Nollywood Take Over- Goodbye Netflix

In a very bold shift, Netflix has decided to end its commissioning of new Nigerian Originals and has officially started pulling back from Nigeria as of early November 2024. Despite some denials, Netflix has quietly scaled back its involvement, paving the way for Nigerian filmmakers to begin their course.

Nollywood is in the ranks among the world’s largest film industries based on influence and output! African creators aren’t just telling stories, they’re revolutionizing formats and distribution; think of reality-adjacent series, fantasy sagas, uplifting family tales, and even blockbuster crime dramas. 

Creators affiliated with Nollywood are reaching for the lead against traditional streamers as they pivot to platforms such as YouTube in order to reach global audiences directly. With free access and viral potential, Nollywood will not only have a wider reach for audiences to see and boost these creations, but it also helps them make money in new ways (ads, sponsorships, partnerships, etc.) instead of relying on big streaming companies. 

While Netflix is on the retreat, newer formats are booming and climbing to the top. Nigerian-made reality and social drama, “Love In Every World,” hit 5 million views on YouTube just days after being published. This is proof that Africa is shaping its style of viral reality TV. Sites like KAVA, IROKOtv, Showmax, KweliTV, and IbakaTV are the leading sites in charge of the distribution of Nollywood stories to global and African audiences.  

Must-Watch Nollywood Films and Shows Straight from the Motherland:

The Black Book: A Netflix crime thriller! With an average rating of 7-8/10 from critics, Nigeria’s first major film to crack Netflix’s global top 10 in 69 countries. Known for its gripping story of a former special agent turned pastor seeking justice for his murdered son, it confronts corruption head-on.

 Omo Ghetto: The Saga: This “crowd pleaser” is available on Nigerian streaming platforms like IROKOtv or Showmax, with an average rating of 6.5-7/10 from audiences. This comedy drama shattered the box office records and became the first Nollywood film to gross $600 million in revenue, as well as dominating cinemas for over ten weeks with bold humor and urban

The Wedding Party: Found on Amazon Prime Video, a romantic comedy with an average rating of 7-8/10 from audiences. The film captures the experience of what makes Nigerian weddings so iconic…And chaotic.

Living In Bondage: Breaking Free - A supernatural thriller on Netflix with an average rating of 6.5-7/10. This is a modern sequel to the original 1992 Nollywood classic that explores themes of power, legacy, and supernatural intrigue. Ranked among the top-grossing Nigerian films.

Blood Sisters - This series is a crime thriller on Netflix, ranked 7-8/10. This show stunned viewers with its layered characters, intense suspense, and commentary on domestic abuse and corruption.