femi Branch, Funke Akindele, Mike Afolarin, and many others, House of Ga’a premiered on Netflix on July 26, 2024. This movie was met with mixed reviews as some felt it was misleading. Others believed that Austen-Peters’ deserves her flowers as usual. 

We think its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, stunning cinematography, and thematic depth, make House of Gaa a triumph of big-screen storytelling.

King of Thieves (Ageshinkole) – 5/10

Yoruba Nollywood Movie

Following King Adegbite’s coronation, a mysterious group of robbers, led by the enigmatic Agesinkole, begins to terrorize the kingdom of Ajeromi. However, their motives extend far beyond mere theft. 

They unleash a battle of mystical forces, with Agesinkole’s powers seemingly rooted in a dark and malevolent energy that surpasses the understanding of the king and his people, leading to a fierce and otherworldly confrontation.

Why was this 2022 Yoruba Nollywood movie by Femi Adebayo so good? 

Anyone who has seen King of Thieves can testify to the excellent cinematography, lovely realistic costumes, and its straightforward and engaging storyline. There were very few (barely noticeable) plotholes and the directing and producing were top-notch! Don’t even get us started on the special effects. The CGI team truly outdid themselves.

That’s a big win for the Yoruba film industry. 

Jagun Jagun – 6/10

Yoruba Nollywood Movie

This 2023 movie appears to be about a young warrior named Gbotija who joins a training camp to avenge his father’s death. However, he soon discovers that the camp is led by a ruthless leader named Ogunjimi, who prioritizes his own interests over the well-being of his warriors.

As Gbotija rises through the ranks, he faces various challenges and conflicts, including a deadly fight with a fellow warrior and a confrontation with Ogunjimi himself. The story explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Overall, it follows Gbotija as he ultimately seeking to overthrow Ogunjimi and bring justice to the camp.

We all know that epic war films aren’t the easiest to pull off. But, Femi Adebayo set the bar high with the indigenous Jagun Jagun film. We are excited to see what more he has in store for us.

Saworoide – 7/10

Saworoide is a political thriller that explores the themes of power, corruption, and tyranny. It is directed by one of the best filmmakers in Nigeria, Tunde Kelani.

The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Jogbo, where the king’s successor, Lapite, prioritizes personal gain over serving the people. He consolidates power through violent means, suppressing opposition and criticism.

The village youth, frustrated with his rule, steal his crown, leading to a series of events that ultimately result in Lapite’s downfall and the rise of an even more ruthless leader, Lagata. The story concludes with Lagata’s demise and the installation of the rightful heir, Arese.

Saworoide aptly depicts Nigerian politics and was definitely way ahead of its time. For a Yoruba Nollywood movie produced more than 20 years ago, that’s saying something.

Aya Mi Owon (Madam Dearest) – 7/10

A drama-filled Yoruba movie directed by Tade Ogidan. It was released in 2005 and explores themes of family, relationships, and deception. The story revolves around Bukky, whose husband Biodun is wrongly convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Due to family pressure, she moves on with her life and has a son with one of her husband’s employees, a Ghanaian man.

However, when Biodun is unexpectedly vindicated and released from prison, Bukky is faced with a difficult situation and tells him that he is the father of her son. This sets off a chain of events as she tries to maintain the deception, leading to a web of lies and deceit that threatens to unravel the lives of all involved.

The high points of Aya Mi Owon have to be the plot twists that jerk viewers out of their complacency with the prevailing situations. As the viewer begins to accept a particular turn in events, a new twist is introduced. Also, these twists are never opportunistic and unconvincing as is common in many films around. 

We’re giving the movie a 7/10

Anikulapo – 7/10

Anikulapo is a visually stunning Nollywood Yoruba movie that masterfully blends elements of Yoruba mythology with a compelling story of love, betrayal, and redemption. The movie follows the journey of its protagonist, Saro, who encounters mystical forces that alter his fate in unexpected ways.

The cinematography is captivating, with lush landscapes and vibrant costumes that bring the rich culture to life. The performances are strong, particularly by the lead actors, who deliver their roles with depth and authenticity. From the sound design to the casting, from the picturesque scenes to the authenticity of language, it’s a testament to pure originality. The narrative itself is gripping, leaving viewers thoroughly captivated throughout.

Overall, Anikulapo is a thought-provoking and immersive experience that highlights the power of folklore in storytelling.

Jenifa – 8/10

Jenifa (also known as Suliat) is a village girl who leaves her rural home to attend university in Lagos. There, she experiences a vastly different culture and lifestyle. She goes from being a “razz” (unsophisticated) village girl to being exposed to a faster, more urban way of life. Eventually, she learns that the respect she was afforded in her village is not automatically granted in the city. 

The 2008 Yoruba Nollywood Movie ‘Jenifa’ starring Funke Akindele received widespread accolades. It got four nominations at the 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Soundtrack, and Best Nigerian Film. 

Funke Akindele‘s outstanding performance as Jenifa also won her the prestigious Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. We’ll be giving the movie an 8.

These top Yoruba Nollywood movies represent some of the best of Yoruba Nollywood cinema. They offer a mix of action, drama, comedy, and historical epic storytelling that has resonated with audiences. 

Of course, the Yoruba film industry will continue to improve and we are here for it! We look forward to seeing more movies that can cater to diverse audiences without losing their unique touch of telling stories from a Yoruba perspective! 

Share this article with that friend who is an avid lover of Yoruba movies! You should also join the Movie Lovers community on Fusion for more recommendations, reviews, and discussions about your favourite movies.

Join Here!
Nesiama Fasola
Nesiama Fasola
Nesiama (Ness) Fasola is a community manager, tech enthusiast, writer and full time hopeless romantic. She loves to scribble words in a bid to make sense of the jumble of thoughts, ideas and emotions that constantly plague her mind. At her leisure, you can either find her nose-deep in a book, brewing coffee or poking around in her garden.

Related Posts

2,422 Responses

  21. Hello, I desire to subscribe for this weblog to take hottest updates, thus
    where can i do it please assist.

    Reply

  22. Warm greetings to all casino enthusiasts!
    1xbet login registration Nigeria allows you to access your account instantly from any device. This seamless process is ideal for new and experienced players alike. 1xbet nigeria registration online With 1xbet Nigeria registration online, you’re ready to play in minutes.
    For users looking to bet on the go, 1xbet ng login registration is fully mobile-friendly. You don’t need to download an app to get started. Just complete your 1xbet ng registration and enjoy instant access.
    Using phone number Nigeria for 1xbet registration – quick guide – 1xbet-nigeria-registration-online.com
    Hoping you hit amazing rounds !

    Reply

  31. Hello everyone, all wagering pros !
    Through the streamlined 1xbet ng login registration page, players can enjoy fast access with enhanced security. All steps in the 1xbet ng registration process are simplified for Nigerian users. 1xbet login registration nigeria Accessing the 1xbet ng login registration online form takes less than a minute and requires only a valid phone number or email.
    Use 1xbet ng registration to unlock a wide range of sports markets and casino games with just a few clicks. The platform is optimized for mobile users and delivers instant access. Enjoy smooth gameplay and personalized promotions after signup.
    Safe and quick 1xbet nigeria registration platform – п»їhttps://1xbet-ng-registration.com.ng/
    Enjoy thrilling winnings !

    Reply

  32. From” “ample welcome packages to be able to free spins plus deposit matches, these types of casinos provide superb opportunities to maximize your own playtime and possible winnings. Check away our curated record of casinos below to find the perfect spot to enjoy in the sugary thrills of Sweet Bonanza 1000. Sweet Bonanza 1000 is actually a product of Practical Play, a notable and prolific sport developer in the particular online casino business. Games from Sensible Play are widely recognized for their own often vibrant graphics, engaging mechanics, and even broad accessibility throughout various devices and platforms. It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try one of the links below or a search? Whether you play on a desktop or mobile, the Sweet Bonanza slot is simple to set up, and suitable for players with all levels of experience. You can bet just 0.20 per spin, or using the Plus and Minus buttons to the side of the Spin icon, adjust bets to a maximum of 100.00.
    https://genderopendata.org/user/purpperbene1983
    Roobet has become known for its crypto casino gaming platform, but its new tool is changing the industry once more. Roobet Labs is the first game studio accelerator for the online gambling industry. It enables developers to move quickly from concept to playable game by providing pre-integrated application programming interfaces (APIs), robust infrastructure, and a built-in audience. “Crypto casinos have completely changed the narrative on how indie gambling games are perceived. By leveraging Roobet’s APIs, experience, loyal fanbase, and bankroll, our goal with Roobet Labs is to enable any single dev or inspired product team to bring their ideas to life as rapidly as possible, with as little risk as possible.” said some official guy, in some official position at Roobet. Unlike typical mission-based games that focus solely on tasks, Mission Uncrossable weaves a compelling story. Players are immersed in a narrative filled with betrayal, resistance networks, and hidden truths.

    Reply

  35. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
    Dove risparmiare sui farmaci

    Reply

  47. You made some respectable factors there. I looked on the internet for the issue and located most individuals will associate with along with your website.

    Reply

  48. Wersja jezykowa : Angielska Ekspresy Vertuo dozują ilość kawy za pomocą jednego przycisku, Nie kontynuowałem gry. Sugar rush Wylądowanie pięciu symboli scatter dla darmowych obrotów wszystko to możesz łatwo znaleźć dzięki naszemu bezpłatnemu porównywaniu zakładów, sprawdź naszą stronę Microgaming slots reviews. Zagraj w Lucky Riches Hyperspins za darmo tutaj lub udaj się do jednego z naszych najwyżej ocenianych kasyn online i sprawdź, jak wspomniano powyżej. Jednym z nich będzie na pewno Blackjack Live od NetEnt, gracz może ubiegać się o kolejny 55% bonus do BTC1 przy drugim depozycie. Koszyk jest pusty. Marketingowe ciasteczka są używane do śledzenia użytkowników przez witryny. Celem jest pokazywanie bardziej dopasowanych treści reklamowych.
    https://www.grandemarine.com/playbison-czy-mozna-grac-w-wersji-demo-bez-koniecznosci-rejestracji/
    Mostbet Bangladesh Bd ️ Official Web Site Most Bet On Line Casino And Sport Betting Content Mobile Version Regarding The Website Mostbet Bd Mostbet Aviator Game Can I Enjoy Aviator Through Typically The Mostbet App? Download The App Mostbet Downpayment And Withdrawal Methods Payment Methods By Means Of Mostbet App Quick Access To Betting And Automat Sugar Rush 1000 ma siatkę 7×7, na której znajdują się kolorowe cukierki i żelki jako płatne symbole. Podobnie jak inne automaty o tematyce cukrowej od Pragmatic Play, Sugar Rush 1000 wykorzystuje mechanikę Cluster Pays, która wymaga co najmniej 5 pasujących symboli połączonych pionowo lub poziomo. W przypadku zwycięskiej kombinacji symbole te eksplodują i są usuwane z siatki, a nowe spadają w dół, aby zająć darmowe automaty online w kasynie. Funkcja spadania trwa do momentu, gdy na ekranie nie będzie już pasujących symboli.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in the loop.

Get notified about upcoming Fusion events near you and trending topics from top-rated communities

Lennox mall, Admiralty way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. | +2348165491678 | support@fusion.ng

 
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter