Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Nollywood, this July. As you know, Netflix continues to deliver From edge-of-your-seat dramas to mind-bending thrillers, these five Nollywood movies deserve a spot on your watchlist.

‎Elevator Baby

Elevator baby movie cover

‎The film Elevator Baby directed by Akay Mason and produced by Niyi Akinmolayan is a warm drama that tells the story of a young woman trapped in an elevator with a stranger. While waiting for help, the two form an unexpected bond that transforms their lives. It’s a touching, sometimes heartbreaking story that explores human connection and empathy featuring Toyin Abraham and Timini Egbuson.

‎Dark October

Dark October movie cover

‎True to the events of the Aluu four lynching, Dark October is a powerful thought-provoking fim where the ideas of justice and morality are challenged, and the fatal consequences of mob mentality are exposed. Directed by Udoka Oyeka and produced by Diche Enunwa. This film features a talented cast made up of the likes of Chuks Joseph, Nneoma Okoro and Kelechi Udegbe.

‎Light in Dark

Light in the dark movie cover

‎It is a riveting drama directed by Ekene Som Mekwunye and produced by Victoria Akujobi titled Light in the Dark,  tells the story of a young woman who has to struggle with family, romance, and questions of identity. Powerful performances by Rita Dominic, Kalu Ikeagwu and Joke Silva, make this film a wonderful display of life.

‎Swallow

Swallow movie cover

‎The film Swallow, which is based on the novel by Sefi Atta, is an exciting drama that raises the issue of identity, culture, and complicated human relations. This film is directed by Kunle Afolayan and is produced by Manoj Kumar starring skilled actors as Ijeoma Grace Agu, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Eniola Badmus.

‎Breaded Life

‎Directed by Biodun Stephen and produced by Biodun Stephen, Breaded Life is an uplifting drama film charting the journey of a young woman who has to go through the shane of family, love, and identity. This is a magnificent film about the human condition featuring Bimbo Ademoye, Timini Egbuson, and Tina Mba.

‎These five movies showcase the richness and diversity of Nollywood storytelling which everyone should watch to experience the best of Nigerian cinematic productions. Go and get some popcorn, make yourself comfortable and have fun!

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There’s no warm-up. From the very first shot, the trailer for Hakeem – Seeking Justice pulls you straight into one man’s quiet storm. A slow walk. A bruised face. A look that says more than any line ever could. It doesn’t rely on flash or noise. It’s the silence, the tension, and the unanswered questions that leave the strongest impression.

A Story Rooted in Frustration

The trailer quickly sketches out Hakeem’s world—a man betrayed, ignored, and backed into a corner. Played by Deyemi Okanlawon, Hakeem isn’t a superhero. He’s a man who’s had enough. The scenes are tense, layered with unspoken pain, and disturbingly familiar. There’s a court. There’s corruption. There’s someone who should have listened but didn’t. And just like that, you remember this isn’t fiction for many people—it’s a version of their reality.

Deliberate, Not Loud

Rather than overwhelm the viewer with fast-paced edits or gimmicks, the trailer takes its time. Every frame feels purposeful. The lighting is moody. The sound is restrained. The violence—when it comes—isn’t showy, but sudden and personal. The result is a trailer that builds real suspense without ever raising its voice.

A Cast That Knows What They’re Doing

From the few glimpses we get, the cast doesn’t just look the part—they feel believable. Chioma Chukwuka, Gabriel Afolayan, Bolanle Ninalowo, Zubby Michael, Regina Daniels, and Liquorose all appear in sharp, grounded moments. There’s no grandstanding, just strong presence. Skales and White Money also show up briefly. Whether they’re playing roles with real weight or simply testing the waters, it’ll be interesting to watch.

A Director with a Point to Make

Abdulrasheed “JJC Skillz” Bello seems to be reaching for something different with this film. Based on the trailer, Hakeem isn’t about spectacle—it’s about truth. About how easy it is for a system to swallow the powerless. About how dignity becomes a fight. It’s political, yes—but it doesn’t preach. It just lays it bare.

Final Take

What stands out most is the restraint. There’s no rush to impress. The trailer gives just enough—then leaves you sitting with it. It doesn’t feel like a preview; it feels like a warning shot. One that says this film is going to touch something raw.

Hakeem – Seeking Justice opens in cinemas on August 1st. If the trailer is anything to go by, this won’t be a film you watch and forget. It’ll sit with you.

The trailer wastes no time. A man with his face hidden darts through chaotic Paris traffic, blood on his hands and sirens blaring behind him. Within seconds, it’s clear—Sin is not here to tiptoe. This is a full-blown, no-holds-barred action thriller, and Jim Iyke is at the center of the storm.

After months of anticipation and cross-continental filming, Sin: The First Kill finally shows its hand with a trailer that’s as tense as it is visually slick. Dark, fast-paced, and gripping from the first frame, the film dives into the brutal world of international drug cartels, betrayal, and survival. Jim Iyke stars as a man haunted by his past and hunted in his present. He’s not playing the hero—he’s just trying to make it out alive.

The scale of the film is immediately noticeable. From the gritty streets of Lagos to the cold shadows of Paris, Sin is clearly built for a global audience. Directed by Dimeji Ajibola and Yemi Morafa, the film isn’t afraid to move fast, cross borders, or get its hands dirty.

Iyke’s performance—based on the trailer—comes across as raw and electric. One minute he’s composed in a tailored suit, the next he’s fighting for his life, rage in his eyes and gun in hand. He carries the weight of someone with too many secrets and too little time. It’s clear this is more than just another lead role for Iyke—it’s personal.

Backing him is a cast that balances screen veterans and rising stars. Toni Tones brings sharp intensity to her scenes, while Yemi Blaq, Shaffy Bello, and Chidi Mokeme lend serious weight. Viewers also get unexpected appearances from media personalities like Toke Makinwa and Teddy A, stepping out of their usual lanes into something darker.

Visually, the film doesn’t cut corners. Cinematographer Peter Moloto delivers crisp, cinematic shots, whether capturing explosive action or quiet tension. The fight choreography is tight and believable. And the pacing? It leaves no room to breathe.

It also helps that this is no shoestring-budget project. With Amazon Prime Video backing the production and a reported $2.5 million investment, Sin stands among the most ambitious Nollywood films to date. Jim Iyke, who also serves as executive producer, isn’t just aiming high—he’s aiming internationally.

Set to premiere globally on July 24 via Prime Video, Sin could mark a turning point for the Nigerian film industry. It’s not just the action, or the star power, or the slick camera work. It’s the intent. This is a film that wants to do more—and be more—than what’s come before.

With the trailer now out and buzz growing fast, one thing is certain: Jim Iyke isn’t whispering. He’s kicking down the door—and Sin might just be his loudest statement yet.