2025 will go down in history as the year Nollywood truly came of age. For the first time ever, Nigerian films out-earned Hollywood productions at the domestic box office, marking a seismic shift in the country’s entertainment landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: Nigeria’s box office revenue surged to a record-breaking ₦15.6 billion, representing a remarkable 34.72% increase from 2024’s ₦11.58 billion.
It was about the emergence of a new cinematic powerhouse that proved local stories, told by local voices, could captivate audiences more than international blockbusters.
The Top Box Office Hits
1. Behind the Scenes – ₦1.767 Billion
Funke Akindele struck again with “Behind the Scenes”, released on December 12, 2025, which grossed ₦1.767 billion in less than four weeks. This film became the fastest film in West Africa to cross ₦1 billion and recorded the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning ₦129.5 million in one day. The back-to-back success cemented Akindele’s status as Nollywood’s box office queen and made her the first filmmaker to deliver three consecutive ₦1 billion+ films.
2. Oversabi Aunty – ₦711.5 Million
Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” collected ₦711.5 million, demonstrating that when two of Nollywood’s biggest stars compete, the industry as a whole wins. The friendly rivalry between Abraham and Akindele pushed both to deliver their best work, and audiences reaped the benefits with quality films that resonated across demographics.
3. Gingerrr – ₦522.9 Million
“Gingerrr” stormed into the top ranks with ₦522.9 million and counting, showcasing the appetite for fresh narratives and new storytelling approaches. Featuring stars such as Kiekie, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bolaji Ogunmola, the film’s success represented a changing of the guard, where innovative concepts could compete with established franchises and prove that audiences were hungry for new voices in the movie-production industry.
4. Ori: The Rebirth – ₦419.1 Million
“Ori: The Rebirth” brought mythology to the mainstream with ₦419.1 million in earnings. This film proved that Nigerian audiences are hungry for stories rooted in indigenous culture and folklore, opening doors for more culturally-specific narratives and demonstrating that our rich cultural heritage can drive box office success.
5. Reel Love – ₦356 Million
Timini Egbuson made his producer debut with “Reel Love” which earned ₦356 million; an impressive showing that suggested the actor’s transition to producer could reshape the industry’s power dynamics. The film proved that actors who understand audience preferences can successfully transition into producing compelling content.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, the question isn’t whether Nollywood can maintain its momentum; it’s how high it can soar. With several high-profile productions already announced, increased investment from international platforms, and a proven track record of delivering hits that resonate with audiences, the future looks extraordinarily bright.
The ₦15.6 billion earned in 2025 isn’t a ceiling; it’s a foundation. As infrastructure continues to improve, production values increase, and storytelling becomes more sophisticated, Nigerian cinema is positioned to not just dominate domestically but to export its cultural products globally.
Funke Akindele’s three consecutive billion-naira films— ”A Tribe Called Judah” (2023), “Everybody Loves Jenifa” (2024), and “Behind the Scenes” (2025)—prove that consistent quality and understanding your audience can create sustainable success. As more filmmakers learn from her example and from the other hits of 2025, we can expect Nigerian cinema to continue its upward trajectory.
The revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here, and it’s being screened in a cinema near you.
