Comedies, movies, documentaries and thrillers; here’s the Melan Magazine roundup of what to watch on Netflix Nigeria right now.

Netflix Nigeria: whether you love it or hate it [and we definitely love it!], the Nigerian film industry is so hot right now. Recognised as being the second largest film industry in the world, it surpasses Hollywood and is only bested by Bollywood, in terms of output. Commanding a loyal following, with fans all over the world, some of the most watched films on Netflix are Nigerian made, making huge international stars of the actors and actresses that lead the films.

In addition to the great films currently showing on Netflix Nigeria, we have been hooked on some of the excellent documentaries and shows also showing on the platform. ‘Netflix Naija’ as it is popularly called has a rich diversity of what to watch so there’ll always be a show that fits everyone’s taste.

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From the top Nigeria focused shows to highly anticipated flicks, here’s our list of what to watch on Netflix Nigeria right now.

Made by Design

Made by Design was definitely designed for this Netflix Nigeria list, and for anyone with a love of interior design and decoration. It brings together great minds; from architects, interior designers and a number of other Nigerian creatives who all delve deeply into the process that goes into their craft, also giving viewers candid commentary on their success story. The series offers up dollops of interior-design porn and does a great job of selling Nigeria as a melting pot of raw design and creativity. A must-watch!

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King of Boys: The Return of the King

The first King of Boys film had us drooling for more, and Kemi Adetiba and her star-studded cast surely delivered with this sequel. Months after its release and this follow-up to the original film, now a series, remains popular.

In the Return of the King, Alhaja Eniola Salami (the older) played by the always amazing Sola Sobowale in all her defiant grace returns to Nigeria after five years to execute her revenge plan on all those who crossed her. Expect a great storyline and standout performances from everyone involved.

A Naija Christmas

What happens when you’re allegedly sick Nigerian mother makes a wish? If you’re a dutiful Nigerian child, you do your best to make it come true. A Nigerian Christmas revolves around a mother’s wish that sets her three sons off to find women of their own.

A Naija Christmas was just what the festive season needed, laughter, family, love, music and drama. The talented cast included actress and director Segilola Ogidan who we interviewed in Melan Magazine a few years ago.

A Naija Christmas offers a chance to see well-loved actress Rachel Oniga in her last role as the boys’ mother. The actress sadly passed away weeks before the release of the film.

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Amina

The legend of Queen Amina is a tale that is familiar to every young child educated in a Nigerian school. To see the well-known icon come live on the small screen is magical. Queen Amina tells the true story of Amina who defended her family’s kingdom with mindful tactics and military skills, the story is set in the 16th century in a place called Zazzau, in present times, it is called Zaria.

Swallow

Swallow is another marvelous creation from Kunle Afolayan, widely regarded as Nigeria’s leading director and producer. Adapted from Nigerian-American novelist, short-story writer, playwright and screenwriter, Sefi Atta’s third novel, Swallow tells the story of Tolani, a naive secretary whom, after a series of career woes, considers her roommate’s offer to work as a drug mule in mid-1980s Lagos.

Viewers can expect rich cinematography, careful recreation of 80s Lagos, and a curious, yet humorous take on wigs that could have been hired from the Tyler Perry wig department!

The Set Up

If you’re looking for a film that has a good dose of manipulation and con artistry, then this is the film for you. The Set Up storyline revolves around a con artist who hires a woman to help him carry out his plan to marry a wealthy heiress. Watch this alone for the stellar cast, which features Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Jim Iyke, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Joke Silva and it is directed by Niyi Akinmolayan.

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Merry Men 2: Another Mission

If heists are your thing, then this one is for you. The Merry Men franchise is Nollywood’s answer to the Ocean’s Eleven films. The crime/caper storyline follows a group of wealthy ‘Yoruba Demon’ men, including the talented Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Falz (aka Folarin Falana) and Ayo Makun as they return to their vigilante past when they are blackmailed to pull off a treacherous heist in order to save one of their own.

Stunning views of Lagos, and slow-mo action shots keep the laughs coming.

Journey of an African Colony

This is a great fit for the history buffs among you. The seven-episode docuseries takes viewers on a blast to the past, telling the untold story of heroes that shaped Nigeria on its path from the slave trade, colonization and independence. The series is based on two books written by the series host, Olasupo Shashore – Possessed: A History of Law & Justice in the Crown Colony of Lagos 1861–1906 and A Platter of Gold: Making Nigeria.

Marked: The Documentary

This visually stunning documentary explores Nigeria’s cultural practice of marking, including its origins and meaning as a symbol of identity, beauty and spirituality.

Told in first person narrative from the people who practice marking, viewers get to hear about the cultural importance and motivations about why Nigerians practice marking. Often these conversations are told from a ‘judgy’, outsider perspective, so it is refreshing to watch this documentary. Not always an easy watch, but it makes for beautiful and authentic viewing, nonetheless.

76

76 is a moving drama based on the real-life event of the 1976 military coup in Nigeria and it will have you hooked from the opening scenes.

Both leads, Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic were excellent as the army husband and his pregnant wife whose lives take a desperate turn when the husband is accused of taking part in the military coup. This film is a great example of brilliant storytelling, outstanding acting and beautiful cinematography. Loved it!