It’s no secret that Nollywood has been producing some of the industry’s most exceptional stories and groundbreaking films since the start of 2026. The second half of the year has already begun rolling out some of the most anticipated releases for the year.

The month of August is no exception; the month opens with promising and must-see true-crime thrillers, epic dramas, romance-comedies, and more everyone should see. Here’s a roundup of Nollywood movies you don’t want to miss this August.

The Almajiri (August 1st)

Set in the ancient city of Kano, The Almajiri follows a young gifted boy, Rabiu, who secretly dreams of becoming a tech engineer. In pursuit of his dreams, he defies strict religious dogma and poverty, eventually getting caught up in corruption and dangerous, misguided activism in his fight for formal education.

Directed by Jammal Ibrahim, the film stars Yakubu Mohammad, Musa Muhammad, Jamila Ibrahim, Ijapari Ben-Hirki, Ahmad Isa and Sani Mu’azu. Produced by Native Filmworks and MichelAngelo Production, the film serves as the final instalment of the 12-title First Features Project by both companies. It is currently streaming on Prime Video.

Zikoko Life 2: Before We Fall Asleep (August 1st)

Big Cabal Media and Bluhouse Studios return with a series of short films from the Zikoko Life anthology. In Before We Fall Asleep, the second short film in the newly released Zikoko Life 2 anthology series, the film shatters domestic societal norms. It sparks heavy conversation regarding domestic gender roles, financial strain, and parental responsibilities.

It follows Tola, who becomes a stay-at-home dad after a sudden layoff at work, leaving his partner, Nazo, to become the household’s sole breadwinner. The couple’s seemingly peaceful marriage begins to crack as bruised egos, societal expectations, and the emotional toll of reversed traditional dynamics cause problems between them. Directed by Kaelo Iyizoba as his Zikoko Life debut, with Blessing Uzzi taking the screenplay credit, the film stars Tobi Bakre, Onyinye Odokoro and Rita Edochie.

Zikoko Life 2: A Happy Ending (August 8th)

Dika Ofoma’s A Happy Ending is the final short film in the Zikoko Life 2 anthology series and contribution to Zikoko Life since Something Sweet. The film follows a young woman who leaves for Lagos for a fresh start. As she seeks better opportunities to support her loved ones, she takes an unconventional path and finds herself confronted by complicated relationships, difficult choices, and societal judgment.

Produced by Bluhouse Studios, the film is described as a reimagined ode to classic Nollywood and stars Ifeoma Obina, Ruby Okezie, Anne Njemanze, and Nonso Odogwu.

Sweet 16 (August 14th)

The highly anticipated coming-of-age musical drama Sweet 16 follows a spoiled rich brat who uses her sassiness to bring redemption to her village after being tricked into spending her summer holidays there. Her punishment eventually leads to a journey of bravery, community and unexpected responsibility.

Directed by the award-winning Willis Ikedum, the film features an ensemble cast including Kalu Ikeagwu, Uche Jombo, Alexx Ekubo, Mercy Aigbe, Denrele Edun, Eronini Osinachi, Chief Imo, Ikechukwu Onunaku and Emeka Nwagbaraocha.

A Father’s Secret (August 21st)

Adeoluwa Owu-directed theatrical release, A Father’s Secret, is an emotionally gripping tale about a woman who has fought her way through heartbreak and hardship, only to find her life turned upside down by the sudden arrival of her long-lost father who vanished a decade before, forcing her to confront long-buried secrets that could change everything she believes about family and love.

Produced by Switch Visuals Production, A Father’s Secret stars Timini Egbuson, Olukemi Gold Aluko, Remi Surutu, Odunlade Adekola, Bryan Boomba, Fae Olumide and Princess Demodel.

Abujaa (August 21st)

Directed by Adebayo Salami and Allwell Ademola, Abujaa is an epic Yoruba tale set in a kingdom facing an uncertain future as questions about the throne begin to divide the royal family. As ancient prophecy, loyalty and ambition shape the battle for political power, the struggle for royal succession questions those closest to the throne on what they’re willing to sacrifice to protect their people and their legacy.

Executively produced by Tina Mba and Jimoh Medina, the cast of Abujaa includes Tina Mba, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Adebayo, Bimbo Oshin, Ibrahim Chatta, Muyiwa Ademola, Sola Sobowale, Omowunmi Dada, Eniola Ajao, Rotimi Salami, Adebayo Salami, Fathia Balogun, Jide Kosoko and Yinka Quadri.

Alahun: The Weaver (August 21st)

Alahun: The Weaver explores the story of a young man mocked for his love for weaving baskets and braiding hair. When the kingdom’s throne is thrown into jeopardy and a princess goes missing, the young weaver embarks on a hero’s quest to rewrite his destiny.

Produced by Kayode Kasum, the fantasy adventure explores themes such as redefining masculinity, heroism, craftsmanship, and courage. The movie features a star-studded Nollywood ensemble, including Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Kunle Remi, Omowunmi Dada, and Tope Tedela.

Ikenga: The Last Festival (August 21st)

Set in a traditional Igbo community where tradition is law and honour, a man discovers a forbidden power connected to the ancient Ikenga symbol, associated with strength, achievement and destiny. A sacred power that threatens to upend long-standing customs and alter the community’s future.

The epic thriller directed by Darlington Ogbodo cast includes Zubby Michael, Jide Kene Achufusi, Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Kanayo O Kanayo, Patience Ozokwor, Jidekene Achufusi, Beverly Osu, and Regina Daniels.

King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos (August 28th)

The epic King Kosoko: The Battle for Lagos dramatises the turbulent reign of Oba Kosoko in the 19th century, exploring his fight for power, his resistance to foreign influence, and the legacy of pre-colonial Lagos. It narrates how the respected Yoruba family Kosoko begins to fall apart as old secrets and inheritance disputes bring hidden tensions to the surface, as different family members fight to protect their interests and their name.

Directed by and starring Femi Adebayo, the cast also includes Odunlade Adekola, Jide Kosoko, Femi Branch, Tina Mba, Gabriel Afolayan, and Sola Kosoko.

The Night of June 7th (August 28th)

Written and produced by Linda Ikeji, The Night of June 7th revisits the true-life story of the infamous Apo Six killings that took place in Abuja on June 7, 2005, when six young Nigerian friends out celebrating met their demise upon their encounter with a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

It focuses on the extrajudicial tragedy and the subsequent fight for justice over their deaths and the unanswered questions that have lingered ever since. Directed by Toka McBaror, the true-crime stars Gideon Okeke, Femi Branch, Ali Nuhu and Charles Lenny. It premiered at 2025 Nollywood Week and opened in cinemas nationwide.