2025 was quite the fascinating year for Nollywood. First Nigerian film at Cannes (‘My Father’s Shadow’), another billion-dollar box office title (‘Behind the Scenes’), and the dawn of Afro fusion (‘Colours of Fire’). We are only a few days into the new year and the line-up for 2026 already has us salivating.
From forbidden romances to apocalyptic worlds, here are some of the titles we can’t wait to see in 2026.
‘Everything is New Again’ (January 30, 2026)
From Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Studios, this age-gap romantic drama opens the year’s slate with a reflection on love, timing, and rediscovery. The film continues the long-standing collaboration between Inkblot and Filmhouse Group, who previously launched KAVA together.
‘Alive Till Dawn’ (January 30)
A true genre experiment, ‘Alive Till Dawn’ is a zombie thriller set in Nigeria. Starring Uzor Arukwe, the film follows a group of survivors navigating a deadly outbreak over the course of one harrowing night. Its blend of horror, action, and social tension makes it one of the most intriguing releases on the 2026 slate.
‘Aníkúlápó’ Season 2 (January 30)
Kunle Afolayan’s epic historical series returns for a second season following the success of its debut. Aníkúlápó Season 2 is expected to expand its richly imagined pre-colonial world, deepening its themes of power, destiny, betrayal, and myth. Fans of African folklore-inspired storytelling have been eagerly awaiting this next chapter.
‘To Adaego with Love’ (February 6)
‘To Adaego With Love’ is a romantic drama set in post-war Nigeria in 1975, telling the story of a tender but challenged love affair between a soldier and a schoolteacher from different ethnic backgrounds as the country attempts to heal from the wounds of war. Directed by Nwamaka Chikezie, the film explores themes of love, forgiveness, identity, and unity against the backdrop of lingering cultural tensions and personal sacrifice. Starring Chisom Agoawuike and Adam Garba, with a strong supporting cast including Chioma Chukwuka and Bob-Manuel Udokwu, the film also features one of the final screen appearances of the late Onyeka Onwenu, adding emotional weight to its intimate, historically grounded narrative.
‘Love & New Notes’ (February 13)
Director Kayode Kasum teams up again with Timini Egbuson after the success of ‘Reel Love’ for a Valentine’s release that explores the poetry of modern romance. Set against the backdrop of Lagos’ fast life, the film promises laughter, heartbreak, and an unmistakable romantic energy.
‘Mothers of Chibok’ (February 27)
Directed by Kachi Benson, this deeply emotional documentary revisits the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State. The film amplifies the voices of the mothers who never stopped searching, reminding audiences of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
‘Onobiren’ (March 6)
Laju Iren directs this poignant story about hope, faith, and destiny, featuring Chude Jideonwo in his acting debut. The film weaves spirituality and survival through the eyes of a woman who dares to dream beyond her limitations.
‘Evi’ (March 27)
A rare Nollywood musical produced by Judith Audu and directed by Uyoyou Adia, Evi promises to blend rhythm, story, and emotion in a way the industry rarely attempts. With its colourful storytelling and original music, it joins a short list of Nollywood musicals like ‘Lara and the Beat’ and ‘A Song from the Dark’.
‘The Other Side of the Bridge’ (April 17)
Produced by Demi Banwo in collaboration with Lord Tanner Studios, this film tells the story of two boxers from opposite sides of Lagos, one from the Island, the other from the Mainland. Inspired by Creed II, the production reportedly trained its leads for nearly a year, bringing raw authenticity to its fight scenes.
‘A Star in Dark’ (April 24)
Details remain tightly held, but ‘A Star in Dark’ is expected to explore the price of fame and the shadows that follow success. With FilmOne backing the project, expectations are high for another emotionally charged drama.
‘Iya Mi’ (May 29)
‘Iya Mi’ is set to be a heartfelt drama honouring motherhood, sacrifice, and generational love. Though details are still unfolding, it’s one of the slate’s most anticipated local stories.
‘Igbo Landing’ (Undated)
Inspired by the real 1803 historical event in which Igbo captives resisted enslavement in Georgia, ‘Igbo Landing’ is one of Nollywood’s most ambitious historical projects to date. Led by Ramsey Nouah and developed by Play Network Studios, the film promises to tackle themes of resistance, dignity, and collective memory. Its scale and subject matter make it a major talking point ahead of its eventual release.
‘Finding Messiah’ (Undated)
Anticipation for ‘Finding Messiah’ has been building for years, especially since the release of its viral “Prison Song”, which sparked strong audience interest. While plot details remain largely undisclosed, the film is expected to explore themes of liberation, identity, and struggle, and its long wait has only heightened expectations.
‘King of Boys: The Beginning of the End’ (Undated)
Although slated for a late-2025 release, the next chapter in the ‘King of Boys’ franchise is expected to loom large in 2026 discussions. The film promises to further explore power, loyalty, and political ambition in Eniola Salami’s universe, continuing one of Nollywood’s most successful and culturally resonant franchises.
‘Prophetess 2’ (Undated)
Toyin Abraham and Anthill Studios are reuniting for the sequel to the hit comedy ‘Prophetess’. The continuation promises even wilder prophecies, miracles, and mischief, with Toyin reprising her fan-favourite role.
Each title on this list carries the promise of moments that will dominate timelines, box office charts, and post-credit debates. Whether they soar, surprise, or divide audiences, one thing is certain: 2026 is shaping up to be a year nollyphiles will be watching very closely.
