Netflix, the world’s most prominent movie streaming service, has recently begun to include international films from many corners globally, including Africa.
In fact, for African creators, Netflix is quickly becoming the gold standard. As a result, most producers are working hard to ensure that their film is available on Netflix.
One thing that thrills us is that Netflix recognizes African movies for their inventiveness.
While Nollywood is responsible for the majority of African films on Netflix, we’ve made sure to add non-Nollywood titles as well.
After all, beautiful films from other African countries like Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, and others are available on Netflix.
Besides, there is nothing quite like watching a fantastic movie. You become lost in the crisp warm colors, the pleasant music, and the personalities.
Are you looking for some excellent African movies suggestions? We’ve got your back.
1. Queen of Katwe
- Director: Mira Nair
- Writer: Tim Crothers
- Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’
Queen of Katwe is one of the best African movies of all time. It is an inspiring story about a teenage girl from a ghetto in Ugandan.
Phiona, a 10-year-old, her mother Nakku Harriet, and her family live in Katwe, a slum in Kampala, Uganda, a continual struggle. She assists their mother in selling corn at the market. Meanwhile, She also helps with the care of her younger sibling.
Although, When she meets Robert Katende at a missionary program, her world is turned upside down.
Year after year, we watch Phiona’s progress and see how the lessons and methods she learns on the board can benefit her in real life as she works toward her goals and realizes her dream.
2. King of Boys
- Director: Kemi Adetiba
- Writer: Kemi Adetiba
- Starring: Sola Sobowale, Remilekun Reminisce Safari, Adesuwa Etomi- Wellington.
King of Boys is a 2018 Nigerian crime political thriller film. Following the release of The Wedding Party,
The narrative of King of boys is about Alhaja Eniola Salami. A businesswoman and philanthropist with a tumultuous history and a bright political future.
Although She is a social pillar, adored by many, feared by many, and genuinely known by only a few.
3. Queen Sono
- Director: Kagiso Lediga Tebogo Malope
- Writers: Kagiso Lediga Karabo Lediga Camilo,Saloojee Christopher Steenkamp Muzi Dlamini
- Starring: Pearl Thusi, Vuyo Dabula, Sechaba Morojele, Chi Mende.
Queen Sono was Netflix’s first script-to-screen African Original Series. However, it was premiered in February 2020. the movie shows how effectively African filmmakers can rise to the challenge of providing slick worldwide entertainment on a realistic budget.
Queen Sono tells the story of an espionage heroine determined to protect the African continent. It with a dash of family drama and intrigue thrown in for good measure.
Pearl Thusi, a stunning South African model, turned actress, plays the rebellious, deadly, and occasionally vulnerable Queen Sono.
Additionally, the Filming was done in 37 various places throughout Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. It is almost worth viewing just for the fantastic pan-African backdrop.
4. The Burial Of Kojo
- Director: Blitz Bazawule
- Writer: Blitz Bazawule
- Starring: Cynthia Dankwa, Ama K. Abebrese, Joseph Otsiman.
The Burial of Kojo is a 2018 Ghanaian drama film. which was shot entirely in Ghana on a shoestring budget with local staff and some first-time actors.
The story follows Kojo, abandoned in an abandoned gold mine while his young daughter Esi wanders through a spirit world to save him.
The Burial Of Kojo tells Esi’s childhood and the turbulent relationship between her father, Kojo, and her uncle, Kwabena. Esi embarks on a fantastic odyssey to rescue her father after Kojo goes on an illegal mining trip with Kwabena.
Although, it isn’t surprising that the movie was among the best African film on Netflix. Given the background of Blitz Bazawule.
Additionally, the movie had exceptional editing, Flare of Afrobeat, as well as color selection.
5. Kalushi
- Director: Mandla Dube
- Writer: Mandla Dube, Leon Otto
- Starring: Thabo Rametsi, Mondy, Tommy London.
This isn’t just “another apartheid film.” Mandla Walter Dube, a South Africa filmmaker, makes his feature directorial debut with Kalushi – The Solomon Mhlanga Story.
Mahlangu became a recognized struggle hero in the revolutionary fight for independence after sacrificing his short life to a terrible death at the hands of South Africa’s apartheid policy.
However, Kalushi is a fantastic South African film based on a hawker named Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu. Solomon was a liberation fighter, a struggle activist, and a military operative for the African National Congress (ANC).
However, Following an uprising in Soweto, he goes into exile and joins the freedom movement. After completing his training in Angola.
He commissioned with his pal Mondy, who eventually loses control and kills two civilians. As a result of this deed, he is put on trial and sentenced to death by hanging.
Meanwhile, Kalushi fights for his pal and refuses to back down. His sacrifice is eventually recognized as a heroic gesture, and he is praised.
6. Baxi and the Giants
- Director: Florian Schott
- Writers: Girley Jazama. Florian Schott
- Starring: Camila Jo-Ann Diaries.
The brief was to “create a film that educates youngsters about wildlife crime in Namibia” to bring attention to the severe and ongoing issue of rhino poaching in Southern Africa.
Although the short film’s primary aim is young people, the content is relevant to people of all ages, communities, and organizations affected by poaching and public audiences worldwide.
7. The wedding party
- Director: kemi Adetiba
- Writer: Mo Abudu
- Starring: Adesua Etomi, Banky Wellington, Richard Mofe Damijo, Sola Sobowale.
Kemi Adetiba directed The Wedding Party, a 2016 Nigerian romantic comedy-drama film. On December 16, 2016. the film was released globally, and it quickly became the highest-grossing Nigerian film.
Although, This is not how you want your wedding day to go if you’re looking for some light-hearted entertainment. This romantic, colorful comic drama will not disappoint.
Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi) is getting ready to marry Dozie, a reformed playboy from an affluent but dysfunctional family (singer Banky Wellington in his acting debut). What’s the worst that might happen?
8. Agent
- Director: Sean Else, Athos Kyriakides, Jon Rabaud
- Starring: Anthony Oseyemi, Sisanda Henna, Khumbulani Kay Sibiya.
The business end of soccer is seen through the eyes of a ruthless, mercurial football agent grappling with a terrible secret he buried six years ago, on the verge of breaking big or losing everything.
9. Potato potahto
- Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso
- Writer: Shirley Frimpong-Manso
- Starring: Joke Silva, Joselyn Dumas, OC Ukeje
Potato potahto is the 9th on the list of our list of best African movies on Netflix. It is a Ghanaian Nigerian Romantic comedy movie.
Although, the lives of two partners who are compelled to remain together in the same house after a divorce. Even though they are divorced, Lulu and Tony are forced to dwell in the same building.
Additionally, The film’s plot follows a series of incidents that culminated in both sides engaging in activities intended to harm each other’s feelings.
10. Òlòtūré
- Director: Kenneth Gyang
- Writer: Mo Abudu
- Starring: Ada Ameh, Beverly Osu, Blossom Chukwujuekwu, Bukola Oladipupo.
Culture is about an inexperienced journalist who undercover to uncover the shadowy world of human trafficking. Culture finds warmth and companionship with Blessing, Linda, and Beauty, the prostitutes she lives with.
Despite the harsh atmosphere teeming with vicious traders and pimps. On the other hand, she becomes engrossed in their way of life and finds it impossible to separate herself from it.
Unfortunately, She had to pay the ultimate price in her quest for the truth, one that leads her to the point of no return.
This film is a beautiful example of Nollywood’s professional evolution into quality, introspective filmmaking about local themes that will resonate globally.
Netflix premiered it as part of their cooperation with acclaimed producer Mo Abudu and her production business – EbonyLife.
11. Beast of No Nation
- Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
- Writer: Uzodinma iweala
- Starring: Idris Elba, Abraham Attah, Ama K. Abebrese.
Beast of No Nation is one of the best African movies on Netflix’s.it was Shot in Ghana and set in an undisclosed African country.
It sheds a harsh light on something that far too many people on the continent have seen firsthand: civil war.
Although, Agu (notable newcomer Abraham Attah) is a mischievous young kid who lives in a buffer zone with his family.
When the village learns of an impending threat to their relative safety, they decide to transfer the ladies and younger children away.
However, Agu stays due to circumstances beyond his control. Following the army’s decision that he and his comrades are rebels, a bloodbath occurs.
12. Lion Heart
- Director: Genevieve Nanji
- Writer: Genevieve Nanji, Chinny Onwugbenu, C.J Obasi.
- Starring: Genevieve Nanji, Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh.
Lionheart is Netflix’s first-ever Nigerian original film. Lionheart made headlines. In practice, this means you won’t have to worry about the film being removed from Netflix owing to licensing issues.
Adaeze Obiagu, a young woman in this drama-comedy, aspires to be a business leader at her father’s company, Lionheart.
Adaeze must collaborate with her eccentric uncle to preserve Lionheart from failure, despite sexism and mountains of corporate debt.
13. The Boy who Harnessed the wind
- Director: Chiwetei Ejiofor
- Starring: Maxwell Samba, Lily Banda Chiwetel Ejiofor
The Boy who Harnessed the Wind is the inspiring story of William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba), a young boy whose town is on the verge of hunger due to a devastating drought.
However, William, a natural engineer with an insatiable interest in how things function, by chance comes upon some information that grants him access to the school library.
He is confident that he can construct a wind-generated dynamo with his newfound expertise to bring enough water to the surface to rescue the crops.
14. Azali
Director: Kwabena Gyansah
Starring: Ama K. Abebrese, Adjetey Anang, Asana Alhassan.
Azali was chosen as Ghana’s entry for the 92nd Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category.
However, it was not nominated, Ghana’s first time submitting a film for an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film. But it is still one of the best African movies on Netflix.
Furthermore, The story follows Amina, a little girl who lives in a rural hamlet in northern Ghana.
However, while attempting to avoid an arranged marriage, Amina finds herself in the slums of Ghana’s capital city, Accra, where she must rely on sex labor to make ends meet.
Azali doesn’t wander into absurd terrain and keeps a relatively consistent plot progression, even by Ghanian film standards.
The film has a shocking twist ending that we won’t reveal, but it’s otherwise a straightforward portrayal of life in Accra’s slums.
15. Catching feelings
- Director: KagisoLediga
- Writer: Kagiso Lediga
- Starring: Pearl Thusi, Kagiso Lediga, Loyiso Gola, and Precious Makgaretsa.
Catching Feelings is a dark romantic comedy about a once-famous writer and his lovely wife and the events that unfold after another famous author moves in.
Furthermore, Catching Feelings isn’t known for its narrative richness. Instead, the film is focused on the characters, with many lights yet thought-provoking observations on racism, classism, and creativity in post-apartheid South Africa.
Meanwhile, It’s also a welcome diversion from Hollywood preconceptions and tropes about South Africa.
16. Sons of Caliphate
- Director: Kenneth Gyang
- Writer: Dimbo Atiya
- Starring: Yakubu Muhammad, Paul Sambo Rahama, Sadau mofe Duncan, Yvonne Hays Patrick.
Sons of the Caliphate is a political thriller drama set in the sovereign state of northern Nigeria. It is about the lives of three rich, entitled, passionate, and ambitious young men.
Furthermore, Kalifah Maiyaki, Nuhu Bula, and Diko Loko are all caught up in the lust of hidden corners of power. The darkness of addiction, the heat of love and desire, the obligations of family loyalty, and the desire for revenge in the deadly twilight zone.
17. Atlantics
- Director: Mati Diop
- Writer: Mati Diop and Olivier Demangel
- Starring: Mame Bineta Sane, Ibrahima Traoré.
The film Atlantics portrays the narrative of Ada, a young woman. She’s ready to marry a wealthy man named Omar, but she has feelings for another man named Souleiman.
Although, Souleiman sails for Europe one day, and Ada never hears from him again. A sequence of weird happenings begins to occur as Ada’s wedding date approaches, and she longs for Souleiman.
Additionally, Atlantics offers excellent cinematography and sound design, in addition to engaging characters. The colors are achingly chilly, and a droning background adds to the film’s melancholy and otherworldly atmosphere.
18. Fifty (The series)
- Director: Abby James, Debo Olawatuminu
- Writer: Bola Agbaje, Kemi Adesoye
- Starring: Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ireti Doyle, Omoni Oboli, Dakore Akande.
Fifty series is a spinoff from Fifty movies and also one of the best African movies on Netflix. Fifty depicts a few critical days in the lives of four women at the height of their professions.
Tola, Elizabeth, Maria, and Kate are four friends forced to take stock of their personal lives in their forties while juggling work and family against the backdrops of Lagos’s neighborhoods.
Tola is a reality television star whose marriage to lawyer Kunle was doomed from the start due to an irritating family secret.
Elizabeth is a well-known obstetrician whose attraction to younger men has caused her to be alienated from her daughter.
While Maria, a 49-year-old woman, has an affair with a married man, which leads to an unexpected pregnancy. On the other hand, Kate’s battle with a life-threatening illness has thrust her into the spotlight.
19. Vaya
- Director: Akin Omotoso
- Starring: phuthi Nakene,
Director Akin Omotoso spent years in narrative workshops with homeless individuals of Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic center, before filming Vaya.
A man is looking forward to a job in the big city, another young man attempting to regain his father’s body, and a young woman looking to get away from the monotony of country life.
Meanwhile, Vaya launches into a compelling and poignant excursion into the dark underbelly of urban life in South Africa’s pounding economic heart as each of these stories encounters a twist.
However, The film feels like a South African counterpart of Amores Perros, a Mexican masterpiece that combines three narratives into a dramatic and dynamic feature.
20. 40 and Single
Director: Leila Djansi
Writer: Leila Djansi
Starring: John Dumelo, Maria Humbert, John Savage, Vanessa A Williams, Leon Robison.
Ebner Temple, a bi-racial, bi-sexual, single wedding fashion designer, is 40 and Single, an invitation inside his stormy life.
However, We see her navigate life in Accra, Ghana, an African city where race and colorism have deep colonial roots and neocolonial ramifications.
As they explore the new age of the African woman, her independence, Ebaner’s life, and the lives of her clients become intertwined.
21. Cook-off
- Director: Tomas Brickhill
- Writer:Tomas Brickhill
- Starring: Tendalishe Chitima, Fungai Majaya, Tehn Diamond.
The cook-off was the first film to be released in Zimbabwe after the nearly 40-year Mugabe dictatorship. The film was also the first to be aired on Netflix from Zimbabwe.
It begins with young Tapiwa time his mother’s cooking. which appears sweet until you realize she is preparing the heroine of this Cinderella-like tale to compete in the real-life reality cooking show, “Battle of the Chefs.”
Although Anesu (Tendaiishe Chitima) is a brilliant cook, she struggles with confidence due to her critical mother; yet, her son and grandma believe in her.
When she arrives on set, we have everything a reality show director hopes for antagonism, devious personalities, accusations of infidelity, and a blooming love story.
22. A United Kingdom
- Directed: Amma Asante
- Written: Guy Hibbert
- Starring: David Oyelowo, Rosamund pike, Terry photo, Jack Davenport.
Many mixed-race couples endure hostility from family, friends, and even strangers. Still, Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams had to deal with not only this but also the British government’s disapproval, among other things.
However, In this true story, David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike play a couple who fall in love in Britain before traveling to Seretse’s home Bechuanaland, a British protectorate, causing a diplomatic crisis.
Seretse is being groomed to be the king and ruler of his country, and the pair is up against not just the British but also the South Africans who live nearby.
Additionally, They recently adopted apartheid, and Britain, which is still recovering from WWII, relies heavily on gold and uranium. The internal rivalry even exists with his uncle, the regent. Will justice triumph?
23. Castle & Castle
Director: Kayode Kasum
Writer: Craig Freimond, Yewande Omotose, Adze Ugah
Staring: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Blossom Chukwujeku, Dakore Egbuson, Bimbo Manuel, EKU Edewor.
Castle & Castle is Arica’s first legal series, this legal drama. And it is one of the top African movies on Netflix. It is a drama series set in a law practice in Lagos, Nigeria. Castle and Castle are struggling to stay afloat
while its owners, Remi and Tega Castle, pursue several cases based on what they believe is in the company’s best interests.
24. Journey of an African Colony
- Director: BB Shasore
- Writer: Olasupo Shasore
- Starring: Olasupo Shasore
Journey of an African colony was aired on Netflix On the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. Olasupo Shasore, a retired attorney general and commissioner for justice in Lagos State wrote two books that inspired the film series.
Seashore narrates and produces the film. The series provides an outline of Nigeria’s colonization, slave trade, and independence.
However, Shasore traveled to Nigeria for the film, focusing on the slave era, pre-colonialism, and independence. While archives offer a thorough history of the country, few films like ‘Journey of an African Colony’ have a detailed narrative.
25. October 1
- Director: Kunle Afolayan
- Writer: Tunde Babalola
- Staring: Sadiq Daba, Kayode Aderupoko, Demola Adedoyin, Kehinde Bankole.
The film is set in the final days of colonial Nigeria. It follows a police officer named Danladi Waziri as he attempted to solve a murder mystery before Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
However, In terms of production quality and plot, October 1 outperforms many Nollywood films. They by making it one of the best African movies on Netflix.
The film avoids melodrama and sensationalism instead of providing a thorough and exciting look at a time of history rarely depicted.
On October 1, there is a lot of discussion on critical sociopolitical issues, including imperialism, tribalism, and nation-building.
26. Just In Time
- Director: Lowladee Omolola Adeleke
- Writer: Lowladee Omolola Adeleke
- Starring: Sarah Hassan, Style Waweru, Mawuli Gavor.
Sarah Hassan portrays a young woman who has nothing to show for the last seven years of her life after her bookstore closes unexpectedly.
The exceptional story of the movie made it appear on our list of best African Movies on Netflix.
However, She fantasizes about taking a vacation to Zanzibar, but before she can do so, she discovers that she is responsible for her cousin’s clever, energetic 11-year-old daughter.
27. Jiva
Director: Scottnes L. Smith
Starring: Noxolo Dlamini, Sne Mbatha, Stella Dlangala.
If you love dance movies, then definitely you are going to love Jiva. “JIVA!” is a film produced by Blue Ice Africa in Cape Town.
It follows brilliant street dancer Ntombi as she gradually realizes that dancing could be her ticket out of her dead-end employment, family conflict, and tumultuous love life.
28. The Mystic River
Directed: Uzodinma Okpechi
Staring: Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Joke muyiwa.
According to the filmmaker, the plot reflects both ancient cultural behaviors that should be eradicated and those worthy of emulation. Mr. Ofime characterized his proposal to PREMIUM TIMES as a tale of virtue vs. evil.
All women share the joy of becoming a mother, yet in one Nigerian village, the death of a pregnant woman brings wealth.
According to the filmmaker, the plot reflects both ancient cultural behaviors that should be eradicated and those worthy of emulation. Mr. Ofime characterized his proposal to PREMIUM TIMES as a tale of virtue vs. evil.
29. Mokalik
- Director: Kunle Afolayan,
- Writer: Tunde Babalola
- Starring: Toni Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Tobi Bakre.
Mokalik is a Nigerian word that translates to “Mechanic.” The film earned such positive reviews from reviewers that it was purchased by Netflix and added to the Made in Africa collection.
Ponmile, an 11-year-old child, is at the core of the plot, and his desire to learn leads him to a group of older individuals.
He spends most of his time with mechanics, grows accustomed to the lifestyle, and struggles to decide whether to return to school or pursue full-time mechanic training.
30. A Trip to Jamaica
Directed: Robert Peters
Starring: Ayo Makun, Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Dan Davies, Eric Robert.
Last on our list of African movies on Netflix is A trip to jamaica. Many young couples wish to explore and live their best lives in their early years of marriage. This is the story of two such Nigerian couples.
Akpos proposes to his girlfriend Bola over the phone during the annual One Lagos Fiesta event, to which she accepts. Following their acceptance and excitement, the two have decided to take a vacation to the United States.
Meanwhile, They stayed for a while before relocating to Jamaica to reside in a mansion. Unknowingly, they were embroiled in a drug cartel’s pursuit, and the Akpos were apprehended.
African Movies on Netflix have become increasingly popular in recent years. Because of its entertainment value and great editing.
