Top 10 Highest-Grossing Nollywood Movies of All Time
Nollywood has truly become a force to reckon with on the global stage. As someone who’s been following the industry for years, it’s been fascinating to see how far Nigerian cinema has come. There was a time when our movies were only talked about within Africa, but now, Nollywood is celebrated worldwide. And what better way to measure a movie’s success than by how much it rakes in at the box office? So, today, let’s take a journey through the top 10 highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time. Trust me, the numbers will surprise you!
Understanding How We Rank These Movies
Before we get into the list, let me explain how I’ve ranked these movies. It’s not just about the money; it’s about verified box office revenue, both in Naira and USD, and how many tickets were sold. I’ve also considered the cultural impact these films had—did they spark conversations, win awards, or set new trends? That’s the kind of influence I’m looking at here.
10. Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019)
Kicking off our list is a movie that had me on the edge of my seat—“Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.” If you’re a fan of Nollywood classics, you’ll know that this one is a sequel to the 1992 blockbuster “Living in Bondage.” The sequel follows Nnamdi Okeke, the son of the original film’s protagonist, who gets entangled in a world of wealth and occultism. Directed by Ramsey Nouah, this film not only revived a classic but also brought in over ₦168 million at the box office. It’s proof that Nollywood knows how to bring old stories back to life for a new generation. And honestly, with such an engaging storyline and powerful performances, it’s no surprise this film made the list.
9. 30 Days in Atlanta (2014)
Coming in at number nine is “30 Days in Atlanta.” Now, this one is a comedy that had me laughing from start to finish. Directed by Robert Peters and starring AY Makun and Ramsey Nouah, this movie was all about hilarious misadventures. It tells the story of Akpos, a warri boy who wins a 30-day trip to Atlanta and ends up in one comedic situation after another. When this movie hit the cinemas in 2014, it quickly became a fan favorite, grossing over ₦163 million. What’s more, it held the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood movie for a while. It’s no wonder this film still gets mentioned when people talk about Nollywood’s growth.
8. A Trip to Jamaica (2016)
At number eight, we have “A Trip to Jamaica,” another comedy that proves Nigerians love a good laugh. This movie, also starring AY Makun, took the shenanigans international. The story follows Akpos and his fiancée as they navigate the cultural differences and unexpected surprises during their trip to Jamaica. Directed by Robert Peters, this film was a hit, pulling in over ₦180 million at the box office. The beautiful locations, the hilarious script, and the way it combined Nigerian and Jamaican cultures made it a standout. For me, it’s one of those films you can watch over and over again and still find something to laugh about.
7. Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)
“Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons” is our number seven. This action-comedy is all about a group of wealthy men who live double lives as Robin Hood-esque figures—stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Directed by Toka McBaror and starring AY Makun, Ramsey Nouah, and Jim Iyke, this movie was pure entertainment. It grossed over ₦235 million, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of action, comedy, and a bit of romance made it a hit with audiences. Plus, the star-studded cast didn’t hurt either. This film proved that Nollywood could pull off action-packed sequences just as well as Hollywood.
6. Merry Men 2: Another Mission (2019)
Not too far behind is the sequel, “Merry Men 2: Another Mission.” If you loved the first film, this one took things up a notch. The Merry Men are back, and this time they face even bigger challenges. With the same cast and the same mix of action and comedy, this movie was a box office success, bringing in over ₦240 million. Directed by Moses Inwang, it maintained the energy and humor of the first film while introducing new twists and turns. Sequels can be tricky, but this one delivered on all fronts. It’s proof that when Nollywood finds a formula that works, they run with it, and the audiences keep coming back for more.
5. King of Boys (2018)
Now, number five is a film that needs no introduction—“King of Boys.” Directed by Kemi Adetiba, this political thriller took Nollywood by storm. It follows the story of Alhaja Eniola Salami, a powerful businesswoman and political figure who faces the dark side of power. Sola Sobowale’s performance in this movie is nothing short of iconic. With a box office revenue of over ₦245 million, “King of Boys” was not just a commercial success but also a critical one. It sparked conversations about power, politics, and the role of women in society. This film isn’t just entertainment; it’s a statement.
4. Sugar Rush (2019)
Coming in at number four is “Sugar Rush.” This comedy-drama had everything—a thrilling plot, humor, and a touch of drama. It follows the story of three sisters who stumble upon $800,000 and find themselves in a world of trouble. Directed by Kayode Kasum and starring Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Omoni Oboli, this movie was a hit from the get-go. It grossed over ₦287 million, making it one of the fastest-grossing Nollywood movies ever. What I loved about “Sugar Rush” was its ability to mix comedy with suspense, keeping audiences hooked till the very end.
3. Chief Daddy (2018)
“Chief Daddy” takes the third spot on our list. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, this movie is all about family drama, wealth, and the chaos that ensues after the death of a wealthy man. The ensemble cast, including Funke Akindele, Nkem Owoh, and Kate Henshaw, brought their A-game, making this film a box office hit. With over ₦387 million in revenue, “Chief Daddy” became a must-watch for anyone who loves a good drama with a side of comedy. It’s one of those films that remind you of the complexities of family, especially when money is involved.
2. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)
In the runner-up spot is “The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai.” This sequel took everything we loved about the first film and added a new twist—this time, the wedding chaos moves to Dubai. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and starring the same beloved cast from the first movie, including Adesua Etomi and Banky W, this film broke records by grossing over ₦500 million. The lavish setting, the hilarious moments, and the continuation of a love story everyone was rooting for made it a blockbuster. It’s the kind of movie that had everyone talking, and for good reason.
1. The Wedding Party (2016)
And finally, at the top of the list is the one and only “The Wedding Party.” This movie was a game-changer for Nollywood. Directed by Kemi Adetiba, it’s a romantic comedy that centers around a lavish Nigerian wedding and all the drama that comes with it. The chemistry between the leads, Adesua Etomi and Banky W, was undeniable, and the supporting cast, including Richard Mofe-Damijo and Iretiola Doyle, added to the magic. “The Wedding Party” grossed over ₦453 million, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood movie at the time. It set the stage for Nollywood films to achieve even greater success, proving that our stories have universal appeal.
What Makes These Movies Successful?
So, what’s the secret sauce behind these box office hits? Well, it’s a mix of factors. For one, Nollywood has learned the art of storytelling that resonates with both local and international audiences. These movies also had star-studded casts, which certainly helped draw in crowds. The marketing strategies, the timing of the releases, and the growing number of cinemas in Nigeria and abroad also played significant roles. Plus, the trend of creating sequels has proven to be a successful strategy, as seen with “The Wedding Party” and “Merry Men.”
The Future of Nollywood Box Office
Looking to the future, I believe Nollywood is just getting started. With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, more Nollywood films are reaching global audiences, and this could lead to even higher box office numbers. There are also many emerging filmmakers who are bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to the industry. Who knows? The next highest-grossing Nollywood movie might be just around the corner. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Nollywood. Leave your comments in the appropriate section. I’ll love to hear from you.