Top 10 Nollywood movies of the decade

The Nigerian film industry witnessed some of its biggest achievements in the last decade. The 10 films on this list are picked and ranked based on commercial success, impact, critical acclaim, shelf life, and awards (an added advantage). 10. 30 Days in Atlanta (2014) ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ came out to massive success - despite being marred with pirate activities - it became the yardstick for trending films in cinemas. Comedy dramas and romantic comedy took over the industry and AY kept milking the cow. 9. Lionheart (2018) Lionheart by Genevieve Nnaji, became the first Netflix original from Nigeria. ‘Lionheart’ remains one of the major films from Nollywood that broke into the international market and getting submitted for the Oscars ahead of the 2020 edition although it was ultimately dropped. 8. Picture Perfect (2017) ‘Picture Perfect’ was Biodun Stephen’s first solo effort as a producer and the film became the toast of fans and industry practitioners. The film gave Bolanle Ninalowo the desired break after putting in so much work since his entry at the beginning of the decade. The film went on to get award nominations though it premiered on ROK TV and Iroko TV. 7. Mr and Mrs (2012) ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ is a 2012 hit movie that featured Joseph Benjamin and Nse Ikpe Etim. Directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka, the film created a lot of conversation around marriages and relationships. It went on to pick up five nominations at the 2012 and 2013 AMAAs, one of which Nse Ikpe Etim won the award for Best Actress in a leading role. 6. Isoken (2017) Jade Osiberu’s major effort after creating a stir in the industry with some web series is ‘Isoken’. And with ‘Isoken’, she made a name for herself in the Nigerian entertainment industry. One of the things that sold ‘Isoken’ was the relatability in the story. The movie won three awards at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and picked up two different awards at the AMAA. 5. Tango With Me (2010) Mahmood Ali Balogun returned to film location with the 2010 blockbuster, ‘Tango With Me’ featuring Genevieve Nnaji and Joseph Benjamin. Scooping a total of 11 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the film remains one of the best in the decade. The film received positive and mixed reviews from film critics. 4. Ije (2010) The Nigerian film industry stood still for Ije in 2010 when Chineze Anyaene returned to the country to direct her major flick. Anyaene, who is the chairman of the 2018 Nollywood Oscars Selection Committee, left fans and practitioners mouth agape when she featured Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Genevieve Nnaji in the same film. For the film, both actresses played sisters and it cost $2.5 million to make the production a success. 3. 76 (2016) The film was an audacious step by Izu Ojukwu and bankrolled by Prince Tonye Princewill. The 2016 hit relates the incidents of the 1976 military coup and was aptly interpreted by Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, and Ibinabo Fiberesima. With an impressive record at the cinemas, the film goes down as one of the best films of the decade. 2. The Wedding Party 1 & 2 (2016/2017) Produced by four studio, the film went on to become the highest-grossing Nigerian film with over N460 million in the box office. In the following year, the sequel went on to break the record with N1.1 billion in the box office, according to the cinema exhibitors association of Nigeria. 1. King of Boys (2018) King of Boys is Kemi Adetiba’s comeback after her success with ‘The Wedding Party 1’. And no doubt it was a big comeback. The film changed the narrative and challenged the norm by putting a 2-hour long political thriller in the cinemas. It broke records and grossed over N200 million in 14 weeks.