The numbers show that 2022 was a great year for Nigerian movies at the box office.
Last week, Funke Akindele-Bello’s ‘Battle on Buka Street’ became the highest-grossing Nigerian film ever.
Omo Ghetto: The Saga, released in 2020 and received the rank, raked in N636 million.
With this new record, we take a look at the top 10 highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time.
‘Battle on Buka Street’ – N640M
Data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) shows that the comedy-drama earned N646,532,267 and counting after spending only nine weeks in theatres.
With this latest achievement, Akindele proves once again that she is the queen of the box office.
The 2022 release follows the story of two half-sisters who have been rivals for a while. Their rivalry intensifies when they set up their food businesses on the same street.
Directed by Akindele and Tobi Makinde, the cast includes Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Nkem Owoh, Sola Sobowale, Kelvin Ikeduba, and Tina Mba.
BATTLE ON BUKA STREET (Trailer)- Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, N.Owoh
‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ – N636,129,120
This comedy follows the chaotic life of Shalewa, aka Lefty (Funke Akindele). Lefty struggles between living a life of wealth and comfort provided by her adopted mother or returning to her ghetto lifestyle.
Released on December 25, 2020, the movie is a sequel to the actress’s 2010 trilogy ‘Omo Ghetto’ based on twin sisters who get displaced at birth. Akindele and her ex-husband, JJC Skillz directed the movie.
‘The Wedding Party’ – N452,288,605
Released in December 2016, Kemi Adetiba’s rom-com remained the highest-grossing Nollywood movie for four
years until ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ came along.
Made by Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production and Koga Studios, it stood out for having the right amount of romance and comedy as the movie showed the hilarious drama that comes with pulling off a big wedding.
The movie was both a local and international success, starring celebrity couple, Adesua Etomi and Banky Wellington. Despite being released almost seven years ago, it remains high on this list.
‘The Wedding Party 2’ – N433,197,377
Following the first movie’s success, Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production and Koga Studios tried to recreate the same magic.
With Niyi Akinmolayan At the helm, the sequel delivered a giant party set in Nigeria and Dubai with a British and Nigerian couple.
‘Chief Daddy’ – N387,540,749
Within three days, it sold over N40 million movie tickets and N115.7 million in the first ten days of emancipation.
At the time, it was the second-highest opening weekend for a Nollywood film in 2018 and the third-highest opening weekend ever for a Nollywood film.
Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the movie is about the dysfunctional family of Chief Daddy, a polygamist and philanthropist. His children struggle to get a fair share of their inheritance upon his death.
Unlike this hit movie, the sequel was met with primarily adverse responses.
‘Brotherhood’ – N328,881,12
Produced by Jade Osiberu and directed by Ugandan director Loukman Ali, the movie opened with N53.23
million. ‘Brotherhood’ made N118.50 million in the second week, N177.67 million in the third week and crossed the N200 million bar by the fourth week.
The blockbuster tells the story of twin brothers who find themselves in opposite directions of the law after the tragic death of their parents when they were young. One becomes a police officer, while the second becomes an armed robber. The former has to hunt down the latter and bring him to the magistrate.
It features Folarin Falana, Tobi Bakre, Sam Dede, Boma Akpore, Toni Tones, Zubby Micheal, and Mr Macaroni.
‘King of Thieves (Ogundabede)’ – N320,805,150
Last year, this epic thriller stood out for raking in the big bucks despite being an indigenous title. It set a new record as last year’s highest non-English title and the greatest domestic grosser.
The movie opened with over N42 million within the first three days. 27 days later, the movie earned N249 million in ticket sales.
Produced by Euphoria 360 and Anthill Studios, the movie is an epic tale of the Kingdom of Ajeromi, terrorized by a band of thieves led by an Almighty bandit named Ageshinkole. Concerned by his pillaging, the kingdom destroys him through the hunters, witches, and priests.
Led by Odunlade Adekola, the cast includes Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Salami, Joke Muyiwa, Toyin Abraham, and Lateef Adedimeji.
‘Sugar Rush’ – N287,053,270
This 2019 comedy used to be the fifth highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.
It is directed by Kayode Kasum and produced by GreOH Media, Jungle Filmworks and Empire Mates Entertainment.
Released on Christmas day, the theft comedy stars Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye. The sequel is currently in post-production.
