The Nigerian Film Industry is gearing up for another year of exciting movies and series set to take on our screens. 2024 witnessed the notable release of emotive, thrilling, and unique storytelling projects gracing cinemas and streaming platforms. Funke Akindele’s end-of-the-year release, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” cemented 2024 with a record-breaking gross of over 1 billion, becoming the fastest and highest-grossing movie of all time in West Africa. But 2025 presents a promising year with more outstanding stories, blockbusters, and exciting projects to showcase.
Here are 10 Nollywood movies to anticipate in 2025:
Finding Messiah:
Nigerian social media presence was thrown into a frenzy when the first trailer for “Finding Messiah” surfaced in March last year, with the score being raved about. The highly anticipated movie is a political music drama by Ghanaian-Nigerian music executive Oscar Heman-Ackah, who is making his debut foray into the Nollywood scene.
While the major story and the release date remain under wraps, the plot reveals the fictional nation of The Republic of Zambay, an ancient civilization guided by its own culture and language, suffering from political unrest. The movie features veteran actors Pete Edochie, Keppy Ekpeyong, Segun Arinze, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ejike Asiegbu, and Alex Usifo. Majid Michael, Sunshine Rosman, Lilian Afegbai, and legendary artiste Daddy Showkey are also starring.
Finding Me:
Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is set to release another captivating movie, “Finding Me,” this year. The star-studded film written, produced, and directed by Funke with an undisclosed date and plot will be released from the stable of her production company, Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network (FAAN). The cast includes Femi Adebayo, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omowunmi Dada, Omoni Oboli, Shaffy Bello, Dele Odule, Abdulgafar Abiola (Cute Abiola), Tina Mba, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Sharon Ooja and many others. With the teaser released in May 2024, capturing an emotional story of resilience and self-discovery, Finding Me is a stunning movie for this year!
77: Festac Conspiracy:
The historical drama directed by Izi Ojuwkwu, “77: Festac Conspiracy” will be premiering globally this 2025. The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed movie “76” explores the events and aftermath behind the famous 1977 Second World Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC). The plot narrates the story of an ex-serviceman, played by Ramsey Nouah, who faces a political movement set to disrupt the Nigerian 1977 FESTAC and the political stability of Africa. The cast includes Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Seun Kuti, and Daniel K. Daniel. The film highlights the rich historical culture of 1970s Nigeria.
King of Boys: Beginning of the End:
Kemi Adetiba’s renowned franchise will be gracing another sequel, “King of Boys: Beginning of the End,” on our screens in 2025. The critically acclaimed film has been released for two seasons and will return for the third season with more action and thriller. In December 2024, Kemi Adetiba unveiled a teaser for the much-anticipated film, highlighting more conquest for the fierce Eniola Salami, played by award-winning actress Sola Sobowale, and more challenges to surmount. One thing is certain: the new King of Boys promises to be action-packed with more eventful plot twists!
Blood Sisters 2:
The popular Netflix series will return with its highly-anticipated second season “Blood Sisters 2”. This new season, directed by Daniel Oriahi and Kayode Kasum, finds Kemi (Nancy Isime) and Sarah (Ini Dima-Okojie) in more challenging events after season one ended with the best friends being on the run when Kemi accidentally murders Sarah’s abusive fiancé, Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon). In a social media post by the CEO of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, fans of Blood Sisters should ‘expect more twists, turns and edge-of-your-seat drama’ in the upcoming season. Other new faces set to grace our screens include Michelle Dede, Ifeanyi Kalu, Ben Lugo T., Real Warri Pikin, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Mike Afolarin.
Red Circle:
Another exciting Nollywood project to anticipate is the crime thriller “Red Circle” by Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner Nora Awolowo. The much-anticipated blockbuster directed by Akay Mansay and written and co-produced by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed is set to hit the screens in 2025. The cast stars Nollywood’s finest, including Femi Branch, Folu Storms, Tobi Bakre, Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Mike Afolarin and Timini Egbuson, amongst others.
I Do Not Come to You by Chance:
Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s critically acclaimed novel “I Do Not Come to You by Chance” is said to come to life in 2025. The award-winning book will receive its movie adaptation, directed by Ishaya Bako and executively produced by veteran actress Genevieve Nnaji. Premiered at TIFF 2023 and IFFR 2024, the film follows the story of Kingsley Ibe, a fresh graduate forced to join the world of cybercrime guided by his uncle, Cash Daddy. Drawing from family, sacrifice, and love themes, the movie weaves emotional storylines and striking performances and is set to release in 2025.
Something About the Briggs:
One of the most anticipated Nollywood projects for 2025 is the Bukola Ogunsola-produced movie “Something About the Briggs,” set to release on the 31st. Also written and directed by Bukola Ogunsola, the comedic drama revolves around a family on the edge as they unravel long-kept secrets and misunderstandings. It’s a story unveiling themes of marriage, love, and forgiveness. The star-studded cast includes Stan Nze, Daniel Etim Effiong, Rita Dominic-Anosike, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Simi Drey, Iyabo Ojo, Ariyiike Owolagba, Norbert Young, Gloria Anozie-Young, Elma Mbadiwe, Kalu Ikeagwu, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, and Bukky Wright.
Phoenix Fury:
With an impressive cast, including Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Ama K. Abebrese, Onyinye Odokoro, and Richard Mofe-Damijo, and striking visuals shot across Nigeria and Ghana, “Phoenix Fury” is a must-watch in 2025. The movie, directed by Ifeoma Chukwuog, follows the story of Ifeatu and Ewura-Ama, bound by a past with a quest for revenge. The film’s story explores themes of resilience, betrayal, and healing. At the AFRIFF 2024, it won Best Film at the 13th Globe Awards and is set for release in 2025.
Recall:
Prominent filmmaker and director Kunle Afolayan returns with another exciting film, “Recall,” this 2025. The psychological thriller first premiered at AFRIFF in November 2024 and will be making its Netflix debut in 2025. The film dives into the story of Goke and Anita, whose relationship mysteriously takes a drastic turn in many ways. Produced by KAP Motion Pictures, the film features an impressive cast, including Sharon Ooja, Olarotimi Michael Fakunle, Bimbo Akintola, and Jimmy Jean-Louis. It’s Kunle Afolayan’s world, and so it’s sure to be one standout movie for 2025.
