September’s cinema lineup moves from Nigerian history and family secrets to superheroes, survival stories and mythological adventures. Whether you want action, emotion or cultural drama, these ten films deserve a place on your watchlist.

1. BY ANY MEANS

Set in 1966 Mississippi, By Any Means follows a young Black FBI agent investigating the murders of civil rights leaders. Desperate for answers, he forms an uneasy partnership with a notorious Mafia hitman. Directed by Elegance Bratton, the crime thriller stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Wahlberg, Nicole Beharie and Giancarlo Esposito.

2. PROPERTIES OF THE GODS

Love comes up against an old and painful tradition in Properties of the Gods. The film examines the Osu caste system and the difficult choices it forces on people seeking freedom, acceptance and a life beyond inherited prejudice. Its cast includes Pete Edochie, Zack Orji, Hilda Dokubo, Enyinna Nwigwe and Maria Chike Benjamin.

3. NNE MGBAFOR

Rooted in the warrior traditions of Ohafia, Nne Mgbafor follows a courageous woman who challenges an age-old custom and risks everything to change her people’s future. The cultural drama blends power, betrayal, sacrifice and destiny, with Femi Branch, Sam Dede and Zubby Michael leading the cast.

4. KING KOSOKO: THE BATTLE FOR LAGOS

King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos tells the story of Kosoko, who survives a difficult childhood and grows into one of Lagos’ most powerful rulers. The Yoruba historical drama follows his battles for the throne and control of the city. It stars Femi Adebayo and Gabriel Afolayan. 

5. IKENGA: THE LAST FESTIVAL

Tradition holds a community together until one man’s forbidden power threatens to tear it apart. Ikenga: The Last Festival explores ambition, honour and the price of challenging ancestral law. Directed by Darlington Obodo Kelechi, it features Nollywood veterans Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor and Kanayo O. Kanayo.

6. A FATHER’S SECRET

Anita has rebuilt her life after Juwon denied her pregnancy and disappeared, but his return ten years later reopens wounds she thought had healed. A Father’s Secret asks whether an absent parent deserves forgiveness simply because he wants another chance. Timini Egbuson, Diva Gold, Odunlade Adekola and Princess Nkwocha star in the emotional family drama.

7. MUTINY

Jason Statham steps into another explosive role as Cole Reed, a former Special Forces officer framed for the murder of his billionaire friend. His attempt to clear his name leads him into an international conspiracy filled with enemies, gunfire and dangerous secrets. Mutiny is an easy pick for viewers who enjoy fast, hard-hitting action.

8. THE DOG STARS

After a deadly flu wipes out most of humanity, former pilot Hig lives in isolation with his dog and a heavily armed ex-Marine. A mysterious radio signal soon pushes him beyond the safety of their home and into a dangerous search for other survivors. Directed by Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars stars Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley.

9. SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

Peter Parker now lives in a world where the people closest to him no longer remember who he is. Alone and focused entirely on protecting New York, he faces fresh danger when a powerful enemy emerges. Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man in a story that explores what remains of the hero when Peter Parker has nobody left to lean on.

10. THE ODYSSEY

Christopher Nolan brings Homer’s ancient epic to the big screen, with Matt Damon playing Odysseus, the Greek king struggling to return home after the Trojan War. His journey throws him against deadly waters, mythical creatures and powerful enemies. Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron complete the star-filled cast.