The Nigerian box office recorded an unprecedented performance in April 2025, generating a gross box office (GBO) revenue of ₦1.29 billion and attracting over 240,000 admissions across 47 film titles, according to a recent film business intelligence report by The Nile Group. This remarkable achievement marks a 62.5% increase in revenue and a 13.4% rise in admissions compared to April 2024, defying the traditional dominance of the December/January period for cinema earnings in Nigeria.
The surge was largely driven by the stellar performances of Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller Sinners and the Nigerian film Ori: The Rebirth, which captivated audiences and set the stage for an even more promising outing in May.
The Nile Group’s report highlighted the exceptional turnout, noting that April’s success was driven by a combination of international blockbusters and compelling local content. Sinners, a Warner Bros. production starring Michael B. Jordan, emerged as a box office heavyweight, grossing ₦445.9 million by May 5, 2025, after three weekends in Nigerian cinemas. The film, which premiered on April 18, 2025, earned ₦79.5 million in its opening weekend alone, outperforming all other titles during that period, as reported by Film One Entertainment.
Its staying power was evident, with a mere 6% drop in its second weekend globally, pulling in ₦269.9 million in Nigeria by April 27. The film’s rich storytelling, rooted in Yoruba mythology, resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences, contributing to its global earnings of $236.7 million by May 4, 2025.
Ori: The Rebirth, a new Nigerian release, also made a significant impact, debuting with ₦78.3 million over the weekend of May 2–4, 2025, and reaching a cumulative total of ₦97.8 million.
Its strong opening suggests a growing appetite for high-quality indigenous films among Nigerian moviegoers. The success of Ori: The Rebirth aligns with the broader trend of Nollywood’s rising influence, as evidenced by the performance of other local hits like Owambe Thieves (₦160.5 million) and Makemation (₦70 million) in the same period.
Nigerian Box Office surge in April builds on a strong Q1 2025
The April 2025 box office surge reflects a broader recovery and growth trajectory for Nigeria’s cinema industry. The first quarter of 2025 reportedly generated ₦3.48 billion, a 132% increase from Q1 2023, with 661,801 admissions, up 10.9% from Q1 2024. This upward trend continued into April, fuelled by a compelling lineup of films and an expanding network of over 100 cinemas nationwide.
The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) noted that the growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and a youthful population with a strong interest in cinematic experiences have bolstered attendance. The introduction of modern multiplex cinemas in major cities like Lagos and Abuja has further enhanced the moviegoing experience, attracting diverse audiences.
Industry analysts attribute April’s breakout to the synergy between international and local films. Sinners benefitted from glowing reviews, a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, and an A CinemaScore, making it the first R-rated horror film to achieve such a rating. Its cultural resonance, particularly through its incorporation of Yoruba spiritual traditions, struck a chord with Nigerian viewers.
Meanwhile, Ori: The Rebirth and other Nollywood titles capitalised on the industry’s growing reputation for producing commercially viable films, following in the footsteps of 2024 blockbusters like Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa (₦1.88 billion) and A Tribe Called Judah.
The competitive landscape also played a role, with Warner Bros. dominating the market by commanding 64% of the Easter weekend box office, thanks to Sinners and A Minecraft Movie (₦40.5 million in its third weekend).
Other notable performers included Thunderbolts (₦74 million) and Aso Ebi Diaries (₦62.1 million), reflecting a diverse range of genres appealing to Nigerian audiences. The re-release of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and the debut of The Accountant 2 further contributed to the robust weekend grosses, with the industry recording $146 million globally for the April 25–27 frame.
Looking ahead, industry observers are optimistic about May 2025, with The Nile Group predicting an even stronger performance. The sustained momentum of Sinners, the promising debut of Ori: The Rebirth, and upcoming releases are expected to drive further growth.
“April was huge, but May is set to be even bigger!” exclaimed a post from @NGAboxoffice, reflecting the excitement surrounding the Nigerian box office’s trajectory.
As Nollywood continues to innovate and international studios recognise Nigeria’s market potential, the country’s cinema industry is poised for a transformative year.
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