The first half of the year in Nollywood is often a mixed bag because most of the stars are saving their films for the more lucrative holiday months. But this year, that space seemed to have given many newcomers the chance to shine with new takes on old genres, fresh stories outside the Lagos centre and an appreciation for our veterans.
This list covers Nigerian films that stood out in celebration of genre, dedication to craft, appreciation of culture and also just a great time at the movies. These are the 10 best Nollywood films of 2026, so far.
10. The Boy Who Gave
Running time: 118 minutes
Director: Allison Precious Emmanuel
Genre: Drama
Films that take us to parts of Nigeria rarely seen are not many, and in Allison Emmanuel’s debut feature he takes us to Bonny Island, a place fraught with economic and political violence. He writes, directs and stars in the film that follows Broda, a first son, who is left to care for his siblings after the death of his parents. It’s a film that leans into the dreary existence that poverty plunges you into and it asks if escape is ever possible.
The Boy Who Gave is currently showing in the cinemas.
9. The Other Side Of The Bridge
Running time: 116 minutes
Director: Fiyin Gambo
Genre: Sports Drama
Many Nigerian films in recent times have tried to capture the class tension between the wealthy and the poor in our society. In the Other Side Of The Bridge, we see the Fiyin Gambo-directed feature put this tension in a gritty boxing drama that follows two boxers (played by Tobi Bakre and Demi Banwo) from vastly different backgrounds competing in a prestigious tournament hoping to win it for reasons that define both their lives.
The Other Side Of The Bridge is not yet available on any streaming platforms.
8. Aba Blues
Running time: 120 minutes
Director: Jack’enneth Opukeme
Genre: Romantic Drama
Jack’enneth Opukeme has a flair for writing interesting women defying cultural boundaries. In Aba Blues he writes and directs a story of a woman (played by Angel Anosike) stuck between two lovers: one from her past and another in her present. It’s a story that celebrates and critiques Igbo culture, centering the love story in a place and time that shows the director’s signature vintage storytelling.
Aba Blues is streaming on Kava TV.
7. Onobiren: A Woman’s Story
Running time: 104 minutes
Director: Famous Odion Iraoya
Genre: Drama
Nollywood has a fraught history with its women and in a bid to tell their own stories, Onobiren enters with the tale of a woman recounting her life experiences as she moves from her village to the city. It is a film that centres human efforts as acts of faith and miracles. Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya and written by Laju Iren, Onobiren opens the breadth of womanhood for the industry to learn from.
Onobiren: A Woman’s Story is not yet available on any streaming platforms.
6. To Adaego With Love
Running time: 129 minutes
Director: Nwamaka Chikezie
Genre: Historical Romance
In this Nwamaka Chikezie directed feature, we see a love story placed at the core of the post civil war reconciliation efforts in the East. Starring Adam Garba and Chisom Agoawuike, who have palpable chemistry, it navigates the complicated emotions of a people who have still not been given proper reparations for a war that ravaged their place and culture. It places this conflict within and outside a love story that will leave you in your feels when the credits roll.
To Adaego With Love can be rented on the film’s official website.
5. Evi
Running time: 107 minutes
Director: Uyoyou Adia
Genre: Musical Drama
With the increase in Afrobeats recognition worldwide, a film about a fictional Afrobeats star was bound to happen. Enter Evi. It follows a pop star who falls from grace and attempts to return to success with a new lease on life. Starring Osas Okonyon in the titular role and directed by Uyoyou Adia, we get a glimpse into the shady workings of an industry where the price for success is often a loss of self. And to crown it all, it does have some bangers.
Evi is not yet available to stream on any platforms.
4. On Different Grounds
Running time: 120 minutes
Director: Mildred Okwo
Genre: Romantic Dramedy
A veteran returns to the camera and brings other veterans with her in this Mildred Okwo directed romantic comedy. This film follows a separated couple who have to share the same space during the week of their daughter’s marriage. It’s a film that finds the older stars of Nollywood like Nkem Owoh, Jennifer Eliogu and Bob Manuel Udowku in roles that respect their skills. At the same time, it creates a narrative rarely seen with a happy ending that reminds us that second chances are never too late.
On Different Grounds is currently showing in cinemas.
3. When Nigeria Happens
Running time: 119 minutes
Director: Ema Edosio-Deelen
Genre: Dance drama
Sometimes a Nigerian film departs from the usual forms we’re used to and creates an experiment that dissects the way our society breaks us. This is the central thesis of When Nigeria Happens. Directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen, it follows a group of misfit dancers who are trying to make it amidst the obstacles Nigeria throws at them. A film that uses dance as a primary driver of its story, we journey with this group as the pressure to fit in builds to a moving conclusion.
When Nigeria Happens is streaming for a limited time on the website.
2. Mothers Of Chibok
Running time: 88 minutes
Director: Joel Kachi Benson
Genre: Documentary
The kidnapping of the Chibok Girls remains one of the most consequential moments of Nigeria’s history and the media around it has remained fraught with propaganda and political motivations. With Mothers of Chibok, directed by Joel Kachi Benson, we witness a group of mothers who, after their daughters’ abduction, spend weeks, months and years waiting for their return. It is a solemn study on the way this tragedy has defined their present and future, and a documentation of their resilience.
Mothers Of Chibok is currently not available on any streaming platforms.
1. Call Of My Life
Running time: 107 minutes
Director: Dammy Twitch
Genre: Romantic comedy
A call centre agent, Soluchi, is going through a tough heartbreak when she receives a call that is bound to change the trajectory of her love life. Directed by Dammy Twitch in his feature debut and written by Uzoamaka Power, Call Of My Life reminds us that a good romantic comedy is grounded in the cultural context of its people. With strong lead performances, a score that paints the romance and supporting characters you want to see more of, the film joins the pantheon of great Nigerian romcoms and will definitely be rewatched by generations to come.
Call Of My Life is currently showing in cinemas.
