This month’s lineup includes political dramas from Nigeria, a horror film rooted in Yoruba tradition, and a high-profile film from one of Nollywood’s most beloved directors. Franchises like Jurassic World, Superman, and The Fantastic Four are all returning to the big screen. Whether you’re watching from a packed cinema or a quiet night in, there’s something this month that respects your attention. Here’s a closer look at what’s worth watching.

To Kill a Monkey

Streaming on Netflix July 18

Few Nigerian directors carry the audience loyalty that Kemi Adetiba does. After King of Boys turned her into a household name, anticipation for her next move has remained high. With To Kill a Monkey, Adetiba trades political power plays for digital crime drama, but the tension, stakes, and psychological weight remain intact. The film follows Efemini (William Benson), a man lured into Nigeria’s booming cyberfraud underground. What starts as opportunism quickly devolves into danger, with Efemini forced to confront not just criminals and clients, but his own unraveling conscience. Featuring Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, and Ireti Doyle, and scored by Oscar Heman-Ackah, the film is a sharp, stylish descent into moral ambiguity. 

Superman

July 11

James Gunn makes his first major move as co-head of DC Studios with this reboot of Superman. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, this version deliberately avoids the origin story and instead focuses on character and tone. With Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and a more optimistic atmosphere than recent DC entries, Superman aims to reset a broader cinematic universe.

Midnight in Shangisha

July 5

Set in Lagos, Midnight in Shangisha is a darkly comic thriller about a man who stumbles into a contract killing gone wrong. Baaj Adebule plays Yori, a desperate job-seeker whose life takes a sharp left turn thanks to one wrong message on a stolen phone. Directed by Ben Chiadika and Sola Osofisan, the film mixes noir elements with social commentary, painting a tense and often bleak portrait of contemporary urban survival.

Jurassic World Rebirth

July 2

The dinosaurs are back once again, but this time, there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Rogue One) and co-written by David Koepp, who penned the original Jurassic Park, this installment is said to bring a more grounded tone to the long-running franchise. Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey lead a new ensemble, while Steven Spielberg returns as executive producer. No plot details have been officially released, but the creative team suggests a franchise reset aimed at more than just spectacle.

Her Excellency

July 4

Directed by Adebayo Salami, Her Excellency tells the story of a powerful female official facing a moral and political crossroads. Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, and Femi Adebayo Salami anchor a cast of generational talent, and the film uses personal narrative to explore themes of leadership, public service, and sacrifice.

Smurfs

July 18

A franchise reboot with a twist: Smurfs returns as a full-scale animated musical with original songs by Rihanna, who also voices Smurfette and executive produces the soundtrack. The voice cast includes Octavia Spencer, Dan Levy, and Nick Offerman. Originally slated for release earlier this year, the film now arrives as summer counterprogramming: bright, pop-infused, and unapologetically nostalgic.

ÈWÒ

July 18

Rooted in Yoruba folklore and local tradition, the film follows a young woman who returns to her ancestral village to claim an inheritance, only to uncover a legacy laced with secrets, rituals, and long-buried rage. Directed with a patient, eerie precision, ÈWÒ features standout performances from Bimbo Ademoye and Yoruba cinema veterans Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, and Dele Odule. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

July 25

Marvel finally reintroduces its “First Family” into the MCU. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach star in this adaptation directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision). Skipping yet another origin story, the film jumps straight into multiverse stakes. With fan pressure high, this may be Marvel’s last chance to redeem the team’s film legacy.

Ireke: Rise of the Maroons

In theaters globally July 25

Based on Yoruba oral history, Ireke tells the story of Prince Atanda, who is betrayed, sold into slavery, and ultimately leads a Caribbean revolt. Directed by Gbolahan Peter Macjob and starring Tobi Bakre and Femi Branch, the film is ambitious in scale and global in its scope. After a strong premiere at Cannes, Ireke is set to open in multiple countries, a rare moment for indigenous African cinema on the international stage.

Freedom Way

In theaters July 18

Freedom Way

In theaters July 18

Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, Freedom Way has steadily built momentum on the global circuit. It screened at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), where it won the Jury Prize, and continued on to the New York African Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival. Set in contemporary Nigeria, Freedom Way follows the intersecting lives of nine characters trying to stay afloat in a country burdened by economic instability, police brutality, and political dysfunction. Directed by Afolabi Olalekan and produced by Bluhouse Studios, the film features Debo “Mr. Macaroni” Adedayo, Bimbo Akintola, Meg Otanwa, Akin Lewis, Ogranya Jable Osai, Jesse Suntele, Teniola Aladese, and Femi Jacobs.