For many people, Africa is a continent of mystery. The very thought can bring so many different images and emotions to mind. It’s such a vast continent-incredibly diverse in geography, history, climate, culture, language, food, architecture and so much more. Many of us have always been fascinated by people, languages and cultures of the world's second largest continent 'Africa'. Films set in Africa provide us the opportunity to witness the realities of life in the continent and to learn more about our shared human history. I’m always on the lookout for a good movie. If it’s based on a true story, that’s even better. Agree?
Here are some must-watch films set in Africa, offering a diverse range of stories and perspectives:
True Stories and Historical Dramas
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Called the “African Schindler’s List,” this film is an absolute must-watch for anyone wanting to watch movies about Africa. This is the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, who saved over 1,200 refugees by hiding them in a hotel he managed. If you are off to Rwanda, you will without a doubt be reminded of this genocide and this movie does a great job at setting up the scene of what actually happened.
It’s a shame that Paul Rusesabagina was lured back to Rwanda from the US (where he is a resident), and abducted in 2020. He has since been sentenced to 25 years for terrorism by a Rwandan court. Supporters called a sham trial, and the fight to free him is far from over.
A United Kingdom (2016)
A United Kingdom is a film based on the true-life story of Seretse Khama, heir to the throne of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), and his romance with Ruth Williams Khama, a white English woman, post-WWII. The film follows their courtship, eventual marriage, and the hardships they endured because of their racial differences in Bechuanaland and Southern Africa. Seretse Khama became the first president of Botswana and, to this day, is a well-loved figure in Botswana. During his presidency, the country underwent positive social and economic changes.
Read also: Faith-Based Movies
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
This movie about Africa is based on Mandela’s autobiography. A Long Walk to Freedom lends viewers a deeper understanding of the politics of South Africa. This African movie does a great job at showcasing historical events but still mixes in a bit of Hollywood to keep viewers engrossed in the story. During our three months in South Africa, we saw images of the anti-apartheid revolutionary everywhere.
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Uganda success story: From elementary school dropout to chess master
“Disney presents Queen of Katwe, a movie based on a vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo. Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona and her family. Chess is the escape from poverty for a young Ugandan woman living in Kampala. This movie is based on actual events in Africa and tells of a girl defying the odds and her story of becoming a top chess champion.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
I recently saw this pop up on my Netflix suggestions, and seeing that it was directed by one of my favorite actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor, I knew I had to watch it. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is based on the same book by William Kamkwamba, who is also the film’s main subject. Kamkwamba lives in a rural Malawian village that is experiencing a significant drought. Wanting to save his family and village from starvation and death, he devises a plan to build a windmill and power a water pump to save the land.
7 Days in Entebbe (2018)
I had no idea about this historical event until watching this movie about Africa. 7 Days in Entebbe is about the true story of Operation Entebbe. In 1976 terrorists hijacked Air France Flight 139 from Tel Aviv to Paris and held the passengers and crew hostage in Entebbe while demanding a ransom end release of 53 Palestinian prisoners.
Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (2002)
Dramas and Thrillers
The Constant Gardener (2005)
This was in my Netflix queue forever and is now one of my favorite thriller movies set in Africa. Although I love Ralph Fiennes, I never brought myself to watch it. I recently sat down to watch this political thriller and LOVED it and have since read the book and rewatched the film many times. Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes are an unlikely couple living and working in Kenya. Tessa (Weisz) is a diehard Amnesty activist who is uncovering big secrets in the pharmaceutical industry. After her death, her husband sets out to discover the truth. What drew me more in was that this movie was loosely based on a true story in Nigeria.
Read also: Nigerian Film History
Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Another one of my favorite African movies. Half of the Yellow Sun is a Nigerian film that opens viewers’ eyes to some of the terrifying atrocities of the Nigerian Civil War. Interweaving two love stories, family betrayal, and an undiscovered mystery, this film is based on the 2006 novel by African feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Tsotsi (2005)
Set in the Johannesburg slums, this film follows Tsotsi. A young street criminal steals a car, finds a baby in the backseat, and must navigate the night with the newborn. This film received widespread critical acclaim and won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film!
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
A Netflix original movie garnered international recognition and won many awards. He is soon adopted as a child soldier into a rising rebel group. Although the film remains ambiguous about the location, it portrays the horrors the military use of children has on young boys’ lives in Africa. This is one of the best African movies based on actual events in Africa.
Adventure and Wildlife
Out of Africa (1985)
Oh, Merryl Streep and Robert Redford, you both produced one great African safari movie together when you were young. Out of Africa is a film set in colonial Africa and garnered seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This is one of the movies on this list that portrays parts of an African safari and is based on an autobiographical book of the same name that shows Karen’s complicated life in Kenya, with a side twist of a young love affair with Robbie Red.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
One of my favorite movies about Africa that is still very relevant today. Seeing the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda has been high on my list for years (UPDATE: We checked that off), but I never knew the entire story behind these beautiful creatures. So if you’re off gorilla trekking in either Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC we recommend watching this movie first. Meet Dian Fossey, an American primatologist that dedicated her life to studying the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Gorillas in the Mist, starring the fabulous Sigourney Weaver, is an 80’s movie documenting Dian’s struggles and achievements while in Africa.
Read also: Must-See African American Love Stories
Born Free (1966)
Born Free is possibly one of the best African movies of all time. This is the true story of the lives of Joy and George Adamson, who raised Elsa the Lionness after she was orphaned as a cub. They raised her to adulthood and released her into the wild. The 1966 movie set in Africa is based on Joy Adamson’s 1960 book under the same name, Born Free.
Animated Classics
The Lion King (1994)
I grew up in the 90s, and I can’t think of the animals in Africa without thinking of the Lion King. This is easily one of the best movies set in Africa. I mean, cmon that opening scene? “NA SEE WANG YA” and Simba’s christening! I can’t even watch the first five minutes without a tear in my eye.
Documentaries
Virunga (2014)
Another Netflix original, this documentary focuses on conserving the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Okavango: River of Dreams (2018)
This visually beautiful Nat Geo documentary uncovers the truth about the Okavango Delta water shortage. This is one of the planet’s last wetlands and diverse wildlife areas. The expedition takes them 1500 miles across three African nations over four months. Besides fantastic truthful storytelling, you’ll also get stunning visuals of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia.
These films offer just a glimpse into the diverse and compelling stories that Africa has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, drama, or adventure, there's something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
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