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Nollywood embraced originality and diversity in a big way this year, from historical dramas to musicals, and we loved it.

Top 5 Nollywood movies of 2022 [Pulse Picks] | Pulse Nigeria

Inemesit Udodiong

<p>2022 has been an interesting year in Nollywood, with the growing attention of international streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and more authentic portrayals of Nigerian stories.</p>

<p>Writers, directors, actors, and the rest of the production crew worked hard to put out good projects that thrilled viewers on streaming platforms and increased cinema ticket sales.</p>

<p>Aside from the revenue, we noticed an increase in quality and diversity, with more filmmakers taking risks with their work by moving away from popular, well-performing genres like comedy, and drama. We cannot wait to see this new development pay off next year.</p>

<p>In no particular order, here are the top five Nollywood movies of 2022:</p>

<p><strong>‘For Maria’ (Ẹ̀bùn Pàtàkì)</strong></p>

<p>Even though&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/damilola-orimogunje-talks-making-for-maria-a-film-on-postpartum-depression/xtzqpn4"><strong>Damilola Orimogunje</strong>’s movie</a> premiered in 2020, it was released on Netflix this year hence its spot on this list. ‘For Maria’ stands out for its core theme —postpartum depression and handling it brilliantly.</p>

<p>Showcasing an often overlooked issue, a first-time mother (<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/meg-otanwa-opens-up-on-gaining-weight-for-role-in-for-maria/z9zfg28"><strong>Meg Otanwa</strong></a>) is unable to bring herself to bond with her newborn after a difficult delivery. Her well meaning family worsen the situation with their impatient, clumsy attempts to help. The result is a well-handled take on her heartbreaking journey with post postpartum depression.</p>

<p><strong>‘King of Thieves’ (Agesinkole)</strong></p>

<p>In 2021, the incredible biopic&nbsp;<strong>‘</strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/playing-the-lead-role-in-ayinla-was-a-dream-come-true-adedimeji-lateef/lgwnpw0">Ayinla</a><strong>’</strong>&nbsp;led the resurgence of indigenous movies in theatres. This year, ‘<a href="https://culturecustodian.com/review-king-of-thieves-wants-you-to-remember-the-magic-and-allure-of-indigenous-movies/">King of Thieves</a>’ took the baton and got it moving with a successful theatrical run before getting well received after it landed on Amazon Prime Video.</p>

<p>In an exciting blast from the past, the epic, historical drama is a tale of betrayal and vengeance with a sprinkling of the supernatural with gods, witches and masquerades. Despite the underwhelming opening, the movie delivers a lot of excitement and drama. It's a <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/why-agesinkole-was-received-better-than-anikulapo-and-elesin-oba-pulse-editors/ty2b6xp">personal favourite of ours</a>.</p>

<p>In an interesting twist that no one saw coming, we got to receive a major breath of fresh air with this Nollywood musical created by directing/producing duo —&nbsp;<strong>Kayode Kasum&nbsp;</strong>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/top-5-movie-directors-of-2022-pulse-picks/02s54xz"><strong>Dare Olaitan</strong></a><strong>.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Led by&nbsp;<strong>Nancy Isime</strong>, Obara’M is a compelling, relatable story that progresses smoothly. Despite a few issues, the beautiful cinematography, music and exceptional performances from veterans like Onyeka Onwenu and Nkem Owoh make for a great experience.</p>

<p><strong>‘Brotherhood’</strong></p>

<p><strong>Jade Osiberu</strong>&nbsp;delivers every time from her solo projects like ‘Isoken,’ and ‘Sugar Rush’ to collaborations like ‘Ayinla’ and ‘Brotherhood’ is no exception.</p>

<p>Directed by&nbsp;<strong>Loukman Ali</strong>, ‘Brotherhood’ is a satisfying, fun movie that relies heavily on action scenes. It works because of the outstanding performances from <strong>OC Ukeje, Falz, </strong>and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/tobi-bakre-on-transiting-from-bbnaija-to-debut-lead-role-fatherhood/nx6sbpl"><strong>Tobi Bakare,</strong></a> who proves his acting chops.</p>

<p>Whenever&nbsp;<strong>Kunle Afolayan&nbsp;</strong>creates anything, he goes all out, putting his heart and soul into his craft. He did just that with ‘<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/anikulapo-is-kunle-afolayans-peace-offering-pulse-movie-review/mhwsfpx">Anikulapo</a>’ which was filmed in Oyo for 6 to 7 weeks and involved approximately 300 people, according to Business Day. It's also reported that he built the entire production set from scratch.</p>

<p>While the set design and acting are commendable, the plot leaves more to be desired. However, this film makes the list due to its <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/kunle-afolayans-anikulapo-ranks-no1-globally-on-netflix/tqz293g">massive scale</a> and the effort that went into making it. With his ongoing deal with Netflix, we can not wait to see what <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/i-knew-anikulapo-would-be-bigger-than-game-of-thrones-afolayan/trf5sp4">Afolayan</a> does next year.</p>

<p><strong>‘Choke’ - Orimz&nbsp;</strong>creates a thought-provoking thriller that draws viewers in with how he handles the movie’s delicate subject matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>‘No U-Turn’ - </strong>Director&nbsp;<strong>Ike Nnaebue&nbsp;</strong>delivers an introspective look at the popular <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/pulse-cares-origin-of-the-word-japa/2jd24kh">japa movement.&nbsp;</a></p>

Top 5 Nollywood movies of 2022 [Pulse Picks]

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