Nollywood has had an eventful year, delivering a steady stream of blockbuster movies and series that have shaped conversations both locally and internationally. From box-office hits like Gingerrr and Red Circle to Netflix releases like To Kill a Monkey and The Herd, that sparked myriad online discourses, the past 11 months have highlighted Nollywood industry’s evolving storytelling and renewed investment in high-quality production.

As the year winds down, December is set to cap off this momentum with a lineup of highly anticipated releases. Studios and filmmakers are rolling out some of their biggest titles yet — ranging from family dramas and festive comedies to action epics — marking the final month of 2025 as one of Nollywood’s most exciting release windows.

Here are the top 10 Nollywood movies and series to watch this December.

Behind The Scenes (December 12)

With an array of the highest-grossing movies in her arsenal, the award-winning filmmaker and actor, Funke Akindele, is set to make another exciting December for fans with the release of Behind The Scenes.

The movie features Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, a real estate mogul and mother whose generous heart begins to take a toll on her life. With people around her reciprocating her kindness with misdeeds, she has no choice but to face the pressures and challenges that come with success, trust, and family. This comedy drama exposes the hidden realities of filmmaking in the Nigerian film industry.

The movie stars Nollywood actors and social media favourites, including Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima‑Okojie, Destiny Etiko, Uche Montana, Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, Veeiye, Hauwa, Tobeszn, Dorathy Bachor, Emma Oh My God, among others. As well as Funke Akindele herself, who is also the director alongside Tunde Olaoye.

A Very Dirty Christmas (December 16)

What was intended to be a memorable family gathering for Christmas quickly turned into a messy affair. A Very Dirty Christmas captures a loud, exciting Christmas celebration filled with family chaos, exposed dirty secrets, surprises, and fights. For most families, it’s a merry December, but for this one, it’s a very dirty Christmas, brimming with drama and comedy.

The movie stars Eucharia Anunobi, Ini Edo, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Wumi Toriola, Taye Arimoro, Josephina Otabor (Phyna), with direction and production credits to Akay Mason, and produced by Minini Empire.

Oversabi Aunty (December 19)

On Oversabi Aunty, seasoned actress and producer Toyin Abraham makes her directorial debut. The movie features Toyin Abraham herself alongside Mike Ezuruonye, Efe Irele, Jemima Osunde, Tana Adelana, Queen Nwokoye, Ovy Godwin, and veteran actress Ngozi Ezeonu.

Playing a self-righteous aunt (casually called oversabi), who is obsessed with everyone’s affairs, Toyin Abraham portrays the church usher whose advice turns a family wedding into a chaotic yet hilarious situation. The faith-filled comedy reveals how faith and family are intertwined in sensitive ways.

Colours of Fire (December 24)

From the stables of FilmOne and Anthill Studios, seasoned writer and director Niyi Akinmolayan returns with the highly anticipated film Colours of Fire. This story challenges duty, loyalty, and honour.

This action-packed traditional movie follows the story of a warrior sent by his clan to hunt a beast he thinks is connected to enemy rivals. However, in his quest, he uncovers a greater secret and confronts harsh truths stemming from a forbidden connection. The film features epic battle themes, emotions, love, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of Yoruba culture.

The cast includes Gabriel Afolayan as Badero, Mercy Aigbe as Efunsetan, Uzor Arukwe as Akinbode, Femi Branch as Abifarin, Ibrahim Chatta as Baba Agba, and Osas Ighodaro as Moremi.

This is Not a Nollywood Movie (December 5)

Award-winning actor Wale Ojo made a stunning return as a writer and director with his recently released film This is Not a Nollywood Movie. The story reveals the real struggles of people in the Nigerian film industry, as well as moments that are familiar to Nollywood enthusiasts.

The action comedy captures Okechukwu, a struggling director from Nnewi, who moved to Lagos with his loyal friend, convinced that an imagined Oscar win will jumpstart his career in the Nollywood industry. He faces a choice between playing by the new rules or giving up his career. With a dream and a hopeful comeback, he quickly finds himself in chaos when bad decisions and a shady loan from a gangster throw everything off track.

Produced by Wale Ojo and Boma Akpore, the film stars Bimbo Akintola, Hanks Anuku, Broda Shaggi, Julius Agwu, Chidi Mokeme, and Olumide Oworu.

The Covenant (December 12)

The Covenant is a Netflix action-packed film that tells the story of a family in chaos due to the abduction of their brother. In their quest for justice, they must confront dangerous forces and hidden secrets to survive. The series cast features star-studded actors, including Gideon Okeke, Sola Sobowale, Zubby Michael, Segun Arinze, Ivie Okujaye, Uzee Usman, Bimbo Manuel, Chioma Okafor, Walter Anga, and Joseph Momodu. It is directed by the late Dimeji Ajibola with cinematography by Peter Moloto.

Laraba and Balarabe (November 28)

Currently streaming on YouTube on Susan Pwajok TV, Laraba and Balarabe, written and directed by Fatima Binta Gimsay, follows Laraba (Susan Pwajok), who is confronted with unresolved heartbreak when her ex, Balarabe (Mallum Arik), casually shows up at her doorstep months after ending their relationship. Claiming he missed his flight and has nowhere else to go, Balarabe gaslights and plays on Laraba’s emotional vulnerability, knowing she is likely to let him in. The short film’s intimate narrative explores manipulation, emotional fragility, and the complex dynamics of unresolved relationships.

A Bride For The Season (December 6)

From the stables of Omoli Oboni TV, A Bride For The Season, the story explores a man (Timini Egbuson) whose life intersects with that of a wedding planner (Bamike ‘Bambam’ Adenibuyan) struggling to hold her personal aspirations together. What begins as a straightforward professional assignment gradually evolves into a series of unexpected romantic connections and circumstances that neither character can easily ignore.

As the Christmas season approaches, both of them are confronted with the possibility that the relationship taking shape between them is more than they anticipated.

The film also features Uzo Osimkpa, Sydney Chisom, and Dera Anidiobi, among others.

Colour Me True (December 4)

Colour Me True unveils the story of Ivie, known to the world as Sylvia Philips, a celebrated reality star, whose life changes drastically when a scandal forces her to return to the orphanage where she once grew up. Played by Shalewa Ashafa, Ivie must confront memories she has long tried to leave behind to reclaim her dignity. The recently released film explores the cost of deceit and the true meaning of love, family, and self.

Written and directed by Toluwani Obayan Osibe, the drama also stars Buchi Franklin as Adolphus, Eseosa Bernard as Ruth, Nnamdi Agbo as Miles, Gerard Adebija as Temisan, Chimdiya Nwigwe as Boma, and Amara Uwechi as Aunty Mary, among others.

King of Boys 3 (December 25)

Kemi Adetiba’s highly acclaimed franchise, King of Boys 3, is expected to be released on December 25, 2025. The long-awaited Netflix film titles its subtitle ‘The Beginning of the End.’ Following the impressive prequel, King of Boys 1 & 2, the anticipation for this film is at an all-time high as viewers await the return of Eniola Salami, portrayed by lead actress Sola Sobowale. The film continues to reveal political and social nuances from the previous installments.