List of Highest-Grossing Nigerian Movies Ever
Introduction
Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant cinema industry, has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Once known mainly for direct-to-video productions, the industry has matured into a global powerhouse with record-breaking theatrical releases. Nigerian movies now regularly gross hundreds of millions of Naira at the box office, competing not just locally but also on international streaming platforms.
From romantic comedies to action-packed dramas, Nollywood films are captivating audiences worldwide. In this blog, we’ll look at the highest-grossing Nigerian movies ever, exploring what made them so successful and how they reflect the evolution of Nollywood.
1. Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024) – ₦1.88 Billion
The undisputed box office champion, Everybody Loves Jenifa smashed every record imaginable, grossing about ₦1.88 billion. As the latest installment in Funke Akindele’s beloved “Jenifa” franchise, it blended humor, social commentary, and star power to perfection.
A Christmas season release, strong marketing campaigns, and Funke Akindele’s personal engagement with her massive fan base helped the movie soar. It became not just a film but a cultural moment, proving that Nollywood can achieve blockbuster numbers rivaling Hollywood imports.
2. A Tribe Called Judah (2023) – ₦1.4 Billion
Released in December 2023, A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nollywood movie to cross the ₦1 billion mark. Within weeks, it was celebrated as a landmark achievement.
This family-centered drama resonated with Nigerian audiences by telling a relatable story infused with comedy, emotion, and strong performances. It finished its run with around ₦1.4 billion, cementing Funke Akindele’s reputation as the queen of Nollywood box office dominance.
3. Battle on Buka Street (2022) – ₦668 Million
Another Funke Akindele production, Battle on Buka Street, grossed over ₦668 million. The film tapped into themes of rivalry, ambition, and family conflict, drawing crowds across Nigeria.
The success of this title demonstrated the growing appetite for stories rooted in everyday Nigerian life, proving that audiences crave authenticity when paired with great humor and drama.
4. Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) – ₦636 Million
A sequel to Funke Akindele’s earlier hit, Omo Ghetto: The Saga became a cultural juggernaut during its release. It earned about ₦636 million, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of its time.
The film’s fusion of action, comedy, and street culture struck a chord with young audiences. Its bold characters, hilarious dialogue, and vibrant soundtrack made it more than just a movie—it was an experience that defined a generation of cinema-goers.
5. Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024) – ₦500 Million
Toyin Abraham’s Alakada: Bad and Boujee crossed the ₦500 million mark, proving that comedy remains a box office goldmine in Nigeria.
The film poked fun at social media obsession and societal expectations, striking a balance between humor and satire. Its relatability, combined with Abraham’s strong fan base, ensured sold-out screenings across the country.
6. The Wedding Party (2016) – ₦452 Million
Directed by Kemi Adetiba, The Wedding Party was a cultural milestone for Nollywood. Grossing ₦452 million, it held the record as the highest-grossing film for years.
Its lavish portrayal of a chaotic Nigerian wedding, coupled with a star-studded cast, made it a crowd favorite. The film also attracted corporate sponsorships and premium ticket sales, showing Nollywood’s potential for large-scale productions with broad appeal.
7. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017) – ₦433 Million
The sequel to The Wedding Party built on the success of its predecessor, grossing about ₦433 million. Set in Dubai, it combined exotic locations with familiar characters, attracting audiences eager for continuity.
Though some felt it lacked the originality of the first film, it nonetheless proved Nollywood sequels could be lucrative, setting the stage for more franchises.
8. Queen Lateefah (2024) – ₦365 Million
Wumi Toriola’s Queen Lateefah emerged as a surprise hit in 2024, earning ₦365 million. It combined action and drama in a fresh way, marking Toriola’s breakthrough as both an actress and box office draw.
The film’s unexpected success demonstrated Nollywood’s expanding talent pool and the ability of new stars to challenge established heavyweights.
9. Reel Love (2025) – ₦354 Million
One of the most recent entries, Reel Love has already grossed about ₦354 million. Its early 2025 release indicates Nollywood’s upward trajectory isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
This film highlights the growing demand for romance-driven dramas, especially when paired with high production values and relatable themes.
Additional Notable Performers
While the top nine dominate, several other films deserve mention for their impact and impressive earnings:
- Chief Daddy (2018): Around ₦387 million, a comedy centered on inheritance drama with a star-studded cast.
- Sugar Rush (2019): Around ₦287 million, a festive release that combined heist comedy with family appeal.
- King of Thieves (2022): About ₦320 million, notable for its success as a Yoruba-language indigenous blockbuster.
These titles show that Nollywood’s diversity—spanning languages, genres, and themes—can produce massive hits.
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Franchise and Producer Impact
Beyond individual titles, certain producers and franchises dominate Nigeria’s box office:
- Funke Akindele: Her films (Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, A Tribe Called Judah, Everybody Loves Jenifa) collectively gross billions, making her Nollywood’s most bankable star and producer.
- Ayo Makun (AY): His comedy-driven franchises (A Trip to Jamaica, Merry Men) have collectively earned over ₦7 billion.
- Mo Abudu (EbonyLife Films): Producer of The Wedding Party and Chief Daddy, her studio consistently delivers big-budget, star-driven hits.
These powerhouses prove that branding and franchise building are key to long-term box office success.
Industry Trends and Insights
1. Holiday Releases Dominate
December releases like A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa capitalize on holiday audiences and premium ticket pricing. Timing has become as important as content.
2. Language Diversity Pays Off
Films like King of Thieves show that indigenous-language films can perform just as well, if not better, than English-language titles. This trend reflects Nollywood’s expanding inclusivity.
3. From Millions to Billions
In 2015, 30 Days in Atlanta was celebrated for grossing ₦163 million. Less than a decade later, films are breaking the ₦1 billion barrier. This leap underscores Nollywood’s rapid growth.
4. Star Power is Critical
Actors like Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and AY are now synonymous with blockbuster success. Their personal brands guarantee massive box office turnout.
Quick Recap: Top Grossing Nigerian Films (Domestic Box Office)
| Rank | Title | Year | Gross (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everybody Loves Jenifa | 2024 | 1.88 billion |
| 2 | A Tribe Called Judah | 2023 | 1.40 billion |
| 3 | Battle on Buka Street | 2022 | 668 million |
| 4 | Omo Ghetto: The Saga | 2020 | 636 million |
| 5 | Alakada: Bad and Boujee | 2024 | 500 million |
| 6 | The Wedding Party | 2016 | 452 million |
| 7 | The Wedding Party 2: Dubai | 2017 | 433 million |
| 8 | Queen Lateefah | 2024 | 365 million |
| 9 | Reel Love | 2025 | 354 million |
Conclusion
Nollywood has come a long way from its direct-to-video roots. Today, it produces billion-naira blockbusters that rival foreign films at Nigerian cinemas. The success of movies like Everybody Loves Jenifa and A Tribe Called Judah shows how far the industry has come—and how much further it can go.
With more investment, better distribution networks, and increasing international visibility, Nollywood’s golden era is just beginning. The industry’s next challenge? Consistently producing world-class stories that not only dominate locally but also compete globally.
