Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is the second-largest in the world by volume, but beyond quantity, it is increasingly carving a space for quality, emotionally resonant storytelling, and bold cultural expression. For emerging and professional screenwriters alike, Nollywood offers a treasure trove of cinematic lessons — from structure and dialogue to character development, social commentary, and visual storytelling.
Here are 10 Nigerian films every screenwriter should watch, not just for entertainment but as essential study material.
1. Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019)
Directed by: Ramsey Nouah
Screenplay by: Nicole Asinugo, C.J. Obasi
A masterclass in reinventing legacy, this sequel to the 1992 classic balances nostalgia with modern storytelling. The film blends supernatural themes, psychological depth, and thrilling suspense in a way that revitalized the horror-thriller genre in Nollywood. From character arcs to plot layering, screenwriters can learn how to build tension and create high-stakes drama within a culturally familiar context.
Screenwriting Lesson: Weave modernity into folklore and explore how legacy influences personal destiny.
2. October 1 (2014)
Directed by: Kunle Afolayan
Screenplay by: Tunde Babalola
This psychological thriller set in colonial Nigeria is a goldmine for writers looking to understand historical fiction, subtext, and tension-building. With an intelligent script and period-accurate dialogue, October 1 demonstrates how a nation’s history can be explored through a micro-story — in this case, a detective’s race against time to solve a series of murders.
Screenwriting Lesson: Use a tight plot and strong socio-political backdrop to elevate suspense.
3. The Milkmaid (2020)
Directed by: Desmond Ovbiagele
Screenplay by: Desmond Ovbiagele
Nigeria’s official entry to the Oscars in 2021, The Milkmaid offers a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of terrorism through the eyes of two Fulani sisters. With minimal dialogue and a heavy reliance on visual storytelling, this film teaches the screenwriter the power of silence, symbolism, and cultural authenticity.
Screenwriting Lesson: Sometimes, what is not said speaks louder. Let visuals carry emotional weight.
4. King of Boys (2018)
Directed by: Kemi Adetiba
Screenplay by: Kemi Adetiba
A crime political drama with a complex female lead at its core, King of Boys is packed with layered characters, intricate power plays, and raw emotional beats. Adetiba crafts a narrative that is equal parts Shakespearean and street-smart, giving screenwriters a lesson in crafting anti-heroes and multi-dimensional arcs.
Screenwriting Lesson: Bold, powerful characters drive unforgettable stories — even when they are flawed.
5. Lionheart (2018)
Directed by: Genevieve Nnaji
Screenplay by: Ishaya Bako, Emil B. Garuba, Genevieve Nnaji
As Nigeria’s first Netflix original, Lionheart is a gentle, heartfelt story about family, business, and gender dynamics. What it lacks in high stakes, it compensates with character authenticity and subtle conflict. A great film for screenwriters to study how to keep an audience engaged without overt spectacle.
Screenwriting Lesson: Conflict doesn’t always have to be loud. Internal and emotional battles matter too.
6. Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) (2020)
Directed by: Arie and Chuko Esiri
Screenplay by: Chuko Esiri
A brilliant, slow-burn character drama told in two parts, this film captures the struggles of everyday Nigerians with quiet power. Its non-linear, vignette-style storytelling offers screenwriters a lesson in structure and realism, while its cinematography reinforces how setting can amplify narrative.
Screenwriting Lesson: Simplicity and truth in storytelling can evoke deep emotional resonance.
7. Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (2020)
Directed by: Ramsey Nouah
Screenplay by: Nicole Asinugo
Another reimagining of a Nollywood classic, this crime thriller dives into themes of betrayal, brotherhood, and survival. With sleek dialogue and fast-paced sequences, it’s a great reference for screenwriters seeking to understand how to write action-driven, urban Nigerian stories with mass appeal.
Screenwriting Lesson: Use genre to explore moral ambiguity in familiar settings.
8. Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Directed by: Biyi Bandele
Screenplay by: Biyi Bandele, based on the novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Though met with mixed reviews, Half of a Yellow Sun remains one of the most ambitious attempts to bring Nigerian literary excellence to the screen. It offers screenwriters insight into adapting novels, handling complex timelines, and portraying love and war through a deeply personal lens.
Screenwriting Lesson: Adapting literature demands deep respect for the source material, but also clarity of cinematic voice.
9. Aníkúlápó (2022)
Directed by: Kunle Afolayan
Screenplay by: Sola Dada
This Yoruba epic is a dazzling tale of love, betrayal, and mysticism rooted in traditional mythology. Afolayan’s film revives indigenous storytelling with high production value, serving as an example for writers who wish to return to the roots without sacrificing commercial appeal.
Screenwriting Lesson: Indigenous stories have global appeal when told with confidence and craft.
10. Ije: The Journey (2010)
Directed by: Chineze Anyaene
Screenplay by: Chineze Anyaene
A compelling courtroom drama set in the U.S. and Nigeria, Ije examines sisterhood, justice, and cultural contrast. It’s an early example of Nollywood’s ambition to break into global cinema and provides insight into writing cross-cultural narratives that still stay grounded in African identity.
Screenwriting Lesson: Universal themes can travel far when anchored in strong cultural identity.
Final Thoughts
Every great screenwriter is first a student — of story, of structure, and of society. Nollywood, with its evolving narratives, gives you both the cautionary tales and the creative blueprints to refine your craft. Whether you’re exploring myth, crime, romance, or political drama, these films showcase the breadth and depth of Nigerian storytelling.
Watch them not just with the eyes of a viewer, but with the pen of a writer. Pause. Rewind. Take notes. And most importantly — be inspired to tell your own Nigerian story with just as much soul.
Which Nollywood film inspired your writing the most? Let me know in the comments.
