Nigeria’s cinema industry closed 2025 on a high, with ticket sales, admissions, and overall revenue posting significant gains. Local productions led by Nollywood stars, alongside major Hollywood releases, dominated box office charts throughout the year.
According to data released by the Nigerian Box Office (NBO), the top 10 highest-grossing films were compiled from ticket sales recorded at physical cinema locations nationwide between January and December 2025.
Nollywood Acceptance Drives Industry Milestone
For Nollywood and the Nigerian cinema market, 2025 marked a turning point. Industry observers noted stronger audience acceptance of local films, driven by improved storytelling, production quality, and cultural resonance.
By August 2025, box office revenue had already reached ₦10.03 billion, representing a 56.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Full-year revenue was projected to approach ₦15 billion.
Growth was fuelled by a 35.6% rise in average ticket prices, which climbed from ₦4,019 in 2024 to ₦5,449 in 2025, alongside a 15.7% increase in cinema admissions, underscoring the repositioning of cinemas as a premium entertainment experience.
Funke Akindele Dominates the 2025 Box Office
Leading the revenue chart was Behind The Scenes, produced by Funke Akindele. The film generated ₦1.32 billion in 2025 alone and crossed ₦1.7 billion by the end of its fourth week in cinemas.
Released in early December, the movie set a West African record by becoming the fastest film to cross ₦1 billion, achieving the milestone within 19 days. It also capitalised on the festive season, grossing over ₦100 million daily for four consecutive days between December 25 and 28.
Akindele also claimed third place with Everybody Loves Jenifa, which earned ₦758.5 million during the year.
Hollywood Titles Maintain Strong Nigerian Appeal
Second on the list was Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. The supernatural horror film grossed ₦775.8 million in 2025, blending vampire horror with Southern Gothic themes and Black musical traditions.
The film opened with ₦79 million in its first week and surged to ₦567.4 million by week four, eventually reaching ₦736 million after six weeks.
Other Hollywood entries included Superman in fifth place with ₦493 million, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in sixth with ₦488.8 million, following its Nigerian release in July after a collaboration between Visa and Chipper Cash.
Strong Performances From Nigerian Productions
Several Nigerian films delivered standout performances in 2025:
- Gingerrr ranked fourth with ₦522.9 million, driven by its energetic appeal and star-studded cast including Kiekie, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bolaji Ogunmola.
- Oversabi Aunty, by Toyin Abraham, placed seventh with ₦480.1 million in 2025 and has since grossed ₦711.6 million, becoming the fourth highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time in West Africa.
- Ori: The Rebirth, directed by Muyiwa Ademola, followed with ₦419.1 million, opening with nearly ₦78.44 million in its first weekend.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films in Nigeria – 2025
Rounding out the list were Captain America: Brave New World in ninth place with ₦419.1 million, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in tenth with ₦372.6 million.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s 2025 box office performance highlights a transformative year for the cinema industry. With Nollywood titles led by Funke Akindele outperforming expectations and Hollywood blockbusters maintaining strong appeal, the market demonstrated renewed audience enthusiasm and commercial resilience. As revenue edges toward ₦15 billion, the results signal a stronger, more confident future for cinema culture in Nigeria.
