TOP 10 NOLLYWOOD CLASSICS

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With the decline of Nigerian cinema in the late 80s, independent producers took it upon themselves to shoot low budget movies and sell them to the consumers in VHS cassettes via marketers. These movies were known as home videos. The 90s were dominated by home videos. Cheaply produced and shot within a couple of weeks, this movie scene(later to be christened Nollywood in 2002) flooded the country, then the West African sub-region, Africa and the diaspora.

Nollywood has indeed come a long way in entertaining us, keeping us glued to our screens. We present to you top ten Nollywood classics of all time.

10.Nneka the pretty serpent- (Directed by Zeb Ejiro/1992)

Probably the movie that started the depiction of evil seductresses in Nollywood movies, this classic flick tells the story of the enchanting female demon Nneka who seduces men for their money and souls. Her next victim is Tony who she almost totally wrecks.

Actors– Ndidi Obi, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, Rita Nzelu, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Eucharia Anunobi, Ngozi Ezeonu, Sam Loco, late James Iroha, Claude Eke and Nelly Uchendu

9. Suicide Mission– (Directed by Fred Amata/1998)

The storyline is as predictable as it gets. A seductress Monique comes in between  Austin and his wife Winnie. She uses spiritual means to control Austin. While the storyline is passable, this movie is memorable because we get to see RMD locked in a bottle thanks to some cheap special effects.

 Actors– Richard Mofe- Damijo, Regina Askia, Ameze Imarhiagbe, Obot Etuk, Patrick Doyle, Peter Bunor Jr. among others.

8. Karishika- (Directed by Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi/1996)

It’s the end time and Lucifer sends the lust demon known as Karishika a.k.a Queen of Darkness to steal the souls of men with sex. The storyline might be borderline predictable but the special effects make Karishika one of the scariest Nollywood movies of all time.

Actors– Bob Manuel Udokwu, Becky Okorie, Sandra Achums, Obi Mmadubugo, Amaechi Muonagor, Sunny Mc-Don, Adaora Ukoh, Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi, Andy Chukwu, Steve Eboh among others

7. Out of bounds-  (Directed by Tade Ogidan/1997)

Pastor Voke is the target of two women who are hell-bent on sleeping with him. The Pastor steps out of his marriage and finds himself in a web of lies and deceit which ruins him.

Actors– Richard Mofe Damijo, Bimbo Akintola, Rachael Oniga, Steve Rhodes, among others

6. Violated – (Directed by Amaka Igwe/1996)

 A man by the name of Tega who comes from an affluent background falls in love with Peggy who comes from a much simple background. Their romantic story is hit with complications from the past.

Actors– Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ego Boyo, Kunle Bamtefa, Joke Silva, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi and others.

5. Most wanted – (Directed by Tunji Bamishigbin/1998)

    A copy and caste Nollywood version of the Hollywood crime action film starring Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise. The straight jack off did not deter Most Wanted from becoming a hit as the all-female leading cast was too strong.

Actors – Regina Askia, Ibinabo Fiberisima, Ayo Adesanya, Liz Benson, Genevieve Nnaji and Antar Laniyan.

4. Living in Bondage- (Directed by Chris Obi Rapu/1992-1993)

Andy is frustrated about how his life has turned out despite his wife’s assurance and support. Desperate to be rich, Andy listens to his best friend Paul who lures him to join a satanic cult. Andy sacrifices his wife to Lucifer in exchange for wealth but despite all the money in the world, his life crumbles.

Actors– Kenneth Okonkwo, Nnenna Nwabueze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Francis Agu, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, and others.

3. Glamour girls- (Directed by Tunji Bamishigbin/1998)

This is a Nollywood classic that touched on the themes of sex and money. Producer Kenneth Nnebue(NEK Films) decided to touch on these themes, neglecting the prevailing themes of the time. Not only did this movie touch on sex and money, it boldly focused on sexuality, giving it a notorious reputation. It made the careers of Eucharia Anunobi and Zack Orji.

Actors– Euhcaria Anunobi, Zack Orji, Liz Benson, Dolly Unachukwu, Gloria Alozie and others.

2. Diamond ring (Directed by Tade Ogidan/1998)

 A spoilt brat by the name of Chidi is sent to a University quite early by his parents. When he is on campus he joins a gang who later rob a mortuary. Unknown to Chidi and his gang members, the booty from the heist would have grave consequences.

Actors – Liz Benson, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Bimbo Akintola, Bukky Ajayi, Tunji Bamishigbin, Sola Sobowale, Teju Gbade-Oyelakin and more.

1. Osuofia in London- (Kingsley Ogoro/ 2003 & 2004)

Arguably one of the highest selling Nollywood films in history, Osoufia is a villager living in Nigeria, who received word of his brother’s demise, Donatus in London. However, in his will, Donatus has left Osuofia with his huge estate as the sole beneficiary. Osuofia made his way to London only to find out that his late brother’s English fiancée, Samantha is not quite sure herself, about the Nigerian’s tradition (i.e., Osuofia being a benefactor of his brother’s properties).Cultural misunderstandings resulted in a comedy of errors.

Actors- Nkem Owoh, Mara Derwent Charles Angiama, Cynthia Okereke Victoria Summers, Francis Ordega

 

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