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  • The Nigerian box office has seen a remarkable surge in 2025. With ticket sales projected to reach ₦15 billion by year-end, the industry is on track for a record-breaking year. By November, cinemas had already grossed over ₦10 billion, a 58% increase from the same period in 2024.

    While some hits from 2024, like Everybody Loves Jenifa and Alakada: Bad and Boujee, continued to attract audiences, this year’s standout story comes from fresh releases. These films demonstrated that Nollywood is maturing into an industry capable of producing commercially successful, culturally resonant films that draw large and diverse audiences across Nigeria.

    Here are the top 10 highest-grossing Nollywood movies at the Nigerian box office this year, the films that set the tone for a record-breaking year in Nigerian cinema.

    10. Something About the Briggs

    Gross: ₦91.3 million

    Running time: 2h 5m

    Director: Bukola Ogunsola 

    Genre: Family Drama, Relationship Drama

    Studio: Revelation Pictures

    Something About The Briggs has emerged as one of 2025’s standout Nollywood hits, showcasing the strength of character-driven storytelling in contemporary Nigerian cinema. The film delves into the complexities of a wealthy, fractured family as they navigate secrets, privilege, and personal ambition, blending emotional depth with sharp social commentary.

    The film made a solid impact at the box office, opening to ₦22.5 million in its first weekend and steadily building momentum to gross over ₦91 million.

    9. My Mother Is a Witch

    Gross: ₦100.6 million

    Running time: 1h 40m

    Director: Niyi Akinmolayan 

    Genre: Drama, Family Drama

    Studio: Anthill Studios and FrameFlixHQ

    Released in May 2025, My Mother Is a Witch centres on a fractured mother‑daughter relationship, exploring pain, memory, and the challenge of reconciliation. The film steadily performed  at the box office, hitting the ₦100 million mark — an impressive feat in 2025’s crowded market. Acclaimed for its emotional depth and strong performances led by Efe Irele and Mercy Aigbe, the movie affirmed that character‑driven drama still draws audiences hungry for grounded Nigerian stories.

    8. Red Circle

    Gross: ₦117.73 million

    Running time: 1h 59m

    Director: Akay Mason

    Genre: Thriller, Action

    Studio: Rixel Studios 

    Produced by Nora Awolowo, Red Circle is an action‑thriller that centres on a law‑enforcement lead trying to bring down a dangerous criminal network under intense time pressure. It mixes suspense, violent confrontations, and a fast‑moving plot, targeting fans of crime and action cinema. The film built word‑of‑mouth over its run and grossed roughly the ₦120 million mark at the Nigerian box office, ranking among the stronger homegrown performers of the 2025 cinema year.

    7. Abanisete: The Ancestor

    Gross: ₦152.8 million

    Running time: 2h 5m

    Director: Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani, along with Ibrahim Yekini.

    Genre: Historical Drama, Epic

    Studio: FilmOne Studios and Hawks Studios

    Abanisete: The Ancestor tells the story of a revered patriarch whose legacy shapes the fate of his descendants, blending mythology with human drama. The film’s intricate storytelling and high production values drew audiences eager for culturally rooted narratives. It opened to strong numbers and steadily climbed the box office, ultimately grossing over ₦152 million, proving that historical epics remain a compelling draw for Nigerian audiences.

     With its authentic depiction of tradition and a talented ensemble cast, the film reinforced Nollywood’s capacity for large-scale, culturally resonant storytelling.

    Related: 10 of the Best Nollywood Movies of 2025, So Far

    6. Owambe Thieves

    Gross: ₦205.6 million

    Running time: 1h 40m

    Director: Adeoluwa Owu 

    Genre: Drama, Crime

    Studio: FilmOne Studios, Light House Pictures and collaborators

    This 2025 crime drama took off over Easter weekend with a ₦53.6 million opening, telling a gritty story about survival, desperation, and moral collapse when a struggling couple resorts to robbery. The film sustained momentum beyond its debut, eventually racking up over ₦200 million. As a mid‑year release, Owambe Thieves showed that compelling, locally rooted narratives can still capture box office success even outside peak seasons.

    5. Labake Olododo

    Gross: ₦264.28 million

    Running time: 2h 21m

    Director: Biodun Stephen

    Genre: Drama, Epic

    Studio: FilmOne Studios, Fespris Productions, co‑produced with input from Abazee Productions and other backers.

    Iyabo Ojo’s Labake Olododo has firmly anchored itself as one of 2025’s biggest Nollywood hits, underlining the commercial and cultural power of Yoruba-language cinema. Following strong anticipation, the film opened nationwide on March 28, drawing audiences eager for a story rooted in Yoruba heritage. 

    It follows Labake, a fearless heroine challenging injustice in her community while navigating societal pressures, blending high-stakes drama with emotional depth and cultural nuance. The film made an immediate mark at the box office, debuting with ₦50 million in its first weekend, quickly surpassing ₦200 million, and ultimately grossing over ₦264.2 million. 

    4. Iyalode

    Gross: ₦306.36 million

    Running time: 2h 6m

    Director: Adebayo Tijani

    Genre: Historical Drama, Epic

    Studio: FilmOne Studios and Toyin Abraham Productions

    Released in early June to coincide with the Eid El Kabir holiday, Toyin Abraham’s Iyalode tells the story of a strong-willed woman navigating power, tradition, and personal ambition, combining compelling drama with cultural resonance. Abraham’s performance, paired with high production quality, made the film a must-see for audiences across Nigeria.

    Iyalode made an immediate impact at the box office, opening to ₦81.54 million in its first weekend and surpassing ₦137 million by the end of its opening week. It maintained momentum for three consecutive weekends, fending off competition from international blockbusters like Ballerina and Mission: Impossible 8, and ultimately grossed over ₦305 million. 

    The film’s success not only reinforced Toyin Abraham’s status as a reliable box-office draw but also secured Iyalode a place among the top Nollywood earners of all time, demonstrating the commercial strength of homegrown storytelling.

    3. Reel Love

    Gross: ₦356.82 million

    Running time: 1h 38m

    Director: Kayode Kasum

    Genre: Romance, Drama

    Studio: FilmOne Studios, Film Trybe and Next Thought Entertainment Company

    Reel Love marked a major milestone for Timini Egbuson, who made his debut as a producer on this 2025 romantic drama. Released on Valentine’s Day, the film explores the highs and lows of performative relationships and the pursuit of social media fame. It opened to ₦40.5 million on its first day and closed its debut weekend with ₦99.3 million, quickly building momentum. Within three weeks, the film crossed ₦200 million and eventually grossed ₦356 million, holding the top spot at the Nigerian box office for five consecutive weeks. 

    More: Best Nollywood Movies to Watch On Netflix (December 2025)

    2. Ori: Rebirth

    Gross: ₦419.57 million

    Running time: 2h 15m

    Director: Muyiwa Ademola

    Genre: Yoruba-language Drama, Epic

    Studio: Ademola Productions & T&A Pictures

    Muyiwa Ademola’s Ori: Rebirth has emerged as one of 2025’s biggest Nollywood successes, showcasing the commercial and cultural strength of Yoruba-language cinema. The film follows a resilient hero navigating family, legacy, and societal expectations, blending epic storytelling with emotional depth and cultural authenticity. It made an immediate mark at the box office, grossing over ₦114 million in its first week, surpassing ₦300 million within a month, and ultimately grossing approximately ₦419.5 million.

    1. Gingerrr

    Gross: ₦509.3 million

    Running time: 2h 10m

    Director: Yemi Morafa

    Genre: Action, Comedy, Heist

    Studio: COTS Production

    The Nigerian action-comedy Gingerrr has become a box-office juggernaut, blending suspense, humour, and high-stakes heist thrills. The story follows four friends whose daring plan to escape their pasts unravels as secrets and hidden agendas surface. Executively produced by Ope Ajayi, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Bisola Aiyeola, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Creative Catalyst, the film premiered and was released nationwide in September. Gingerr opened to ₦82 million and soared to ₦378 million in five weeks, ultimately grossing over ₦509 million, making it 2025’s highest-grossing Nollywood film and the fifth highest of all time.

    Read Next: The 10 Highest-Grossing Nollywood Movies of All Time

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  • The Nigerian movie industry is showing up and showing off, and we can now boast of having our own highest-grossing Nollywood movies. Yes, Nigerians are spending their coins on Nollywood movies that deliver quality entertainment.

    Just in case you aren’t familiar with the movies pulling the big numbers, this list has the answers you seek.

    Highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time

    A Tribe Called Judah (2023)

    With this movie, Funke Akindele made history after she broke her 2022 record to claim the spot for highest grossing Nollywood movie in 2023.

    Her yuletide season offering, A Tribe Called Judah, earned ₦854 million in 2023 and is on track to become the first ₦1 billion-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

    A Tribe Called Judah tells the story of a single mother and her five sons who’ll go above and beyond for her, even if it means committing armed robbery. The movie stars Funke Akindele, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Timini Egbuson and Olumide Oworu.

    Battle on Buka Street (2022)

    Funke Akindele’s 2022 release, Battle on Buka Street, currently ranks as the highest Grossing Nollywood movie of all time. According to data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), the comedy-drama earned ₦655,309,506 after 12 weeks in the cinema.

    Battle on Buka Street tells the story of family rivalry, and it features stars like Funke Akindele, Nkem Owoh, Mercy Johnson, Sola Sobowale, among others.

    Omo Ghetto: The Saga

    Omo Ghetto: The Saga was the 2020 sequel to Funke Akindele’s 2010 trilogy, Omo Ghetto, about twin sisters who were displaced at birth. The sequel hit the cinemas on December 25, 2020, and went on to shatter box office records. It raked in a total of ₦636m, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood movie at the time. Eniola Badmus, Chioma Akpotha, Zubby Michael and Deyemi Okanlawon were featured.

    The Wedding Party 2 (2017)

    After whetting our appetite in 2016, Mo Abudu returned with a sequel in 2017, under the directorship of Niyi Akinmolayan. It was bigger and better in terms of budget, location and cast, and it went on to outperform the original. According to the filmmakers, it grossed over N500 million at the box office.

    The Wedding Party 2 cast includes Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Enyinna Nwigwe, Adesua Etomi, Patience Ozokwor, Ireti Doyle, Banky W and Daniella Down.

    The Wedding Party (2016)

    Mo Abudu’s The Wedding Party, directed by Kemi Adetiba, was a real game changer for Nigerian cinema, and this was evident in the incredible numbers it pulled at the box office. Before it was displaced by its sequel, the film held the title of highest-grossing Nollywood movie with a total earning of ₦452,288,605.

    The Wedding Party is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a young couple whose love was almost threatened by family differences. Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Sola Sobowale, Ireti Doyle starred in the movie.

    Chief Daddy

    EbonyLife’s 2018 offering, Chief Daddy, featured a star-studded cast which contributed to the wide reception it received from cinema lovers. The comedy tells a story of family drama and grossed over ₦387 million at the box office. Some cast members include Shaffy Bello, Rachel Oniga, Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo among others.

    Brotherhood (2022)

    According to data from CEAN, this Jade Osiberu-produced action-drama earned ₦328,867,120 after 13 weeks in the cinema. Brotherhood tells the story of twin brothers who find themselves in opposite directions of the law after the tragic death of their parents when they were young. One becomes a police officer while the second becomes an armed robber. Tobi Bakre, Sam Dede, Boma Akpore, Toni Tones and Zubby Micheal feature in the film.

    King of Thieves

    The Yoruba action epic produced by actor, Femi Adebayo, ranks high as one of the best Nollywood offerings of 2022. Ageshinkole (King of Thieves) raked in a total of ₦320, 805, 150 million after a 12-week run at the theatres, according to data by CEAN. The box office success makes it one of the highest-grossing Nollywood movies in an indigenous language.

    Femi Adebayo plays the lead role in the indigenous epic, with Odunlade Adekola, Aishat Lawal, Toyin Abraham and Ibrahim Chatta.

    Ijakumo

    Actress Toyin Abraham is not a box office stranger, but her 2022 offering Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper did some impressive numbers. The movie earned over ₦278 million after spending 11 weeks at the theatres.

    Ijakumo tells the story of a man of God living a double life. It features Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi and Bimbo Akintola among others.

    King of Boys (2018)

    Kemi Adetiba’s ambitious political thriller, King of Boys, was no doubt one of the best things that came out of Nollywood in 2018. The movie raked in over ₦231 million at the box office, with Adetiba sending the sequel straight to the movie streaming platform, Netflix.

    King of Boys follows the life of Alhaja Eniola Salami (played by Sola Sobowale) and her tussle for power in a world where men call the shots.

    Highest-grossing Nollywood movies of 2023

    Ada Omo Daddy

    Mercy Aigbe launched her debut cinema project in 2023, and the actress has had a good run despite contending with A Tribe Called Judah and Malaika. Ada Omo Daddy has earned a whopping ₦145 million and counting. 

    Similar in some ways to Kemi Adetiba’s The Wedding Party, Ada Omo Daddy follows the story of a bride who discovered just days to her wedding that the man who raised her isn’t her biological dad. She’s caught between navigating betrayal and loyalty. 

    Sola Sobowale, Fred Amata, Dele Odule, Carol King and Omowunmi Dada, among others, feature in the movie.

    Malaika

    Toyin Abraham joined the December 2022 cinema rush with her parenthood drama, Malaika. Still on its cinema run, the movie has earned ₦143 million in 2023, making it one of the most successful releases of the year.

    The Steve Sodiya-directed movie follows the story of a woman who struggles with infertility in her marriage and goes on a spiritual journey to find a solution. 

    Malaika stars Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Emeka Ike, among others.

    Orìṣà

    Eight months into the year, and it’s evident that Nollywood is on a mission to give viewers their money’s worth. One such pioneer of this movement is Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola, whose epic-action, Orìṣà, currently holds the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2023. With an ongoing cinema run which has spun four weeks, Orisa has earned ₦127,898,950 and is poised to become one of the highest-grossing Nollywood movies.

    Orìṣà tells the story of a rogue king who loses respect for the gods and his people and is struck with insanity. Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello and Jide Kosoko feature in the film.

    The Kujus Again

    Following the lovely reception that met Introducing the Kujus in 2020, director Biodun Stephen returned with a sequel that received even more accolades. The family-comedy drama ranks as one of Nollywood’s decent offerings of 2023, and it earned a total of ₦51,669,850, after six weeks at the theatres, according to CEAN.

    Things take a troubling turn for the family when they gather at a hotel resort for a traditional wedding ceremony. The movie stars Bimbo Ademoye, Bisola Aiyeola, Kunle Remi and Ronke Odusanya among others.

    Big Love

    The Biodun Stephen-directed romantic comedy is easily one of 2023’s best Nollywood offerings for hopeful romantics. This explains why it earned a whopping ₦48,466,375 at the box office.

    Starring Timini Egbuson and Bimbo Ademoye, Big Love tells the story of an independent woman who falls in love while struggling to make ends meet. Shaffy Bello, Jaiye Kuti and Seyi Awolowo star in this film too.

    Domitila

    There were mixed reactions to the remake of the original story by Zeb Ejiro, but this didn’t stop Domitilla: The Reboot from pulling a decent box office weeks after its April 2023 release. The film raked in a total of ₦45,057,559 after a nine-week run at the theatres.

    Domitilla: The Reboot takes a deep dive into the dangerous world of sex workers, featuring Teniola Aladese, Elvina Ibru, Chiwetalu Agu, Deyemi Okanlawon, Stan Nze and Onyinye Odokoro.

    Honey Money

    Directed by Ekene Som Mekwunye, Honey Money hit the cinemas in April 2023 and had a recent run that earned it a total of ₦41,593,750 in ten weeks.

    The movie tells the story of a young man from a humble background who gets his hands messy in a bid to chase wealth. Iyabo Ojo, Timini Egbuson and Nancy Isime among others feature in it.

    Love, Lust and Other Things

    Director Kayode Kasum leads this romantic drama that hit Nigerian cinemas in July 2023. Love, Lust and Other Things earned a total of ₦31,962,243 at the box office, according to data from CEAN.

    It follows the story of a recently divorced woman who goes on a journey to find out what she really wants in life. The movie stars Osas Ighodaro, Ramsey Nouah, Efe Irele among others.

    The Bride Price

    The Bride Price follows the story of Obiora (Zubby Michael), a barely educated spare parts dealer, who cuts his wife’s family from their lives after he was made to pay through his nose for her. Released in May 2023, it earned a total of ₦30,586,205 after a 12-week run at the theatre. The cast includes Nkem Owoh, Olayode Juliana and Ebele Okaro.

    The Trade

    Jade Osiberu’s The Trade is about a notoriously cunning kidnapper, Eric (Blossom Chukwujewku), who has ravaged the southern part of Nigeria for over a decade when he undertakes a job that eventually threatens his operation. According to data from CEAN, The Trade earned a total of  ₦18,373,718 after five weeks at the theatres.

    Different Strokes 

    Mosun Filani made her cinema debut with Different Strokes, which was released in March 2023. The film packs some Nollywood top guns to rake in ₦18,963,500 after three weeks at the theatres.

    Different Strokes follows a group of friends as they navigate their relationship. Lateef Adedimeji, Daniel Etim Effiong, Lilian Esoro, Mosunmola Filani Oduoye and Deyemi Okanlawon feature in this film.