Top 5 Highest Grossing Nollywood Movies/Tv Series Of All Time: (Updated List 2024)

Nollywood, the dynamic and rapidly growing Nigerian film industry, has consistently produced films and TV series that captivate audiences both locally and globally. Over the years, Nollywood has seen significant improvements in production quality, storytelling, and distribution, leading to remarkable box office successes. In 2024, the list of highest-grossing Nollywood movies and TV series includes a mix of groundbreaking films and popular series that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Here, we present the updated list of the top five highest-grossing Nollywood movies and TV series of all time

1. The Wedding Party (2016)

Director: Kemi Adetiba

Producer: EbonyLife Films

Box Office Gross: ₦453 million

The Wedding Party is a romantic comedy that set a new benchmark for Nollywood films with its unprecedented box office success. Directed by Kemi Adetiba and produced by EbonyLife Films, this film revolves around the chaos and hilarity that ensue during a high-society Nigerian wedding. The film’s star-studded cast includes Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Sola Sobowale.

The movie’s appeal lies in its relatable story, humor, and portrayal of Nigerian wedding culture. It became an instant hit, attracting a wide range of viewers and setting a new record for the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time of its release. The success of The Wedding Party demonstrated the potential of Nollywood to produce commercially viable films that resonate with both local and international audiences.

2. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Producer: EbonyLife Films

Box Office Gross: ₦500 million

Following the massive success of The Wedding Party, the sequel The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai surpassed its predecessor's earnings. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, this film continues the story of the characters from the first movie, taking the action to Dubai for another lavish and chaotic wedding.

The sequel retained much of the original cast while introducing new characters and even more extravagant settings. The combination of humor, romance, and cultural elements once again captured the audience’s interest, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time by 2024. The film’s success solidified the position of EbonyLife Films as a powerhouse in the industry and highlighted the potential for Nollywood sequels to achieve great commercial success.

3. Chief Daddy (2018)

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Producer: EbonyLife Films

Box Office Gross: ₦387 million

Chief Daddy is another hit from EbonyLife Films, directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. This comedy-drama features an ensemble cast including Funke Akindele, Nkem Owoh, and Patience Ozokwor. The story centers around the death of a wealthy industrialist, Chief Beecroft, and the ensuing chaos among his family and friends as they scramble to claim their share of his fortune.

The film's engaging plot, combined with strong performances from its cast, made it a box office sensation. Chief Daddy appealed to a broad audience with its mix of humor, drama, and family dynamics, contributing to its impressive earnings. The film's success underscored the importance of strong narratives and character-driven stories in achieving box office success in Nollywood.

4. Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019)

Director: Ramsey Nouah

Producer: Play Network Studios

Box Office Gross: ₦168 million

Living in Bondage: Breaking Free is a sequel to the classic 1992 Nollywood film Living in Bondage. Directed by Ramsey Nouah and produced by Play Network Studios, the film serves as both a sequel and a reboot, introducing a new generation to the story. The film stars Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Swanky JKA.

The story follows Nnamdi, the son of Andy Okeke, the protagonist from the original film, as he gets entangled in the world of occultism and power. The film's high production values, gripping storyline, and nostalgic connection to the original movie resonated with audiences, making it a major box office success. The film’s achievement highlighted the potential for classic Nollywood stories to be revitalized for contemporary audiences.

5. King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021)

Director: Kemi Adetiba

Producer: Kemi Adetiba Visuals

Box Office Gross: ₦234 million (estimated earnings including streaming rights)

King of Boys: The Return of the King is a continuation of the 2018 film King of Boys, directed by Kemi Adetiba. This series, released on Netflix, follows the story of Eniola Salami, a powerful businesswoman and politician, played by Sola Sobowale. The series dives deeper into her quest for power and the challenges she faces from enemies both old and new.

The move to a series format allowed for a more detailed and expansive storytelling approach, which was well-received by audiences. The success of the series on Netflix, combined with its strong viewership numbers, contributed to its impressive earnings. The show’s success demonstrated the growing influence of streaming platforms in Nollywood and their potential to generate substantial revenue.

Analysis of the Top-Grossing Nollywood Films/TV Series

Cultural Relevance and Relatability

One of the key factors behind the success of these films and series is their cultural relevance and relatability. Nollywood films often reflect the everyday experiences, traditions, and humor of Nigerian society, which resonates deeply with local audiences. This connection helps drive viewership and box office success.

Star Power

The presence of well-known actors and actresses also plays a crucial role in attracting audiences. Films like The Wedding Party and Chief Daddy featured star-studded casts, which contributed significantly to their commercial success. The popularity of these actors brings a built-in audience to the theaters, boosting ticket sales.

High Production Values

In recent years, Nollywood has seen a marked improvement in production quality, with better cinematography, sound, and special effects. Films like Living in Bondage: Breaking Free and King of Boys: The Return of the King showcase high production values that match international standards. This has helped elevate Nollywood's reputation and attract a wider audience, including those who may have previously overlooked Nigerian films due to perceived quality issues.

Effective Marketing and Distribution

Successful marketing and distribution strategies have also played a significant role in the success of these films. Strategic partnerships with cinemas, effective use of social media, and collaborations with streaming platforms like Netflix have expanded the reach of Nollywood films. For instance, the release of King of Boys: The Return of the King on Netflix allowed it to reach a global audience, contributing to its high earnings.

Sequels and Franchises

The success of sequels and franchises, as seen with The Wedding Party 2 and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, indicates a strong appetite for continuing stories in Nollywood. These films leverage the success and popularity of their predecessors to draw audiences, ensuring sustained interest and high box office returns.

Conclusion

The top five highest-grossing Nollywood movies and TV series of all time reflect the industry's growth and the increasing quality of its productions. Films like The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free have set new standards for box office success, while King of Boys: The Return of the King has demonstrated the power of streaming platforms in reaching global audiences.

These successes underscore the importance of cultural relevance, star power, high production values, effective marketing, and the potential of sequels and franchises to achieve commercial success. As Nollywood continues to evolve, it is poised to produce even more record-breaking films and series, solidifying its place on the global stage. The future looks bright for Nollywood, and audiences can look forward to even more captivating stories and high-quality productions in the years to come.