Top 10 Nollywood Releases of 2025

2025 has come to a deserved end, and for Nollywood, it truly felt like a pathfinding mission. Cinema, streaming platforms, and yes, even YouTube releases, showed clear improvements in the technical side of filmmaking. Filmmakers, producers, and writers dug deep, pushing themselves to go far beyond the known scope of Nollywood storytelling.

The stories told this time around were reflective, touching on history, morality, politics, folklore, romance, epic narratives, friendship, and even technology. All of this was woven with a bit more precision and professionalism, setting a firmer and more unshakable standard for the year ahead. The prospects, honestly, are exciting.

That said, not every release quite toed the line set by the finer works of the year. And so, in recognition of the effort, growth, and standout excellence, here are my Top 10 Nollywood releases of 2025.

10. Finding Me

At number ten sits Finding Me, Funke Akindele’s Prime Video release that quietly struck a chord with many viewers. At its core, this film tells the story of Tinuke Philips, a wealthy yet deeply self-conscious woman trapped in a marriage that constantly chips away at her sense of worth. Manipulated by a husband who is anything but supportive, Tinuke finds herself living a life shaped by other people’s expectations instead of her own truth.

What makes Finding Me resonate is how familiar Tinuke’s struggle feels. This is a story for anyone who has ever lived to please others, shrunk themselves to keep the peace, or stayed too long in spaces that no longer served them.

Funke Akindele deserves special praise here, not just for anchoring the film, but for essentially playing two versions of the same woman, the Tinuke the world sees and the Tinuke she slowly grows into. It’s a subtle performance that leans more on emotional control than theatrics, reminding us that Funke’s strength extends far beyond comedy. Finding Me earns its spot on this list for its relatability, its emotional honesty, and a storyline that gently nudges viewers toward self-reflection.

9. Something About The Briggs

Written, produced, and directed by Bukola Ogunsola, Something About the Briggs is a film that understands one simple truth: family can be both comfort and chaos. The story follows 31-year-old Sophie Briggs, a woman who has mastered the art of avoiding commitment, not because she doesn’t believe in love, but because she has seen too much of how marriage can go wrong within her own family.

Sophie’s fears are challenged when she meets Chuks, a man who forces her to confront the idea that love might not be doomed after all, even if her instincts suggest otherwise.

What truly sells this film is the rawness of its family dynamics. Conversations feel lived-in, arguments feel earned. The performances across the board feel intentional, especially in scenes that explored deep trauma and unspoken hatred.

The costuming also deserves a mention. Regal, expressive, and occasionally excessive, the wardrobe choices clearly followed a visual theme. Something About the Briggs makes this list because it feels honest, thoughtfully written, and emotionally grounded, proving that family dramas, when done right, never go out of style.

The cast of Something About the Briggs on a Poster

8. Reverse

Reverse is one of those films that makes you ask, “Why didn’t more people talk about this?” Written and produced by Linda Ikeji, this cinema release deserved far more attention than it received. It’s a well-written, emotionally driven story that leans heavily into the idea of cause and effect.

The film follows the Hart family through a tragic chain of events, revealing how decisions ripple outward in unexpected ways. Starring Susan Pwajok, Hilda Dokubo, and Kalu Ikeagwu, Reverse explores karma not as a mystical concept, but as a very human one. People aren’t punished by fate; they are often undone by their own choices.

What stands out is how the narrative unfolds. Instead of spoon-feeding the audience, the film allows viewers to piece things together, making the payoff stronger. It’s reflective, haunting, and quietly devastating in moments. Reverse earns its place on this list for its complex storytelling and its reminder that accountability is unavoidable — no matter how long it takes to arrive.

7. My Mother Is A Witch

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and co-produced by Efe Irele, My Mother Is a Witch is an emotional psychological thriller. The film tells the story of a mother whose interpretation of discipline pushes the boundaries of love and control, leaving her relationship with her daughter fractured and strained.

At its heart, this is a story about parenting, trauma, and the thin line between protection and harm. Viewers are forced to confront uncomfortable questions about authority, fear, and generational wounds.

Mercy Aigbe delivers one of her most compelling performances to date. Her portrayal of the mother is layered, intense, and unsettling — not because she plays a villain, but because she plays a woman convinced she is right. The film’s commitment to atmosphere, pacing, and psychological tension makes it a standout, and its emotional relatability ensures it lingers long after the credits roll.

6. Ori: Rebirth

Ori: Rebirth is a Yoruba-language film that carries both legacy and ambition. A remake of the 2004 classic, the film is written, produced, and co-directed by Muyiwa Ademola, who also reprises his role as Bisade, a man caught in a spiritual battle that threatens his identity, sanity, and very existence.

Supported by a powerful cast including Sola Sobowale, Toyin Abraham, Femi Adebayo, Omowunmi Dada, and Lateef Adedimeji, this 2025 remake received favourable reviews for its depth and execution.

What sets Ori: Rebirth apart is its willingness to embrace complexity. The improved visual effects mark a significant step forward for Yoruba Nollywood. This film isn’t just a remake; it’s a reintroduction of a story to a new generation, handled with care and respect.

Actor Muyiwa Ademola — Muyiwa Ademola as Bisade.

5. Makemation

Makemation is a refreshing coming-of-age drama that uses technology as both a narrative tool and a metaphor. At its core, the film addresses the African girl-child experience, youth empowerment, and the often-missing support systems that shape young lives.

Led by Tomi Ojo, alongside Chioma Chukwuka, RMD, Jide Kosoko, and Ibrahim Chatta, the film blends emotional storytelling with subtle commentary on innovation and access. While its use of technology isn’t fully explored, it opens the door for Nollywood to tell more tech-driven stories in the future.

What Makemation gets right is its heart. It’s sincere, hopeful, and rooted in real struggles, making it one of the year’s more forward-looking films.

4. The Herd

The Herd earns its place in the top five for painfully obvious reasons. Directed by Daniel Etim Effiong in his directorial debut, the film tackles the grim reality of kidnapping in Nigeria, a controversial subject many would rather avoid.

The film’s swift release to Netflix shortly after its cinema run helped widen its reach and amplify its message. Praised for its performances, storytelling, and emotional weight, The Herd doesn’t sensationalise its subject matter. Instead, it presents an unsettling but necessary look at situations no one ever wants to experience.

3. Red Circle

Released to cinemas, Red Circle follows a fashion journalist who stumbles into a deeper, darker world while investigating the death of a friend. What begins as curiosity quickly spirals into danger as she uncovers a cult-like group known as “The Circle.”

Starring Folu Storms, alongside Lateef Adedimeji, Omowumi Dada, Tobi Bakre, Femi Branch, and Bukky Wright, the film explores corruption, secrecy, and the extremes people go to protect power, even at the expense of family. Praised for its suspense, twists, and layered storytelling, Red Circle keeps its audience guessing and earns its high ranking through sheer narrative tension.

Poster for Nigerian movie Red Circle with faces of actors

2. Baby Farm

Produced by Mo Abudu, Baby Farm is a limited Netflix series that sheds light on the horrifying world of baby trafficking. Told across five tightly paced episodes, the series exposes how friendly, unsuspecting faces often mask deeply disturbing operations.

With a strong ensemble cast led by Oyinye Odokoro, Genoveva Umeh, Rita Dominic, Folu Storms, and Joseph Benjamin, the series delivers a deeply immersive experience. Genoveva Umeh, in particular, stands out with a performance that balances vulnerability and menace. Baby Farm is disturbing, gripping, and undeniably necessary viewing.

1. To Kill A Monkey

To Kill a Monkey stands out as my best Nollywood release of 2025, earning a well-deserved place at number one. Another stellar release from Kemi Adetiba, this eight-part Netflix series follows the intertwined lives of Efemini and Oboz, two friends whose choices lead them down very different paths.

Efemini steps into a world of crime and wealth through Oboz, and in trying to protect that life and his family, he ultimately betrays the very friend who brought him into it.. Layered, intense, and emotionally complex, the series became an international talking point, particularly across Africa.

Bucci Franklin’s portrayal of Oboz is nothing short of magnetic, supported by strong performances from William Benson, Stella Damasus, Lilian Afegbai, and Bimbo Akintola. The series sparked conversation, debate, and even controversy, yet audiences overwhelmingly praised its direction, writing, and performances—and I fully agree.

If you haven’t watched To Kill a Monkey, you really should.

I should say, this list is drawn strictly from the films I watched, and I’m sure many of you have your own “superior” rankings. That said, one thing is certain, Nollywood aimed higher this year and broke a few boundaries in both storytelling and directing, and that deserves real commendation.

Looking ahead, 2026 already feels promising. The trailers alone hint at thrilling watches to come, and if they deliver on that promise, we’re in for another exciting year.

Author

Alexander Azonobo

Alex is a writer with an undeniable passion for movies and the stories they tell. He loves diving into the world of cinema—exploring its themes, characters, and the artistry that brings it all to life. With an eye for detail and a love for storytelling, he writes to share his thoughts and spark conversations about the films that move, challenge, and inspire us.