Uzor Arukwe is a celebrated Nigerian actor and film producer whose dynamic performances have solidified his status as a Nollywood standout. Known for his ability to captivate audiences with his versatility and emotional depth, Arukwe has delivered memorable roles across a range of genres. Here’s a countdown of his top ten movies, showcasing his incredible talent and storytelling prowess.
Kicking Off with: Progressive Tailor.
Showing on Prime Video, Uzor Arukwe shines as Mazi Chibuzor, a wealthy and charismatic tailor leading the Igbo faction of the Progressive Tailors Club (PTC). When the club’s president passes away, Mazi seizes the chance to vie for the top spot. With multiple shops and a slew of apprentices under his command, he seems unstoppable—except for one fatal flaw: his notorious womanizing. As secrets unravel and rivalries ignite, a whirlwind of drama exposes his misdeeds, costing him the election in a spectacular downfall. Arukwe’s portrayal of ambition tangled with vice makes this a gripping watch.
Next Up: Plus Hubby.
A ROK studios production, in this hilarious and heartwarming tale, Uzor Arukwe plays a lovable, overweight husband married to a fitness-obsessed influencer who preaches body positivity—yet struggles to accept his size. Determined to mold him into her ideal, she enforces grueling workouts, tiny portions, and endless health shakes. But behind her back, he sneaks hearty meals, ballooning even further. Frustrated, she walks out, leaving him to wallow in her absence. Months later, spurred by longing, he commits to the grind, shedding the pounds and winning her back in a triumphant, feel-good twist. Arukwe’s comedic timing and vulnerability elevate this quirky love story.
The Third Spot: Not My Will.
Arukwe takes on a darker role as a wealthy, manipulative man who coerces a young woman into marriage against her wishes. Dazzling her desperate parents with cash, he traps her in a gilded cage. Once wed, his true colors emerge—cruelty reigns as he isolates her from friends and family, bans her from seeing her parents, and turns her life into a nightmare. This harrowing drama showcases Arukwe’s ability to embody a chilling antagonist, leaving viewers both enraged and mesmerized by his commanding performance.
Coming in at Number Four: Family Gbese.
showing on Prime video.
In Family Gbese, Uzor Arukwe plays Nnamdi Nwagba, a man who has worked his way up from nothing to achieve professional success. However, his world begins to crumble when his older brother gets involved in criminal activities that threaten everything Nnamdi has fought for. This family drama is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with tough choices, loyalty, and the painful balance between personal ambition and familial duty.
Number Five: Momiwa.
Showing on Prime Video, Uzor Arukwe portrays a man who is left alone to raise his children when his wife abandons him in search of greener pastures. Struggling initially, he later rises to success, aided by Momiwa, a woman who provides both emotional and practical support. But when his estranged wife returns, hoping to reclaim her share of his wealth, Uzor’s character is caught between old love and newfound stability.
Number Six: The Perfect Guy.
The Perfect Guy is ranked sixth, and in this romantic comedy, Uzor Arukwe plays a man with a broken leg who is smitten with his neighbor, despite her lack of interest. Desperate to win her heart, he resorts to various antics—like trying to make her jealous with other women and complaining about the noise in the neighborhood. But his efforts lead to unexpected twists, as it turns out his rival is a scammer, and Uzor’s character becomes the unlikely hero who saves the day. The film is a hilarious exploration of love, persistence, and timing.
Seventh Spot: Criminal.
Streaming on Prime Video. A masterful crime thriller, Criminal features Arukwe as a reformed ex-con given a fresh start by his loyal brother. Tasked with delivering goods, he’s tempted back into old habits, conspiring with a crew to steal the truck—unaware it’s rigged with a tracker. His brother tracks him down, only to be shot by a gang member in a heated confrontation. In a frantic bid to save him, Arukwe storms a hospital, sparking a chaotic hostage standoff with police closing in. His intense, layered performance as a man wrestling with redemption and rage cements this as one of his best.
Fame and Fury Secures the Eighth Position.
In Fame and Fury, Uzor Arukwe steps into a more cynical role, playing a man who manipulates vulnerable women. When he meets Debbie, a star in Nollywood, he exploits her emotional vulnerabilities to climb the fame ladder. However, his manipulative tactics eventually catch up with him, leading to a downfall. This film sheds light on the dark side of ambition and the way people can exploit others for personal gain, with Uzor’s performance showing both the charm and the deceit behind his character.
Number Nine: Love in Every Word—A Heartwarming Journey.
Even if you’re new to Nollywood, Love in Every Word likely introduced you to Uzor Arukwe. In this heartwarming tale, he plays Obiora, a wealthy Igbo man who patiently pursues a woman despite her initial reluctance. Through his unwavering dedication and respect for her, he eventually wins her heart, although she struggles with his ascent and the memory of her late father. This film became an instant hit, resonating deeply with audiences and earning millions of views. It’s a powerful story of love, perseverance, and cultural identity.
Rounding Out the Top Ten with Suspicion.
Uzor Arukwe delivers a strong supporting performance that earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the AMVCA. He plays the best friend of Stan Nze’s character, a man with supernatural powers. When his daughter is kidnapped and after surviving a shooting and drowning, Uzor is saved by a mysterious woman who later falls in love with him. haunted by visions of his daughter urging him to avenge her ritual sacrifice. Arukwe hunts down the culprits, delivering a subtle yet powerful performance that anchors this eerie, action-packed thriller.
