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5 Nigerian Movies on Netflix That Will Help You Learn Yorùbá or Igbo
Want to level up your language learning while binge-watching some amazing Nigerian movies? You’re in luck! Watching Yorùbá and Igbo films is one of the most fun and immersive ways to build your vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and get a feel for cultural expressions.
At Lingawa, we know that traditional study methods can feel repetitive, which is why we encourage learners to mix things up! And what better way to learn than through Nollywood hits on Netflix? 🎬✨
Here’s a list of five must-watch Nigerian movies that will help you learn Yorùbá or Igbo—plus key phrases to listen for!
1. Aníkúlápó (2022) – Yorùbá 🦅
Why Watch? This visually stunning epic is set in ancient Yorùbá land and is rich in traditional expressions, proverbs, and storytelling. If you want to experience deep Yorùbá culture while picking up new words, this movie is perfect.
🎯 Key Yorùbá Phrases to Listen For:
- “Mo fé lọ” – I want to go.
- “Kí ni orúkọ rẹ?” – What is your name?
- “Ẹ má bínú” – Don’t be angry.
💡 Lingawa Tip: Take note of the way characters use tones—getting the right pitch is key in Yorùbá!
2. Òlòtūré (2019) – Yorùbá & Pidgin 🔥
Why Watch? This powerful drama follows the story of a journalist who goes undercover to expose human trafficking. While much of the dialogue is in Pidgin English, you’ll hear plenty of Yorùbá phrases woven into conversations.
🎯 Key Yorùbá Phrases to Listen For:
- “Ẹ jọ̀ọ́, ṣe mo lè bá yin sọ̀rọ̀?” – Please, can I talk to you?
- “Dàkun, jọwọ!” – Please, I beg you!
- “O to gé!” – That’s enough!
💡 Lingawa Tip: Notice how Yorùbá is mixed with Pidgin and English—just like real conversations in Lagos!
3. Lionheart (2018) – Igbo 🦁
Why Watch? This heartwarming film, directed by Genevieve Nnaji, is one of the first Nollywood movies on Netflix to feature Igbo dialogue. It’s a great introduction to everyday Igbo conversations, especially in family and business settings.
🎯 Key Igbo Phrases to Listen For:
- “Kedu ka ị mere?” – How are you?
- “Chineke!” – Oh my God!
- “Ezigbo onye!” – A good person!
💡 Lingawa Tip: Pay attention to formal vs. informal speech, especially when younger characters speak to elders.
4. Afamefuna (2023) – Igbo 🌿
Why Watch? This film beautifully captures Igbo culture and traditions, making it a fantastic resource for learning authentic Igbo expressions, greetings, and proverbs.
🎯 Key Igbo Phrases to Listen For:
- “Ndo” – Sorry.
- “Ị ga-eri nri?” – Will you eat?
- “Obi dị m ụtọ” – I am happy.
💡 Lingawa Tip: Listen for how elders and younger people interact—Igbo language has different speech levels for respect!
5. King of Boys (2018) – Yorùbá & Pidgin 👑
Why Watch? A political crime thriller with powerful Yorùbá dialogue, this movie will help you understand street slang, respect terms, and deep proverbs.
🎯 Key Yorùbá Phrases to Listen For:
- “Ṣe o mọ̀ pé mo jẹ́ Olóyè?” – Do you know I am a chief?
- “Ọ̀rọ̀ yìí kò dun mọ́ mi!” – I don’t like this conversation!
- “A ni kí a jà fún ìdàgbàsókè!” – We must fight for progress!
💡 Lingawa Tip: This movie is fast-paced, so rewind and replay key dialogues to catch tricky phrases!
How to Make the Most of Watching Nigerian Movies for Language Learning 🎬
1️⃣ Turn on Subtitles – Start with English subtitles, then switch to Yorùbá/Igbo as you get comfortable.
2️⃣ Repeat & Imitate – Listen to key phrases, pause, and try saying them aloud.
3️⃣ Write Down New Words – Keep a small notebook to jot down words you hear often.
4️⃣ Ask Native Speakers – If you have Yorùbá or Igbo-speaking friends, ask them about phrases you don’t understand.
5️⃣ Use Lingawa! – Our platform offers tutoring and structured lessons to help you master what you learn from movies!
Final Thoughts: Learn Yorùbá & Igbo While Enjoying Nollywood! 🎉
Movies make language learning exciting, immersive, and natural. Whether you want to learn Yorùbá fast, improve your Igbo listening skills, or just enjoy great Nigerian storytelling, these films are a fantastic resource.
At Lingawa, we believe learning should be fun, and watching movies is a perfect way to boost fluency effortlessly. So grab some popcorn, hit play, and start learning!
🚀 Ready to take it further? Join Lingawa today for structured tutoring, pronunciation guides, and interactive lessons!
