In Nollywood, box office hits are not analysed or talked about as other climes around the world. Sometimes, questions on how a movie is a box office hit, what does it take to be a box office hit and when it comes down to it, what does the Producer/Director get, what does the distribution company get etc always arises. How can you also judge if a movie is a box office hit or not?
These are some features to be on the lookout:
- Opening Weekend Performance: A strong start in ticket sales during the opening weekend often indicates a potential hit.
- Audience Reception: Positive reviews, audience feedback, and word-of-mouth play a significant role. High audience ratings and positive buzz tend to correlate with success.
- Revenue Trends: Monitoring the movie’s performance over time is crucial. Sustained ticket sales beyond the opening weekend signal a successful run.
- Budget vs. Earnings: Comparing a film’s production budget to its box office earnings helps determine profitability. A high earning relative to its budget is a positive sign.
- Industry Predictions: Expert forecasts, pre-release hype, and marketing strategies can also provide insights into a movie’s potential success.
5 Box Office Hit Nollywood Movies So Far
This list features the top 5 movies in Nollywood, ranked from highest to lowest grossing. Funke Akindele holds the top 3 spots. See what movies made the list:
1. A Tribe Called Judah (2023)
Box office: ₦1,060,711,491
Directed by: Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu
Written by: Funke Akindele, Collins Okoh, Akin Labi
Production company: Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network (FAAN)
Distributed by: FilmOne Distribution
Release date: 15th, December 2023
Starring: Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, and Olumide Oworu
A Tribe Called Judah follows Jedidah Judah (Funke Akindele), a single mother raising five sons from different fathers and tribes. While the first two sons (Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman) support her, the 3 others (Timini Egbuson, Tobi Makinde, Olumide Oworu) engage in troublesome behaviour.
When Jedidah falls ill, needing expensive treatment, the sons, facing financial struggles, plan a risky heist to save her. However, their plan goes awry when they encounter armed robbers during the robbery.
2. Battle on Buka Street (2022)
Box office: ₦668,423,056
Directors: Funke Akindele, Tobi Makinde
Written by: Funke Akindele, Jack’enneth Opukeme, Stephen Oluboyo, and Jemine Edukugbe
Production company: Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network (FAAN)
Distributed by: FilmOne Distribution
Release date: 16 December 2022
Starring: Funke Akindele, Mercy Johnson, Sola Sobowale, Tina Mba, Nkem Owoh, Femi Jacobs, and Kelvin Ikeduba
Yejide’s (Funke Akindele) buka faces rivalry when Awele (Mercy Johnson) opens a nearby shop, rooted in their mothers’ conflict. Their feud leads to sabotage, manipulating the town’s favour, and using their children against each other. Despite escalating dangers, a prison break triggers revelations, bringing reconciliation among the children and ending the rivalry, resulting in Yejide’s husband’s (Femi Jacobs) escape.
3. Omo Ghetto- The Saga (2020)
Box office: ₦636.1 million
Directed by: JJC Skillz and Funke Akindele
Screenplay by: Funke Akindele, Yinka Adebayo, Collins Okoh
Production company: Scene One Productions
Distributed by: FilmOne Distribution
Release date: 25 December 2020
Starring: Funke Akindele, Chioma Akpotha, Nancy Isime, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Thomas, Mercy Aigbe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Timini Egbuson, Alex Ekubo
Omo Ghetto: The Saga, a 2020 Nigerian gangster comedy film co-directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz, stars a cast including Funke Akindele, Chioma Akpota, Nancy Isime, and others. It’s the second instalment in the Omo Ghetto series, following the 2010 trilogy. Released on Christmas 2020, it received positive reviews, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian film of 2020, earning ₦468 million at the box office by January 26, 2021.
4. The Wedding Party (2016)
Box office: ₦452,288,605
Directed by: Kemi Adetiba
Screenplay by: Tosin Otudeko and Kemi Adetiba
Production companies: Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production, and Koga Studios
Distributed by: FilmOne Distributions
Release dates: 16 December 2016
Starring: Adesua Etomi, Banky Wellington, Richard Mofe Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Iretiola Doyle, Alibaba, Akporobome, Zainab Balogun, Beverly Naya, Somkele Iyamah, Jumoke George, Enyinna Nwigwe, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Daniella Down, Stephen Damien
The film follows Dunni and Dozie’s (Adesua Etomi and Banky Wellington) wedding day, marked by various tensions among their families. The morning sees last-minute preparations and family dramas unfold. During the ceremony, family dynamics intensify, especially due to Obianuju Onwuka’s disapproval. En route to the party, a discovery strains Dunni and Dozie’s relationship. The reception faces embarrassing incidents, leading to misunderstandings and Dunni’s sudden departure. The night unfolds with search efforts, revelations, reconciliations, and a joyful reunion at the wedding party.
5. The Wedding Party II (2017)
Box office: ₦433,197, 377
Directed by: Niyi Akinmolayan
Screenplay by: Naz Onuzo
Production companies: Ebonylife Films, FilmOne, Inkblot Production, and Koga Studios
Distributed by: FilmOne Distributions
Release date: 15 December 2017
Starring: Sola Sobowale, Banky Wellington, Adesua Etomi, Enyinna Nwigwe, Patience Ozokwor, Richard Mofe Damijo, Iretiola Doyle, Somkele Iyamah, Alibaba, Akporobome, Zainab Balogun, and Daniella Down
Dozie’s older brother Nonso continues dating Deadre, Dunni’s bridesmaid. While on a date in Dubai, Nonso accidentally proposes to Deadre. Despite a disastrous traditional engagement in Lagos, both families agree to a wedding in Dubai, albeit reluctantly.
Well, what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments about the movies on this list.
