The first half of 2025 has seen Nollywood’s box office blossom with variety and ambition. From raucous comedies to regal epics, Nigerian cinema continues to command large audiences.
Whether it’s franchise favourites or bold debuts, these top ten films didn’t just make noise; they also counted naira bills. Here’s a look at the highest-grossing Nollywood films from January to June 2025.
‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ – ₦758.6M | 148,863 tickets
No stranger to smashing records, Funke Akindele returns with ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’, a new chapter in her beloved Jenifa franchise. Co-directed by Akindele herself alongside Tunde Olaoye, the film finds Jenifa’s fame waning after a flashy and suspicious new neighbour, Lobster, outshines her charitable efforts. A girls’ trip to Ghana soon unravels when a bag of drugs is mistakenly left in their vacation rental, dragging Jenifa and her friends into the crosshairs of a dangerous drug baron.
Featuring a powerhouse cast including Jide Kosoko, Nancy Isime, Omowunmi Dada, Destiny Etiko, and Lateef Adedimeji, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ blends slapstick, suspense, and signature Jenifa sass and, in doing so, becomes Nollywood’s highest-grossing film of all time.
‘Ori: The Rebirth’ – ₦410.1M | 87,121 tickets
Written by veteran actor Muyiwa Ademola and co-directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani, ‘Ori: The Rebirth’ digs deep into spirituality and identity. At its centre is a woman tormented by dark dreams and burdened by a past she doesn’t fully understand. Her quest to reclaim her ancestral power takes viewers through richly layered folklore and emotional intensity.
The film is bolstered by an impressive ensemble including Lateef Adedimeji, Toyin Abraham, Sola Sobowale, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, Omowunmi Dada, and Kola Olootu. With its haunting visuals and resonant themes, ‘Ori: The Rebirth’ solidified its place as a Yoruba-language box office triumph.
‘Reel Love’ – ₦356.8M | 70,115 tickets
Romance, reputation, and redemption come together in ‘Reel Love’, the directorial effort of Kayode Kasum and the producer debut of Timini Egbuson, who also stars as a scandal-struck influencer. After a video of his rude behaviour goes viral, his PR team suggests a fake romance with a charming sales assistant—played by Atlanta Bridget Johnson—to salvage his image.
Written by Ife Olujuyigbe, the film is a social media-era romcom with heart and humour. The supporting cast, including Bimbo Ademoye, Efa Iwara, Lilian Afegbai, Dakore Akande, and a hilarious cameo from Funke Akindele, helped make ‘Reel Love’ a buzzy hit with younger audiences.
‘Alakada: Bad & Boujee’ – ₦270.1M | 57,004 tickets
The Alakada series gets a Gen Z glow-up in ‘Alakada: Bad & Boujee’, with Toyin Abraham reprising her role as Yetunde, a woman whose entire luxurious lifestyle is built on lies. When her fabrications begin to crumble, chaos and comedy ensue.
Directed by Adebayo Tijani, the film plays with themes of social media validation and image obsession in a way that feels both hilarious and hauntingly accurate. The stellar cast features Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kie Kie), Odunlade Adekola, Ini Edo, Chimezie Imo, IK Ogbonna, and Olumide Oworu, all of whom bring a zany energy to this social-climbing satire.
‘Iyalode’ – ₦266.4M | 53,879 tickets
A stirring epic of power and resistance, ‘Iyalode’ asks: what happens when a woman becomes the fiercest force in a kingdom ruled by men? Directed by Adebayo Tijani, the film showcases Toyin Abraham in a commanding role as a woman who must navigate political rivalry and shifting allegiances.
Written with regality, the narrative is brought to life by a formidable cast including Muyiwa Ademola, Gabriel Afolayan, Wale Ojo, Kehinde Bankole, Bukky Wright, Ibrahim Chatta, and Aisha Lawal. Visually rich and emotionally potent, ‘Iyalode’ resonates as both a feminist rallying cry and a period drama.
‘Labake Olododo’ – ₦264.3M | 57,200 tickets
Director Biodun Stephen weaves a compelling tale of rebellion, identity, and justice in ‘Labake Olododo’. Set in a Yoruba community steeped in tradition, the film follows Labake. a woman who confronts oppression and betrayal while fighting for her place in a male-dominated world.
Omowunmi Ajiboye leads with quiet strength, supported by Kiitan Bukola, Olarotimi Fakunle, Iyabo Ojo, Scarlet Gomez, and Olumide Oworu. The film’s mix of cultural specificity and universal stakes made it a standout, especially among viewers seeking strong female-driven Nollywood narratives.
‘Owambe Thieves’ – ₦205.6M | 41,968 tickets
Crime meets comedy in ‘Owambe Thieves’, a wild ride directed by Adeoluwa Owu. When a struggling couple decides to rob a lavish Lagos party to make ends meet, they soon find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, betrayal, and unexpected power plays.
The film boasts a sprawling ensemble featuring Adiza Abubakar, Seilat Adebowale, Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Bukola Awoyemi, Fathia Balogun, Sola Sobowale, Femi Branch, Foluke Daramola, Denrele Edun and Zubby Michael. With its chaotic plot and ensemble madness, ‘Owambe Thieves’ entertained audiences looking for outrageous fun with a dose of social critique.
‘The Waiter’ – ₦178.7M | 34,728 tickets
From a humble temporary job to a national conspiracy, ‘The Waiter’ follows Akpos, played by Ayo Makun, as he stumbles into the middle of a political scandal during a hotel event hosted by the Minister of Poverty Alleviation.
Directed by Toka McBaror and written by Anthony Kehinde Joseph and Ayo Makun, this dramedy blends satire with sincerity. The cast includes a mix of veterans and rising stars like Deyemi Okanlawon, Shaffy Bello, Bucci Franklin, Sunshine Rosman, Kunle Remi, and Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), delivering both laughs and moments of biting truth.
‘Red Circle’ – ₦102M | 19,198 tickets
‘Red Circle’ follows Fikayo Halloway (Folu Storms) as a journalist from a powerful Lagos family who uncovers a violent crime ring operating under society’s nose. The film is directed by Akay Mason and written by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed.
Produced by Nora Awolowo, who made history as the youngest Nollywood filmmaker to gross ₦100 million, and executive produced by Osamudiamen Ebenezer Imasuen, it features standout performances from Tobi Bakre, Femi Branch, Bukky Wright, Timini Egbuson, and Omowunmi Dada. ‘Red Circle’ proves that Nollywood investigative thrillers can still command big numbers at the box office.
‘My Mother is a Witch’ – ₦94.4M | 19,690 tickets
Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, ‘My Mother is a Witch’ explores the fractured bond between a mother and daughter through memory, pain, and reluctant reconciliation. The story follows a fashion editor, played by Efe Irele, who returns from London to Benin only to face buried childhood trauma involving her mother.
With stellar performances from Mercy Aigbe, Timini Egbuson, and Neo Akpofure, the film mixes grounded emotional drama with cultural mysticism, making it a sleeper hit that resonated deeply with adult audiences.
As the second half of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on what new releases might unseat ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ or carve their own path into cinematic history.
