Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, is the second-largest in the world in terms of the number of films produced per year. Over the years, the industry has produced various blockbuster movies that have grossed significant amounts at the box office. In this article, we will be listing and discussing 5 of the highest-grossing movies in Nigeria.
Let’s go!
5 Highest Grossing Films In Nollywood History
Battle on Buka Street (2022)
“Battle on Buka Street” is a Nigerian movie directed by Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde that has become the highest grossing film in Nigeria. It tells the story of two rivals who compete against each other to win the prestigious title of ‘King of Buka Street’ in a food competition.
This film not only raked a box office win of ₦660,024,106 but has also garnered significant attention and acclaim from audiences and critics alike for its captivating storyline, talented cast, and impressive production quality.
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As a result, “Battle on Buka Street” has become a must-watch movie for fans of Nigerian cinema, both domestically and internationally.The movie stars the director herself, Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Sola Sobowale and Nkem Owoh just to name a few.
Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020)
“Omo Ghetto: The Saga” is the second film on this list. This Nigerian comedy-action movie is also another production directed by Funke Akindele-Bello and JJC Skillz. The film was released on December 25, 2020, as a sequel to the 2010 film “Omo Ghetto.”
The movie is set in a ghetto neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria, and follows the story of two identical twins, Ayomide and Ayomiku, who were separated at birth due to their mother’s death during childbirth. Ayomide was raised in the ghetto, where she became a notorious street thug, while Ayomiku was raised in wealth by their father, a politician.
After many years, Ayomiku returns to the ghetto to reconnect with her sister, but things quickly spiral out of control when Ayomide’s criminal past catches up with her. The movie follows the sisters as they navigate the challenges of their different worlds, while also dealing with their own personal demons and struggles.
The film features an impressive cast of Nollywood stars, including Funke Akindele, Chioma Akpotha, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Thomas, and many others. It also features several cameos from popular Nigerian musicians and comedians.
Overall, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” is a hilarious and action-packed movie that touches on important themes such as family, love, and the impact of poverty and crime on society. The movie has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, and has become one of the highest-grossing Nigerian movies of all time earning a box office return of ₦636.1million.
The Wedding Party (2016)
The Wedding Party is the third highest-grossing movie in Nigeria, with a box office success of over ₦450 million. It is a romantic comedy film directed by Kemi Adetiba and released in 2016.
The movie follows the story of Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi), a young woman from a wealthy family, who falls in love with Dozie Onwuka (Banky Wellington), the son of a successful businessman, while they were both studying in London.
Dunni and Dozie decide to get married, and they plan to have a grand wedding in Lagos, Nigeria. The wedding preparations become a source of drama as the families of the bride and groom have different ideas about what the wedding should be like. Dunni’s mother, Tinuade Coker (Sola Sobowale), is a perfectionist who wants everything to be perfect, while Dozie’s father, Felix Onwuka (Richard Mofe-Damijo), is more concerned with the cost of the wedding.
The wedding day arrives, and chaos ensues as everything that can go wrong does. The wedding planner quits, the caterer mixes up the menus, the bride’s wedding gown gets ruined, and the wedding rings go missing. Amidst all the chaos, Dunni and Dozie are determined to make their wedding day a success, and with the help of their friends and family, they manage to pull off a memorable wedding.
Along the way, the movie explores themes such as love, family, tradition, and the clash of cultures. It also features a talented cast, including veteran actors like Sola Sobowale, Ireti Doyle, and Richard Mofe-Damijo, as well as the then up-and-coming actors like Adesua Etomi and Banky Wellington
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)
“The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai” is a 2017 Nigerian romantic comedy film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, and it is the sequel to the highly successful “The Wedding Party” movie released in 2016. The film picks up where the first movie left off and follows the newlywed couple, Dozie (Banky Wellington) and Dunni (Adesua Etomi), as they embark on their honeymoon in Dubai.
However, their honeymoon is not as smooth sailing as they had hoped for, as their families and friends follow them to Dubai to celebrate their marriage. With their families and friends in tow, the honeymoon soon turns into another wedding celebration, with even more drama and mishaps than the first one.
The families of the bride and groom get into a clash over their different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. They have to find a way to compromise and work together to make the wedding a success. Meanwhile, Dozie’s ex-girlfriend, Rosaline (Ini Dima-Okojie), shows up in Dubai, causing tension and conflict between Dozie and Dunni.
The film also introduces new characters, such as Nonso Onwuka (Enyinna Nwigwe), Dozie’s younger brother, and Deardre Winston (Daniella Down), the wedding planner who helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Nonso finds himself falling in love with Deardre, despite her initial disdain for him.
Overall, “The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai” is a fun-filled, entertaining movie that explores themes of family, love, and cultural differences. The film also features a star-studded cast, including Banky Wellington, Adesua Etomi, Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and many others. It also showcases the beauty of Dubai and its culture, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of Nollywood movies and romantic comedies.
Chief Daddy (2018)
The last on the list is the popular Chief Daddy. This is a Nigerian comedy-drama film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, and produced by EbonyLife Films. The movie was released in 2018 and features a lot of veteran actors such as Taiwo Obileye, Joke Silva, Shaffy Bello, and Kate Henshaw, as well as new generation actors like Falz.
The story revolves around the sudden death of Chief Beecroft, a wealthy and flamboyant businessman who was known for his extravagant lifestyle and numerous mistresses. After his death, his family members and employees gather at his mansion for the reading of his will, hoping to receive a share of his vast fortune. However, they are surprised to learn that Chief Daddy had secretly fathered several children with different women, and had also made generous provisions for his mistresses and staff.
The movie explores themes of family dynamics, wealth, love, and betrayal as Chief Daddy’s family members and associates struggle to come to terms with his death and the revelations that follow. There are several subplots that add depth to the story, including the love triangle between two of Chief Daddy’s mistresses and his son, and the strained relationship between Chief Daddy’s daughter and her stepmother.
“Chief Daddy” has been widely praised for its humor and entertainment value, as well as its portrayal of contemporary Nigerian culture and society. It has been recognized with several awards, including the Best Comedy of the Year at the 2019 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The movie has also been successful at the box office, raking over ₦387 million in Nigeria and becoming one of the highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time.
Other Notable High-Grossing Nollywood Films(Honorable Mentions)
Some of my favorite Nollywood movies that didn’t make it to the list but are also high grossing films are:
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)
Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons is undoubtedly one of the highest-grossing movies in Nigeria, with a box office gross of over ₦250 million. The movie is an action-comedy that follows the story of four rich, charismatic men who moonlight as vigilantes. It features popular Nollywood actors such as Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Ayo Makun, and Falz.
King of Boys (2018)
King of Boys is actually running as the eleventh highest-grossing movie in Nigeria at ₦244 million. The movie is a political thriller that follows the story of a businesswoman who becomes involved in politics and must navigate the murky waters of Nigerian politics. It features popular Nollywood actors such as Sola Sobowale, Adesua Etomi, and Reminisce.
Sugar Rush (2019)
Sugar Rush is in eighth position with a box office gross of about ₦287,053,270 million. The movie is a crime-comedy that follows the story of three sisters who find themselves in possession of a large sum of money and must navigate the criminal underworld to keep it safe. It features popular Nollywood actors such as Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bimbo Ademoye.
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019)
Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is the seventeenth highest-grossing movie in Nigeria. The movie is a horror-thriller that follows the story of a young man who becomes involved in a cult and must sacrifice everything to break free. It features popular Nollywood actors such as Ramsey Nouah, Kenneth Okonkwo, and Kanayo O. Kanayo.
