Sometimes, all you need is a good film, a comfortable spot on the couch and a story that pulls you in before you even realise how much time has passed. There are a lot of African films that can give you this experience. African filmmakers are giving us series and movies worth making time for.
They are bringing our experiences, family dynamics, cultures and complicated relationships to the screen. Some stories make us laugh at the things we recognise all too well, while others take us into worlds of political tension, forbidden love, family rivalries and the secrets people will do almost anything to protect.
If you have a Netflix subscription and you’re wondering what to watch next, we have put together 10 African movies and series to add to your list. Whether you are in the mood for comedy, family drama or a series that will have you saying, “Just one more episode,” there is something here for you.
1. Oversabi Aunty (Movie)
The Nigerian comedy movie is so relatable. It stars Toyin Abraham, who is also the movie director. Abraham plays Toun, a church usher whose enthusiasm for correcting other people’s behaviour begins to affect her own family. The cast also includes Mike Ezuruonye, Jemima Osunde, Efe Irele and Enioluwa. There are people like Toun in real life. The kind of people who always have something to say about how everyone else should live, even when nobody asked for their opinion. Oversabi Aunty is packed with a lot of lessons.
2. Ordinary People (Series)
Don’t let the title fool you because sometimes, the people who appear to be living perfectly ordinary lives are carrying extraordinary secrets. This Nigerian action-thriller series, directed by Moses Inwang, centres on the residents of an upscale estate whose lives become entangled as hidden truths begin to surface. With eight episodes, Ordinary People offers a mix of suspense, interpersonal conflict and the kind of revelations that can change how you see a character entirely. It stars Ramsey Nouah, Adunni Ade, Chidi Mokeme, Shawn Faqua and Jackie Appiah.
3. My Father’s Shadow (Movie)
This Nigerian-British drama won numerous international and African awards, including the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). The film, which was directed by Akinola Davies Jr, follows two young brothers who spend a tense day with their estranged father in Lagos during the political turmoil surrounding Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis. It stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, and Godwin Chiemerie Egbo.
4. The Polygamist (Series)
The Polygamist is a drama series that follows Jonasi Gomora, a CEO whose personal life threatens to undermine the empire he has built. As his wives and mistresses navigate their own relationships with him, questions of loyalty, self-worth, family and power come into sharper focus. The series is based on Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s novel of the same name. Gugu Gumede and Sdumo Mtshali lead the cast.
5. Colours of Fire (Movie)
Colours of Fire brings fantasy and romance together in a story about a warrior sent to hunt a beast unleashed by a rival clan. What begins as a dangerous mission leads him towards a dark truth and a forbidden love that could threaten both their worlds. The film stars Uzor Arukwe, Osas Ighodaro, Ibrahim Chatta, Gabriel Afolayan, Mercy Aigbe, and Femi Branch.
6. Umthetho (Series)
What happens when doing the right thing becomes almost impossible, and what would you risk to protect someone you love? This question lies at the centre of Umthetho, a South African crime drama built around a prosecutor forced into a dangerous double life. To keep her youngest brother alive, the idealistic state prosecutor must work as a double agent within her imprisoned older brother’s gang. Key cast members include Nqobile Nunu Khumalo, Tony Kgoroge, Given Stuurman, Sindi Dlathu and Lorcia Cooper.
7. Blood Sisters (Series)
Blood Sisters is about best friends Sarah and Kemi who find themselves on the run after Sarah’s wealthy groom disappears during their engagement celebration. What follows is a dangerous attempt to survive as secrets emerge, the authorities close in and family tensions threaten to make the already frightening situation even worse. The series stars Ini Dima-Okojie, Nancy Isime, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal and Deyemi Okanlawon.
8. The Four of Us (Series)
The Four of Us centres on the influential Dhlomo family, whose already complicated relationships are thrown into turmoil after the death of their father. Siblings Bobbi and Busani find themselves battling for wealth, power and control of the family legacy, while old wounds and long-held resentments threaten to tear the family apart. Some of the cast members are Sindi Dlathu, S’dumo Mtshali, Thembinkosi Mthembu, and Kealeboga Masango.
9. Queendom (Series)
Imagine discovering that you are the rightful heir to a kingdom while trying to make ends meet and build a future for yourself. That is the reality of the lead character of Queendom, Ntandokayise “Ntando” Mthombeni. She is a sharp law student whose discovery of her royal birthright draws her into a struggle over the future of the Khahlamba Kingdom. As she faces a self-serving prince and confronts corruption, her personal ambitions become tied to a fight for power and justice. The character is portrayed by award-winning South African actress Linda Mtoba.
10. Blood Legacy (Series)
Blood Legacy centres on Khanyi Adesina who returns home after years of estrangement. She finds herself drawn into a battle over her family’s business empire. With corruption, rivalries and competing ambitions threatening the company, she must navigate a world in which the people closest to her may also be the biggest obstacles in her way. Xolile Tshabalala leads the cast alongside Buyile Mdladla and Mike Ndlangamandla.
