🎬 Funke Akindele: Top 10 Nollywood Movies That Prove She’s a Living Legend (Updated 2025)

When it comes to Nollywood royalty, Funke Akindele is in a class of her own. With a career spanning over two decades, she has evolved from a breakout sitcom star to a box office juggernaut, director, producer, and beloved national treasure. Her roles resonate deeply with audiences—whether she's making us laugh, cry, or think—and she has redefined what it means to be a versatile Nigerian entertainer.

From her iconic portrayal of Jenifa to directing some of the highest-grossing films in Nigerian history, Funke continues to leave a lasting impact on African cinema. This post highlights her Top 10 Best Movies—timeless, award-winning, and fan-favorite performances that showcase the full brilliance of her talent.

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1. Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) 🌟

Funke's career-defining dual role in Omo Ghetto: The Saga catapulted her into Nollywood’s record books. As twin sisters Lefty and Ayomide—complete opposites in personality—Funke pulled off an incredible performance, blending street slang, physical comedy, and heartfelt emotion. The film smashed Nigerian box office records and became a cultural phenomenon. With its unforgettable lines and hilarious ensemble cast, Omo Ghetto: The Saga cemented her place in cinematic history.

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2. A Tribe Called Judah (2023)

This blockbuster film, directed and produced by Funke Akindele herself, made headlines as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. The movie follows a single mother and her five sons on a chaotic heist mission to save their family. Packed with suspense, comedy, and heartfelt moments, A Tribe Called Judah showcased Funke’s mastery of family-centric storytelling. She proved once again that she knows what Nigerian audiences want—and how to deliver it.

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3. Jenifa (2008)

The role that started it all. Jenifa wasn’t just a film; it became a cultural revolution. Funke’s portrayal of a naïve, village girl trying to fit into city life resonated across Nigeria. Her mix of humor, innocence, and resilience made Jenifa unforgettable. The character became so iconic that it later spun off into a hugely successful TV series, Jenifa’s Diary. This film made Funke a household name and opened doors for an entire generation of female-driven comedy in Nollywood.

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4. Battle on Buka Street (2022)

This food-war comedy-drama, co-directed by Funke, explored the rivalry between two women running competing food stalls. With her signature mix of chaos, culture, and comedy, Funke brought humor to class struggles, family feuds, and community love. The movie became a huge success and again showcased her ability to blend entertainment with social commentary.

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5. Your Excellency (2019)

A political satire with a romantic twist, Your Excellency marked Funke’s directorial debut in cinema. She played the role of Kemi Ajadi, the elegant and ambitious wife of a bumbling presidential candidate. Her comedic timing and character delivery were flawless, proving that she could shine both in front of and behind the camera. The film’s success showed her vision and versatility as a filmmaker.

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6. Moms at War (2018)

A hilarious yet heartfelt tale of two competitive mothers—played by Funke and Omoni Oboli—who would do anything for their kids. Funke’s sharp wit, expressive face, and comedic instincts made her the perfect fit for this role. The movie subtly explores parenting, ego, and social class while keeping viewers laughing from start to finish.

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7. Ayinla (2021)

Though not the lead, Funke's production collaboration with director Tunde Kelani on this biopic of Apala musician Ayinla Omowura was a milestone. The film was visually stunning, musically rich, and culturally immersive. Her influence on the project helped shape its authenticity and success.

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8. Chief Daddy (2018)

In this star-studded family comedy, Funke played a spoiled daughter of a wealthy patriarch whose sudden death throws the family into chaos. Her character's sass, flamboyance, and comic genius were show-stealers. The movie became a Netflix hit, highlighting Funke’s mass appeal beyond the Nigerian market.

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9. Isoken (2017)

In a departure from her usual roles, Funke appeared in Isoken as Agnes—an overbearing aunt concerned about marriage. While her screen time was limited, her performance was memorable. She brought depth and humor to the social pressure many Nigerian women face about settling down.

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10. Industreet (Series, 2017–2020)

Though not a movie, Industreet deserves mention. Created and produced by Funke, this urban music drama series tackled issues in Nigeria’s entertainment industry—fame, drugs, family, betrayal. She played Rosy, a powerful label boss, and brought grit and authority to the role. It was a passion project that showed her dedication to giving young actors a platform and telling modern stories.

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🎭 Why Funke Akindele Is a Nollywood Icon

1. Versatility

Comedy, drama, family, romance—Funke has done it all. Whether playing a ghetto queen, a working-class mom, or a high-society diva, she disappears into her roles.

2. Comedy Royalty

Few can match her timing, expressions, and ability to make people laugh without even saying a word. Her face is the punchline sometimes—and we love it!

3. Storytelling Visionary

Behind the scenes, Funke is just as powerful. She has directed, produced, and written projects that speak to everyday Nigerians, mixing laughter with life lessons.

4. Female Empowerment Champion

She has used her platform to elevate women both on-screen and off. Her characters are flawed yet strong, funny yet wise, and always inspiring.