Top 10 Nollywood and Ghallywood Epic Movies

While you may have heard of Nollywood which is the movie producing sector of Nigeria, many have never heard of the term Ghallywood and Ghallywood movies. The Nigerian film industry which grew quickly in the 1990s and 2000s to become the second largest film industry in the world in terms of the number of annual film productions, placing it ahead of the Hollywood (United States) and behind only Bollywood (India). However, Ghallywood also exists and it basically means cinema made in Ghana. These two movies powerhouses (Nollywood and Ghallywood) are well known for epic movies, which are normally shot in the villages. Technically, these epic movies are the ones that have promoted Ghallywood. Looking at the many that are available in the market, the list below captures some of the top epic Ghallywood movies that will surely impress you.

Top Epic Nollywood & Ghallywood Movies

1. Invasion 1897

This is a historical epic movie that is based on the invasion of the Benin Kingdom by the British Empire back in 1897 and how they looted the valuable antique artefacts of the Benin Kingdom. There was also raiding of the popular commemorative head and pendant of ivory mask that represented Queen Idia who was from Benin, back in the 16th century. The Queen was the mother of Esigie, the Oba of Benin who ruled the Benin kingdom from 1504 to 1550. The head is currently at the British Museum, whereas the pendant is in New York, America at the Metropolitan Museum.

2. Ogun Adubi

This is a traditional epic movie that is about the struggle between the people of Owu and the invading white men. The Owu people revolted and they were led by Ige Adubi to fight the white men. He is the hero of the Owu people and must act brave to lead them to overcome the white men.

3. Jogunomi

This movie comes in two parts and it is about Jogunomi, a renowned warrior of the Ibadan tribe who failed to listen to the warning given to him by the oracle. The warrior left his home to go and fight in a dangerous war at Ekiti Parapo and apparently, he does not make it back home alive, all because he ignored the advice of the oracle.

4. Efunsetan Aniwura

This movie is about a great lyalode of Ibadan called Efunsetan Aniwura, who was a rich and powerful woman with an uncommon courage, intelligence and strength. During her times, she assisted her village by enhancing its economy via business transactions. She was a very stern woman, but was so kind to her slaves and employees. She gave out presents and money to them freely in some situations without any strings attached. However, after the sudden death of her daughter, all hell broke loose and she was different in a scary way.

5. Ogun Agbekoya

It is an epic movie about the revolt of the peasant farmers in the former western region back in the late 60s. This is the most popular peasant-driven political riot in the history of western Nigeria and it proceeds to be a reference to some small organizations as an example of the collective actions that were carried against the uncommon policies of the government.

6. Aragberi

This epic Ghallywood movie is about Onikoyi and Aragberi, two warriors of the Oyo tribe. One time, Onikoyi declined to pay tribute to Alaafin of Oyo and the Oyo Mesi ordered the army of the kingdom to arrest Onikoyi and bring him to his palace where he is to be detained. However, Onikoyi escapes and initiates war against Oyo kingdom and the Alaafin appointed the other warrior, Aragberi to lead the Oyo army against Onikoyi.

7. Sango

This is an African 15th century movie that is about the legendary African King, Sango. It talks about the king who ruled the old Oyo Empire, a time before the arrival of the European slave traders to West Africa. The movie talks about how this king rose to the throne, his coronation, love with equality, reign and the historic face-off between him, Sango and his great war generals.

8. Onikoyi

It is about Onikoyi, who swore to protect the Oranyan from the invasion of the aliens, he even established an alliance with Aroni and Robonmi to accomplish the task. However, Egii, his wife, caused a mix-up between the 3 warriors, whatever followed is war, war and war.

9. Bashorun Gaa

It is about a sadistic and power-centered Kingmaker who exerted supreme power and influence in the Oyo Kingdom. He and his family decide to unleash terror and oppression with impunity on vulnerable people. However, the story reaches its limit and changes course when Gaa kills the only daughter of the Alaafin and uses her body for rituals. War is declared.

10. Obatala

This epic movie is about two folks, Obatala and Oduduwa. The two came to live in the ancient life and they subsequently had a rivalry in the new land which causes them a great deal of discomfort and war in the long run.

These are some of the top 10 Epic Nollywood and Ghallywood Movies that will raise your chills and give you goosebumps like they always do.