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Nollywood’s 2026 cinema run has produced several major local hits, with some films reaching impressive box-office milestones earlier in the year.
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From romantic comedies and thrillers to family stories and dramas, this year’s biggest earners cover a wide range of genres.
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Some of the year’s biggest earners bring together familiar Nollywood stars, established filmmakers and newer faces in stories that have caught viewers’ attention.
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With more major releases still to come, the race for the year’s top spot is far from over.
August 13, (THEWILL) — Nollywood’s 2026 box office has already produced some big numbers. While December remains one of the biggest periods for Nigerian cinema, films released earlier in the year have also managed to pull impressive crowds and cross major earnings milestones.
From a romantic comedy that has broken into the top five highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time to sequels bringing back familiar stories and faces, this year’s biggest releases have taken very different approaches to winning audiences.
According to figures from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), these are the five highest-grossing Nollywood films of 2026 so far, ranked by their reported cumulative box-office earnings.
And with several months still left in the year, the list could change before 2026 comes to an end.
Here are the films leading the 2026 Nollywood box office so far.
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1. “Call of My Life”
“Call of My Life” currently sits at the top of the 2026 box office, with ₦855 million in earnings.
Directed by Dammy Twitch and written by Uzoamaka Power, the romantic comedy stars Power alongside Andrew Yaw Bunting, Beverly Osu, Zubby Michael, Broda Shaggi, Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor.
The film follows Soluchi, a hopeless romantic trying to move on after being left by her former lover. A work call introduces her to Eli, and their growing connection gives her another chance at the kind of love she has always wanted.
Its strong cinema run has pushed the film into the record books, making it the fifth highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time and the first to reach that level outside the December holiday period.
2. “The Return of Arinzo”
Coming in at number two is Iyabo Ojo’s “The Return of Arinzo”, which has earned ₦351.4 million.
The film marks Ojo’s directorial debut, with the writing credited to Iyabo Ojo and Yakubu Olawale Moshood. It features Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Scarlet Gomez, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Iyabo Ojo.
The thriller follows a rising actor who returns home with his fiancée to support his father’s presidential campaign. Her arrival brings a buried scandal back to the surface, opening questions around Arinzo’s death, hidden identities and a powerful political family.
The mix of suspense, family drama and a large ensemble cast has helped the sequel become one of the biggest Nigerian releases of the year.
3. “Love and New Notes”
“Love and New Notes” takes the third spot with ₦235.1 million.
Directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Stephen Okonkwo, the period romance stars Timini Egbuson, Sophie Alakija, Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Badmus and Ayoola Akinyoola.
Set in 1984 Nigeria during the country’s currency change, the film follows Boma and Chisom, a young couple whose relationship and plans for the future are tested by financial pressure and the uncertainty surrounding them. As they navigate love, money and difficult choices, the story explores how a major change in the country can affect the lives of ordinary people.
The film combines romance with a period setting, telling a love story against the backdrop of a major moment in Nigeria’s history. It also made a strong start at the box office, opening with more than ₦100 million during its Valentine’s weekend run.
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4. “Ajosepo 2: The Gathering”
“Ajosepo 2: The Gathering” ranks fourth after earning ₦156.8 million.
Kayode Kasum directs the sequel, with Feyifunmi Oginni and Ifeoluwa Olujuyigbe credited for the writing and story development. The cast includes Timini Egbuson, Bolaji Ogunmola, Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Mercy Aigbe, Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abraham and Mike Afolarin.
The story picks up two years after the first film, bringing the families together again for another wedding. But the celebration quickly turns chaotic when the wedding planner disappears with the wedding budget, leaving everyone to deal with old tensions, secrets and a ceremony that could fall apart.
The family comedy-drama completed its theatrical run with a strong showing, making it one of the year’s notable local releases.
5. “Onobiren: A Woman’s Story”
Rounding out the list is “Onobiren: A Woman’s Story”, which has crossed the ₦100 million mark with ₦100.5 million.
Written by Laju Iren and directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, the drama stars Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Chude Jideonwo and Norbert Young.
The film follows Roli, a young woman who moves from Warri to Lagos while trying to build a life of her own. As she navigates tradition, expectations, ambition and the challenges that come with starting over, her journey becomes a story of resilience and self-discovery.
Its performance is particularly notable for a mid-year drama centred on a more intimate story of womanhood, making “Onobiren” one of the Nigerian films to cross the ₦100 million mark this year.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
