Below is a list of top old Nollywood movies you wouldn’t forget in a hurry if you are a film lover.
10. Domitila (1996): The movie was produced by Zeb Ejiro, starring Anne Njemanze. Domitilla is a landmark film in the Nigerian home movie industry. It is about ‘single girls’ and their (mis)-adventures in big cities. Ann Njemanze, became an instant movie star after acting the leading role.
The main story line was of how young girls get into in the quest to survive in big cities. Sometimes, they’re fuelled by greed, some other times by need, peer pressure and in the end the become morally derailed.
9. Blood Money (1997): Featured the likes of Zack Orji, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Francis Agu and Sam Dede. Directed and Written by Chico Ejiro. In the movie, a man lost his Bank job, and was drawn into the world of rituals where the only way for him was by taking the life of an another.
8. Glamour Girls (1994): Produced by Kenneth Nnebue featuring Liz Benson, Eucharia Anunobi, Gloria Anozie, Zack Orji, Barbra Odoh and Dolly Unachukwu.
7. Scores to Settle (1998): Produced by Sunny Collins and directed by Chico Ejiro. The movie featured the likes of Rich Azu, Liz Benson, Teco Benson, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Patrick Doyle.
In the movie, Sade, rejected by her in-laws, hits the streets with her two sons after the death of her husband. This was the beginning of a long journey marred by insecurity, death and poverty.
6. Igodo – The Land of the Living Dead (1999): I remember watching this movie, can’t get the year actually. The movie was directed by Andy Amenechi, starring Pete Edochie, Norbert Young, Sam Dede, Charles Okafor, Obi Madubogwu, Chidi Mokeme, Prince James Uche, Ignis Ekwe, Joe Layode and produced by Ojiofor Ezeanyaeche.
In the movie, a group of warriors were set out to go and get something in the deep forest to save their village. All died except one.
5. Aki na Ukwa (2003): I think it was the first comic movie that brought to stardom, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme. Directed by Amayo Uzo Phillips starring Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Amaechi Muonagor and Oby Kechere.
4. Osuofia in London (2003): Written and directed by Kingsley Ogoro and stars other actors like Nkem Owoh, Francis Odega and Cynthia Okereke. The film was among the highest selling Nollywood comic movies.
3. Nneka – The Pretty Serpent:
Years after its release in 1992, “Nneka the Pretty Serpent” remains a reference point for Nollywood in the past. The home video helped launch the careers of the likes of Ndidi Obi, Eucharia Anunobi, Ngozi Ezeonu and Rita Nzelu amongst many others. Released during the VHS era, the emergence of this movie saw a shift from foreign movies to Home Videos. Directed by Zeb Ejiro and produced by Okechukwu Ogunjiofor.
2. Most Wanted (1996): Please tell me you watched this movie. Produced by Dozie Eriobu and directed by Tunji Bamishigbin. Featuring Regina Askia, Ibinabo Fiberisima and Ayo Adesanya along with Liz Benson, Antar Laniyan and Genevieve Nnaji which was her first movie, although she played just a minor role there.
In the movie, a group of unemployed ladies decide to disguised as men and rob. The police was having a hard time tracking them down as they were on the lookout for male robbers. When one of the girl’s falls in love with the investigating police officer, story changed. The policeman later finds out that his lover is a member of the ‘Most Wanted’ criminal gang.
1. Living in Bondage: The movie is said to be the movie that brought Nollywood into existence. Released 1992 with run time – 2hr 43mins. It was directed by Chris Obi Rapu, written by Kenneth Nnebue. Starring; Kanayo O. Kanayo, Francis Agu (late), Okechukw Ogunjiofor, Kenneth Okonkwo (Andy), Nnenna Nwabueze (Merit), Bob-Manuel Udokwu and many others.
The film tells the story of a man who joins a secret cult, kills his wife in a ritual sacrifice, gains enormous wealth as a reward, and is afterwards haunted by the dead wife’s ghost.
