Nollywood got off to a strong start in 2026, with several movies drawing large audiences to cinemas across Nigeria and earning impressive box-office figures.
From romantic dramas and family stories to historical epics and thrillers, filmmakers explored different genres while delivering some of the year’s biggest cinema hits. The first six months of the year also saw a number of actors and producers step behind the camera for the first time, with some of their projects becoming major commercial successes.
Leading the pack is Call of My Life, which has emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood movie released in 2026 so far. Other standout performers include Love and New Notes, The Return of Arinzo, Onobiren (A Woman’s Story), and Efunroye: The Unicorn.
Based on box-office figures recorded as of June 2026, here are the 10 highest-grossing Nollywood movies released in the first half of the year.
10. Aba Blues — ₦52.95 Million
Aba Blues rounds out the list with a box-office gross of ₦52.95 million.
Directed by Jack’enneth Opukeme and produced by FilmOne Studios and Inkblot Productions, the romantic drama is set in Aba in 1989. It follows Amara, a newly married woman whose life is turned upside down when her wealthy high-school sweetheart unexpectedly returns, forcing her to choose between her past and present.
The film stars Angel Anosike, Jide Kene Achufusi, Prince Nelson Enwerem, Toni Tones, Bimbo Akintola, Patience Ozokwor, Odunlade Adekola, and Eucharia Anunobi. Its emotional story and strong cast helped it secure a place among the year’s top-grossing Nollywood releases.
9. Alive Till Dawn — ₦74 Million
Released on January 30, 2026, Alive Till Dawn earned ₦74 million at the Nigerian box office.
Produced by Leo Obienyi and Uzor Arukwe and directed by Sulaiman Omotola Ogegbo, the thriller follows a group of survivors trying to stay alive after a sudden zombie outbreak throws an entire city into chaos.
The cast includes Uzor Arukwe, Sunshine Rosman, Michael Dappa, Chisom Agoawuike, and Sani Mu’azu. Distributed by Nile Entertainment, the film stood out for exploring a genre rarely seen in Nollywood cinemas.
8. The Boy Who Gave — ₦76.1 Million
Released on May 15, 2026, The Boy Who Gave became one of the surprise successes of the year, grossing more than ₦76.1 million.
Set on Bonny Island in the Niger Delta, the emotional drama tells the story of Idah, a teenage boy who takes responsibility for raising his younger siblings after the death of their parents. In the process, he sacrifices his education and personal dreams to keep his family together.
The film was written, directed, and led by newcomer Allison Precious Emmanuel. It also stars Tina Mba, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Chuks Joseph. Its touching story connected strongly with audiences and helped it break into the year’s top 10.
7. Ajosepo: The Gathering — ₦99.6 Million
Ajosepo: The Gathering narrowly missed the ₦100 million mark, ending its cinema run with ₦99.6 million.
The family drama centres on a wedding celebration that slowly descends into chaos as secrets, misunderstandings, and family tensions begin to surface.
Featuring a cast that includes Timini Egbuson, Bolaji Ogunmola, Mike Afolarin, Bisola Aiyeola, Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Aigbe, Yemi Solade, and Ronke Oshodi Oke, the film mixed romance, comedy, and family drama in a way that resonated with many viewers.
6. Mother’s Love — ₦103 Million
Released on March 6, 2026, Mother’s Love marked the directorial debut of veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and went on to gross ₦103 million.
The family drama follows Adebisi, a young woman from a wealthy Banana Island family whose sheltered upbringing is challenged when she begins her NYSC programme. As she navigates friendship, love, and independence, she also uncovers family secrets that change her life.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde stars as Labake, a protective mother struggling to keep her family together. The cast also includes Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Ifeanyi Kalu, Olumide Oworu, and Nosa Rex.
The film’s relatable themes and emotional story helped it become one of the biggest Nollywood releases of the first half of the year.
5. Efunroye: The Unicorn — ₦107.6 Million
Released on May 1, 2026, Efunroye: The Unicorn earned ₦107.6 million at the box office.
Produced by and starring Faithia Williams, the historical epic tells the story of Efunroye Tinubu, one of the most influential women in Yoruba history. The film follows her rise from trader to powerful political and economic figure, while also exploring her role in resisting early British colonial influence.
Directed by Abbey Lanre, Adebayo Tijani, and Tope Adebayo Salami, the film features a cast that includes Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, Ibrahim Chatta, Femi Adebayo, Saheed Balogun, Eniola Ajao, and Kolawole Ajeyemi.
Its rich cultural themes and historical focus attracted audiences and made it one of the year’s most successful films.
4. Onobiren (A Woman’s Story) — ₦138.2 Million
Released on March 6, 2026, Onobiren (A Woman’s Story) became one of Nollywood’s biggest inspirational dramas, earning ₦138.2 million.
Written by Laju Iren and directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, the film follows Roli, a young woman whose journey takes her from the fishing communities of Warri to Lagos in search of a better life.
Ruby Akubueze leads the cast alongside Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Desmond Bryce, Norbert Young, Tan P, Chude Jideonwo, and Myde Glover.
The film’s message of faith, resilience, and purpose resonated strongly with audiences, helping it become one of the standout cinema releases of 2026.
3. The Return of Arinzo — ₦347.8 Million
With a box-office gross of ₦347.8 million, The Return of Arinzo ranks as the third highest-grossing Nollywood movie released in the first half of 2026.
Released on April 3, 2026, the action-drama marked Iyabo Ojo’s directorial debut. She also starred in and executive produced the film.
The sequel follows a man who returns home with his fiancée to support his father’s presidential campaign, only for long-buried secrets linked to a 17-year-old scandal to resurface. As hidden truths begin to emerge, family relationships and political ambitions are put to the test.
The cast includes Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, William Benson, Bimbo Akintola, Uzor Arukwe, Yinka Quadri, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa.
Its mix of family drama, politics, and suspense helped keep audiences coming back to cinemas.
2. Love and New Notes — ₦400.1 Million
Released on February 13, 2026, Love and New Notes became one of Nollywood’s biggest hits of the year, earning ₦400.1 million.
Directed by Kayode Kasum and executive produced by Timini Egbuson, the romantic drama is set in Nigeria in 1984 during a period of economic uncertainty and currency exchange.
The story follows Boma and Chisom as they try to build a future together while dealing with love, pregnancy, money problems, and difficult choices that could change their lives forever.
Timini Egbuson and Sophie Alakija lead the cast alongside Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Badmus, Toluwani George, Constance Owoyomi, and Tobi Makinde.
The film’s mix of romance, nostalgia, and drama made it a favourite among cinema-goers and helped it become the second highest-grossing Nollywood release of the year so far.
1. Call of My Life — ₦524.7 Million
Topping the list is Call of My Life, which earned an impressive ₦524.7 million to become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie released in the first half of 2026.
Released on May 15, 2026, the romantic comedy marked the feature directorial debut of Dammy Twitch and was produced by Blessing Uzzi.
Written by and starring Uzoamaka Power, the film follows Soluchi, a hopeless romantic who is still recovering from heartbreak after being abandoned by her former partner. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a work-related phone call introduces her to Eli, opening the door to a new chance at love.
The cast also includes Andrew Yaw Bunting, Zubby Michael, and Beverly Osu.
With its relatable story, emotional moments, and strong performances, Call of My Life captured the attention of audiences across the country and finished well ahead of every other Nollywood release in the first half of 2026.
Conclusion
The first half of 2026 was a successful period for Nollywood, with audiences showing strong support for a wide range of stories on the big screen.
Romantic dramas dominated the box office, but historical epics, family dramas, inspirational stories, and even a zombie thriller also found their audience. The list also highlights the success of several first-time directors, including Dammy Twitch, Iyabo Ojo, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.
With six months still left in the year, new releases could change the rankings. For now, however, these 10 films stand as the highest-grossing Nollywood movies released in the first half of 2026 and a reflection of the industry’s continued growth at the box office.
