The Best Films of 2023

Nollywood reached remarkable heights this year, much to the delight of industry leaders who deemed it a fantastic year. In its customary fashion, the Nigerian film industry produced a diverse array of titles spanning multiple genres, attracting billions of viewers across cinema halls and various streaming platforms throughout the year.

Beyond sheer numbers, the industry achieved several historical milestones, firmly placing it on the global map. From Sundance to Berlinale, Nigerian titles have charted a new course and earned acclaim where it truly matters.

In this article, we will spotlight five titles that stand out from the pool of films, recognized as the best in the year 2023.

Note:  The eligibility period spans from January 1 of this year to November 30 of the current year, and the films must have been released to the general audience in theaters or on streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, or Prime Video. 

5. Gangs of Lagos

Jade Osiberu threw the industry — filmmakers and audience alike— into a frenzy when she released her crime-drama. Starring Tobi Bakre as Obalola, Gangs of Lagos explored a very interesting premise of man and fate and how the latter has a huge hold on the former. Gangs of Lagos touched on important topic and it does it so impressively with the right proportion. 

Osiberu’s movie is compelling because it takes the everyday pursuit of dreams and destiny set against the political landscape of Isale Eko and puts it on the big screen for us to see ourselves. While some people might not relate to the political thuggery, and violence, we can all relate to being caught in people’s dreams and eventually having to figure out what path to take.

Gangs of Lagos stars Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike, Olarotimi Fakunle, Chioma Chukwuka and many others.

 4. Jagun Jagun

Co-directed by Tope Adebayo and the seasoned Yoruba director Adebayo Tijani, Jagun Jagun emerged as another title that ignited the internet with its captivating narrative and delivery.

The film features Lateef Adedimeji in the lead role, portraying a young man on a quest to master the art of war under the guidance of the prominent warlord Ogunjimi. However, he soon discovers that they are mere pawns in the larger game manipulated by Ogunjimi and corrupt political leaders.

Jagun Jagun marks a significant milestone for the Yoruba sector of the industry, where both the storytelling and the storytellers, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, excelled in showcasing the cultural intricacies of the Yoruba space.

3. Kanaani

Under the direction of Tola Olatunji, Kanaani emerges as a narrative that confronts various societal issues, including human trafficking, the darker aspects of the japa pandemic, and sexual violence. However, the film’s greatest triumphs are not merely tied to the themes it seeks to illuminate but rather to its exceptional execution.

The film stands out for its overall excellence.The casting and acting in Kanaani are particularly impressive, with Gabriel Afolayan and Ivie Okujaye taking the lead and shining among the cast. Their performances elevate the film, with both actors seamlessly embodying their characters and evolving alongside them as the plot unfolds.

A testament to their skill, they carry the weight of the film on their shoulders, contributing to the immersive experience of Kanaani.

2. Mami Wata 

C.J. Obasi’s the black-and-white masterpiece has been the talk of the town since its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in January, marking the first Nigerian film to do so and earning acclaim along the way. Celebrated for its ambitious cinematography by Lilian Soares, Mami Wata takes Nollywood into a new era of creative experimentation.

Obasi skillfully crafts a coastal world in Mami Wata, resonating with the audience through Soares’ stellar cinematography. The film has been praised for pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, showcasing Nollywood’s potential for innovative creativity.

The narrative of Mami Wata unfolds in a tiny community whose faith centers around their river Goddess, Mami Wata. The relative peace of this community is disrupted when a group of troublemakers decides to challenge the goddess’s ability to protect her people.

Notably, on October 15, 2023, ‘Mami Wata’ was chosen as the Nigerian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards by The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC).

The cast, featuring Evelyne Ily Juhen, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Kelechi Udegbe, Emeka Amakeze, Rita Edochie, and others, contributes to the film’s success, bringing the narrative to life with their performances.

1. The Trade 

Directed by Jade Osiberu, The Trade features Blossom Chukwujekwu in a role that stands out as one of the most compelling performances of the year. Handled with delicacy, the film offers an excellent exploration into the character’s life, contributing to effective plot progression.

The Trade stands as one of Osiberu’s standout works, closely rivalling her romantic comedy that took the industry by storm in 2017, Isoken. At its core, the film narrates the story of Dike Maduka (Blossom Chukwujekwu), known as Eric by his associates, an elusive kidnap kingpin who has managed to evade arrest for almost two decades while orchestrating one of the most successful kidnapping operations in the country.

The stellar cast, including Chukwujekwu, Shawn Faqua, Rita Dominic, Stan Nze, Denola Grey, Gideon Okeke, and Ali Nuhu, further enhances the film’s impact, showcasing a collective performance that elevates The Trade to a remarkable cinematic experience.