10 Nollywood Films That Reflect the Realities of Dating in Nigeria

Nollywood isn't all car chases and dramatic monologues. Every so often, it delivers heartwarming romantic comedies—and a few dramas and thrillers—that dive deep into Nigeria’s rich and complex dating culture.

From chance encounters and family pressure to long-distance love and online matchmaking, these films explore the highs, lows, and in-betweens of finding love in Nigeria today. Whether set in upscale Lagos apartments or cozy hometowns, each movie brings with it humor, tension, and a good dose of social commentary.

Here are ten Nigerian films that beautifully capture what dating in Nigeria really looks like:

1. Phone Swap (2012)

Director: Kunle Afolayan

Running time: 1h 57m

Genre: Romance

A Lagos executive (Wale Ojo) and a free-spirited fashion designer (Nse Ikpe-Etim) accidentally switch phones after a fender-bender, sending their lives into chaos—and, eventually, romance.

Their mixed-up schedules and messages set off a series of comedic misunderstandings that bring them closer together. Kunle Afolayan cleverly uses the tech mix-up to explore class, personality clashes, and modern-day courtship in Nigeria.

▶️ Watch on YouTube.

2. The Wedding Party (2016)

Director: Kemi Adetiba

Running time: 1h 40m

Genre: Romance

On the surface, it’s the dream wedding. But chaos unfolds when Dunni (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Dozie (Banky W) try to say "I do." Clingy exes, fighting families, nosy guests, and a hyper wedding planner threaten to derail their big day.

With hilarious performances and sharp dialogue, The Wedding Party offers a vivid—and slightly outrageous—look at the high stakes of Nigerian weddings.

▶️ Watch on Netflix.

3. Isoken (2017)

Director: Jade Osiberu

Running time: 1h 38m

Genre: Romance

Isoken (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) has it all—except a husband. Under family pressure, she agrees to date Kevin (Joseph Benjamin), a safe, "ideal" Nigerian man. But sparks fly when she meets Kelly (Marc Rhys), a charming white photographer.

Jade Osiberu’s film delicately balances tradition and rebellion, showing that love doesn’t always follow cultural expectations.

▶️ Watch on YouTube.

4. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)

Director: Ishaya Bako

Running time: 1h 30m

Genre: Romance

Ope (Zainab Balogun), a UK-trained chef, returns to Nigeria to rescue her family's rundown hotel. But business and love become entangled when a charming investor (Kenneth Okolie) checks in.

Blending culinary dreams and emotional rediscovery, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is a charming romantic comedy served with heart and humour.

▶️ Watch on Netflix.

5. Love is War (2019)

Director: Omoni Oboli

Running time: 1h 49m

Genre: Drama

A married couple (Omoni Oboli and RMD) unexpectedly run against each other in a gubernatorial election. What starts as a joke quickly becomes a heated political—and personal—battle.

This political dramedy offers a fresh take on ambition, love, and power dynamics in Nigerian marriages, all while keeping viewers guessing: can love survive a political war?

▶️ Watch on Netflix.

6. Finding Hubby (2020)

Director: Femi Ogunsanwo

Running time: 1h 44m

Genre: Romance

Oyin (Ade Laoye) is smart, stylish, and successful—but unmarried at 35. Her chaotic journey to find "Mr. Right" includes exes, meddling aunties, and an office romance gone wrong.

Hilarious and unfiltered, Finding Hubby takes an honest look at dating pressure, class expectations, and the double standards women face in Nigerian society.

▶️ Watch on YouTube.

7. Namaste Wahala (2020)

Director: Hamisha Daryani Ahuja

Running time: 1h 46m

Genre: Romance

In this East-meets-West rom-com, Didi (Ini Dima-Okojie), a Nigerian lawyer, falls for Raj (Ruslaan Mumtaz), an Indian banker. Their parents disapprove. Culture clashes ensue.

With its Bollywood flair and Nollywood soul, Namaste Wahala is a feel-good film about cross-cultural love and the challenges that come with it.

▶️ Watch on Netflix.

8. Dinner at My Place (2022)

Director: Kevin Luther Apaa

Running time: 1h 43m

Genre: Romance

A Nigerian-American (Timini Egbuson) plans a perfect proposal with a $22,000 ring—but his jealous ex (Sophie Alakija) crashes dinner and everything goes downhill.

Packed with charm and mischief, Dinner at My Place delivers classic rom-com energy with a modern Nigerian twist.

▶️ Watch on Netflix.

9. Here Love Lies (2023)

Director: Tope Oshin

Running time: 2h 11m

Genre: Thriller

Amanda (Omowunmi Dada), a single mom and travel blogger, meets a dreamy American man online. What begins as a fairy-tale romance soon unravels into a chilling tale of deceit.

Here Love Lies starts like a sweet long-distance love story, but turns into a cautionary thriller about the dangers lurking behind curated online personas.

▶️ Watch on Netflix.

10. Love in a Pandemic (2023)

Director: Akay Mason

Running time: 1h 28m

Genre: Romance

As lockdown grips Lagos, Bolanle (Nancy Isime), a remote customer-service agent, finds unexpected connection with Alex (Deyemi Okanlawon) over a phone call.

Tender and timely, Love in a Pandemic explores how connection can blossom even in isolation—and reminds us that love always finds a way, even during a crisis.

▶️ Watch on Prime Video or Netflix.

Whether you're single, dating, or just here for the drama, these Nollywood films offer a funny, real, and sometimes messy window into what love looks like in Nigeria today.

Which one’s your favorite?