Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, get cozy, and enjoy a good movie. Whether you’re with your partner, your girls, or simply treating yourself, nothing pairs better with popcorn, small chops, and red wine than a feel-good romance.
We often reach for foreign love stories, but Nollywood delivers sweetness, laughter, and heartfelt romance that feels closer to home. So if you want something cozy, joyful, and proudly Nigerian, here’s a romantic pick to start your Valentine’s watchlist.
Everything Is New Again (2026) – Cinemas
A lighthearted age-gap romance, the film follows Funmi (Mercy Aigbe), a successful single mother who falls for a younger man, Ekene (Vine Olugu). What starts as playful flirtation grows into a genuine connection, despite family resistance. Directed by Naz Onuzo and produced by Inkblot Productions, the movie blends humor and heart, celebrating love that defies societal expectations.
All’s Fair in Love (2024) – Prime video
A South African woman catches the attention of two Nigerian best friends (Deyemi Okanlawon and Timini Egbuson), and she playfully leads both on as they compete for her affection. It’s fun, flirty, and full of laughs, the kind of romantic comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Perfect for when you want romance with a side of friendly competition and lots of smiles!
Love in Every Word (2025) + Love in Every Word 2: The Wedding (2025) – Omoni Oboli TV on YouTube (FREE!)
A popular 2025 romance, the film follows Chioma (Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan), a driven businesswoman who travels for a wedding and unexpectedly falls for Odogwu (Uzor Arukwe), a bold, culturally proud suitor. Their intense chemistry and his grand romantic gestures made the movie a viral hit, celebrating love that surprises you and sweeps you off your feet.
Spice of Love (2024) – Omoni Oboli TV on YouTube (FREE!)
A romantic, empowering story about Amina, a young bride in an arranged marriage who sets out to take control of her own future. Her plan to escape expectations leads to an unexpected love that challenges her identity, dreams, and independence. The film blends sweetness and emotion, celebrating a woman’s right to choose her path, and her happiness.
Before Valentine’s (2022) – Netflix
Set in a buzzing Lagos hair salon on February 13th, this film follows four hairdressers—Sugar, Tamara, Chika, and Philo—as they navigate their love lives while getting clients ready for Valentine’s Day. It’s lighthearted, relatable, and full of the kind of romantic mishaps we can all laugh about. Great for a Galentines day watch when you want something breezy and entertaining!
The Wedding Party (2016) – Netflix, Prime Video
This is Nigerian rom-com royalty! Dunni (Adesua Etomi) and Dozie (Banky W) are getting married, and while chaos ensues—ruined dresses, in-law drama, party crashers—the film never loses sight of the love at its center. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and features an all-star cast. Plus, the real-life love story behind it makes it even sweeter: Adesua and Banky actually fell in love on set and got married! This is pure joy from start to finish.
The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) – Prime Video
Ope returns from the UK hoping to save her family’s hotel from being sold. When she meets Deji and sparks fly, she doesn’t realize he’s the potential buyer! But instead of heavy drama, this EbonyLife production keeps things charming and sweet. The film features the late Rachel Oniga, Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs, and Zainab Balogun in a story about love, family, and fighting for what matters—all wrapped up in beautiful cinematography and genuine warmth.
Phone Swap (2012) – YouTube (FREE!)
This Kunle Afolayan classic is the definition of sweet romance! Businessman Akin (Wale Ojo) and fashion designer Mary (Nse Ikpe-Etim) accidentally swap phones at the airport. As they try to return each other’s phones, their different worlds collide in the most delightful way. Their phone conversations turn into something more, proving that love can bloom from the most unexpected circumstances. It’s funny, charming, and perfect for anyone who loves a good meet-cute story!
The Meeting (2012) – YouTube (FREE!)
Makinde (Femi Jacobs) travels to Abuja for a short business trip but gets stranded by bureaucracy. With the help of Ejura (Linda Ejiofor), a kind NYSC member, friendship slowly blossoms into romance. This Mildred Okwo rom-com mixes natural humor with heartfelt moments, celebrating the beauty of unexpected love.
Something More (2024) – YouTube (FREE!)
Two close friends navigate Lagos’s tricky dating scene together, supporting each other through heartbreak until they begin to question if love has been right beside them all along. This tender, funny story celebrates the beauty of a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance.
When Love Calls (2024) – YouTube (FREE!)
Ronke (Uche Montana) and her daughter Mena are still grieving the loss of their husband and father. Mena has stopped speaking entirely. For two years, their world is wrapped in pain—until Kene (Uzor Arukwe) shows up and brings brightness back into their lives. This soothing, gentle film is about how love can heal, how the right person can help you find your voice again, and how happiness is still possible after loss. It’s tender, hopeful, and absolutely perfect for romantics at heart.
When Love Happens (2014) – YouTube (FREE!)
Event planner Mo (Weruche Opia) is tired of planning everyone else’s weddings while her own love life is a mess. Feeling the pressure of her biological clock, she embarks on online dating and vlogs her journey—only to discover that love might be closer than she thinks. Featuring OC Ukeje and Beverly Naya, this charming rom-com is sweet, relatable, and gives us that satisfying happy ending we all deserve. Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt like they were looking for love in all the wrong places!
The One for Sarah (2020) – Netflix
After a series of failed relationships, Sarah (Beverly Naya) heals from emotional trauma with the help of her best friend (Bimbo Ademoye). As she finds happiness within herself, Cupid smiles on her again—and this time, she’s ready. This is a beautiful story of friendship, healing, and finding love when you’re finally in the right place emotionally. It’s warm, supportive, and celebrates both romantic love and the love of true friendship.
Big Love (2023) – Prime Video
Adil (Timini Egbuson) reconnects with his old crush Adina (Bimbo Ademoye)—a single mother—and to protect her from his wealthy family’s judgment, he pretends to be the father of her three-year-old son. Yes, there’s a lie at the center, but the film handles it with such warmth and humor! The chemistry between Timini and Bimbo is absolutely electric, and the story ultimately celebrates love that sees beyond society’s prejudices. It’s sweet, funny, and gives you all the warm fuzzies.
Worlds Apart (Early 2000s) – YouTube (available on various channels)
If you want that nostalgic, retro Nollywood feel-good vibe, this classic is your go-to! A prince goes undercover to find true love and meets Uli (Ini Edo in her breakout role). It’s the kind of fairytale romance that old Nollywood did so well—beautiful, dramatic in the best way, and with a happy ending that makes your heart soar. Perfect for anyone missing the magic of early 2000s Nigerian cinema!
So grab your popcorn (and maybe a chilled Chapman), get comfortable, and let these beautiful love stories carry you away.
Do you have a favourite Nigerian romantic movie? Which one are you watching today? Share your Valentine’s picks with us!
