By Milcah Tanimu
Nollywood has continued to set new benchmarks in 2024, with each month bringing fresh hits to the box office. Here are the top 10 highest-grossing Nigerian movies this year, based on Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) data:
1. **Queen Lateefah** (₦260M)
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, this drama features Wumi Toriola as a high-society woman hiding a troubled past. The film broke records, earning over ₦57 million in its first weekend and continues to top the charts.
2. **Ajosepo** (₦257.2M)
Directed by Kayode Kasum, this comedy-drama centers around wedding tensions. With a star-studded cast, the movie quickly climbed to the second-highest-grossing film with ₦257.2 million.
3. **Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds** (₦252.8M)
A Yoruba-language epic directed by Odunlade Adekola, telling the tale of a king’s search for an heir. It earned over ₦100 million in its first five days, solidifying its place in the top 3.
4. **Lakatabu** (₦202.2M)
Odunlade Adekola’s crime thriller captivated audiences with its intense storyline, earning a significant ₦168 million in July alone.
5. **Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti** (₦157M)
This biopic, led by Bolanle Austen-Peters, tells the story of a Nigerian activist and has become an audience favorite with a gross of ₦157 million.
6. **Muri & Ko** (₦136M)
This comedy-drama starring Kunle Remi and Bisola Aiyeola tells the story of a street hustler and earned ₦136 million after just a few weeks in cinemas.
7. **Blacksmith: Alagbede** (₦103.7M)
A Yoruba drama-comedy about a blacksmith’s love for a school teacher, the film grossed ₦103.7 million and won over fans with its unique storyline.
8. **All’s Fair in Love** (₦132M)
Produced by Deyemi Okanlawon, this romantic drama about two friends competing for the same woman earned a solid ₦132 million.
9. **What About Us** (₦103.7M)
Directed by Kayode Kasum, this relationship drama earned ₦103.7 million and is well-regarded for its complex storyline.
10. **Farmer’s Bride** (₦138M)
Set in 1980s Ibadan, this tale of love and betrayal grossed ₦138 million and remains popular across Nigerian cinemas.
These films showcase Nollywood’s diversity and its ability to captivate audiences with fresh, compelling stories.
