It’s not surprising that such a large number of films are set in Africa given the continent’s expansive landscapes, exciting animals, and truly vibrant ethnic customs. The history of African-themed movies also demonstrates how perceptions of this amazing continent have evolved over time. The African film industry has a long history, but the continent has also experienced tremendous social upheavals, political unrest, and tumultuous economic shifts. Many films over the last few decades have portrayed the colorful exuberance of the region and given an important window into contemporary Africa.

Even if many people haven’t visited the African continent, some of the well-known and well-made films set there can provide viewers with an idea of what life has been like there in the past. We’ve compiled a collection of the best movies set in Africa despite the fact that there are many films that depict the continent’s allure. The films on this list cover a wide range of topics, including tragedies, civil wars, safaris, dictatorships, and stunning landscapes. So grab a bag of popcorn and begin the quest to learn more about the second-largest and second-most populated continent in the world through the lens of a movie.

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8 Mandela: Walk To Freedom (2013)

     20th Century Fox (United Kingdom) / United International Pictures (South Africa)

Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom gives the people a wider insight into South African politics. Nelson Mandela enters the battle opposing apartheid and is subsequently jailed for it. The viewers can observe Mandela’s influence on everything from sculptures and significant structures to local landmarks and graffiti art. This movie addresses every aspect of viewers’ desire to learn more about this nation’s turbulent history. The film does a fantastic job of highlighting past events while also incorporating enough Hollywood to have audiences interested in the plot.

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7 Out Of Africa (1985)

     Universal Pictures

Out of Africa is another brilliant and iconic movie set in Africa. Meryl Streep starred in this 1985 movie, which is worth remembering. The story takes place in Kenya’s most well-known national park, the otherworldly Massai Mara. The journey of Danish novelist Karen Blixen, who travels to Africa during the 1900s, is the theme of the movie Out of Africa. Blixen initially accompanied her fiancé to Eastern Africa, but quickly develops feelings for Dennis Finch-Hatton. The narrative features a love romance with a man and a special relationship with Africa. Sydney Pollack, who directed Out of Africa, died in 2018 and it remains one of his best movies.

6 Beasts Of No Nation (2015)

     Netflix / Bleecker Street

Beasts of No Nation portrays a young kid whose family dies in a violent conflict in an unidentified West African nation. He quickly joins a growing rebel group as a child soldier. The movie depicts the atrocities that the military’s exploitation of kids has on teenage boys’ lives in Africa, even though the place is left unclear. It remains one of the top films set in Africa. This story, which explores a very challenging condition in war-torn African nations, is unvarnished and authentic. It is one of the best war movies and a must-watch.

5 A United Kingdom (2016)

     20th Century Fox (United Kingdom) / Pathé Distribution (France) / Fox Searchlight Pictures (United States)

A United Kingdom is inspired by the actual romance between Seretse Khama, the Botswanaian prince, and a white English woman, Ruth Williams Khama, after World War II. The movie chronicles their relationship, subsequent marriage, and the struggles they faced in Southern Africa and Botswana or the earlier Bechuanaland as a result of their racial disparities. Seretse Khama served as Botswana’s premiere president and remains popular there even today. The nation underwent beneficial economic and social developments while he was president. An innate love in this saga of perseverance and passion is Ruth’s blossoming connection with Botswana.

4 The Last King Of Scotland

     20th Century Fox (U.K. & Germany) / Fox Searchlight Pictures (U.S.)

The Last King of Scotland is a gripping drama based in 1970s Uganda. The third leader of Uganda, Idi Amin, received harsh criticism for violating human rights. The perspective of Amin’s personal doctor is used in the movie to depict his strict rule. The story unfolds when young Scottish physician Nicholas Garrigan travels to Uganda for a medical trip. He quickly gains Idi Amin’s trust and is appointed as his personal doctor. Dr. Garrigan initially feels honored by his newfound position of authority, but he quickly comes to understand that Amin’s administration is marked by brutality. In a final battle for survival, Garrigan attempts to flee from the dictator. Gillian Anderson performed beautifully in The Last King of Scotland, making the movie an incredible watch.

3 Gorillas In The Mist (1988)

     Universal Pictures (North America) / Warner Bros. (International)

Gorillas in the Mist chronicles Dian’s challenges and triumphs when she was in Africa. This movie, inspired by Dian Fossey’s real story, features a female lead as she journeys to Rwanda and Uganda to serve as a mountain gorilla researcher. Dian opts to relocate to Rwanda, even though coming terribly equipped, and gets completely smitten with the gorillas. Her close relationship with the primates, which she remains to defend from poachers, is highlighted in the movie.

2 Blood Diamond (2006)

     Warner Bros. Pictures

This war and political drama from 2006 attracted attention when it first premiered, and not just because Leonardo DiCaprio played the lead role. The title of the movie alludes to diamonds that are extracted in conflict areas and traded to fund hostilities, with warlords and diamond firms both prospering from the business. Barely three decades ago, a terrible civil war ravaged Sierra Leone. This movie, starring DiCaprio, chronicles the heartbreaking suffering of a native fisherman during the crisis. It’s a fantastic African war film with an engaging plot.

1 Hotel Rwanda (2004)

     MGM Distribution

A heartbreaking historical movie, Hotel Rwanda tells the story of the genocide that occurred in Rwanda over two decades ago. The world turned a blind eye while one of the biggest tragedies in human history, where more than a million people were massacred in only three months, occurred on the African continent. In Terry George’s film, a regular family guy demonstrates incredible bravery by giving thousands of stranded immigrants refuge in the resort he maintains. The film provides viewers with a glimpse into Rwanda’s sad history while also offering a fresh viewpoint on the strength of heroic impulses. It does this by concentrating on the craziness of massacres and the horrific barbarity of war. Hakeem Kae-Kazim, who starred in Hotel Rwanda, is also making his directorial debut, but this movie remains to be a fan favorite.