As the curtain falls on 2024, it’s time to celebrate the cinematic gems that have captured audiences in the UK and beyond. This year, the entertainment landscape was graced with an extraordinary mix of movies and drama series showcasing the best of global storytelling. SCREENNOLLY, a UK-based digital platform promoting Nollywood and African cinema, proudly presents its curated list of Top Movies and Drama Series for 2024. These selections spotlight titles that either screened in UK cinemas or streamed across popular platforms, reflecting the growing appreciation for diverse narratives that resonate with a global audience. From captivating cross-cultural dramas to groundbreaking Nollywood blockbusters, these stories have left an indelible mark on viewers and critics alike
ADIRE Netflix
Starring Kehinde Bankole, Funlola Aofeyibi Raimi, and Yvonne Jegede alongside a stellar cast, this compelling film debuted on Netflix in January following a successful premiere and screening in Nigerian cinemas in November 2023. Written by Jack’enneth Opukeme (Battle on Buka Street) and directed by Adeoluwa Owu, the movie delves into how religion can negatively impact the lives of married women. Garnering multiple nominations, it won Best Cinematography at the Best of Nollywood Awards, while Kehinde Bankole's outstanding performance earned her the 2024 AMVCA Best Lead Actress award
A Weekend to Forget
This gripping Nollywood thriller, written by Joy Bewaji and directed by Damola Ademola, features an exceptional cast, including Daniel Etim Effiong, Ini Dima-Okojie, Stan Nze, Uche Montana, Neo Akpofure, Erica Nlewedim, and Elozonam Ogbolu. Premiering on Prime Video in January, the film delivers a captivating, suspenseful narrative filled with twists and turns. A nomination—and potential win—for Best Screenplay seems highly likely for this compelling production.
Casa De Novia
Starring Anee Icha, Casa De Novia, written by Saniya Alasia and Niyi Akinmolayan, premiered on Prime Video in late March. Directed by Oyouyo Adia, the film impressed audiences with its strong performances and exceptional VFX, adding depth to its lighthearted comedic tone. Praised for its innovative blend of horror and comedy, Casa De Novia offers a fresh perspective on Nigerian cinema, skillfully intertwining paranormal elements with humour to create a uniquely engaging experience.
Postcards
Released in May 2024, Postcards is a groundbreaking drama series that expertly blends elements of Nollywood and Bollywood, highlighting the rich cultural exchange between Nigeria and India. This marks the second ambitious project by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, who previously released Namaste Wahala in February 2021, which received mixed reviews despite its innovative cross-cultural premise. Postcards, featuring a stellar cast of Nollywood icons such as Sola Sobowale, Tobi Bakre, and Richard Mofe-Damijo, alongside Bollywood talents Rajneesh Duggal and the late Rio Kapadia, showcases a refined storytelling approach. The series captivates audiences across continents, earning Postcards recognition as a celebrated work of cross-cultural entertainment.
Kill Boro
Kill Boro, starring Ini Dima-Okojie, Phillip Asaya, and Kosi Ogboruche, began streaming on Prime Video in May. Written by Priye Diri and directed by Courage Obayuwana under the guidance of visionary filmmaker Steve Gukas, the film vividly captures Elijah’s journey and his complex relationship with his father. Set against the backdrop of the Azuama community in Rivers State, it authentically portrays their ways, lifestyle, and language, bringing the rich culture to life.
Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a biographical film directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters and starring Kehinde Bankole alongside an outstanding cast that includes Ajoke Silva Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, and Iyimide Ayo Olumoko, premiered in cinemas in May and began streaming on Prime Video in June. Written by Tunde Babalola, this critically acclaimed biopic chronicles the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a trailblazing Nigerian educator and women’s rights activist, charting her journey from being the first girl to attend Abeokuta Grammar School to her impactful activism. A remarkable cinematic achievement, the film serves as both a tribute and a profound effort to preserve a vital piece of Nigeria’s history for present and future generations. Praised for its exceptional screenplay, stellar performances, and meticulous production design, the film garnered significant recognition, including prestigious AFRIFF awards for Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay.
House of Ga'a
Fresh off the success of FRK, Bolanle Austen-Peters delivered yet another chart-topping film with the July Netflix release of House of Ga’a. This gripping historical drama delves into the life of Bashorun Ga’a, the formidable 18th-century kingmaker of the Oyo Empire, infamous for his relentless quest for power. Written by Tunde Babalola, House of Ga’a features a stellar cast led by Femi Branch alongside Funke Akindele, Mike Afolarin, and Tosin Adeyemi. The film masterfully weaves depth, suspense, and intrigue into a narrative filled with climactic moments, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
BEYOND THE VEIL Season 2
Beyond the Veil 2 continues the intense and captivating storyline of its 2023 predecessor. Writers Sifa Aani Gowon, Brenda Ogbuka-Garuba, and director Nadine Ibrahim have preserved the narrative depth and cinematic quality, effectively showcasing the inner conflicts faced by women. Starring Jemima Osunde, Nora Ego, Maryam Booth, Ame Aiyejina, and Habiba Tanko Zock-Sock, with an expanded cast, the second season, which premiered in September on Prime Video, delves deeper into the complexities Northern Nigerian women face as they navigate the intersection of religion, tradition, and modernity in their quest to assert their individuality.
Farmers Bride
In September, farmer’s Bride premiered in Nigerian cinemas, followed by a UK release in October. This captivating romantic drama takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of Funmi, a young bride powerfully portrayed by Gbubemi Ejeye. Funmi is caught between her duty to an older husband and her undeniable passion for another man. Directed by Adebayo Tijani (Jagun Jagun) and written by Jack’ennteh Opukeme (Battle on Buka Street), Farmer’s Bride is set in a picturesque 1970s village in Southwest Nigeria. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, and Tobi Bakre, bringing depth and authenticity to this richly imagined tale.
Suspicion
Nollywood couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to 2024 than with Tosin Igho’s groundbreaking film, Suspicion, starring Stan Nze. Released in November on Prime Video, this thrilling hybrid movie unravels the story of a street-smart Wafarian who seeks to avenge his best friend’s death using the inherited supernatural powers of Juju. Igho masterfully brings this fictional Niger Delta tale to life, blending CGI and special effects with stunning cinematography and sharp editing to create the perfect atmosphere for an action-packed thriller. With its relentless twists and turns, Suspicion, also starring Omowunmi Dada and Azuh Arinze, keeps audiences on edge, constantly surprised yet fully captivated by the journey.
Rose and Ivy
Rose & Ivy is a powerful drama by Biodun Stephen that explores the profound bond between two sisters whose unwavering love triggers unforeseen and life-changing events. Stephen celebrated for acclaimed works like Sista, Breaded Life, and Introducing the Kujus, is no stranger to crafting compelling and engaging stories. So, what sets this film apart as it began streaming on Prime Video in December? Stephen takes her storytelling to new heights with precise editing and dynamic camera techniques, amplifying the emotional resonance of the narrative. Every shot is carefully designed to reflect the characters' shifting emotions, immersing viewers in a poignant tale of sibling relationships, self-sacrifice, and enduring love.
Everybody Loves Jenifa
Funke Akindele closed out 2024 on a high note for Nollywood with the global premiere and box office success of Everybody Loves Jenifa. The film debuted in Nigeria on December 13, followed by a UK release and screenings in 40 countries, including Europe, Canada, and the United States. This star-studded comedy broke box office records, grossing over 1 billion naira in 19 days, making it the fastest Nollywood movie to reach that milestone. With total earnings of 1,034,091,220 naira, Everybody Loves Jenifa now ranks second among the highest-grossing Nollywood films, just behind her 2023 hit, A Tribe Called Judah, which earned 1,404,187,806 naira.
From the thought-provoking narratives of Adire and Beyond the Veil Season 2 to the historical depth of Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti and House of Ga’a, and the groundbreaking success of Everybody Loves Jenifa, 2024 has been a landmark for Nollywood and African cinema. SCREENNOLLY's curated selections celebrate not just the artistic excellence of these works but their ability to connect with audiences across borders, bridging cultures and fostering global appreciation for diverse narratives.
Happy New Year
Jimi D Baldheaded Guy