Nollywood delivered one of its most diverse and ambitious slates in years in 2025, producing films that cut across romance, history, thrillers, crime, and deeply personal dramas. While not every release hit the mark, several stood out for bold storytelling, strong performances, and fresh creative vision.
A year-end review of the industry’s output highlights 10 films that generated critical buzz and kept audiences talking long after the credits rolled.
10. The Masked King
Set in precolonial Nigeria, The Masked King tells the story of a ruthless ruler, King Ensa, whose reign of terror forces his mother, the queen, to choose between loyalty to her son and the survival of her people. Directed by Uduak-Obong Patrick, the historical drama earned praise for its immersive production design and powerful performances from Daniel Etim Effiong and Shaffy Bello.
9. Reel Love
Directed by Kayode Kasum, this romantic comedy follows a relationship influencer whose career is threatened by scandal. A staged romance meant to save his image spirals into genuine feelings, creating emotional chaos. Reel Love stood out for its humour, chemistry between the leads, and modern take on online fame. The film is currently streaming on Kava TV.
8. The Herd
In this gritty thriller directed by Daniel Etim Effiong, a celebratory wedding night turns into a fight for survival after a group of friends is kidnapped. The film confronts themes of insecurity, corruption, and organ trafficking, offering an unfiltered reflection of Nigeria’s darker realities. The Herd is available on Netflix.
7. Red Circle
Akay Mason’s crime thriller centres on an investigative journalist who uncovers a powerful criminal network, only to find the story hitting dangerously close to home. With Folu Storms in the lead role, Red Circle explores the price of truth and the risks faced by journalists determined to challenge power.
6. Over the Bridge
This psychological thriller follows a successful Lagos investment banker whose mental health deteriorates as corruption and pressure overwhelm him. Directed by Tolu Ajayi, the film earned recognition for its sensitive portrayal of mental illness and a strong performance by Ozzy Agu.
5. Blackout
Directed by Okechukwu Oku, Blackout tells the unsettling story of a woman who wakes up with no memory, married to a stranger and living a life she does not recognise. As disturbing truths emerge, the film explores identity, control, and psychological manipulation, leaving viewers deeply unsettled.
4. Freedom Way
Freedom Way examines how hostile policies and police corruption crush a ride-hailing start-up created to support okada riders. Directed by Afolabi Olalekan, the film uses interconnected characters to show how governance failures impact ordinary Nigerians struggling to survive within a broken system.
3. The Fire and the Moth
Taiwo Egunjobi’s visually striking crime drama follows a smuggler trying to transport a stolen Ife bronze head through a dangerous border town. As rivals close in, the film blends suspense, culture, and moral ambiguity. The Fire and the Moth is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
2. My Mother Is a Witch
This emotional drama centres on a fashion editor forced to confront unresolved trauma after returning home to face her estranged mother. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film is driven by intense performances from Efe Irele and Mercy Aigbe, offering a raw exploration of generational pain and reconciliation. It is available on Kava TV.
1. My Father’s Shadow
Topping the list is Akinola Davies Jr’s My Father’s Shadow, a deeply moving drama set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 political crisis. The film follows a struggling Lagos mechanic navigating a single day with his two sons, turning an ordinary moment into a powerful meditation on love, responsibility, and survival. The film has also been selected as the UK’s official Oscar entry.
Advertisement
