The Nigerian film industry continues to evolve, stepping confidently into genres that were once rare in African cinema.
One of the most dynamic areas of growth is the heist genre, a field defined by suspense, strategy, betrayal, and high-stakes action.
Modern Nollywood filmmakers are embracing the global appetite for crime and thriller narratives, delivering stories that are bold, clever, and cinematically ambitious.
Across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms, viewers now have access to an impressive collection of Nigerian titles exploring crime, greed, survival, and daring schemes.
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These films combine strong performances with sharp writing and refined visuals, showcasing Nollywood’s expanding creative capacity.
Below are the top 10 best Nollywood heist and crime-thriller films currently available for streaming, complete with their durations and genres.
1. The Set Up (2019)
Available on: Netflix
Duration: 1h 43 min
Genre: Crime / Thriller / Drama
A standout entry in the heist-thriller category, The Set Up follows Chike, a young woman pulled into a web of deception orchestrated by a master manipulator. What begins as a simple job spirals into betrayal and psychological games. With crisp dialogue and tight pacing, the film offers a sophisticated take on crime and strategy.
2. The Set Up 2 (2022)
Available on: Prime Video
Duration: 1h 50 min
Genre: Crime / Drama / Action
A bigger, slicker continuation of the original, The Set Up 2 expands its universe with espionage and international crime. Chike faces new threats as old enemies resurface, bringing fresh layers of tension. Its improved cinematography and fast-paced action make it a worthy sequel.
3. Ojukokoro (Greed) – 2016
Available on: Netflix
Duration: 1h 50 mins
Genre: Crime / Heist / Dark Comedy
A dark-comedy heist masterpiece, Ojukokoro weaves multiple storylines around the same bag of money. When a financially desperate man attempts to steal from a dangerous cartel, chaos erupts. Its multi-perspective narrative, sharp humour, and unpredictable twists make it one of Nollywood’s boldest heist films.
4. Sugar Rush (2019)
Available on: Netflix
Duration: 2hrs
Genre: Action / Comedy / Crime
Vibrant, fast-paced, and wildly entertaining, Sugar Rush follows three sisters who stumble upon $800,000 and soon find themselves hunted by criminals and government agencies. With standout performances from Bimbo Ademoye, Bisola Aiyeola, and Adesua Etomi, the film blends humour with adrenaline in a refreshing take on the heist genre.
5. Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Toca McBaror
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Forget Robin Hood; meet the Merry Men, a crew of four wealthy Abuja big boys who drive sports cars, wear stylish suits, and live comfortable lives. However, their modus operandi is correct, as it involves stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
Although the movie comes across as a showcase of flex and luxury, instead of guns and rounds of fire, the Merry Men carry out heists with just good looks and smooth tongues.
6. The Trade (2023)
Available on: Prime Video
Duration: 2hrs
Genre: Crime / Thriller / Drama
Inspired by real events, The Trade follows a notorious kidnapper known for his meticulous, calculated operations. While the film focuses on abductions rather than theft, its strategic planning, tension, and psychological depth strongly align with heist-style storytelling. It remains one of Nollywood’s most intense modern crime thrillers.
7. Brotherhood (2022)
Available on: Prime Video / Netflix (region dependent)
Duration: 2hrs
Genre: Action / Crime / Thriller
One of Nollywood’s biggest recent action hits, Brotherhood tells the story of twin brothers on opposite sides of the law, one a police officer, the other a member of a ruthless robbery gang. Their worlds collide during a major heist that tests loyalty and morality. Featuring high-quality action choreography, the film pushes the boundaries of Nollywood action cinema.
8. Elevator Baby (2019)
Available on: Netflix
Duration: 1h 20 mins
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Though not a pure heist movie, Elevator Baby incorporates crime elements at its core. The story unfolds around a spoilt young man and a pregnant woman trapped in an elevator, where critical secrets involving crime and survival emerge. Its confined setting heightens suspense while its emotional undertones add depth.
9. The Ghost and the Tout Too (2021)
Available on: Netflix
Duration: 1h 50 mins
Genre: Comedy / Fantasy / Crime
A fun, supernatural twist on crime storytelling, the film follows a woman who communicates with ghosts and becomes entangled in a case involving stolen money.
With humour, colourful characters, and light mystery, it offers a playful take on crime-driven narratives suitable for audiences who prefer lighter entertainment.
10. Seven (2019)
Available on: Netflix
Duration: 1h 55 mins
Genre: Thriller / Action / Crime
Seven follows a young man tasked with completing seven dangerous challenges to claim his father’s inheritance. While not a traditional heist story, the film’s suspense, high stakes, and strategic decision-making are reminiscent of the genre. Strong acting and powerful cinematography help cement its place among Nollywood’s standout thrillers.
Nollywood’s growing catalogue of heist and crime-thriller films reflects the industry’s broader creative evolution. These titles demonstrate Nigeria’s ability to deliver stories rich in intensity, humour, strategy, and emotional depth – films that resonate not just locally but globally.
Whether you enjoy pulse-pounding action, dark comedy, or character-driven crime stories, this list offers something for every movie lover seeking a Nigerian twist on the heist genre.
