If you recognise those things in the picture up there – kindly invite me to your next naming ceremony.

Before there was Netflix and HBO and Disney+ and Hulu etc., movies came in CDs and DVDs and even VHS tapes. You watched a movie and gave a neighbor, who passed it to another neighbor and so on, until everyone in the neighborhood had seen it (or your tape got cracked/misplaced). Here are some of those movies:

Osuofia In London (2003)

This movie chronicles the journey of the Osuofia to London on a visit. Starring Nkem Owoh, it is one of the earliest and most easily memorable comedy movies in Nollywood history.

Aki na Ukwa (2003)

Also known as Aki and Pawpaw, this movie starred the duo of Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze. It was pure pidgin comedy and followed the lives of the troublesome duo that was Aki and pawpaw.

Home Alone 1–3 (1990–1997)

This was a staple in a lot of houses growing up as almost everyone had it in CD/DVD. It followed the story of 8-year-old Kevin, protecting his home from two neighborhood criminals.

Baby’s Day Out (1994)

This slapstick comedy follows the life of Baby Bink, a nine-month old kidnapped by three crooks who end up getting more than their weight in physical pain.

Just A Little Sin (1998)

Three words: Mount. Zion. Movie. When I say the hairs on my back are standing as I write this, please believe me.

Dangerous Twins (2004)

A story of betrayal and violence between twins. I remember thinking Ramsey Nouah had a real-life twin brother for years after this movie.

Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

The most recent movie on this list, we watched this for the Jet Li X Jackie Chan linkup.

Abuja Connection (2003)

A classic with Clarion Chukwura and Eucharia Anunobi. This movie is why I always pack a blanket whenever I spend nights outside my home.

Coming To America (1988)

Eddie Murphy’s story about an African Prince who runs off to the US to avoid an arranged marriage to find a woman of his dreams, this is definitely one with laughs and a lot of “awwws”.

Titanic (1997)

All I am going to say about is that Rose could have made space for Jack.

Honourable Mention – The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin