The Nigerian movie industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution, marked by the creation of cinematic masterpieces that not only captivate audiences but also break new ground in the global film industry.In this post we’ll look at the top 10 highest grossing Nigeria movies of all time and success of Nigerian filmmakers who have set new standards and raised the bar for the industry.
10.Sugar Rush
Released in 2019, “Sugar Rush” is a Nigerian crime action comedy film co-written by Jadesola Osiberu and Bunmi Ajakaiye. Produced by Filmworks / Empire Mates Entertainment and directed by Kayode Kasum, the movie features Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bimbo Ademoye in the lead roles. It hit theaters on December 25, 2019, and received a variety of reviews from critics. Despite the mixed feedback, the film achievedsuccess at the box office, securing its position as the 10th highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time. With a domestic gross of ₦287,053,270.
9.Malaika
Malaika is a 2023 film produced by Toyin Abraham Films Production and directed by Steve Sodiya. It featured a star studded cast including Ugandan entertainer and comedian Anne Kansiime, Emeka Ike, Odunlade Adekola, Adebayo Ridwan Abidemi (Isbae U), Uzor Arukwe, Oderhohwo Joseph “Carter” Efe, Ibrahim Chatta, Pelumi Olawuni (Abike Shugaa), and veteran actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett.
Upon its release, “Malaika” secured its place as the 9th highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time. With a domestic gross of ₦302,086,925, the film not only entertained audiences but also addressed compelling and relatable issues in the society, contributing to its success.
8.King of theives
King of Thieves (Agẹṣinkólé) is a 2022 Nigerian thriller film produced by Femi Adebayo’ Euphoria 360 media Niyi Akinmolayan’s Anthill Studios and directed by Tope Adebayo . The movie featured Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, Broda Shaggi, Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo (aka Mr Macaroni), Lateef Adedimeji, and Ibrahim Chatta.
The film premiered on April 4, 2022, in a star-studded event held at the IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos. Subsequently, “King of Thieves” graced cinemas nationwide from April 8, 2022.The film achieved significant success, making a domestic gross of ₦320,805,150 and securing its position as the 8th highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time.
7.Brotherhood
Brotherhood is a 2022 Nigerian crime-action thriller produced by Jade Osiberu, directed by Loukman Ali, and featuring a stellar cast including Tobi Bakre, Boma Akpore, Falz, Basketmouth, Sam Dede, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Toni Tones, Zubby Micheal, Mr Macaroni, and many others.
The movie hit cinemas across Africa on September 23, 2022. “Brotherhood” made its mark by debuting simultaneously in various African countries including Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger Republic, Senegal, Congo, Rwanda, Gabon, Guinea, and Madagascar. Brotherhood was a commercial success with a remarkable domestic gross of ₦328,881,120
6.Chief Daddy
Chief Daddy is a 2018 Nigerian comedy-drama film, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, written by Bode Asiyanbi and produced by Mosunmola Abudu and Temidayo Abudu. The movie was released in December 2018, and features an ensemble cast of renowned Nollywood actors and actresses, including Funke Akindele Bello, Kate Henshaw, Nkem Owoh, Joke Silva, Patience Ozokwor, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Racheal Oniga.
The narrative of “Chief Daddy” revolves around the larger-than-life character, Chief Beecroft, a billionaire industrialist who plays the role of a benefactor to an extensive family of relatives, household staff, and mistresses. The sudden demise of Chief Beecroft sparks a saga as his will unfolds, creating a series of events and conflicts within his extended family.
Upon its release, the film’s success reflected in its total domestic gross of ₦387,540,749, solidifying its status as one of the highest-grossing Nigerian movies of all time.
5.The Wedding Party 2
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai” is a2017 Nigerian romantic comedy-drama film skillfully directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. Serving as a sequel to the original “The Wedding Party,” released in December 2016
The film’s photography took place in the Lagos and Dubai, starting in May 2017. This sequel currently holds the position of being the fifth highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time. The movie features talented Sola Sobowale, Banky Wellington, Adesua Etomi, Enyinna Nwigwe, Patience Ozokwor, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Iretiola Doyle. The moview made ₦433,197,377 in the box office.
4.The wedding Party
The Wedding Party is a 2016 Nigerian romantic comedy-drama directed by Kemi Adetiba. The film made its debut on September 8, 2016, at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, followed by a local premiere on November 26, 2016, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. This movie reached audiences worldwide on December 16, 2016, breaking records in the process.
The Wedding Party achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time of its release with a total gross of ₦452,288,605. The record it set remained unchallenged until 2021 when “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” emerged to claim the throne.
3.Omo ghetto : the saga
“Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” alsoknown as “Omo Ghetto 2,” is a 2020 Nigerian gangster comedy film co-directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz. It was the second movie in the “Omo Ghetto” franchise and the sequel to the 2010 film.
Released on December 25, 2020, Omo Ghetto 2: eceived glowing reviews from critics and fans. The film not only became a box office success but also claimed the title of the highest-grossing Nigerian film for the year 2020.
By January 26, 2021, the film had grossed an impressive ₦468 million at the box office, surpassing the record previously held by the 2016 film “The Wedding Party.” It made a total box office revenue of ₦636,129,120.
2.Battle on Buka Street
Battle on Buka Street, a 2022 Nigerian comedy-drama film, was directed by Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde, and produced by FilmOne Studios.
The film made its debut on December 16, 2022, receiving a shower of extremely positive reviews from critics. “Battle on Buka Street” didn’t just stop at critical acclaim; it evolved into a box office success, securing its place in history as the highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time. The film’s remarkable earnings, totaling ₦668,423,056, not only attest to its popularity but also the growing strength and appeal of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
1.A tribe Called Judah
“A Tribe Called Judah,” a 2023 Nigerian film, produced by Funke Akindele, who also featured in the movie alongside Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Olumide Oworu, Genoveva Umeh, Nse Ikpe Etim, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Fathia Balogun, Yvonne Jegede, and many others.
Released nationwide on December 15, 2023, this movie holds special significance for Funke Akindele, as it is dedicated to her late mother and draws inspiration from her mother’s life. “A Tribe Called Judah” tells the story of a single mother, Jedidah Judah (played by Funke Akindele), raising five sons, each from a different father and tribe. While the first two sons are responsible and supportive, the last three present challenges in their helpfulness.
The film achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Nollywood film to gross over ₦113 million in its opening weekend. Further solidifying its place in history, the film went on to become the first Nollywood movie to surpass the 1 billion naira mark at the box office, attesting to its widespread appeal and success in the Nigerian film industry.The movie has made a total domestic gross of ₦1,404,187,806.
