Tunmise Olasokan
Nollywood has been making a lot of bank lately and it’s not surprising considering the significant increase in movie quality over the years.
Here are the Top 10 highest grossing Nollywood movies ever :
1. ‘Battle on Buka Street’ – N640,563,250
BATTLE ON BUKA STREET (Trailer)- Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, N.Owoh
Food is ready ooo!!! Please sit back, relax and enjoy this delicious meal we have cooked for you. This is the Official Trailer of BATTLE ON BUKA STREET!!! It’s giving Gbas Gbos! It’s giving E Choke! It’s giving Brace Up! It’s giving what are your plans from December 16th!!!!
Reasserting her dominance at the box office, Funke Akindele once again shatters a record that was previously held by her own film, ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga.’ The 2022 release unravels the tale of two half-sisters entrenched in a long-standing rivalry, which escalates when they both establish their food businesses on the same street. Under the joint direction of Akindele and Tobi Makinde, the movie boasts a star-studded cast including Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Nkem Owoh, Sola Sobowale, Kelvin Ikeduba, and Tina Mba.
2. ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ – N636,129,120
OMO GHETTO (THE SAGA) OFFICIAL TRAILER – Showing In Cinemas From the 25th Dec (Christmas Day)
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Centering around the chaotic journey of Shalewa, also known as Lefty (played by Funke Akindele), this comedy delves into her whirlwind existence. Lefty grapples with the choice between embracing the opulent life provided by her adoptive mother or reverting to her roots in the ghetto. The film, released on December 25, 2020, serves as a sequel to the actress’s 2010 trilogy ‘Omo Ghetto,’ which is built around the story of twin sisters separated at birth. Notably, the movie is helmed by Akindele herself along with her former husband, JJC Skillz.
3. ‘The Wedding Party’ – N452,288,605
THE WEDDING PARTY Trailer | Festival 2016
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Debuting in December 2016, Kemi Adetiba’s romantic comedy reigned as the highest-earning Nollywood film for four years, until it was surpassed by ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga.’ A collaborative effort involving Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production, and Koga Studios, the movie earned acclaim for its perfect blend of romance and humor, brilliantly showcasing the comedic chaos surrounding a grand wedding. Featuring the popular couple Adesua Etomi and Banky Wellington, the film achieved success both domestically and internationally. Even after nearly seven years since its release, it maintains a strong position on the list of top performers.
4. ‘The Wedding Party 2’ – N433,197,377
The Wedding Party 2 – Trailer
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai brings us up to date with the newly-married couple who are now expecting a baby. Is reformed bachelor Dozie ready for this? Felix and Obianuju are still working on their relationship – but has he given up ‘Small Chops’ for good?
Building on the triumph of the initial film, Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production, and Koga Studios endeavored to replicate the enchantment once again. Guided by Niyi Akinmolayan, the sequel presented a grander celebration unfolding across locations in Nigeria and Dubai, featuring a couple of British and Nigerian descent.
5. ‘Chief Daddy’ – N387,540,749
Chief Daddy | Official Trailer | EbonyLife Films
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In a span of three days, it generated movie ticket sales exceeding N40 million and achieved a total of N115.7 million within the initial ten days of its release. During that period, it secured the position of the second-highest opening weekend for a Nollywood film in 2018, and it marked the third-highest opening weekend ever for a Nollywood film. Under the direction of Niyi Akinmolayan, the film revolves around the tumultuous family of Chief Daddy, a philanthropist and polygamist. Following his passing, his children grapple with the challenge of dividing their inheritance fairly. In contrast, the sequel failed to captivate the audience, drawing widespread negative critique across various social media platforms.
6. ‘Brotherhood’ – N328,881,121
BROTHERHOOD: OFFICIAL TRAILER
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Produced by Jade Osiberu and helmed by Ugandan director Loukman Ali, the film “Brotherhood” made an impressive debut with an opening of N53.23 million. In its subsequent weeks, it continued its success, raking in N118.50 million in the second week, followed by N177.67 million in the third week. By the fourth week, it surpassed the N200 million milestone. This blockbuster narrates the tale of twin brothers who find themselves on opposing sides of the law after the tragic loss of their parents during childhood. One sibling becomes a police officer, while the other turns to a life of crime as an armed robber. The storyline revolves around the officer’s pursuit of his criminal brother to bring him to justice. The movie features a cast including Folarin Falana, Tobi Bakre, Sam Dede, Boma Akpore, Toni Tones, Zubby Michael, and Mr. Macaroni.
7. ‘King of Thieves (Ogundabede)’ – N320,805,150
King Of Thieves (Agesinkole) Official Trailer
Uploaded by Femi Adebayo TV on 2022-04-02.
In the past year, a remarkable thriller gained significant attention by achieving impressive box office earnings, despite being of indigenous origin. This film established a new record as the highest-grossing non-English title and the top domestic earner of the year. During its initial three days, the movie debuted with a staggering N42 million. Over the course of 27 days, it continued to thrive, amassing N249 million in ticket sales. Produced by Euphoria 360 and Anthill Studios, the movie presents an epic narrative centered around the Kingdom of Ajeromi, which faces turmoil due to a group of thieves led by the formidable bandit Ageshinkole. The kingdom’s response involves a coalition of hunters, witches, and priests determined to put an end to his reign of terror. The film stars Odunlade Adekola as the lead, accompanied by Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Salami, Joke Muyiwa, Toyin Abraham, and Lateef Adedimeji.
8. ‘Sugar Rush’ – N287,053,270
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What would you do with $800,000? ? Produced by #JadesolaOsiberu, and starring Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bimbo Ademoye, Williams Uchemba, BankyW , Omoni Oboli , Toke Makinwa, Tobi Bakre, Mawuli Gavor, Adedimeji Lateef and Uzor Arukwe, #SugarRushMovie premieres in cinemas near you this Christmas.
This 2019 comedy used to be the fifth highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.
It is directed by Kayode Kasum and produced by GreOH Media, Jungle Filmworks and Empire Mates Entertainment.
Released on Christmas day, the heist comedy stars Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye.
9. ‘Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper’ – N271,926,634
IJAKUMO – The Born Again Stripper – Official Trailer (2023)
When a wealthy and flamboyant pastor discovers that his new favorite stripper is his church’s worship leader, he begins an affair with her that opens a Pandora’s Box of crisis beyond what he imagined. Directed by: Adebayo Tijani
Commencing with an impressive N30.44 million within its initial three days, the film swiftly accumulated N88.28 million in the span of a week. Crossing the N100 million milestone within 10 days, it continued to flourish, amassing N192.79 million during its third weekend and breaking the N200 million barrier by the third week. Through this non-comedic gem, Toyin Abraham undeniably solidifies her status as a dependable filmmaker, capable of drawing audiences regardless of the genre. The storyline revolves around a prosperous and extravagant pastor who embarks on an affair with his church’s worship leader upon discovering her double life as his preferred stripper. The narrative takes viewers on an intriguing journey, skillfully written by Anthony Kehinde Joseph. The cast includes Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Bimbo Akintola, Olumide Owuru, Lolade Okusanya, Debbie Shokoya, and Antar Laniyan.
10. ‘Christmas in Miami’ – N265,583,000
Christmas in Miami – Official Trailer | Prime Video Naija
This Christmas, Akpos jets off with his family to the exotic city of Miami, Florida to represent Nigeria at the Intercontinental Christmas Fiesta and battle for the winner’s prize of one million dollars. This extraordinary unifying Fiesta will bring together six families from six very diverse nations across five continents.
Unveiled in 2021, this film achieved a remarkable N60.38 million during its debut weekend and swiftly exceeded N100 million within its initial week on the screens. Under the direction of Robert O. Peters, this comedic series embarks on yet another entertaining escapade alongside the character Akpos. The cast includes Ayo Makun, Osita Iheme, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and IK Ogbonna. Produced by the widely acclaimed comedian Ayo Makun, a consistent box office favorite, the movie’s inclusion on this list comes as no surprise.
Nigeria’s film industry continues to evolve and make its mark on the global stage, producing a variety of films that entertain, inspire, and reflect the country’s diverse culture. The top 10 highest-grossing Nigerian movies highlighted in this article are a testament to the industry’s growth and influence, as they have not only captured the hearts of local audiences but also left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
