African filmmakers have mastered the art of making audiences laugh while delivering memorable stories through slapstick comedy, witty banter, and heartfelt humour infused with cultural quirks.
By Fejiro Sagua
Laughter is universal, and African cinema offers a treasure trove of comedic stories as diverse as the continent itself. African filmmakers have mastered the art of making audiences laugh while delivering memorable stories through slapstick comedy, witty banter, and heartfelt humour infused with cultural quirks.
From West Africa’s bustling Nollywood scene to South Africa’s rich tradition of satire and quirky humour, and East Africa’s growing repertoire of feel-good comedy films, there’s something for everyone.
African comedies often blend humour with relatable situations, offering sharp commentary on family, relationships, societal norms, and even political issues. They draw humour from everyday life while maintaining a cultural authenticity that resonates deeply with viewers.
These films not only entertain but also offer a glimpse into the humour and vibrancy of African societies.
This listicle highlights some of the funniest African movies to watch for a good laugh. Featuring popular picks from Nollywood, laugh-out-loud gems from South Africa, and delightful comedies from East Africa, this lineup is sure to brighten your day.
Everybody Loves Jenifa
Recently emerging as Nollywood’s highest-grossing opening film ever is the latest addition to Funke Akindele’s ‘Jenifa franchise’, Everybody Loves Jenifa, co-written by Funke Akindele, Collins Okoh, and Akinlabi Ishola.
Everybody Loves Jenifa follows the titular character, Jenifa (Funke Akindele), as her popularity is challenged by her new neighbour, Lobster (Stan Nze). When Jenifa uncovers a dark secret about Lobster, she embarks on a mission to expose him, setting off a series of unexpected events. The film briefly touches on domestic violence and drug trafficking, making it an engaging watch, particularly for fans of the franchise, as it delivers a familiar yet intriguing story.
Everybody Loves Jenifa is currently showing in cinemas across Nigeria.
Catching Feelings (2018)
The 2018 romantic comedy, Catching Feelings, written and directed by Kagiso Lediga, explores themes of race, identity, and insecurity through its lead character, Max Matshane. Max, a black writer grappling with creative block and personal anxieties, feels out of place in a gentrified South Africa, torn between his ‘woke’ ideals and his middle-class existence.
The film delves into Max’s inner turmoil, including his strained sex life, frustrations with white liberal privilege—embodied by Heinner (Andrew Buckland), a hedonistic white writer—and his fear of cuckoldry.
Ultimately, Catching Feelings critiques the psychological weight of black identity in post-apartheid South Africa and its effects on creativity, relationships, and self-perception.
Catching Feelings is currently streaming on Netflix.
Potato Potahto (2017)
Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s Potato Potahto offers a humorous twist on the often-stigmatized topic of divorce in African culture.
The dramedy follows Tony (OC Ukeje) and Lulu (Joselyn Dumas), a divorced couple who, for personal reasons, continue living together in their matrimonial home. Splitting the house into two, they attempt to avoid each other, but tensions rise when Tony hires a beautiful housemaid, prompting Lulu to counter by hiring a handsome young helper. This sparks a series of comedic and heartfelt events as they grapple with unresolved feelings and differences.
Balancing humour with emotional depth, Potato Potahto delivers a polished, relatable story about love, conflict, and hope.
Potato Potahto is currently streaming on Netflix.
Big Girl Small World (2024)
Big Girl Small World is a series directed by Nick Mutuma and produced alongside Kevin Njue.
While initially appearing to focus on a struggling plus-size woman, Ciku (June Njenga), the show transcends stereotypes, exploring relatable themes such as family, relationships, friendship, and shifting media culture. The weight issue serves more as a backdrop than the main narrative driver.
The series is funny, thoughtful, and well-paced, with strong character arcs and engaging subplots. Big Girl Small World is a well-executed, relatable production that balances humour with heartfelt storytelling.
Big Girl Small World is currently streaming on Showmax.
The Razz Guy (2021)
Directed by Udoka Oyeka, The Razz Guy is a Nollywood comedy that blends humour with themes of personal growth and redemption, featuring a mix of comedic characters. With its entertaining storyline and rich Nigerian cultural context, the film offers a unique take on the journey of self-improvement and acceptance.
The Razz Guy follows the story of Temi Johnson (Afolabi Nosa Adeyemi, a.k.a. Lasisi Elenu), a top executive cursed for his arrogance and obsession with perfecting his English grammar. Temi’s attempts to correct his language only worsen his situation when his rough, unmannered behaviour jeopardises an international business merger.
His family and friends employ various methods to break the curse, leading him on a comedic journey filled with quirky characters such as Agbero (Bucci Franklin), a professional thug under a similar curse, and a priest who practices both Christianity and voodoo (Michael Sani, a.k.a. Mc Lively). Ultimately, the film delves into themes of redemption, family, relationships, and self-acceptance.
The Razz Guy is currently streaming on Netflix.
The Shakedown (2024)
In The Shakedown, Ari Kruger delivers a crime comedy filled with chaotic twists and dark humour. The film centres on a morally flawed protagonist whose poor decisions spiral into an escalating series of criminal mishaps.
The Shakedown blends screwball comedy with crime, following Justin Diamond (Carl Beukes), a flashy, morally dubious life insurance executive in Cape Town.
Obsessed with wealth and appearances, Justin finds himself ensnared in a web of blackmail after an affair with his physical therapist, Marika (Berenice Barbier), who threatens to release a sex tape.
In an attempt to pay her off, Justin confides in his ex-convict brother, Dovi (Emmanuel Castis), but their plan spirals out of control, leading to blackmail, intimidation, and even murder.
The Shakedown is currently streaming on Prime Video
My Village People (2021)
My Village People is a Nollywood horror-comedy film written and produced by heavyweight comedian, Bovi Ugboma, who also stars as the lead character, Prince. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film combines traditional Nollywood elements with a supernatural twist, blending humour with horror.
My Village People merges traditional Nollywood tropes with a horror-comedy spin. The story follows Prince (Bovi Ugboma), a wealthy Lagosian who returns to his village for his sister’s (Venita Akpofure) wedding.
While there, he encounters a young maiden (Theresa Edem) who falls in love with him—unbeknownst to him, she is a witch. The film weaves together mystical elements, agnosticism, and supernatural occurrences, with much of the comedy stemming from Prince’s dismissive reactions to the paranormal.
My Village People is currently streaming on Netflix.
White Wedding (2009)
White Wedding is a South African road comedy directed by Jann Turner. Set against the backdrop of a wedding journey, it explores themes of friendship, commitment, and reconciliation, blending humour with social commentary.
White Wedding follows Elvis (Kenneth Nkosi) as he embarks on a chaotic journey to his wedding in Cape Town, delayed by a series of mishaps, including helping a lost child and encountering a racist Afrikaner.
Meanwhile, his fiancée Ayanda (Zandile Msutwana) faces her own struggles with wedding preparations, including dealing with her overbearing mother and the return of her charming ex-boyfriend.
Along the way, Elvis and his best friend, Tumi (Rapulana Seiphemo) share heartfelt advice, encounter challenges, and find unexpected camaraderie with the prejudiced Afrikaner, highlighting the potential for reconciliation between former enemies.
The film offers a heartwarming exploration of friendship, commitment, and cross-cultural understanding.
Coming to Africa (2020)
Set against the backdrop of Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign and directed by Anwar Jamison, Coming to Africa follows the journey of Adrian (Anwar Jamison), a self-absorbed financial executive who feels disconnected from his African heritage.
After a career setback, Adrian reluctantly visits Ghana with his brothers: Buck (Khali Kain), a proud African American, and Adonis (Powwah Uhuru), who is eager to embrace his roots.
The film highlights Adrian’s transformation as he confronts his misconceptions about Africa. Initially preoccupied with nightlife and women, he gradually finds purpose and connection through his encounters, particularly with Akosua (Nana Ama McBrown), a teacher who helps him rediscover love and his identity.
Though packaged as a romantic comedy, Coming to Africa touches on themes of Black consciousness, cultural awakening, and self-discovery, offering a relatable and thought-provoking experience.
Coming to Africa is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Plan B (2019)
Plan B, directed by Lowladee, is a charming one-hour romantic film that tells the story of Lisa (Sarah Hassan), a Kenyan stylist who becomes pregnant after a one-night encounter with Dele (Daniel Etim Effiong), a wealthy Nigerian expatriate in Kenya.
Initially focused on seeking financial responsibility from Dele, their journey unexpectedly takes a romantic turn, leading to a heartwarming ending.
Though Plan B is a light, predictable love story, its delightful performances and skilled direction make it a memorable, feel-good experience for fans of romantic comedies.
Plan B is currently streaming on YouTube.
Fejiro Sagua is a writer and film enthusiast who loves diving into the world of movies. She’s always on the lookout for great stories and new films to watch. When she’s not busy writing or watching movies, you can find her reading books, at the gym, creating content, or having interesting conversations with friends, family, or even strangers. You can get in touch with her on Instagram (@fejiro_sagua) and X (@bigbadfae).