Why we Keep Falling for the Same Nollywood Plotlines

 

By Olumide Labulo 

Nollywood romantic dramas have a special chokehold on Nigerian audiences and no, it’s not jazz. It is because these dramas have becomè a staple in our film culture, offering us hours of entertainment with their predictable yet undeniably captivating plotlines. Whether it’s a tearful breakup scene in a Lekki penthouse, a heartfelt reunion after a long separation, or a shocking love triangle or a last-minute airport dash in Abuja, these films feed us the same tropes over and over. Yet, somehow, we still press play. Again. And again. And again. We find ourselves glued to the screen, eagerly awaiting the next twist. Why do we keep falling for these familiar storylines like a moth to a Netflix flame?

The answer lies in the universal appeal of these stories and their ability to tap into our emotions, desires, and expectations. From the reluctant lovers to the rich-boy-poor-girl saga, Nollywood has mastered the art of recycling plotlines and dressing them up with fresh faces, Instagram-famous wardrobes, and just enough new drama to keep us invested. As long as there’s a wedding to crash or a secret identity to reveal, we're watching. In this article, we’ll explore why Nollywood romantic dramas, with their often predictable but endlessly engaging narratives, keep pulling us in. Let’s dive into some of the most popular and recurring tropes in Nollywood romantic films, and discover why we just can’t seem to get enough of them.

1. The “enemies" to lovers plot we didn't see  coming

Nollywood loves tension. In "A Sunday Affair" (2023), best friends fall for the same man, and naturally, emotions spiral. Despite the betrayals and dramatic confrontations, love still finds a way. The enemies-to-lovers trope thrives on this chaos: two people who claim to "hate" each other somehow keep making out. Let’s be honest here: there’s something delicious about the drama of denial. It's relatable, spicy, and predictable in the best way. Watching emotional walls crumble is like watching puff-puff rise...it's  slow, sweet, and satisfying.

2. The hidden identity or secret life plot

You already know this one. In "The Black Book" (2023), we’re introduced to a seemingly ordinary man who turns out to have a deadly past. While not strictly a romantic drama, the trope bleeds into plenty of love stories too where one half of the couple is hiding something major. But in "Hey You!" (2022), a nerdy tech guy discovers the woman of his dreams has a scandalous secret career. We all love a good twist. The idea that your boo might be a lowkey billionaire or a vigilante with a past adds intrigue. Love that survives lies and revelations feels earned and juicy.

3. The best-friend-was-the-one-all-along storyline

This is usually not the flashy new love interest, but the childhood bestie with zero red flags. In "Before Valentine’s" (2022), we get a full bouquet of relationship entanglements, where friendship turns into something more between the drama and heartbreak. And in "Finding Me" (2023), the comfort of a friend becomes the foundation for real love. A reassuring and wholesome experience you might say.

4. The over-the-top wedding that nearly didn’t happen

Weddings are our cinematic Super Bowl. There’s music, outfits, tears, and that glorious kiss scene. Even if we know everything will work out in the end, we love the drama that leads up to the aisle. Today, we’ve lost count of how many Nollywood romances that build up to a wedding that almost doesn’t happen. Take "The One for Sarah" (2022) where heartbreak, healing, and fresh romance lead to a will-they-won’t-they conclusion. Or "The Kujus Again" (2023), which mixes family chaos with romantic decisions hanging in the balance.

5. The “crazy ex” or new lover that complicates things

In "Love and Life" (2023), three women juggle romance and loss, with messy entanglements that include everything from cheating to misaligned intentions. Meanwhile, in "The Rise of Igbinogun" (2024), relationships are tested by ambition, betrayal, and power plays. These films remind us that no romantic journey in Nollywood is ever complete without a wildcard character throwing everything off balance. The chaos. The screaming matches. The dramatic exits. It’s all so delightfully unhinged. We enjoy seeing characters fight for their love or lose it in the most dramatic fashion possible.

6. The rich vs. poor dynamic that somehow works out

This one is eternal. In "Shanty Town" (2023), while the core focus is crime, romantic threads show love struggling to survive across class divides. Similarly, "Breath of Life" (2023) explores themes of loss and renewal, with romance blooming in unexpected (and unequal) places. It's instances like this that give us hope that love can cross socioeconomic boundaries. It’s fantasy, yes but a comforting one. Because somewhere in our hearts, we want to believe a danfo driver can marry a CEO’s daughter and the reception will still slap.

7. The “I’m over you” cycle

One of Nollywood’s most iconic romantic tropes is the love story where the couple spends most of the film telling each other they’ll never be together, only to have an emotional reconciliation by the end. Movies like "The Perfect Plan" (2021) feature this classic plotline: miscommunication, heartbreak, and an inevitable reunion. Despite how predictable this narrative may seem, we’re always here for it; letting it tap into our emotions, giving us that satisfying moment when the characters finally admit their true feelings. It's relatable, and deep down, we all want that moment where love triumphs over ego. The predictable nature of the plot doesn’t make it any less enjoyable, and that’s what keeps us coming back.

8. The “happily ever after" with a twist

While Nollywood is known for its fairy-tale endings, some films have started experimenting with more unconventional conclusions. "Sugar Rush" (2019) and "Namaste Wahala" (2020) show us that love can be fulfilling even without a traditional "happy ending." Instead of a classic proposal or wedding scene, these films leave us wondering about the future, offering a more nuanced perspective on romance. This twist reflects a more modern approach to love. Not every relationship ends with marriage or a grand gesture, and sometimes, leaving things open-ended feels more real. It allows the audience to project their own ideas of love onto the characters, which is both relatable and satisfying.

Let’s call it what it is: Nollywood romantic dramas are like that favourite amala joint—you know exactly what you’re getting, and it hits every time: we love the familiar. The predictability is part of the pleasure. With stunning visuals, relatable characters, and emotional storytelling, these films offer comfort, nostalgia, and sometimes just the right amount of chaos to keep us locked in.

So the next time you find yourself shouting “Ah! I knew it!” at your screen, remember it’s not about the surprise. It’s about the feeling. And Nollywood? E dey give feelings in abundance.