Nollywood is flexing its box office muscle in a way we’ve never seen before. In 2024, the industry shattered records, raking in N3.6 billion from its top 10 highest-grossing films, a big leap from the N1.94 billion earned in 2023. That’s an 85.5% increase.
This surge wasn’t just about higher ticket prices or more films crossing the coveted N100 million mark. At the heart of this success are the actors and actresses who breathe life into these stories.
In 2025, the industry continues its upward trajectory, delivering cinematic masterpieces that captivates and exhilarates many, home and abroad, and set new box office records. The industry’s resilience and creativity shone brightly, with films that not only entertained but also showcased the depth of Nigerian storytelling.
Let’s get into the standout productions and the talented actors who brought these stories to life.
8. Kehinde Bankole
Kehinde Bankole’s spellbinding performance as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti in Bolanle Austen-Peters’ critically acclaimed biopic earned her Best Lead Actress at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Before the film hit Prime Video, it grossed N156.6 million in Nigerian cinemas.
With a career spanning two decades, from her breakout on Super Story to standout roles in Desperate Housewives Africa and Prophetess, Bankole continues to elevate her craft.
7. Gbubemi Ejeye
Gbubemi Ejeye’s luminous performance in Farmer’s Bride redefined her career. Set in 1980s Ibadan, the film, directed by Jack’enneth Opukeme and Adebayo Tijani, follows the turbulent journey of a young bride thrust into an unfamiliar world.
Ejeye’s gripping portrayal, alongside screen veterans Mercy Aigbe, Tobi Bakre, and Femi Branch, helped propel the movie to a N167.2 million box office haul.
Originally on the path to becoming a lawyer, Ejeye followed her true passion, making her stage debut in Color Me Pink, a play about breast cancer awareness. After a breakout role in Rickety (2019), she gained wider recognition in Citation. Her journey is only just beginning.
6. Ayo Makun
Ayo Makun better known as AY, has long been a powerhouse in Nigerian entertainment. In The Waiter, a comedy-drama that grossed N184.7 million, he delivered yet another masterful performance, blending humour with a compelling story about love, ambition, and societal expectations.
From dominating the stage with AY Live to breaking records with 30 Days in Atlanta, Makun’s versatility is undeniable. As an actor, director, and producer, he continues to be one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars.
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5. Toyin Abraham
When it comes to pulling audiences to the cinemas, Toyin Abraham is one of the actors graced for it. With Malaika, Alakada and Alakada: Bad and Boujie raking in N158.5 million, N229.1 and N460 million, respectively, she remains a dominant force.
Discovered by Bukky Wright in 2003, Abraham has since built an empire, starring in hits like Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper and Ebimi Ni. Beyond acting, her entrepreneurial acumen is just as sharp,
4. Odunlade Adekola & Eniola Ajao
Odunlade Adekola and Eniola Ajao’s collaborations in Lakatabu (N202.3 million) and Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds (N252.8 million) proved to be cinematic gold.
Adekola, one of Nollywood’s most charismatic actors, has been a fan favourite since Asiri Gomina Wa (2003). As an actor, director, and producer, he continues to redefine Yoruba cinema.
Meanwhile, Ajao, known for her performance in Ìgbà Aìmọ̀ and The Vendor, is steadily rising as one of the industry’s leading ladies, bringing depth and intensity to every role.
3. Wunmi Toriola
With Queen Lateefah pulling in N365.5 million, Wunmi Toriola proved she’s a box office magnet. Her journey, from her joining the Odunfa Caucus in 2009 to her directorial debut in Queen Lateefah in 2024, showcases her evolution into one of Nollywood’s most formidable talents.
From Alakada Reloaded to The Cokers, Toriola has consistently delivered performances that makes her impossible to be unnoticed.
2. Timini Egbuson
Timini Egbuson is arguably Nollywood’s screen loverboy, taking the reign from veterans like Ramsey Noah and Jim Iyke. But what’s even more impressive is his directorial debut, Reel Love, that pulled in ₦304 million box office revenue, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film for five consecutive weeks.
The film’s exploration of romance, heartbreak, and redemption struck a chord with viewers, solidifying Egbuson’s reputation as a multifaceted talent in the industry.
The ensemble cast, featuring Funke Akindele, Dakore Akande, and Bimbo Ademoye, delivered performances that were both authentic and compelling.
1. Funke Akindele
If there is one name that defines box office success, it’s Funke Akindele. With A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa raking in N611.3 million and N1.466 billion, respectively, she’s officially the highest-grossing director in Nigerian box office history.
From her early days in I Need to Know to her breakthrough with the Jenifa franchise and the cultural phenomenon Jenifa’s Diary, Akindele has become a template for what’s possible in Nollywood.
Whether she’s acting, directing, or producing, her influence is unmatched. And with six AMVCA wins under her belt, she’s the undisputed queen of Nigerian cinema.
