Nollywood hits defy global giants at weekend box office

Funke Akindele’s Behind the scene (BTS)has continued to dominate the domestic box office, raking in N113.1 million in its sixth weekend (16th-18th Jan), pushing its cumulative gross to an unprecedented N2.29 billion. This has seen her surpass Hollywood blockbusters such as Avatar 3 in its fifth consecutive week, newcomer ‘28 Years Later’, and ‘Anacoda’.

The film’s success underscores the growing prowess of Nollywood, where local productions are increasingly outpacing Hollywood imports in audience appeal and revenue. Released on December 12, 2025, “Behind The Scenes” is a poignant drama directed by Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, exploring the theme of “black tax” – the cultural expectation for successful individuals to financially support extended family networks.

Its relatable narrative on family pressures, self-sacrifice, and boundaries has resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences, drawing 385,689 total admissions to date.

BTS became the fastest West African film to cross N1 billion, achieving the milestone in under two weeks, and later shattered the N2 billion barrier, a first for any Nollywood or West African production.

Beyond Nigeria, it has grossed over $301,505 in North America and £134,879 in the UK and Ireland, making it the top Nollywood earner in those markets.

Hot on BTS’s heels during the week in review is Toyin Abraham’s oversabi Aunty which secured second place with N53.3 million over the weekend, bringing its five-week total to N951.1 million and total admissions to 164,563. Directed and produced by Abraham, the comedy-drama follows an overzealous aunt whose meddling in family affairs leads to hilarious chaos.  As it inches toward the N1 billion mark, a feat it could achieve in the coming weeks, Abraham is poised to become the second Nollywood producer after Akindele to helm a billion-naira blockbuster.

‘Oversabi Aunty’ remains the fourth-highest-grossing Nigerian film ever, surpassing classics like ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ (N636 million).

Abraham’s track record, including hits like “Malaika,” highlights her rising influence in an industry where female-led productions are thriving.

The top 10 chart reveals a mix of local dominance and Hollywood challenges. In third place, James Cameron’s ‘Avatar 3: Fire and Ash’ earned N24.9 million in its fifth week, with a cumulative N590.7 million and 82,109 total admissions. The sci-fi epic’s performance, while solid, pales against Nollywood’s comedic holdovers, signalling shifting audience preferences toward culturally resonant stories amid economic pressures.

Debuting at fourth is the horror sequel ‘28 Years Later’, directed by Danny Boyle, which opened to N9.5 million and 1,467 admissions. As a new entry, it faces stiff competition from family-oriented films, struggling to build buzz in a market favouring laughs over scares.  Fifth spot goes to ‘Colours of Fire’, a Nollywood drama in its fourth week, grossing N6.9 million for a total of N134 million and 21,983 admissions. Produced by Anthill Studios and directed by Yemi Filmboy Morafa, it explores themes of passion and betrayal, maintaining steady viewership through word-of-mouth.

Anacoda’, another fourth-week holdover, follows at sixth with N6.3 million weekly, totalling N79.8 million and 12,058 admissions. This thriller about survival in the wild has niche appeal but lacks the broad draw of comedies. Seventh is ‘Greenland 2: Migration,’ a sequel to the disaster franchise, earning N6.2 million in its second week for N21.6 million total and 3,285 admissions. Its modest numbers reflect limited marketing in Nigeria.

Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ clings to eighth in its eighth week, adding N4.4 million to reach N200.3 million with 33,966 admissions. The animated family film has enjoyed longevity but is waning against fresh releases. Ninth is a Very Dirty December Festive comedy in week five, with N3.8 million weekly, N134.4 million total, and 22,660 admissions. It capitalised on holiday vibes but is now tapering off. Rounding out the top 10 is ‘Warlord’, an epic drama in its eighth week, grossing N1.6 million for N156.8 million total and 31,447 admissions.

This week’s chart, compiled by Nigerian Box Office, highlights Nollywood’s resurgence, with local films occupying six of the top 10 spots. Total weekend grosses reached approximately N229.8 million, driven by comedies that tap into everyday Nigerian experiences. 

As economic factors like inflation push audiences toward value-for-money entertainment, experts predict continued growth for homegrown stories. With BTS and Oversabi Aunty leading the charge, 2026 could mark Nollywood’s most lucrative year yet, with upcoming titles and coming in, proving that when it comes to box office battles, local talent reigns supreme.

Culled from Bussinesday