Best African Movies To Watch Out For In 2023

The African film industry is renowned for its inventive and indigenous storytelling. African movies 2023 have witnessed an exciting upward trajectory, in production quality and viewing experience in recent years. With increasingly consistent image quality and tone, and better screenplay carrying much more complex and engaging plots, we are seeing movies made on the continent, by and for Africans, take centre stage in public forums as they’ve never been.

As one of the most promising film markets in the world, the African movie industry has set its sights on producing more award-winning high-quality movies in the upcoming 2022-2023 period. With the success of nominations and awards across international film festivals, African filmmakers have shown the world their great potential for producing amazing stories and breathtaking visuals.

Moreover, the growth in streaming platforms has given African filmmakers a larger platform to promote their projects. Netflix, Apple TV, Showmax, and Amazon Prime Video are some of the outlets where you can find the best African movies today. With the potential of creative content being produced in the continent, here are the most promising African movies to watch out for in 2023;

Nigerian movies have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the incredible talent of Nollywood filmmakers. As more Nigerian movies continue to be added to the list of offerings on streaming platforms like Netflix, audiences around the world are discovering the richness and diversity of the country’s film industry. In 2023, we can expect to see even more top-quality Nigerian movies on Netflix and other platforms, showcasing the best that Nollywood has to offer.

Best African Movies 2023

With exciting new titles and genres ranging from comedy to drama, and action to romance, there’s something for everyone. As the list of top Nigerian movies continues to grow, it’s clear that Nollywood is a force to be reckoned with in the global film industry. So, get ready to be entertained and inspired by some of the best new Nigerian movies in 2023, both in cinemas and on streaming platforms like Netflix.

1. A Sunday Affair, February 14th

The story is a tale themed on friendship, desire, and sacrifice. Set in Lagos, two best friends named Uche and Toyin fall in love with Sunday, an attractive bachelor who is charming but imperfect and in a precarious position. A love triangle develops, with none of the women realizing they are dating the same man.

However, Sunday faces a dilemma: who does he pick? This entanglement reaches an incredibly unanticipated climax. Nse Ikpe-Etim, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Oris Erhuero, Alexx Ekubo, Chris Iheuwa, etc. are among the actors who appear in the movie.

2. African Queens: Njinga, February 15th

The series tells the tale of the warrior queen Njinga, who ruled during a time of political unrest and familial betrayal in the 17th century.

The African queen can be seen in her many life stages in the first look pictures. She is depicted in the trailer as a strong, renowned leader, a complicated, and fierce warrior queen of Ndongo and Matamba in contemporary Angola.

Her political, diplomatic, and military abilities, which left an indelible mark on human history, are all recounted in the film. The movie is directed and produced by Jada Pinkett Smith.

3. Dead Serious

Dead Serious is a romantic comedy about a young guy who makes multiple unsuccessful attempts to commit himself after losing his wife-to-be a few days before their wedding, according to the film’s director Moses Inwang. Suicide and suicidal ideas are condemned. Favorite actors and comedians including Nkem Owoh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Sharon Ooja, Mr. Funny, and Nasboi are among those who appear in the film.

4. The Trade

 A thrilling criminal drama involving kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, “The Trade” is based on actual events. The Trade relates the tale of Dike Maduka, an infamous millionaire genius kidnapper who has eluded capture for 20 years, and the high-stakes investigation into his criminal operations conducted by a quickly rising police officer and chief of the Intelligence Response Team.

The film, which was written and directed by Yinka Ogun, is made by Foresight Global Films and stars Chiwetalu Agu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Rita Dominic, Kelechi Udegbe, Gideon Okeke, Gregory Ojefua, Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu, Denola Grey, and many others. 

5. Gang of Lagos

 Real-life individuals served as inspiration for Gang of Lagos. It is a suspenseful, realistic, and brutally violent action-crime thriller film that focuses on three friends named Obaloba, Gift, and Panama who must all navigate their own fates as they grow up in the busy streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos. With Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju, and Akin Omotosho serving as co-producers, the movie is planned to star Tobi Bakare, Chioma Chukwuka, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Iyabo Ojo, artists Chike, and Zlatan Ibile.

These are some of the best African movies to watch out for in 2023. Whether you are a fan of thrillers, romances, or historical dramas, these movies will be sure to mesmerize and captivate you.

The African film industry is on the rise, with the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, at the forefront of this movement. In 2023, some of the best African movies to watch out for are Nigerian movies, including ‘Dead Serious’ and ‘The Trade,’ which are expected to be among the best new Nigerian movies. With the growth of streaming platforms like Netflix, many African movies, including Nollywood movies, can now reach a global audience. ‘African Queens: Njinga’ produced by Jada Pinkett Smith is one of the best African movies on Netflix in 2023. If you are a fan of Nigerian films or African movies in general, these movies will be sure to captivate you.