We examine the best African movies to watch on Netflix in 2023. In recent years, the global popularity of African movies has increased as more people seek to experience the continent’s rich cultural diversity and unique stories.
Netflix has made it simpler for individuals around the globe to view African films. Netflix has introduced more African films to its library due to increased demand. It now offers a variety of films from all over the continent.
While on it you can also check out our list of the best Thriller, Romance, and Popular Movies & Shows.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
This is the tale of a young child named William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba), whose community is on the brink of starvation due to a devastating drought.
William is a natural engineer who is extremely curious about how things function. He discovers by chance information that grants him access to the school library.
Now that he has more information, he believes he can construct a wind-powered turbine to bring enough water to the summit to sustain the crops.
The plot is based on the same-titled book by William and Bryan Mealer. The film is in English and Chicewan, a Malawian dialect, with English subtitles.
The fact that William and his father, Trywell (Ejiofor), have different solutions for the same problem demonstrates how groups perceive things. This entertaining and poignant film was filmed in Malawi, with many cast appearing in their first roles.
City of Joy
Another account of American reporters parachuting into unsafe regions of Africa to gather information? Not quite.
The documentary City of Joy is an eye-opening look at war-ravaged Eastern Congo and the efforts of survivors, residents, and collaborators to rebuild their city.
Among them are Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, activist Christine Schuler-Deschryver, and renowned American author Eve Ensler. The City of Joy is a secure refuge for war-surviving women.
Director Madeleine Gavin recounts incredible tales of terror, survival, and human fortitude to illustrate what it is like to live there.
Aníkúlápó
Kunle Afolayan’s epic fantasy film Anklápó was released on Netflix in 2022. It tells the tale of Oye, a young man who confronts supernatural entities to save his people from a powerful deity.
The film, co-written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Mildred Okwo, is about Nigerian culture and the significance of bravery, integrity, and self-discovery. It was released on September 30, 2022, and in 2023 it is one of the greatest African films on Netflix.
Azali
Azali was Ghana’s first-ever submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. The story’s primary character is a young child named Amina.
Initially, she lived in a small village in northern Ghana. When Amina flees an arranged marriage, she winds up in the squalor of Accra, the capital of Ghana, where she must engage in prostitution to survive.
As far as Ghanaian films go, Azali is relatively subdued, and the plot progresses steadily. The film has a plot twist that we will not reveal, but for the most part, it depicts how difficult life is in Accra’s neighbourhoods. The production and cinematography are also quite excellent.
My Octopus Teacher
The unexpected recipient of the Oscar for best documentary feature, directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, is a heartwarming tale about the relationship between a man and a mollusc.
Craig Foster, the protagonist and narrator, makes an unusual underwater companion in a South African kelp forest in the guise of a wild octopus.
The filmmakers observe him for a year as he becomes acquainted with this cephalopod. My decade-long creation, OctopusTeacher, was the ideal antidote for a pandemic.
It was a foreign destination that drew people in with its emotional weight, visual splendour, and curious and determined nature of one individual.
Catching Feelings
This SA film adds more romance to our list. Catching Feelings has a strong sense of social responsibility. The film follows college professor Max and his fiancée Sam as they progress through Johannesburg’s high society.
When a renowned white South African author arrives at Max’s university on a book tour, he finds himself both attracted to the writer’s social circles and resentful of his success. This places his relationship with Sam under strain.
Catching Feelings is not known for its intricate plots. The film is primarily about the characters, with numerous humorous yet thought-provoking remarks about racism, classism, and creativity in post-apartheid South Africa.
It’s also a refreshing departure from Hollywood’s preconceived notions and stereotypes of South Africa.
Lionheart
Lionheart created headlines because it was Netflix’s first Nigerian original film. So need not fret about Netflix removing the movie due to licensing issues.
In this drama-comedy, a young woman named Adaeze Obiagu aspires to become a business superstar at her father’s company, Lionheart. When her father’s health begins to decline, she gets the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities.
Adaeze must work with her uncle to prevent Lionheart from falling apart, even though her uncle is odd and Lionheart has a great deal of debt.
Lionheart is an excellent option if you want to witness a passionate and engaging Nollywood film that focuses primarily on women.
The film proceeds swiftly and contains numerous humorous moments. It’s a positive omen for Netflix’s original films from Nigeria and other African countries.
Silverton Siege
Silverton Siege is a South African film based on a true story that explores themes of freedom and injustice. The movie takes creative liberties when recounting the events, but it is more than just a story about the search for freedom.
The film depicts the events that led to the “Nelson Mandela Freedom Movement” and is emotionally charged with feelings of justice and liberation. The movie has excellent performances and editing and is filled with tension as the characters are drawn into a worsening situation.
Overall, Silverton Siege is a must-see and a great story.
Netflix has expanded its collection of African films. It is now stocked with movies from all over the region. These films are among the finest African films available on Netflix in 2023.
They demonstrate the creativity, talent, and passion of African filmmakers and actors, as well as the complexity and diversity of the continent. Hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best African movies to watch on Netflix