10 Most Anticipated Films To Come In 2024

2023 closed on a very high note with titles like A Tribe Called Judah, Malaika, and  Ada Omo Daddy storming theatres and giving theatregoers a run for their money, while Breath of Life stole the limelight for streamers.

These titles raised the hype around the industry, with A Tribe Called Judah raking in over one billion in cinema runs and creating excitement in the commercial landscape of the industry. With this feeling comes more anticipation for more titles set to hit our screens in 2024. Many filmmakers teased new titles and releases in 2023, and some of them are scheduled for consumption this year.

This article highlights 10 of the most anticipated ones.

1. Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre

Kunle Afolayan‘s 2022 period film, Anikulapo, garnered mixed reviews but became one of the most-watched Nigerian titles on Netflix that year. Riding on this success, Afolayan announced a four-part sequel series exploring the theme of reincarnation and interconnected souls across lifetimes.

The series, written by Shola Dada, is set to premiere on Netflix, featuring returning stars Sola Sowobale, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Taiwo Hassan, along with new cast members.

2. To Kill A Monkey

Following the success of King of Boys: The Return of The King, Kemi Adetiba and her team have hinted at a new project titled To Kill A Monkey (TKAM). Set for an early 2024 release on Netflix, TKAM is part of Adetiba’s exclusive deal with Netflix, alongside Welcome To The Fourth and a sequel to King of Boys.

While the synopsis is yet to be revealed, Remi Adetiba teased a grand story in a documentary on the TKAM production, suggesting it has the potential to surpass the impact of the second KOB.

3. All The Colors of The World Are Between Black and White

Directed and written by Babatunde Apalowo, All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White premiered at the Berlinale 2023, winning the Teddy Award for best LGBTQIA+ film. The film also debuted in Nigeria at AFRIFF 2023.

Bambino (Tope Tedela) and Bawa (Riyo David) form a deep connection in Lagos, navigating societal pressures due to homosexuality taboos. Produced by Damilola Orimogunje, the film stars Martha Ehinome Orhiere and Uche Chika Elumelu. Apalowo aims to spark conversations and inspire empathy in Nigeria after its festival run. Expect a general release later this year.

4. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti

BAP Production’s Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, is a biopic featuring Kehinde Bankole as the younger version of the titular character, with Joke Silva portraying the older Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. The ensemble cast includes Omowunmi Dada, Adunni Ade, Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko, and Adebayo Salami.

Initially, the film had a limited theatrical run at Silverbird Galleria in September 2023 and is scheduled for an official premiere in 2024. It earned accolades at AFRIFF 2023, winning Best Screenplay for Tunde Babalola and Best African Film.

5. ’77: The Festac Conspiracy 

‘77, directed by Izu Ojukwu, serves as a sequel to the 2016 historical thriller ’76. Set during the 1977 FESTAC event, the film features Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic reprising their roles from ’76. Nouah, now an aggrieved serviceman, is invited to join a cause aiming to disrupt the political order of the continent.

Ibinabo Fiberesima and Daniel K. Daniel also return to their ’76 roles. Soibifaa Dokubo joins the cast as the Leader of the Free Africa Movement, and Seun Kuti plays his famous father, Fela Kuti.

6. This Is Lagos 

Originally set for a December 2023 theatrical release, a new release date is yet to be announced, but we know it will be released in 2024. In This is Lagos, we follow Stevo, played by Gabriel Afolayan, a young man with an insatiable hunger for the limelight in a city where everyone wears a mask of some kind. Directed by Kenneth Gyang, the film also features  a star-studded ensemble cast, including Ikechukwu Onunaku, Rahama Sadau, Kate Henshaw, Enyinna Nwigwe, Sani Muazu, David Jones David, Gregory Ojefua, Mike Afolarin, Jibrin Homsuk with a special appearance by the music sensation Jesse Jagz and introducing Laura Pepple. 

7. I Do Not Come To You By Chance

 Directed by Ishaya Bako, the adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani‘s novel was screened at AFRIFF 2023. The film revolves around a struggling Nigerian graduate (played by Paul Nnadiekwe) entangled in his uncle’s fraudulent email scam.

Genevieve Nnaji, serving as executive producer, has heightened anticipation among her fans for this project. Co-written by Chika Anadu and Ishaya Bako, the cast includes Blossom Chukwujekwu, Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nzeribe, Beverly Osu, and Emeka Nwagbaraocha. I Do Not Come To You By Chance made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023.

8. Over The Bridge

Tolu Ajayi’s debut feature film, Over The Bridge, stars Ozzy Agu, Segilola Ogidan, Deyemi Okalanwon, Chimezie Imo, and Paul Adams. The fantasy drama centers on Folarin (portrayed by Agu), an accomplished investment banker with a seemingly perfect life.

However, when a high-profile government project managed by him goes wrong, he begins questioning his beliefs. After a UK world premiere and an African premiere at AFRIFF in 2023, the film is anticipated for release later this year.

9.  Untitled Project By Kunle Afolayan 

Kunle Afolayan is set to unveil his next project, an untitled supernatural thriller by KAP Motion Pictures. While plot details remain scarce, the film, expected to hit screens in 2024, sees  Afolayan back together with Jimmy Jean-Louis, known for his role in  Citation. 

The cast also includes Bolaji Ogunmola, Olarotimi Fakunle, Sharon Ooja, Muyiwa Ademola, Tina Mba, Ekpenyong Bassey Inyang amongst others.

10.  A Green Fever 

Directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, A Green Fever is an 80s crime drama set in Ibadan. Kunmi (Temi Fosudo), desperate after his daughter Ireti (Darasimi Nadi) suffers a stroke during a curfew road trip, seeks refuge in a stranger’s home (Ruby Okezie). Colonel Bashiru’s (Deyemi Okanlawon) arrival intensifies the night’s tension.

Produced by Emiola Fagbenle and also starring William Benson, the Nemsia Films feature film had its world premiere at AFRIFF in 2023. Expected to arrive on Prime Video this year.