The Nigerian entertainment scene is undeniably an asset to the economy, and the country itself, with the film and music industry taking the front line in contributing to the country’s GDP while propelling the country and the vibrant Nigerian culture beyond the ends of the continent.
As the globalisation of Afrobeats continues to extend, the film industry also has significantly grown over the years. From the early days of ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ which was a pacesetter for coming movies, to Netflix-released ‘The Black Book’ a global embrace, to ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, a record-breaking production in the history of Nigerian Box Office, the Nollywood industry is evidently a testament to the ingenious talents in the country.
It’s no wonder filmmakers like Funke Akindele, Jade Osiberu, Editi Effiong, and Kunle Afolayan have successfully thrived in the industry.
Not only has Nollywood tremendously improved in its quality of production, but also in the stories they tell, the technological advancement used in the portrayal of culture, and the promotion of films. Cementing her place on the biggest stage of the world, and garnering global appeal. And now, more creative stories are being told, and movies released year in, year out.
While last year witnessed an unprecedented feat of highest-grossing Nollywood movies that graced our screens, this year also has had its run so far. Here’s a list of the 9 Highest Grossing Nollywood Movies in 2024 so far.
Ajosepo (N257.2M):
Ajosepo earned N51.9 million in its first week of release between April 10th to 16th, and has gone up to earn a total of N257.2 million, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of the year so far. The comedy-drama directed by Kayode Kasum involves the story of a young couple preparing for their wedding, but tension, secrets, and events between families begin to unfold threatening the wedding.
Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds (N252.8M):
The Eniola Ajao-Nollywood project was released on March 29th, 2024, earning its place as the second highest-grossing Nollywood movie of the year with a total of N252.8 million. The Yoruba-language film smashed the N100 million mark within five days, becoming the 31st Nollywood movie to obtain the over N100 million feat.Â
The thriller film, directed by Odunlade Adekola who stars as the main character, and Adebayo Tijani involves the story of a King’s quest for an heir as he desperately seeks to keep his throne.
Lakatabu(N202.2M):
In July this year, the crime thriller ‘Lakatabu’ maintained its top spot for the highest-grossing movies in a row for two weeks. In July, the Yoruba-language film grossed N168 million becoming one of the successful indigenous releases of 2024, and has skyrocketed to a sum of N202.2 million according to reports at the Nigerian Box Office.
Written and produced by award-winning actor, Odunlade Adekola, the story involves a criminal who rampages on the land, causing terror but his downfall befalls when he takes hostage the daughter of his enemy.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (N157M):Â
The highly anticipated biopic of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti has grossed a total of N157 million at the Nigerian Box Office, crossing the N100 million mark. Directed and produced by Bolanle Austin-Peters, it portrays the existence and journey of the renowned Nigerian activist, educationist, and mother of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti.Â
Although it had a limited screenplay of seven days in September 2023, the movie was later released in Nigerian theatres on May 17th, 2024. And has bagged notable recognitions including the award for Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay at the 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), and Best Writing (Movie) at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Muri And Ko (N136M):
The comedy-drama smashed the N50 million mark in its first week of release in June. Within three weeks, it had generated over N89 million, and by this time, earned a total of N136 million at the Nigerian Box Office. ‘Muri & Ko’ directed by Biodun Stephen, stars Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie) narrates the story of a Lagos street hustler who steals a car, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he unintentionally finds an 8-year old at the backseat of the car.
All’s Fair In Love (N132M):
The rom-com movie written and produced by Deyemi Okanlawon earned N7.6 million in ticket sales on February 14, 2024. Two days later, earning N10.4 million during its advanced screening. And within the space of six months, has amassed N132 million, surpassing Box Office expectations for a love-themed movie.
The movie marked Deyemi Okanlawon’s debut as a film producer. It also marked the second most-watched Nigerian movie on Prime Video upon its release. The Kayode Kasum-directed movie tells the tale of two best friends and business partners thriving together, until they both fall in love with Mbali, causing a love triangle.
What About Us (N103.7M):
‘What About Us’ made significant success in its first three days of release from June 12, grossing N24.6 million at the Nigerian Box Office. According to the movie’s distributor Filmoneng, the movie served as the highest-grossing movie between the July 12 to July 14 weekend.
While still running theatrically, the movie has grossed N103.7 million since its release. The story depicts a couple’s struggling relationship which dips further when a new neighbour moves next door. The movie marks the debut executive production of Emmanuel Iren, lead pastor at Celebration Church International.
Blacksmith: Alagbede (N103.7M):
‘Blacksmith’ earned its third spot in May 2024 making N11.3 million in its opening weekend, according to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) published report for weekly grossing movies. In May, it grossed a total of N44.3 million, and as of now, has grossed N103.7 million.
The Yoruba drama-comedy blend with romance written by Adejonwo Fimisola and Jaiye Kuti explores the love story between two people of opposite social class (a blacksmith and school teacher), faced with societal stigma.
Criminal (N55.8M):
According to CEAN published report from June 14 to June 20, ‘Criminal’ dropped from fourth spot to sixth, earning a weekly total of N8.2 million, and grossed N45.7 million since its release on May 31st, 2024. As it stands, the crime-thriller film has grossed N55.8 million so far. The film, directed by Dolapo Adigun tells the story of an ex-felon and his gang who hold a hospital hostage in order to save the life of his dying brother.
As Nollywood continues to boom, there’s more embrace within and outside. And with the end year drawing close by, there’ll be more films entering the chart.
