Nollywood is on fire in 2025! From epic tales of ancient heroes to pulse-pounding thrillers and heartwarming romances, this year’s top Nigerian movies are breaking records and winning hearts across the world. Whether you’re a diehard film buff or just looking for your next binge, these 10 Nollywood films are redefining African storytelling and deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Below, we break down each standout movie—no spoilers, just enough to get you hooked!
1. The Fire and The Moth
Running Time: 2h 10m
Director: Taiwo Egunjobi
Genre: Crime Thriller
Where to Watch: Prime Video
What happens when a simple heist spirals into a deadly game of survival? The Fire and The Moth opens with a museum robbery gone wrong, thrusting Saba (Tayo Faniran) into a desperate race against time. With a priceless Ife bronze in his possession and both corrupt police and foreign mercenaries on his tail, Saba’s mission to save his father’s life becomes a fight for his own survival.
This film stands out for its gritty realism, explosive action, and a narrative that weaves together themes of greed, legacy, and fate. Each scene crackles with tension, and the Lagos border town setting adds a layer of authenticity that keeps you glued to the screen.
2. Lisabi: A Legend Is Born
Running Time: 2h 15m
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Genre: Epic, Historical Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
If you love epic sagas, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born is your ticket to ancient Yoruba history brought to life. The film follows Lisabi (Lateef Adedimeji), a legendary Egba warrior whose supernatural destiny is shaped by the sacrifices of his mother and the blessings of the gods. As Egba and Oyo forces clash in a battle for survival, Lisabi’s journey is marked by betrayal, loss, and a final act of self-sacrifice that cements his place in legend.
The visuals are stunning, the battle scenes intense, and the emotional stakes sky-high. This sequel’s rapid climb to Netflix’s number one spot proves its universal appeal.
3. Something About The Briggs
Running Time: 2h 5m
Director: Bisola Ogunsola
Genre: Family Drama
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Step into the world of the Briggs, a powerful Nigerian family torn apart by ambition, tradition, and the struggle for control. Chief Briggs (Nobert Young) casts a long shadow over his three sons: the loyal traditionalist (Stan Nze), the innovative entrepreneur (Daniel Etim Effiong), and the rebellious youngest (Elma Mbadiwe). As family secrets unravel and external threats close in, the Briggs’ internal conflicts mirror the evolving face of modern Nigeria.
With its blend of suspense, humor, and emotional depth, Something About The Briggs is a masterclass in family drama, offering a nuanced look at generational trauma and the price of legacy.
4. Love In Every Word
Running Time: 1h 55m
Director: Stanley Obi
Genre: Romance
Where to Watch: YouTube
For those who believe in love at first sight, Love In Every Word is a must-watch. Chioma (Bamike “Bambam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan) is trying to move on from heartbreak when she meets Obiora (Uzor Arukwe) in Anambra. Their chemistry is instant, but Chioma is determined to guard her heart—until fate keeps bringing them together. When Obiora declares his intentions with no games or talking stage, the whirlwind romance that follows is both refreshing and deeply moving.
What makes this film shine is its unapologetic embrace of big romantic gestures and the magic of serendipity, making it a favorite for romantics everywhere.
5. My Mother Is a Witch
Running Time: 2h 00m
Director: Biodun Stephen
Genre: Family, Drama
Where to Watch: Cinemas
When a UK-based designer returns to Nigeria after her mother’s death, she’s forced to confront long-buried family secrets and the weight of generational trauma. My Mother Is a Witch blends drama with elements of the supernatural, offering a poignant exploration of grief, forgiveness, and cultural identity. Mercy Aigbe delivers a powerhouse performance that will leave you reaching for tissues.
6. Red Circle
Running Time: 1h 50m
Director: Akay Mason
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Where to Watch: Cinemas
Red Circle follows investigative journalist Fikayo Holloway (Folu Storms) as she dives into the deadly underworld of Lagos crime syndicates. With every clue, the danger mounts, and Fikayo must decide how far she’s willing to go for the truth. The film’s fast pace, sharp dialogue, and gritty visuals make it a standout in the crime thriller genre.
7. Blackout
Running Time: 2h 03m
Director: Okechukwu Oku
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Where to Watch: TBA
NYSC corper Judith wakes up in a life she doesn’t recognize, surrounded by people who claim to know her. As she struggles to piece together her identity, the lines between reality and illusion blur. Blackout is a mind-bending journey filled with twists, suspense, and a haunting love story at its core.
8. The Masked King
Running Time: 2h 20m
Director: Uduak-Obong Patrick
Genre: Historical Drama
Where to Watch: TBA
Set in 19th-century Cross River, The Masked King tells the story of twins caught in a web of power, taboo, and rebellion. The film’s lush cinematography and powerful performances bring to life a forgotten chapter of Nigerian history, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the price of freedom.
9. Conversation In Transit
Running Time: 1h 45m
Director: Robert Peters
Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: CircuitTV
A marriage unravels in real time aboard a moving train in Conversation In Transit. With nowhere to hide and only each other for company, a couple is forced to confront their deepest fears and regrets. The film’s real-time format and raw, dialogue-driven storytelling make it a riveting watch.
10. Fine Wine
Running Time: 1h 52m
Director: Seyi Babatope
Genre: Romance
Where to Watch: TBA
If you love stories of forbidden romance, Fine Wine is for you. Richard Mofe-Damijo stars as a wealthy divorcé who falls for a much younger woman (Ego Nwosu), challenging societal norms and expectations. The chemistry between the leads and the film’s witty script make it a standout in the romance genre.
Why These Nollywood Movies Are Going Viral
- Diverse Genres: From epic battles to psychological suspense and swoon-worthy romance, there’s something for every taste.
- Stellar Casts: Top talents like Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Bamike “Bambam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, and Richard Mofe-Damijo deliver unforgettable performances.
- Global Reach: With streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, these films are reaching audiences worldwide.
- Cultural Depth: These movies don’t just entertain—they spark conversations about history, family, love, and what it means to be Nigerian today.
Ready for Your Next Nollywood Movie Night?
Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-stopping thriller, a tearjerker, or a feel-good romance, Nollywood’s 2025 lineup has you covered. Add these films to your playlist and join the global wave celebrating Nigerian cinema at its best!
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