10 African Action Movies You Should See

The storyline of African action movies can vary widely depending on the specific movie and its intended audience, but there are some common elements that are often found in these films.

One common theme is the struggle for power or control. This may involve a fight for control of a valuable resource, such as a mine or oil field, or it may involve a struggle for political power.

Another common theme is the fight against corruption and injustice. Many African action movies feature protagonists who are fighting against corrupt officials or criminal organizations that are exploiting or oppressing the people.

In addition to these overarching themes, African action movies often incorporate elements of traditional African culture and folklore. This may include the use of traditional weapons or fighting styles, as well as the incorporation of supernatural or mystical elements into the story.

Finally, African action movies often feature strong and capable protagonists who are determined to achieve their goals at any cost. These characters may be driven by a sense of justice, a desire for revenge, or a commitment to protecting their community or family.

Here are 10 notable African action movies:

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

 This powerful film tells the story of a hotel manager who risks his own life to save refugees during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Tsotsi (2005)

 This South African film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and tells the story of a young gangster who finds redemption after a violent crime.

Blood Diamond (2006)

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou, this intense drama explores the brutal world of diamond smuggling in Sierra Leone during the civil war.

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

 This Netflix original movie follows the story of a child soldier in West Africa who is forced to fight in a civil war.

Black Panther (2018)

T’Challa returns to Wakanda, an African country, after the passing of his father to assume the throne in his due place. T’Challa’s resolve as king and as Black Panther is put to the test when he is lured into a struggle that threatens the future of Wakanda and the entire globe when a formidable opponent reappears out of nowhere. The young king gathers supporters and unleashes Black Panther’s full strength to fight his enemies and ensure the safety of his people when faced with deceit and peril.

Silverton Siege (2022)

The film is based on an actual tale that occurred in Pretoria, South Africa, in January 1980 and follows three freedom fighters who are hunted by police captain Langerman after a botched mission. They eventually end up taking personnel and customers hostage inside a national bank, demanding Nelson Mandela’s freedom in exchange for their safe surrender.

Brotherhood (2022)

The tale of twin orphans raised by their aunt is the subject of the film Brotherhood. As they get older, the twins end up in various legal teams. As soon as he is released from prison, Akin teams up with the Ojuju boys and improves their heist technique. The conflict of the movie is exposed as Wale, a detective, begins a new position with the SWAT team and gets married. 

Shanty Town (2023)

Drug dealers, prostitutes, and thugs live in Shanty Town. A city where crime reigns supreme, used by political figures to achieve their aims.

Gangs of Lagos (2023)

Obalola, Ify, and Gift join a gang after witnessing the murder of their adoptive father. The three buddies become involved in gang wars as election campaigns get underway, which motivates them to accomplish their ‘destiny’.

Unseen (2023)

Based on the Turkish Netflix series Fatma, Unseen follows Zenzi Mwale as she searches for her missing husband, Max, and is ensnared in a web of revelations that forces her to choose between taking revenge under the pretext of dishonest work or becoming a tool in the criminal underworld. 

Conclusively, the storyline of an African action movie is typically characterized by high stakes, intense action sequences, and a strong sense of cultural identity and pride.