How Nollywood old-school movies still influence Nigerian popular culture

Before Netflix Naija and cinema premieres in designer fits, there was OG Nollywood. You know, grainy visuals, dramatic background music, and acting that had you screaming “God forbid!” at the TV. From Living in Bondage to Karashika, Glamour Girls to Diamond Ring, old-school Nollywood movies were chaotic, iconic, and undeniably Nigerian.

Unsurprisingly, these classics still influence pop culture like mad. Let’s talk about it.

First off, fashion. All those loud prints, exaggerated shoulder pads, headwraps, and auntie handbags? Back. Gen Z style baddies are reworking those vintage looks for the gram, with the same energy Nollywood aunties gave us in the '90s. If you’ve seen someone in flared trousers and dark sunnies giving “Ibinabo” vibes, just know Nollywood walked so they could slay.

Then there’s the lingo. Phrases like “May thunder fire you there!” and “You think you can deceive me, foolish boy!” still live rent-free in our memes, TikToks, and Twitter (I refuse to call it X) posts. Nollywood dialogue shaped how Nigerians speak sarcasm, drag people, and even toast babes.

Not to mention music and storytelling. The dramatic violin intros? Legendary. The morality plots of good vs evil, juju vs Jesus, are still referenced in songs, skits, and viral videos. Even new filmmakers draw on these themes, remixing them for modern-day vibes.

And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor. Those dusty VCDs we watched on Sunday afternoons built a whole generation’s imagination. Now, young Nigerians are remixing that energy, turning old clips into viral sounds and using vintage Nollywood aesthetics for photo shoots and brand campaigns.

Old Nollywood didn’t just entertain—it shaped culture, slang, fashion, and memes. And in 2025, it’s still running the streets.

So yeah, call it “old-school” if you want, but it’s timeless.