Highest Grossing Nollywood Movies of 2023

When it comes to the Nigerian cinema, there’s a buzz that every movie enthusiast eagerly awaits. It’s the list of the highest grossing Nollywood movies. These films capture the hearts of audiences and set new records at the box office. They represent the pinnacle of success in the Nollywood film industry.

These movies, with their captivating stories and talented casts, achieve something extraordinary. They not only entertain but also rake in substantial earnings, making them the top earners in Nollywood for a particular year. Every year, Nollywood surprises us with fresh tales, and the highest grossing Nollywood movies reveal which ones have struck a chord with audiences. 

This article will look at the list of the highest grossing movies in 2023 that have climbed to the summit of success. Let’s dive in.

Orisa  – N125m

At the forefront of this cinematic movement is Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola, whose epic-action film “Orisa” has taken the crown as the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2023. With a successful nine-week run in cinemas, “Orisa” has amassed an impressive ₦125.3 million in earnings and is poised for even greater success. 

The film’s storyline revolves around a once-revered king who loses his respect for the gods and his people, descending into madness. Starring Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Idowu Phillips, and Jide Kosoko, “Orisa” exemplifies Nollywood’s commitment to providing audiences with captivating and memorable cinematic experiences.

Kesari – 66m

Kesari, an action-packed movie, was initially released on YouTube in 2018 and gained significant popularity, leading to two sequels: Kesari 2, Return of Kesari, and Return of Kesari 2. The filmmaker then transformed the project into a grand cinematic experience titled Kesari: The King. This blockbuster film, now in its fifth week at the cinema, has already raked in an impressive N66.1 million.

Masterfully crafted by director Ibrahim Yekini, the movie stars a stellar cast, including Mr Macaroni, Deyemi Okolanwon, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Odunlade Adekola, and Yvonne Jegede. Kesari, released on August 25th, is a must-watch for fans of action-packed cinema. Kesari is all about the captivating tale of a man who was revered as a god but later descended into the world of gangsters, only to find himself running from the law.

The Kujus Again- N53m

The family-comedy drama, The Kujus Again, as directed by Biodun Stephen was a sequel to the film, Introducing the Kujus which gained massive reception in 2020. After six weeks at the theatres according to CEAN, The Kujus Again which received even, more accolades grossed about ₦53,538,450.

The movie is about a family who gathered at a hotel resort for a traditional wedding ceremony and things went south on the course of the event. The movie stars are Bisola Aiyeola, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, and Ronke Odusanya among others.

Big Love- N48m

Big Love, a film that made it one of the highest grossing Nollywood movies in 2023 is a romantic comedy of the story of an independent woman who fell in love while in a bid to be a better version of herself. Having recorded a whopping sum of 48,466,373 at the box office, the film directed by Biodun Stephens stars cast like Shaffy Bello, Jaiye Kuti, and Seyi Awolowo.

Love In A Pandemic- N46m

The movie, which was produced by Bleeding Heart Production along with filmOne, grossed about N46,479,700 since hitting the cinema in February. The movie which features stars like Nancy Isime, Deyemi Okanlawon, Teniola Aladese, Ronke Odusanya, and Eso Dike is about a woman, Bolanle Davis who meets Alex, the man she wants but is confused about how their love would play out during the trying time of a pandemic, the covid 19.

The Bride Price-N30m

The Bride Price revolves around Obiora (Zubby Michael), a mechanic with minimal education, who cuts ties with his wife’s family following an exorbitant bride price he was forced to pay. The film, released in May 2023, generated a total revenue of ₦30,586,205 during its 12-week theatrical run. The cast boasts renowned actors like Nkem Owoh, Olayode Juliana, and Ebele Okaro.

Domitilla: The Reboot 45

Domitilla who was perceived as a remake of the original story by Zeb Ejiro made it to one of the highest grossing Nollywood movies. Since its release in April 2023, Domitilla: The Reboot raked a total of ₦45,113,750 after over 20 weeks run at the cinema.

The movie is centered on the dangerous world of sex workers with studded casts such as Eniola Aladese, Elvina Ibru, Chiwetalu Agu, Deyemi Okanlawon, Stan Nze and Onyinye Odokoro.