A new year always comes with fresh stories, and Nollywood is wasting no time setting the tone. From family dramas that hit uncomfortably close to home to epic Yoruba sagas and sharp thrillers, January’s lineup has something for every mood.
If you are trying to decide what deserves your attention this month, consider this your cheat sheet. These seven Nollywood movies are not just popular. They are worth your time.
1. Behind The Scenes — Available in Cinemas Nationwide
Funke Akindele returns with another emotionally layered story that speaks directly to a very Nigerian reality. Behind The Scenes follows Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, played by Scarlet Gomez, a successful real estate mogul whose generosity slowly becomes her biggest weakness.
Surrounded by family and friends who mistake kindness for entitlement, Ronke finds herself emotionally and financially stretched thin. The supporting cast, including Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, Ibrahim Chatta, and Ini Dima-Okojie, adds depth to the tension, while Tobi Bakre stands out as her reckless younger brother. Destiny Etiko and Uche Montana round out a drama that asks a tough question many Nigerians know too well: how much is too much when family is involved?
2. Agesinkole 2 (King of Thieves) — Available in Cinemas Nationwide
Femi Adebayo brings back the feared Ajeromi in the long-awaited sequel to King of Thieves. In Agesinkole 2, the legendary bandit resurfaces as a kingdom once again descends into corruption and chaos.
The film boasts a heavyweight Yoruba ensemble, including Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abraham, Yemi Solade, Muyiwa Ademola, Fathia Balogun Williams, and Adebayo Salami. Rich in mythology, mysticism, and spectacle, this sequel expands the universe of the original while standing confidently on its own.
3. Oversabi Aunty — Available in Cinemas Nationwide
Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi leans fully into comedy with a message in Oversabi Aunty. She stars as Toun, a church usher whose obsession with correcting everyone around her slowly destroys her own home.
What starts as moral superiority quickly spirals into chaos, reaching a breaking point during a painfully awkward wedding introduction. With a lively cast featuring Mike Ezuruonye, Jemima Osunde, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Ngozi Ezeonu, and Queen Nwokoye, the film delivers laughs while quietly warning about the dangers of unchecked self-righteousness.
4. Where Love Lives — Streaming on YouTube
Where Love Lives explores love under pressure in a society obsessed with appearances. The film follows Deadi, played by Bimbo Ademoye, and her husband, portrayed by Uzor Arukwe, as they move from a modest Alaba life into a high-end Lagos estate to celebrate their second anniversary.
The new environment brings gossip, class tension, and relentless scrutiny over their childless marriage. With characters played by Osas Ighodaro and Chioma Nwosu adding fuel to the fire, the film asks whether love can truly survive judgment, comparison, and social expectations.
5. Colours of Fire — Available in Cinemas Nationwide
Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, Colours of Fire is a bold, visually rich tale rooted in myth, history, and forbidden love. Uzor Arukwe plays Akinbode, a warrior sent to eliminate a threat from a rival tribe, only to fall in love with Moremi, portrayed by Osas Ighodaro.
As their romance threatens generations of inherited hatred, both characters must choose between loyalty and truth. With strong performances from Femi Branch, Ibrahim Chatta, Mercy Aigbe, and Gabriel Afolayan, this film blends romance, action, and folklore into an epic that feels both ancient and timely.
6. Gingerrr — Available in Cinemas Nationwide
For viewers craving tension and adrenaline, Gingerrr delivers. Marketed as a high-stakes heist thriller, the film follows four women brought together by desperation, anger, and unfinished business.
Bisola Aiyeola, KieKie, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Wumi Toriola lead the charge, pulling double duty as both stars and executive producers. With supporting appearances from Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, and Shaffy Bello, Gingerrr is stylish, fast-paced, and packed with twists that keep you guessing.
7. Circle of Wives — Streaming on YouTube
Few things disrupt peace like unfinished marriages, and Circle of Wives leans fully into that chaos. When a man presumed dead suddenly returns, his first wife, played by Bimbo Ademoye, discovers he married another woman during his absence, portrayed by Uche Montana.
As more women connected to his past emerge, rivalry, secrets, and emotional warfare take over. The film digs into betrayal, loyalty, and the cost of hidden choices, showing just how messy love can get when the truth refuses to stay buried.
Wrapping Up,
January may be slow for some industries, but Nollywood clearly did not get that memo. Whether you want laughter, tears, suspense, or full-blown spectacle, this lineup proves there is no shortage of compelling stories to start the year with.
If you are building your watchlist for the month, these seven films are a solid place to begin.
