Romantic Nollywood films such as Reel Love, Love Lockdown, and Something About the Briggs have won hearts with stories that are filled with love, laughter, and deep emotion. Perfect for a cosy date night, these movies blend humour and passion, offering a cinematic experience that celebrates love in all its forms.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Released in 2014, When Love Happens presents a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and the unexpected encounter with love.
- Fifty, which premiered in 2015, examines the complexities of mature love alongside journeys of personal growth.
- The Wedding Party, released in 2016, is a comedic and heartwarming story that captures the joys and chaos of love and weddings.
Best romantic Nollywood movies of all time
When it’s time for a cosy movie night with your partner, romantic Nollywood movies are sure to set the mood. Check out some of the most beloved films that capture love, laughter, and heartwarming moments.
|
Movie |
IMDb rating |
|
Reel Love |
9.1/10 |
|
O Le Ku |
8.8/10 |
|
Something About the Briggs |
8.6/10 |
|
Head Over Bills |
8.6/10 |
|
Love in Every Word |
8.5/10 |
|
Love Lockdown |
8.4/10 |
|
Picture Perfect |
8.3/10 |
|
The Meeting |
8.0/10 |
|
Letters to a Stranger |
7.8/10 |
|
Aso Ebi Diaries |
7.4/10 |
|
Fine Wine |
7.3/10 |
|
Selina |
7.2/10 |
|
Couple of Days |
7.0/10 |
|
A Lagos Love Story |
7.0/10 |
|
Love Is War |
6.7/10 |
|
Isoken |
6.4/10 |
|
Phone Swap |
6.3/10 |
|
Tango With Me |
6.3/10 |
|
All’s Fair in Love |
6.2/10 |
|
Chief Daddy |
6.0/10 |
1. Reel Love (2025)
- IMDb rating: 9.1/10
- Director: Kayode Kasum
- Run time: 1 hr 38 min
- Date released: 14 February 2025
Reel Love stars Timini Egbuson, T.J. Omusuku, and Bimbo Ademoye in the lead roles. The story follows Tomide, a popular social media influencer, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a viral video of him arguing with Rachel sparks controversy.
To fix his public image, Tomide’s fiancée, Imani, convinces him to stage a fake relationship with Rachel. But what starts as a publicity stunt soon evolves into real feelings and complicated emotions.
2. Ò le kù (1997)
- IMDb rating: 8.8/10
- Director: Tunde Kelani
- Run time: 1h 51m
- Date released: 4 June 1997
Ò le kù is a Nigerian romantic drama starring Yemi Shodimu as Ajani, a final-year university student navigating a complicated love life. Pressured by his mother to settle down, he finds himself caught between three women: Asake, his long-term girlfriend; Lola, a new student; and his childhood friend Sade.
3. Something About the Briggs (2025)
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Director: Bukola Ogunsola
- Run time: 2 hr 5 min
- Date released: 31 January 2025
Something About the Briggs follows the lives of the Briggs family, filled with love, secrets, and drama as they navigate tricky relationships, marriage challenges, and sibling conflicts. When a young woman’s fiancé meets the family, buried tensions and unexpected revelations emerge, reshaping their understanding of love and loyalty.
4. Head Over Bills (2022)
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Director: Dabby Chimere
- Run time: 2 hr 2 min
- Date released: 4 February 2022
Head Over Bills is one of the most entertaining African romantic movies, exploring love, ambition, and family dynamics. The story revolves around three beautiful and determined sisters from a wealthy family.
They are forced to prove their worth after their father challenges them to take charge of their lives and businesses. Along the way, they each navigate complicated relationships and learn the true meaning of love and independence.
5. Love in Every Word (2025)
- IMDb rating: 8.5/10
- Director: Omoni Oboli
- Run time: 1h 56m
- Date released: 7 March 2025
Love in Every Word is among the best romantic dramas. It tells the story of Chioma and Odogwu, two people from different backgrounds who must overcome cultural differences and personal challenges to embrace true love. The film stars Uzor Arukwe and Bamike “Bambam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan in the lead roles.
6. Love Lockdown (2025)
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
- Director: Lyndsey F. Efejuku
- Run time: 1 hr 30 min
- Date released: 7 February 2025
Love Lockdown is a Nigerian romantic drama about Yemi, a successful man whose life takes an unexpected turn when a citywide lockdown traps him with a former lover. With his fiancée miles away, unresolved emotions begin to resurface, forcing him to confront the truth about love, timing, and commitment.
7. Picture Perfect (2016)
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
- Director: Tope Alake
- Run time: 2h 13m
- Date released: 2 April 2016
Picture Perfect tells the story of Kumbi, a sophisticated fashion designer whose car breaks down in a tough neighbourhood, leading her to cross paths with Jobe, a warm-hearted street tout. Their unexpected meeting bridges social divides and blossoms into a deeper connection. The film stars Mary Njoku, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Bisola Aiyeola.
8. The Meeting (2012)
- IMDb rating: 8/10
- Director: Mildred Okwo
- Run time: 2h 12m
- Date released: 23 November 2012
The Meeting follows Makanjuola, a corporate executive whose trip to Abuja for a crucial government meeting is delayed by endless bureaucracy. During the frustrating delay, he encounters Ejura, a captivating woman who introduces unexpected romance into his life.
9. Letters to a Stranger (2007)
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
- Director: Fred Amata
- Run time:1h 35m
- Date released: 1 January 2007
The story centres on Jemima, a writer stuck in an unfulfilling relationship who starts pouring her heart out in letters addressed to an unknown stranger. As she reveals her deepest feelings through these letters, she becomes caught between the comfort of her current life and the allure of a more authentic, passionate love.
10. Aso Ebi Diaries (2025)
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
- Director: Biodun Stephen
- Run time: 2 hrs 5 mins
- Date released: 18 April 2025
Aso Ebi Diaries revolves around the vibrant Nigerian tradition of Aso Ebi, following a woman as she navigates love, friendship, family expectations, and social pressures in Lagos. The film stars Nancy Isime, Kunle Remi, Shaffy Bello, Bukky Wright, and Chizzy Alichi.
11. Fine Wine (2021)
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
- Director: Seyi Babatope
- Run time: 2h 15m
- Date released: 12 February 2021
Fine Wine is a Nigerian romantic drama that follows the story of Kaima, a young woman who unexpectedly falls for Seyi, a wealthy and much older man. Despite their age gap and the weight of societal judgment, their love grows stronger as they navigate class differences, disapproval, and personal insecurities.
12. Selina (2022)
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Directed by: Akingbola Olubunmi
- Run time: 1h 30m
- Date released: 17 May 2022
Selina is a Nigerian romantic comedy-drama starring Bimbo Ademoye as Selina and Daniel Etim-Effiong as Reuben. It tells the story of a humble village cook whose life takes a turn when she starts working for a wealthy young man, sparking unexpected romance, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs.
13. Couple of Days (2016)
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Director: Tolu Lordtanner
- Run time: 1h 42m
- Date released: 5 February 2016
Couple of Days tells the story of three couples at different stages of their relationships who decide to spend a getaway weekend together in Ibadan. It stars actors like Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Enyinna Nwigwe, Lilian Esoro, Kiki Omeili, Olayode Juliana, Falz, and Ademola Adedoyin in leading roles.
14. A Lagos Love Story (2025)
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Director: Chinaza Onuzo
- Run time: 1h 44m
- Date released: 11 April 2025
A Lagos Love Story is one of the best romantic Nollywood movies on Netflix. It follows Promise, an event planner who falls in love with Afrobeats star King Kator while organising a significant festival in Lagos. The movie stars Jemima Osunde, Mike Afolarin, and Susan Pwajok in lead roles.
15. Love Is War (2019)
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
- Directed by: Omoni Oboli
- Run time: 1h 51m
- Date released: 27 September 2019
Love Is War is a captivating story about a married couple whose love is put to the ultimate test when they both run for the same political office. Hankuri Phillips (Omoni Oboli) and her husband, Dimeji Phillips (Richard Mofe-Damijo), must navigate the challenges of ambition, loyalty, and power while trying to preserve their marriage.
16. Isoken (2017)
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
- Director: Jadesola Osiberu
- Run time: 1h 40m
- Date released: 16 June 2017
The romantic drama Isoken is among the best romantic films to watch with your significant other. It stars Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Joseph Benjamin, Funke Akindele, Lydia Forson, and Marc Rhys. The film tells the story of Isoken, a successful woman in her thirties who her family constantly pressures to get married.
When she finds herself torn between a charming Nigerian man and a thoughtful white suitor, she must decide what truly matters in love and life.
17. Phone Swap (2012)
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
- Director: Kunle Afolayan
- Run time: 1h 57m
- Date released: 17 March 2012
Phone Swap follows Akin, a focused businessman, and Mary, a lively fashion designer, whose phones are accidentally exchanged at the airport. This simple mix-up leads them into each other’s worlds, sparking a series of hilarious and heartwarming events that change their lives forever.
18. Tango With Me (2010)
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
- Director: Mahmood Ali-Balogun
- Run time: 1h 50m
- Date released: May 2010
The romantic drama Tango With Me follows newlyweds Lola and Uzo, whose picture-perfect marriage begins to crumble after a heartbreaking secret from their wedding night is revealed. It stars Genevieve Nnaji and Joseph Benjamin.
19. All’s Fair In Love (2024)
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Director: Kayode Kasum
- Run time: 1h 55m
- Date released: 14 February 2024
All’s Fair in Love is a Nigerian romantic drama starring Deyemi Okanlawon, Timini Egbuson, and Juliet Ibrahim in lead roles. The movie follows Demi and Kanla, childhood friends and business partners whose strong bond is put to the test. Their friendship becomes complicated when they both fall for Mbali, a consultant they hire for their thriving fashion business.
20. Fifty (2015)
- IMDb rating: 6/10
- Director: Biyi Bandele
- Run time: 1h 41m
- Date released: 13 December 2015
Fifty is another romantic Nigerian drama film starring Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omoni Oboli, and Nse Ikpe-Etim. Fifty follows the story of four successful women in Lagos who are navigating love, family, and personal growth as they reach the age of fifty. It portrays the challenges and triumphs of womanhood.
What’s a good Nigerian movie to watch on Netflix as a couple?
There are several must-watch Nigerian movies for couples on Netflix, including Couple of Days, which follows three couples on a holiday full of surprising twists in their relationships.
Whether your goal is to laugh, feel emotional, or simply melt together, the top romantic Nollywood movies set the perfect scene for a memorable date night. Celebrating love in every form, these films leave couples entertained, inspired, and eager to share more special moments.
Legit.ng published an article on the best romance anime movies of all time. Romantic anime films have undeniably captured the hearts of movie enthusiasts, delving into a wide range of themes—from love and heartbreak to conflict and revenge.
Romantic anime films are rated for age appropriateness. Some popular titles include Castle in the Sky, The Anthem of the Heart, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, The Garden of Words, and A Silent Voice. Discover more romance anime films in this post.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
