Top 10 Highest-Grossing Nollywood Films Of All Time

What makes a film a box office hit?

Nigerian filmmakers have been trying to solve this puzzle since the colonial 1920s, with projects that straddle the line between widespread popularity and critical acclaim. 

Using the industry’s unique template – a blend of storytelling, comedy, and vibes – they are sometimes able to create projects that remain on people’s lips for many years. But not all these ventures draw crowds to the cinemas. Popularity is one thing, and money is another. 

Yet, some films have managed to crack the code by striking the balance and becoming box office sensations. 

2018 Nollywood Films Available to Stream—The Year that Gave Us ‘King of Boys’

Here are the Top 10 Highest-grossing Nollywood Films of All Time:

10. The Waiter: ₦337,670,229

The Waiter is a comedy-drama starring the renowned actor and comedian Ayo Makun (AY). Directed by Toka McBaror, the film tells the story of a waiter whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in an event where a scheme to help the underprivileged. Filled with humour, heart, and social commentary, The Waiter also stars Shaffy Bello, Bucci Franklin, Rahama Sadau, Deyemi Okanlawon & more.

9. Queen Lateefah: ₦365,518,067

Lateefah (Wumi Toriola), a seemingly flawless businesswoman, captivates the heart of a successful businessman, Jide (Kunle Remi). Her polished exterior and lifestyle make her the ideal partner. However, beneath this perfect life lies a web of lies. Lateefah’s true identity is far from who she claims to be. 
Queen Lateefah — Wumi Toriola’s big theatrical debut production — was directed by Adeoluwa Owu and in 10 weeks, the film has grossed N364 million. This has secured its place on the highest-grossing Nigerian films list of all time.

8. Chief Daddy: ₦387,540,749

The Niyi Akinmolayan-directed dramedy, Chief Daddy (2018) follows the life – rather, death– of Chief Beecroft (Taiwo Obileye), a wealthy industrialist whose unexpected demise launches his colorful family into a struggle for inheritance.

With some “gbas gbos” here and a sprinkling of romance there, Chief Daddy (2018) quickly established itself as one of the most popular Nollywood films of all time, earning over N115 million at the cinemas in just ten days.

7. The Wedding Party II: ₦433,197,377

The Wedding Party II (2017) is a romantic comedy about the nuptials of Nonso Onwuka (Enyinna Nwigwe) and Deadre Winston (Daniella Down), who sparked a romance at…well, the previous wedding party. 

In this second installment of The Wedding Party series, Niyi Akinmolayan takes us on a literal trip to Dubai, as he builds up a storyline that follows the intricacies of what happens when two very different families embark on the process of becoming in-laws. 

The film garnered over ₦430 million at the end of its theatrical run.

6. The Wedding Party: ₦452,288,605

The Wedding Party (2016), is a romantic comedy revolving around a seemingly normal “owambe” – the wedding ceremony of Dozie Onwuka (Bankole “Banky W” Wellington) and Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi-Wellington). 

From the director’s seat, Kemi Adetiba invites us to a lavish event hosted by Nigeria’s top one percent, while unveiling the complexities that go on behind the scenes.

Laying a solid foundation for its 2017 sequel (and other possible sequels), the iconic film earned over ₦450 million at the cinemas, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time, at the time of its release.

5. Alakada: Bad & Boujee: ₦460,863,875

Serving as the fifth installment in the Alakada series, the movie continues the story of Yetunde Animashaun, portrayed by Toyin Abraham, a young woman from a modest background who fabricates stories to appear wealthy and influential. The cast includes Odunlade Adekola, Ini Edo, Bimbo Akintola, Ronke Odusanya, and Okusanya Lolade, with supporting roles from Yhemolee, IK Ogbonna, and Chimezie Imo.

Released on December 20, 2024, by FilmOne Distribution, Alakada: Bad and Boujee achieved remarkable box office success, grossing ₦134 million in its opening week. Within 14 days, the film amassed ₦285.9 million; by January 15, 2025, it had reached a total of ₦401 million.

4. Omo Ghetto (The Saga): ₦636,129,120

Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz take us back to the trenches in this most recent part of the Omo Ghetto franchise. Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) follows the story of Lefty (Funke Akindele), a street thug who keeps getting into trouble with her gang “The Askamaya Bees,” despite her adoption into a wealthy family alongside her peaceful twin.

At the end of its box office run, the star-studded comedy overtook the four-year record set by The Wedding Party (2016), becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever. Now, it is Number 3 on this list.  

3. Battle on Buka Street: ₦668,423,056

In Battle on Buka Street (2022), directors Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde tell the story of the lifelong rivalry between step-sisters Yejide (Funke Akindele) and Awele (Mercy Johnson Okojie). The two women, who inherited this fierce competition from their mothers and passed it on to their kids, are caught in the struggle for supremacy on the fictional Buka Street, where their food businesses are “conveniently” located right opposite each other. 

After a 17-week theatrical run, Funke Akindele broke her own records, as the film earned over ₦660 million to become the most successful Nollywood box office hit, at the time.

2. A Tribe Called Judah: ₦1,408,277,541

A Tribe Called Judah (2023) follows 5 brothers who will go to any length to save their mother, even if it means robbing a mall. Funke Akindele, Jidekene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Timini Egbuson, and Olumide Oworu take the lead roles in this megahit directed by Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu. 

The film packs a heavy punch in its delivery of a highly relatable –yet hilarious– action-packed family drama that has already raked in ₦731 million just two weeks since its theatrical release; proving, once again, that Akindele has truly mastered the formula for making box office hits. Right now, it is the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. 

1. Everybody Loves Jenifa: ₦1,775,421,652

Everybody Loves Jenifa follows Jenifa as she navigates new challenges when a troublesome neighbour threatens her charity organization. The movie brings back the beloved character Jenifa, played by Akindele, alongside a star-studded cast including Falz, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Jackie Appiah, and Juliana Olayode.

Now in its sixth instalment, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke box office records, grossing over ₦45 million on its opening day and surpassing ₦500 million within 12 days, making it the highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time.

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