The year 2025 has proven to be a landmark period for Nollywood, with Nigerian filmmakers delivering exceptional content that showcases remarkable growth in storytelling, production quality, and international recognition. The industry continues to evolve, presenting audiences with diverse genres ranging from historical epics to contemporary thrillers that reflect modern Nigerian realities.
Nollywood's Creative Renaissance in 2025
Nigerian cinema has reached new heights this year, with filmmakers demonstrating bold creativity and technical sophistication. The standout productions of 2025 feature refined direction, complex character development, and narratives that resonate both locally and globally. This creative explosion highlights Nollywood's expanding role in shaping African storytelling on the world stage.
The Must-See Nollywood Films of 2025
Devil Is a Liar emerges as a powerful romantic thriller directed by Moses Inwang. The film features Nse Ikpe-Etim as Adaora, a successful realtor who falls for the charming but manipulative Jaiye, played by James Gardiner. This intense drama explores emotional manipulation and the difficult journey toward reclaiming personal autonomy, with supporting performances from Erica Nlewedim, Mercy Aigbe, and Nancy Isime.
Lísàbí: A Legend Is Born represents Niyi Akinmolayan's sweeping historical epic about Nigerian hero Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala. Starring Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe "Mo Bimpe" Adedimeji, and Odunlade Adekola, the film chronicles the warrior's journey from humble beginnings to leading the Egba people against corrupt rulers and colonial powers. The production stands out for its grand visuals, traditional music, and rich cultural authenticity.
To Kill a Monkey breaks new ground as an eight-episode Netflix series created by Kemi Adetiba. This gripping crime drama follows William Benson as Efemini, a struggling programmer drawn into Lagos's cyber-fraud underworld. The ensemble cast includes Bucci Franklin, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, and Lilian Afegbai, creating a tense exploration of ambition versus ethics in digital-age Nigeria.
Compelling Dramas Dominating the Scene
My Mother Is a Witch, another Niyi Akinmolayan masterpiece, tells the emotional story of Adesuwa, a London-based fashion editor returning to Benin City after her mother's death. Featuring Nike Adams, Mercy Aigbe, Neo Akpofure, and Osazuwa Christabel, the film beautifully examines family reconciliation, cultural expectations, and the clash between modern and traditional worldviews.
Red Circle delivers pulse-pounding suspense under Akay Mason's direction. This crime thriller stars Bukky Wright as Fikayo Holloway, an investigative journalist from a prominent Lagos family who risks everything to expose a powerful crime syndicate. The impressive cast includes Lateef Adedimeji, Timini Egbuson, and Tobi Bakre in a story that masterfully blends political tension with personal stakes.
The Masked King transports viewers to colonial-era Nigeria in Uduak-Obong Patrick's historical epic. The film centers on Prince Ana, portrayed by Uzor Arukwe, whose betrayal threatens his Efik kingdom, forcing his mother to choose between protecting her son or saving their people. With Daniel Etim-Effiong, Shaffy Bello, and Gideon Okeke completing the cast, the production dazzles with ornate costumes, symbolic masks, and striking cinematography.
Something About the Briggs completes the top selections with its compelling family drama and romance directed by Bukola Ogunsola. The narrative follows Sophie Briggs, who rejects a marriage proposal due to her family's history of failed relationships. Daniel Etim-Effiong plays her determined suitor Chuks Obi, with Ariyiike Owolagba, Linda Ejiofor, and Rita Dominic rounding out the cast in this exploration of generational trauma and reconciliation.
Where to Watch These Nollywood Gems
For streaming enthusiasts, To Kill a Monkey and Devil Is a Liar stand out as the best Nollywood titles available on Netflix in 2025. Both productions have garnered attention for their strong performances, high production values, and relevant social commentary that reflects contemporary Nigerian experiences.
The biggest Nollywood movies of the year, including The Masked King, Something About the Briggs, Red Circle, and Lísàbí: A Legend Is Born, have achieved both critical acclaim and significant audience engagement across Nigeria and international markets.
These exceptional films demonstrate Nollywood's continued maturation as an industry that values authentic storytelling, creative innovation, and meaningful cultural representation. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to historically significant epics, each title contributes to the evolving identity of Nigerian cinema while expanding the global perception of African storytelling capabilities.
