Nigerian films dominated the cinemas in 2025, accounting for 53% of all tickets sold nationwide, according to Nigerian box office data. For the first time in recent years, more people chose to watch locally made films rather than foreign titles when they purchased movie tickets.
The trend indicates a consistent increase in audience confidence in Nollywood, recognising it not only as a cultural export but also as a primary source of entertainment. While Hollywood blockbusters continued to be released throughout the year at cinemas, Nigerian films increasingly drew viewers, resulting in higher foot traffic, repeat visits, and overall admissions.
Nigeria is leading the way in cinema compared to most Sub-Saharan African markets, where local films often struggle to perform well at the box office. Nigerian audiences are now setting trends in cinema, rather than just following them, with their viewing choices.
Local Stories, Local Money
In 2025, Funke Akindele’s film Behind The Scenes became the top-grossing movie, making ₦1.32 billion and attracting over 223,000 viewers to theatres. Another one of her films, Everybody Loves Jenifa, also performed well, earning ₦758 million in ticket sales.
Nigerian movies like Gingerrr, Oversabi Aunty, and Ori: The Rebirth earned more money and attracted more viewers than many Hollywood films. Out of the ten highest-grossing films of the year, six were made in Nigeria. This trend was also seen in cinema attendance, where local films held most of the top spots.
This balance indicates more than mere popularity. It demonstrates that Nigerian films are no longer just occasional hits but reliable commercial products capable of sustaining cinema businesses throughout an entire year.
What This Means for the Cinemas and the Film Industry
For cinema operators, the rise of local films decreases reliance on international releases and costly licensing deals, offering longer runs, stronger audience engagement, and better cultural relevance for Nigerian viewers.
For filmmakers, theatre releases offer more than streaming; higher admissions improve negotiating power, funding, and scaling production.
However, the rise of Nigerian cinema brings increased pressure. Growing audience expectations and tighter competition make box office success harder to achieve. Consistent storytelling, marketing, and distribution are becoming increasingly critical as more Nigerian films compete in cinemas.
Still, the 2025 numbers mark a turning point. Nollywood is no longer just present in Nigerian cinemas; it is now the main attraction.