If 2025 was the year Nollywood went “global,” 2026 is the year we take over the remote.
Netflix’s investment in African storytelling is hitting an all-time high, and the “Top 10 in Nigeria” list is currently a battlefield of cinematic heavyweights.
From high-octane crime thrillers to heart-wrenching family dramas, your January watchlist is looking stacked.
Grab your popcorn and clear your schedule. Here are the top 10 Nollywood titles you need to stream on Netflix right now.
1. The Herd (2025)
Director: Daniel Etim Effiong
Genre: Crime Thriller
The Vibe: Dark, gritty, and unapologetic.
Leading the charts for over 60 days, The Herd is a masterclass in suspense. Daniel Etim Effiong doesn’t just act here; he directs a haunting story of survival and betrayal that has had everyone on X (Twitter) talking since New Year’s Day.
2. The Waiter (2024)
Director: Toka McBaror
Genre: Action Comedy
The Vibe: 30 Days in Atlanta meets Die Hard.
Ayo Makun (AY) returns as the lovable troublemaker Akpos. This time, he’s a waiter in a swanky Abuja hotel that gets taken hostage. It’s the perfect blend of high-stakes action and classic “Akpos” humor.
3. Strained (2023)
Director: Okechukwu Oku
Genre: Family Drama
The Vibe: A tear-jerker with a message of healing.
This film has found a second life on Netflix this month. Dealing with the complexities of postpartum life and mother-daughter reconciliation, Strained is a deep, emotional dive that resonates with anyone who has ever had to say “I’m sorry.”
4. Ile Owo (House of Money) (2022)
Director: Dare Olaitan
Genre: Horror / Thriller
The Vibe: Beautiful people in very scary situations.
If you missed this in the cinema, now is your chance. Efa Iwara and Immaculata Oko-Kasum lead a cast in a story about wealth, rituals, and the dark price of entry into Nigeria’s elite circles.
5. The Millions (2019)
Director: Toka McBaror
Genre: Heist Comedy
The Vibe: Slick, fast-paced, and star-studded.
Ramsey Nouah as a con artist? Yes, please. This classic heist movie is trending again as fans revisit the “biggest heist in Nigeria” story. It’s stylish, funny, and keeps you guessing.
6. Your Excellency (2019)
Director: Funke Akindele
Genre: Political Satire
The Vibe: Chaotic campaign energy and big laughs.
With political seasons always around the corner in Africa, Funke Akindele’s satirical take on the quest for the presidency remains evergreen. It’s loud, colorful, and brilliantly lampoons the absurdity of political ambition.
7. A Sunday Affair (2023)
Director: Walter Banger
Genre: Romance
The Vibe: Sophisticated drama for a quiet weekend.
Nse Ikpe-Etim and Dakore Akande-Ebuson prove why they are Nollywood royalty. This story of two best friends falling for the same man is a mature, nuanced look at love and sisterhood.
8. The Rise of Igbinogun (2021)
Director: Ideh Chukwuma Innocent
Genre: Epic Drama
The Vibe: Traditional bravery and epic battles.
For those who love a “Warrior Queen” narrative, Igbinogun delivers. It’s a visually stunning tale of a young woman fighting injustice in her land, proving that Nollywood epics are a genre all their own.
9. Dinner (2016)
Director: Jay Franklin Jituboh
Genre: Psychological Thriller
The Vibe: Glass Onion vibes in a Lagos dining room.
Old secrets come out over appetizers. Dinner is a masterclass in “limited location” storytelling, proving you don’t need a huge set to create massive tension.
10. Before Valentine’s (2022)
Director: Michelle Bello
Genre: Rom-Com
The Vibe: Pre-February love jitters.
With February just around the corner, this ensemble rom-com is climbing back up the charts. Set in a hair salon, it follows four stylists dealing with their messy love lives.
Coming Soon: The Big One
Mark your calendars! AnÃkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens (Season 2) drops on January 30th. Kunle Afolayan is set to break the internet again—stay tuned to Showbiz.Africa for our exclusive review the moment it hits.
Which of these are you watching tonight? Drop a comment and let us know!
