At a Glance
- Everybody Loves Jenifa became Nollywood’s fastest film to gross over N1 billion nationwide.
- Nigerian cinema revenue surged 60 percent, reaching a record N11.5 billion in 2024.
- Yoruba epics and comedies fueled Nollywood’s rise alongside top Hollywood blockbusters.
The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, experienced an extraordinary boom in 2024, generating approximately N11.5 billion ($7.47 million) in box office revenue—a remarkable 60 percent surge compared to 2023.
This unprecedented growth underscored the rising appetite for homegrown stories and the powerful impact of star-driven productions.
At the forefront of this record-breaking year was Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa, which became the fastest Nollywood film ever to cross the N1 billion ($0.65 million) mark, cementing her status as the industry’s undisputed box office powerhouse.
Yet, it was local films—blending cultural authenticity with compelling storytelling—that captured hearts and wallets alike, with Yoruba epics, star-studded comedies, and vibrant dramas all achieving landmark grosses.
Shore Africa chronicled top 7 Nigerian movies that shattered all-time box office records, redefining what is possible in African cinema and proving Nollywood’s capacity to compete with the world’s biggest entertainment industries.
- Everybody Loves Jenifa
Gross: N1.88 billion ($1.22 million)
Led by: Funke Akindele
Brief Notes : Everybody Loves Jenifa smashed records as the fastest Nollywood film to hit N1 billion ($0.65 million), reaching the milestone in just 19 days. This comedy phenomenon, led by Funke Akindele, drew massive crowds nationwide, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling that captivated audiences across generations. The film grossed an astounding N1.88 billion ($1.22 million) at the Nigerian box office and held the number-one spot for seven consecutive weekends. Its success also extended beyond Nigeria, earning $327,723 in diaspora sales within just 22 days. The triumph of Everybody Loves Jenifa underscores both the enduring popularity of the Jenifa franchise and Akindele’s unparalleled star power in Nollywood.
2. A Tribe Called Judah
Gross: N1.32 billion ($857,906)
Led by: Funke Akindele
Brief Notes: A Tribe Called Judah rewrote Nollywood history as the first film to surpass N1 billion within just three weeks. Combining powerful drama and comedy, Funke Akindele’s directorial triumph captivated diverse audiences. Its runaway success confirmed her status as the box office queen and showcased the growing appetite for compelling homegrown Nigerian stories.
3. Queen Lateefah
Gross: N365 million ($237,224)
Led by: Biodun Stephen
Brief Notes: Queen Lateefah emerged as 2024’s highest-grossing Nigerian film outside the December rush, raking in N365 million ($237,224). This vibrant comedy-drama drew strong word of mouth, highlighting Biodun Stephen’s flair for relatable storytelling. Its success demonstrated Nollywood’s capacity to create hits beyond the holiday season, resonating with audiences across age groups and regions.
4. Ajosepo
Gross: N257.2 million ($167,162)
Led by: Eniola Ajao
Brief Notes: Ajosepo, a star-studded wedding comedy, captivated moviegoers with its blend of humor and family intrigue. Opening to impressive numbers, it quickly crossed N250 million ($165,000). Eniola Ajao’s performance anchored the ensemble cast, while the film’s relatable themes of tradition and love drove strong turnout, cementing its place among 2024’s Nollywood hits.
5. Ajakaju (Beasts of Two Worlds)
Gross: N252.8 million ($164,302)
Led by: Eniola Ajao
Brief Notes: Ajakaju delivered a landmark Yoruba epic that drew audiences seeking cultural spectacle and adventure. With elaborate sets and captivating visuals, it grossed over N252 million ($164,302). Eniola Ajao’s debut production proved her versatility as both actress and producer, marking a significant achievement in indigenous-language cinema and expanding Nollywood’s reach to diverse audiences.
6. Alakada: Bad & Boujee
Gross: N230 million ($149,484)
Led by: Toyin Abraham
Brief Notes: Alakada: Bad & Boujee continued the beloved franchise’s success, pulling in over N230 million ($149,484) during its theatrical run. Toyin Abraham’s comedic prowess anchored the film, blending satirical humor with vibrant storytelling. The sequel drew fans of the original while introducing new audiences to the world of Alakada, reinforcing its cultural resonance.
7. Lakatabu
Gross: N202 million($131,286)
Led by: Odunlade Adekola
Brief Notes: Lakatabu, a gripping Yoruba crime thriller, topped the box office for two consecutive weeks. Grossing N202 million ($131,286), the film combined suspenseful storytelling with Odunlade Adekola’s commanding performance. Its success showcased the strength of indigenous narratives and underscored growing demand for locally rooted, high-quality productions in Nigerian cinemas.
