Kunle Afolayan is one of Nollywood’s most acclaimed filmmakers, known for elevating Nigerian cinema through high production values.
Kunle Afolayan’s films are widely praised for blending indigenous Nigerian culture with universal themes. His works are popular for setting the bars high in Nollywood. Many of his recent works, especially Swallow, Aníkúlápó, and Ijogbon, are available exclusively on Netflix. This is due to his multi-picture deal with the streaming giant.
Kunle Afolayan Movies
The Figurine (Araromire), released in 2009, is a supernatural thriller about two friends who find a mystical sculpture that grants seven years of fortune followed by seven years of misfortune. This groundbreaking film is available on Netflix and some African streaming platforms.
October 1 (2014) is a historical thriller that follows a detective investigating a series of murders just before Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The film is praised for its rich period details and is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
In Citation (2020), Afolayan addresses the issue of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities. The drama follows a courageous student who challenges a powerful professor’s inappropriate advances. You can stream this impactful story on Netflix.
Swallow (2021), adapted from Sefi Atta’s novel, tells the story of a young woman caught in the web of drug trafficking as she struggles with economic hardship. The film is a Netflix exclusive.
Aníkúlápó (2022) is an epic Nigerian fantasy inspired by Yoruba mythology. Described by many as “Game of Thrones recreated in Nigeria,” it became the #1 most-watched non-English Netflix film shortly after its release. It’s available exclusively on Netflix.
Released in 2012, Phone Swap is a romantic comedy about two strangers who accidentally swap phones and end up switching lives temporarily. It’s a charming and lighthearted story available on YouTube and other streaming services.
In Ijogbon (2023), Afolayan delivers a modern thriller exploring the clash between tradition and modernity in a rural Nigerian village. Like many of his recent films, Ijogbon is available exclusively on Netflix.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, Netflix is the primary platform hosting his latest and most acclaimed films. However, his earlier works like The Figurine and Phone Swap can be found on other streaming services or YouTube.
