2024 has been an impressive year for Nollywood, with a steady stream of new releases and standout performances hitting the screens each month.

One of the most remarkable achievements was made by renowned filmmaker Funke Akindele, who set a new record with her 2023 release A Tribe Called Judah. It grossed over ₦1.4 billion, making it the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of 2023.

Here is an overview of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of the year so far. This ranking is based on data provided by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN).

Farmer’s Bride (138 M):

Still showing across cinemas nationwide, Film One Studios’ original Farmer’s Bride holds the 10th spot of the highest grossing Nigerian films. It has a current has an earning of ₦138 million.

Directed by Adebayo Tijani and Jac’kenneth Opukeme, the movie tells the story of a risky and daring chase for love. It features Tobi Bakre, Gbubemi Ejeye, Efe Irele, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe and Wunmi Toriola.

Official Trailer- Farmers Bride

Out in cinemas 27th September pic.twitter.com/p1QM32DviR

— Tobi Bakre (@tobibakre) September 10, 2024

What About Us (₦103.7M):

Released on June 12, 2024, What About Us grossed ₦24.6 million in its first three days and went on to become the highest-grossing film for the weekend of July 12-14. With a total cumulative of ₦103.7Million, the feature movie currently holds the 9th highest grossing Nigerian cinematic release.

Directed by Emmanuel Iren, it explores the complexities of a couple’s relationship. This marks Iren’s debut as an executive producer.

Here’s the trailer for Narrative Entertainment’s feature film.

What About Us hits the big screen from July 12th, mark your calendars 📅

We can’t wait for you all to experience this amazing project

A film by @narrative.ent
Distributed by @filmoneng

CAST @uzor.arukwe… pic.twitter.com/UVowFM8j4T

— Apostle Emmanuel Iren (@pst_iren) June 17, 2024

All’s Fair in Love (₦132M):

First-time movie producer Deyemi Okanlawon scores gold with his debut movie All’s Fair in Love. It earned ₦7.6 million in ticket sales on its February 14, 2024, debut, followed by ₦10.4 million during its advanced screenings and rounded up its cinematic run with ₦132 million, surpassing expectations for a Nigerian romance movie. 

Directed by Kayode Kasum, the film revolves around two best friends and business partners whose relationship is tested. They both fall in love with the same woman, which creates a love triangle.

It’s @_deyemi first film fam👏🤜🤜 Let’s got out and support him and I will be giving out free tickets aswell❤️❤️.All’s fair in love will be out tomorrow 14th of February ❤️❤️❤️pls go out and support our gee🤜 pic.twitter.com/vozoSH2hsz

— TOYIN ABRAHAM AJEYEMI (@toyin_abraham1) February 13, 2024

Blacksmith: Alagbede (₦103.7M):

7th on the list is Blacksmith which, grossed a total of ₦103.7 million after starting off with ₦11.3 million. The Yoruba drama-comedy weaves a love story between a blacksmith and a school teacher.

Directed by Usman Ogunlade, it features Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Kareem Adepoju and Kehinde Bankole.

Do you think Money Rituals (Ogun Owo) is real or not?
Kindly give your own opinion devoid of Religious beliefs and let's learn from you. #BlacksmiththeMovie #BlacksmithAlagbede still smoking hot in all Cinemas Nationwide. #MothersDay #AMVCA10 #Eurovision2024 pic.twitter.com/dvdtvlkzja

— Usman Olarotimi Blackky Ogunlade (@blackpride22) May 13, 2024

Muri & Ko (₦136M):

The comedy-drama Muri & Ko smashed the ₦50 million mark in its first week of release in June. Within three weeks, it had grossed ₦89 million, and its total earnings stands at ₦136 million. 

Directed by Biodun Stephen, starring Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie). The film tells the story of a Lagos street hustler whose life is turned upside down after he steals a car with an 8-year-old child inside.

Muri, Police is NOT your friend.
Wanted Muri!!! Criminal!!! Can't wait for you to see how we apprehend him. Muri & Ko official trailer is out now! can't wait for you to see it in cinemas June 12th

Directed by @biodunstephen

@kunleremiofficial@kie_kie_@iambisola@buccifranklin… pic.twitter.com/4soWMapgfX

— FemiJACOBS (@FemiJACOBS) May 20, 2024

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (₦157M):

5th on the list is the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti biopic by Bolanle Austin- Peters. The thrilling epic which had tounges waggling, grossed ₦157 million at the Nigerian Box Office. Featuring, Kehinde Bankole as lead, it portrays the life of the Nigerian activist and mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. 

The trailer for Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Looks really neat!!!
Really excited to see @_kehindebankole and @_iyimide
Congratulations to @bolanleap and the entire @TerraKulture team 🔥🔥🔥#FRK pic.twitter.com/LUW3OPx0w5

— Emeka (@Emeneks) April 19, 2024

Lakatabu (₦202.2M):

The crime thriller, held the top spot for two weeks in July, grossing ₦168 million in that month alone. The Yoruba-language film, written and produced by Odunlade Adekola, tells the story of a terrorizing criminal who meets his downfall after taking his enemy’s daughter hostage.

Its box office earnings reached ₦202.2 million, making it one of 2024’s most successful indigenous releases. Its earnings place it as the 4th highest grossing for 2024.

Trailer Alert!🎬🔥 Odunlade Adekola x FilmOne present Lakatabu.

Coming to cinemas June 21st pic.twitter.com/4QsggSCnfE

— Nollywood Circle (@nollycircle) June 8, 2024

Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds (₦252.8M):

First-time cinematic producer, Eniola Ajao, went straight into earning ₦100 million in just five days. Directed by Odunlade Adekola, the Yoruba-language film follows a king’s desperate search for an heir to secure his throne.

The indigenous epic made rounds for its solid story telling and then when it rounded it cinematic run with ₦252.8 million. At some point in the year it held the spot of the highest-grossing movie but now its 3rd on the list.

Sola Sobowale, Odun Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Faithia Williams, Ibrahim Chatta in Eniola Ajao’s Beast of Two Worlds.

In Cinemas from 29th of March. pic.twitter.com/c2SRZv87PK

— Nollywood Circle (@nollycircle) February 15, 2024

Ajosepo (₦257.2M):

In 2nd place, is comedy-drama Ajosepo directed by award-winning act Kayode Kasum. The story follows a young couple’s wedding preparations, only for tension, secrets, and family conflicts to jeopardize the big day. The feature film had all talking especially with its star packed acts – which include Timini Egbuson, Tomike Adeoye, Bisola Ayieola, Mercy Aigbe, Yemi Solade and Mike Afolarin.

Ajosepo raked in ₦51.9 million in its first week (April 10-16) and then reached a total of ₦257.2 million at closing.

Cinema Debut!!🫶🏼

JAMES is coming!

Hey Family!!
Welcome to love, laughter, and a whole lot of chaos!

Breaking traditions and making memories, the night before forever just took a weird turn 😱

Ajosepo is coming soon to cinemas near you!

First and counting🙏🏽#kanagajnr… pic.twitter.com/FgYIWST9Lu

— Kanaga Jnr OFFICIAL (@KanagaJnr) February 16, 2024

Queen Lateefah (₦260.M)

This year, daring moves are what’s making the charts. On the top of the list of highest-grossing movies so far in 2024 is Queen Lateefah by first-time cinematic producer Wumi Toriola. Currently, still showing across cinemas nationwide, it has a cumulative earning of ₦269,534,042.

With only a month into its cinematic run, Toriola has all wondering the new record Queen Lateefah intends to break.

QUEENLATEEFAH Official Trailer
Announcement

Brace yourself for the ultimate showdown of secrets and lies in #QueenLateefah#queenlateefah is coming to cinemas Nationwide September 27 !!

Mark your calendars and tell a friend to tell a friend it's about to get pic.twitter.com/wDcdstdzB3

— Femi Adebayo (@realfemiadebayo) August 27, 2024