An argument can be made that Nollywood films released in 2025 so far have shown noticeable results at the box office compared to 2024. Two 2025 releases, Reel Love and Ori Rebirth, have already made significant impact at the box office—Reel Love initially holding a top 10 spot before being surpassed by Ori Rebirth, which currently sits at number nine with N374M and continues to climb. Although it should be noted that these figures are largely driven by increased ticket prices, as cinema admissions have shown little growth.
The year’s releases, with a major return to cinemas after a streaming slowdown, span a range of themes and genres. Some, like Labake Olododo, go further into the Yoruba epic mania, while others, such as Makemation, branch into new creative territory.
What Kept Me Up is back with a list (not so much of a list) of our best Nollywood titles released so far, with the consideration window between December 2024 – May 2025.
In the short films category, they include short films we’ve reviewed within that same period, regardless of their release dates.
Films
My Mother is a Witch (Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. Written by Niyi Akinmolayan)
“What makes this film work mostly is the screenplay’s cleverness to employ restraint in its narrative, depending on visuals and the strong performances of Mercy Aigbe and Efe Irele to carry the weight of the story and they both don’t disappoint.” Read More
My Mother is a Witch premiered on May 23 and is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.
Shorts
God’s Wife (Directed by Dika Ofoma. Written by Dika Ofoma)
“In this film, writer-director Dika Ofoma is in expert control of the rhythm of the narrative. He understands that a short film must hold its breath before moments of release and plays with silence, dialogue and the lack of it to curate a sort of cinematic reflection of a homily” Read more.
The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí (Directed by Abbesi Akhamie. Written by Abbesi Akhamie)
“…The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí, a work so unique in its styling that it is, among other things, a herald of a major talent.” Read more.
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