By Olayinka Akanbi
The Nigerian film industry is all set for another thrilling year filled with captivating movies and series that are about to light up our screens, and the effects were felt in Q1 of thus year.
In 2024, we saw some remarkable releases featuring emotional, gripping, and truly unique storytelling that took both cinemas and streaming platforms by storm.
Notably, Funke Akindele’s year-end hit, Everybody Loves Jenifa, made waves by raking in over N1.5bn, making it the fastest and highest-grossing film ever in Nigeria.
So far, in Q1 of 2025, a handful of cool Nollywood flicks like Summer Rain, Reel Love, Something About the Briggs, The Artifact: Stones of Fatima, The Presidency and Red Line, amongst others are already screening in cinemas nationwide.
Looking ahead, the year is shaping up to be an exciting year, packed with even more incredible stories, blockbuster hits, and projects that are sure to impress.
Looking for some exciting films to look forward to this year? Here are a few of Nollywood movies that are still warming up to hit the screens in 2025:
Recall
Prominent filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, is back with another thriller, Recall. Although it was screened last November at the All African Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
It had its international premiere in February 2025 at the recently-held International Festival of Film & Television of Ouagadougou in Burkina Fasso.
Its Nigerian premiere also held on Saturday March 29 at Afolayan’s KAP Hub in Ikeja, Lagos.
This psychological thriller is now gearing up for its Netflix release this year. The story revolves around Goke and Anita, whose relationship takes a mysterious and dramatic turn in unexpected ways. Produced by KAP Motion Pictures, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Sharon Ooja, Olarotimi Michael Fakunle, Bimbo Akintola, and Jimmy Jean-Louis. With Kunle Afolayan at the helm, you can bet this will be a standout movie!
I Do Not Come To You By Chance
Get ready for an exciting adaptation! Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s celebrated novel ‘I Do Not Come to You by Chance’ is set to hit the big screen too. Directed by Ishaya Bako and produced by the talented Genevieve Nnaji, this award-winning story is making its way to film. After making waves at TIFF 2023 and IFFR 2024, the movie dives into the life of Kingsley Ibe, a recent graduate who finds himself drawn into the world of cybercrime under the guidance of his uncle, Cash Daddy. With themes of family, sacrifice, and love, this film promises to deliver an emotional journey filled with powerful performances, all set for release in 2025.
Blood Sisters 2
The much-loved Netflix series is making a comeback with its eagerly-awaited second season, Blood Sisters 2. Directed by the talented duo of Daniel Oriahi and Kayode Kasum, this new chapter picks up with Kemi (played by Nancy Isime) and Sarah (Ini Dima-Okojie) facing even tougher challenges after the dramatic finale of season one, where Kemi accidentally took the life of Sarah’s abusive fiancé, Kola (Deyemi Okanlawon). In a recent social media update, Mo Abudu, the CEO of EbonyLife Media, teased that viewers could look forward to “more twists, turns, and edge-of-your-seat drama” in the upcoming season. Plus, “we’ll be introduced to some exciting new characters, including Michelle Dede, Ifeanyi Kalu, Ben Lugo T., Real Warri Pikin, Bolaji Ogunmola, and Mike Afolarin.”
King of Boys: Beginning of the End
Kemi Adetiba’s beloved franchise is set to return with another exciting sequel, King of Boys: Beginning of the End, hitting our screens this year. This critically acclaimed series has already captivated audiences for two seasons, and now it’s gearing up for a thrilling third season filled with even more action and suspense. Back in December 2024, Kemi Adetiba shared a teaser for the highly anticipated film, giving us a glimpse of the fierce Eniola Salami, portrayed by the talented Sola Sobowale, as she faces new challenges and strives for conquest. One thing is for sure: the upcoming King of Boys is bound to be packed with action and plenty of unexpected plot twists!
77: Festac Conspiracy
The historical drama 77: Festac Conspiracy directed by Izi Ojuwkwu, is set to make its global debut in 2025. This much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed film “76” dives deep into the events surrounding the iconic 1977 Second World Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC). The story follows an ex-serviceman, portrayed by the talented Ramsey Nouah, as he navigates a political movement that threatens to shake up the Nigerian FESTAC and the political landscape of Africa. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Seun Kuti, and Daniel K. Daniel, and it beautifully showcases the vibrant cultural heritage of Nigeria in the 1970s.
Red Circle
Get ready for another thrilling ride in Nollywood with the upcoming crime thriller Red Circle, brought to you by the talented Nora Awolowo, a winner at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA). This highly anticipated film, directed by Akay Mason and co-written and produced by Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, is set to grace our screens in June 2025. The cast features some of Nollywood’s best, including Femi Branch, Folu Storms, Tobi Bakre, Bukky Wright, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Mike Afolarin, and Timini Egbuson, among many others.
