The African film industry dates back to the early 1970s. Since then, hundreds if not thousands of other African films have been produced primarily in the West African region of Africa. Although nowadays so many African films are popping up from East African countries like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. This is because the world has evolved and with the advent of great technologies such as the internet, digital cameras, streaming video, and mobile devices and computers, filmmakers are now showing a more vibrant Africa than previous Francophone filmmakers. This list shows the films that could be considered the best African films of all time, including war, classic and romantic films. While we agree that the list is subjective, you can use any film,
See also Top 10 African TV Series
Top African War Movies
Watu Wote (2016)
In Kenya there has been a long existence of distrust and tensions between different religious groups in the country, particularly between Christians and Muslims. This is the result of countless heartbreaking attacks by a terrorist group called Al-Shabaab, which has been waging war on the state government. In a rather surprising event, both religions showed solidarity and mutual support in 2015 when al-Shabaab attacked a Mandera bus to seek out and kill Christians. The event shows that harmony can reign and those who survived the onslaught were dubbed heroes of our generation by other formidable names. But one woman and her crew felt they had to keep alive the great message conveyed through the production of a film called Watu Wote. “Watu Wote” captures this remarkable event that took place on a Mandera bus. The short film was directed by Katja Benrath and shot in Kenya. It stars Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Gerald Langiri, and Charlie Karumi, among others. The film was hugely successful and gained both local and international fame. Not only did Watu Wote win the heart of the world, but she also presented Katja with an award for best short story in the Short Narrative International category. This is the first time a film produced in Kenya has won a student Oscar. It stars Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Gerald Langiri, and Charlie Karumi, among others. The film was hugely successful and gained both local and international fame. Not only did Watu Wote win the heart of the world, but she also presented Katja with an award for best short story in the Short Narrative International category. This is the first time a film produced in Kenya has won a student Oscar. It stars Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Gerald Langiri, and Charlie Karumi, among others. The film was hugely successful and gained both local and international fame. Not only did Watu Wote win the heart of the world, but she also presented Katja with an award for best short story in the Short Narrative International category. This is the first time a film produced in Kenya has won a student Oscar.
76 AKA Lions Of 76
Directed by Izu Ojukwu and loosely set after the 1970 civil war, 76 tells the story of a young officer who falls in love with an O-level student. However, things get complicated for the two lovers who came from different parts of Nigeria (southern region and central Nigeria) as the lot was always put out. The officer was later accused of playing an active role in a failed military coup and the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. This caused his pregnant wife emotional difficulties. Nigerian superstars movie stars like Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima and more. Released in 2016, 76 was discontinued six years after the terrible civil war.
Mission 2016
Misson 2016 is an action crime crime spy film from Africathat you shouldn’t miss. The Ugandan film released in 2017 and directed by Mukasa Kelly James and Micheal Kai tells the story of a lottery winner Sudi who was fed up with a weary life on the road and wanted to go on forever. However, his dreams were almost ruined when his former gang members didn’t just let go of him. The stunning film features great actors like Shakira Kajjumba, Allan Watson Waswa and Micheal Kilza. You can watch a film here
Virgin Margaret
In Mozambique, women date back to 1975 to celebrate the end of colonial rule. A group of women plan to spend a night on the town until revolutionary soldiers crowd into the hotel they are staying in and all the “prostitutes” band together. They are taken deep into the forest where they are abused. Virgin Margarida takes a look at what these women went through immediately after such a pivotal time ended. This film was directed by Licinio Azevedo and runs for 87 minutes.
Nairobi Half Life
This film is about a young aspiring actor (mwas) from Kenya with big dreams to make it to the city of opportunity, Nairobi. After moving to the city, Mwas finds there is much more to the City of Opportunities than the glitz and glamor that many have imagined. He finds himself in the wrong crowd, in a gang, and committing crimes while trying to achieve his big dreams. Nairobi Half Life was directed by David Tosh Gitonga and lasts 96 minutes.
Top African classics
housewife material
This is a classic film made in 2017 Warm Your Heart Nigerian film tells the story of a nubile beautiful woman who didn’t think about marriage because she felt different men filled different gaps. But over time, she learned that settling down with just one can be rewarding.
A date in Abuja
One of the few African films to hint at the busy lives of some career women, A Date in Abuja tells the story of a stubborn woman who works excessively hard. She’s too busy with her career and doesn’t think dating should be a part of her life. But her friends really want to set her up with a man. In one scene, the workaholic is forced to date an arrogant man. After this event, she insists on never trusting the men who recommend her friends. But things aren’t always what they seem when she’s finally met another gentleman. The 2016 film stars Genevive Nnaji, Desmond Elliot, Majid Micheal and more.
Last flight to Abuja
Last Flight to Abuja is based on a true story. The last plane for Flamingo Airways on a Friday night in 2006 becomes a fight for the life of every passenger. During 30,000 feet in the air, the plane develops massive errors and difficulties that force passengers to feel the last moments of their lives. Joining director Obi Emeloye is the likes of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Jim Iyke.
Confusion Na Wa
Confusion Na Wa is a social comedy drama that follows the lives of a group of people as their paths cross for a day in a diverse Nigerian city. The film chronicles a series of events connecting an accidental killing to the murder of an innocent youth. Each of the four lives and stories presented gives more and more insight into what is happening. Confusion Na Wa won Best Nigerian Film at the 2013 African Movie Academy Awards.
https://youtu.be/BQeuQKs6Cc4
Kwaku Ananse
Kwaku Ananse won Best Short Film at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2013. This film follows Nyan Kronhwea as she attends her father’s funeral and turns to the spirit world in search of her father. This short film uses a popular ancient fable and mythology as the background and plot.
Top African Romantic Movies
undivided love
Love Undivided is a romantic film about the insecurities that come with falling in love. Directed by Nwankwo Nickodemus, Undivided Love shows how hard it is to maintain and maintain true romance even in the worst of circumstances. The film casts Mike Ezuruonye, Nadia Buari and Vivian Achor.
wedding party
This is a two part Nigerian romantic comedy. Directed by Kemi Adetiba, the film is apparently based on the drama and extravagance that comes with planning a wedding in Nigeria. It features two lovers who have vowed to stay away from premarital sex and are looking forward to an unforgettable first night together. During a wedding filled with tension and excitement, no one was sure their hopes would ever come true.
Luckily before creating the second part of the film, the two lovers (Banky W and Adesua Etomi) who played the lead roles of Dunni and Dozie later got married in real life after falling in love on screen. As a result, more and more people became aware of the film shot in Dubai, which made it a bigger success.
Ninah’s dowry
Ninah’s dowry is shared by Victor Viyuoh and stars Mbufung Seikeh, Anurin Nwunembom and Norbert Kecha. Ninah has been in an abusive marriage with 3 children for 7 years. When news of her sick father comes to her, she runs away from her husband to talk to her father, who tied her up. When the news reaches the husband of her pregnancy, he will get back the servitude he paid or take back what is his, Ninah. This film runs approximately 95 minutes.
Last fishing boat
A fisherman struggles to stay successful from the exhaustion of the fish in the lake. Not only does it face declining fish stocks, but the tourism industry is threatening its longstanding cultural values. His son, whom he expected to follow in his footsteps, is a tourist guide who was said to sleep with male and female tourists for money. His wife is also tempted by the white tourists who are willing to pay her to sleep with them. The clash of values and modernization becomes the subject of the film.
Elelwani
Elelwani plans to spend the rest of her life with her boyfriend. Both are educated and have similar dreams of traveling abroad together after graduation. Elelwani travels home to introduce her boyfriend to her parents, who refuse to accept their plans to marry him. Her father plans for her to marry a king, despite her love for her current boyfriend. The mysteries are hidden by the royal family to be unraveled throughout the film.
heroes and zeros
“Heroes and Zeros” is about a true storythat tells the story of a woman’s destructive pursuit by a wealthy director in the film industry. After the loss of a child, little to no work, and a failed marriage, the director throws himself into a film in which he becomes obsessed with the leading lady.
The contract
The Contract tells the story of the Ultimate Businessman who, despite his mother’s words, refuses to settle down. In a turn of events, he feels the need to have a child which turns his life upside down while he finds a wife.