5 must-watch Nollywood movies on Showmax

Showmax has an extensive catalogue of Nigerian movies, from blockbuster romantic comedies to critically acclaimed dramas. To help you sift through all those great movies, we’ve put together a list of Nollywood’s best offering. They feature works of some of Nollywood’s mavericks: think Kunle Afolayan, Dare Olaitan, and Kenneth Gyang!

1. The Lost Café

What’s it about: A charming romantic drama with a supernatural twist. A young woman who left Nigeria for Norway to chase her dream of becoming a filmmaker must deal with the culture shock and loneliness that comes with being away from home. On top of that, she experiences a heartbreak. She finds comfort in the company of a strange coffee shop owner who serves the best coffee in the world. Watch it now.

Why you should watch it: It is a charming, gorgeous flick that captures loneliness.

Who’s in it? Tunde Aladese, Jenny Bonden, Tayo Citadel.

2. Ojukokoro

A sizzling dark comedy about greed. The broke manager of Lubcon, a money-laundering petrol station, decides to rob the company. Unfortunately for him, there are other affiliates of the company interested in the same cash that day. A staff has invited two thugs to rob the place and one of the goons working for the company also wants the money. Watch it now.

Why you should watch it: It is insanely funny and comes with a fine dialogue laced with zingers.

Who’s in it? Tope Tedela, Seun Ajayi, Hafiz Oyetoro, Wale Ojo, Charles Etuebi, Ali Nuhu.

3. Roti

A harrowing psychological drama on loss and reincarnation. Kabiru and Diane waited ten years for a child; after three miscarriages and a stillbirth, baby Roti came and stayed – only to pass away aged nine from a heart condition. Sorrow is back in their household. Four years later, the couple is happy again. Then Diane comes across Juwon, who has a striking resemblance to Roti. She believes he is her son, who must have come back to her. Watch it now.

Why you should watch it: The story weaves loss, reincarnation and grief to great effect.

Who’s in it? Kunle Afolayan, Kate Henshaw, Fathia Balogun, Darimisire Afolayan, Toyin Oshinaike.

4. 93 Days

A drama centred on the sacrifices made to prevent the spread of Ebola when Liberian-American diplomat Patrick Sawyer brought it to Lagos. The story starts from the moment Sawyer arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International airport with an unusual fever through to the heroics of Dr Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues in ensuring the deadly disease doesn’t break out. Watch it now.

Why you should watch it: It is one of Nollywood’s most ambitious and important movies. The movie perfectly captures the sorrows, tears and joy in the battle against Ebola in Nigeria.

Who’s in it? Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover, Gideon Okeke, Charles Etuebi, Somkele Iyama, Bimbo Manuel.

5. Banana Island Ghost

A rapturous comedy about a ghost in pursuit of a soulmate. Patrick refuses to accept his sudden death because he lacks a soulmate. He convinces God to give him three days to find one; but instead of the sexy, perfect girl of his dreams, he gets Ijeoma, a hard-to-love lady. Watch it now.

Why you should watch it: It comes with gorgeous scenes of Banana Island and plenty of laughter.

Who’s in it? Chigurl, Saheed Balogun, Tina Mba, Ali Nuhu, Patrick Diabuah.