Gangs of Lagos, Jagun Jagun… 10 movies in 2023
2023 was a great month for movies. The year saw several notable theatrical releases including, Jade Osiberu’s ‘Jagun Jagun‘, and Alia Bhatt’s much-talked-about Hollywood debut with ‘Heart of Stone‘ left fans swooning. Meanwhile, ‘Gangs of Lagos‘ became a fan-favourite and most watched and trending movie of 2023.
Here are the top 10 trending movies that made headlines in 2023:
Gang of Lagos
Prime Video’s first African Original, Gangs of Lagos, achieved top 10 rankings in over 30 countries worldwide within its first 24 hours.
As directed by Jade Osiberu, known for Brotherhood, the movie benefited from Osiberu’s previous success.
The crime action film, revolving around three friends forced into gang wars, resonated with audiences.
The movie Featured popular actors like Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, and Toyin Abraham, the film attracted a broad audience.
And the movie’s popularity spanned 32 countries, showcasing a global interest in African storytelling.
Jagun Jagun
Femi Adebayo’s movie, Jagun Jagun gained acclaim both in Nigeria and internationally, with many Nigerians praising the producer and the movie.
The film’s impressive set design, storyline, and cast, including Nollywood stars, contributed to its widespread positive reception.
Extraction 2
Extraction 2 broke records with the biggest Netflix opening weekend of 2023, watched over 42.8 million times in the first three days.
The sequel’s explosive action, notably a one-take 21-minute sequence, garnered immense praise and excitement.
Building on the first film’s popularity, Extraction 2 capitalized on the anticipation surrounding Tyler Rake’s story continuation.
Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer became a cultural phenomenon, blending multiplex popularity, critical acclaim, and mass curiosity.
The exploration of the dark legacy of the Father of the Atomic Bomb set Oppenheimer apart, sparking widespread discussions.
Also, the Blu-ray’s quick sell out showcased the film’s demand, defying the trend of declining physical media.
Barbie
Barbie’s impact on fashion and social media contributed to the movie’s success story.
The rise of Barbiecore as a summer trend and themed merchandise flooded the market, creating a buzz around the iconic doll.
Fast X
Fast X capitalized on the 2023 trend of exploring the multiverse in blockbuster films.
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The film’s connection to the ‘Hasbro Universe’ demonstrated the trend of universes intertwining for maximum audience engagement.
John Wick 4
Parrot Analytics ranked John Wick 4 as the most in-demand movie in 2023, surpassing other major releases.
Despite being the fourth installment, the film maintained high-quality action, earning critical and audience acclaim.
John Wick: Chapter 4’s success defied franchise fatigue, standing out in a landscape dominated by major franchises.
Blue Beetle
Breaking the trend, Blue Beetle focused on Jaime Reyes, a lesser-known hero, offering a fresh perspective in the DC movie lineup.
Jaime Reyes’ journey as Blue Beetle, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña, introduced a unique narrative within the DC Universe.
Creed 3
Creed 3 continued the success of the Creed trilogy, maintaining impressive boxing scenes and passionate acting.
Michael B. Jordan’s incorporation of anime influences, particularly from “Dragon Ball Z” and “Naruto,” added a unique touch to the fight scenes.
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The movie’s conclusion hinted at a potential continuation, building anticipation for future Creed films.
Heart of Stone
Alia Bhatt’s first Hollywood film, Heart of Stone, generated anticipation due to its star-studded cast, including Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan.
Positioned as a spy thriller, the movie captured the excitement of earlier Mission: Impossible films, contributing to its pre-release buzz.
If you haven’t watched any of the movies in the past, do well to do so as it teaches lessons and it also contains moral values.
