Top 10 Nigerian Nollywood Cinema Movies That Broke Box Office Records Last Year
2018 was a successful year for many Nollywood actors and actresses. Many of them had a very successful year with several top-grossing movie productions and features, while a host of others had a year to forget. In this article, we will be looking at the top 10 Nollywood movies in 2018.
With the recent buzz and fanfare surrounding Genevieve's Lionheart, the Nigerian movie scene has, without, gained significant global prominence. And this is expected to enhance the viewership of Nollywood movies this year (2019).
However, while Lionheart is arguably the movie of the year, a host of other Nigerian movies had equal or even better story lines, thrills and excitement. Let us take a look at some of these movies.
1. Lionheart
Lionheart is an ingenious production of Nigerian movie goddess, Genevieve Nnaji. The movie was released sometime in September last year (2018). And it was subsequently acquired by Netflix, an American movie-streaming giant.
Lionheart tells the story of Adaeze (the lead character – Genevieve Nnaji), who had to put up with the excesses of her uncle (Godswill), while, at the same time, striving to effectively manage her father’s business.
2. New Money
New Money is another top grossing Nollywood movie in 2018. The movie was released in March, 2018 by Inkblot Productions, and it was directed by Tope Oshin Ogun.
On cast are some of the most prominent names in the Nigerian movie industry, including Kate Henshaw, Jemima Osunde, Dakore Akande, Kalu Ikweagu, Folarin Falana (Falz), Wale Ojo, Osas Ighodaro, Wofai Fada and more.
3. King of Boys
King of Boys rocked the Nigerian movie scene upon its release on October 20, 2018. It is a "Politicsthemed" movie, which was written and directed by popular movie producer Kemi Adetiba.
According to recent estimates, King of Boys is the 5th highest grossing Nollywood movie, with a gross revenue of over 200,000,000 million Naira.
4. Mummy Dearest: The Wedding
"The Wedding" is one of the top Nollywood movies that hit the market in 2018. It was produced & directed by Willis Ikedum and released on March 9, 2018.
Mummy Dearest: The Wedding illustrates the life of a man, Chijioke, who was appointed to head his company's project in his home town of Port Harcourt. This motivated him to propose to his girlfriend – Boma. Their union, however, was not blessed by Chijioke's mother – Rose.
The movie is filled with thrills, scorns and romance. It is one you would definitely want to see.
5. Royal Hibiscus Hotel
Royal Hibiscus Hotel is arguably one of the most talked about movies in 2018, basically because of its dual-styled theme and star-packed cast. The movie was directed by Ishaka Bello, and produced by Temidayo Abudu.
The movie illustrates the life of a young lady, Ope, who returned to Nigeria from the UK and was caught between fulfilling the needs of his father to sell off the family hotel and his mum who wants her to get married.
6. Black Rose
Black Rose is one of the most intriguing Nollywood movies in 2018. The movie was released in June 2018. And it was directed and produced by Okechukwu Oku.
The movie's cast include Ebele Okaro, Swanky J.K.A, Blossom Chukujekwu, Lilian Echelon, and Betty Bellor.
7. Alexandra
"Alexandra" is a Nollywood/Hollywood movie that illustrates the life of Africans living overseas. The movie was directed by Robert Peters and produced by Freda Steffl. It first debuted in the US in April before hitting the Nigerian market about a month later in May.
The movie portrays the life of a young, beautiful Nigerian lady who met an American man online and instantly fell in love with him. She later moved to the US to be with her American lover and that is when everything started going wrong for her.
8. Sergeant Tutu
"Sergeant Tutu" is a 2018 Nollywood classic, which illustrates the travails of a Nigerian Police sergeant, who was caught between carrying out his duties with diligence, while, at the same, answering to a corrupt boss.
The movie was released on January 26, 2018 by Royal Wall Studio. The action-packed comedy movie features popular comedian – Funnybone (Stanley Chibunna), who adopted the lead role of Sergeant Tutu. Also on cast is Uzor Arukwe, who took up the role of a crooked Inspector Sam, Sergeant Tutu's boss.
9. Date Night
Date Night is a another Nollywood classic with an intriguing storyline. It was directed by Daniel Orlahi, and produced by Chidiogo Enwegbara.
The movie was released in April, 2018. The suspense-filled thriller features the likes of Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Deyemi Okanlawon as the lead actress and lead actor respectively. Others include Okechi Peters and Anwuri Ijenebe.
10. Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons
"Merry Men" was produced by popular comedian – AY Makun. The movie was released on September 28, 2018.
The movie illustrates the flashy lifestyle of rich, young and good-looking bachelors, who reside in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja. They cruise around town in the latest rides and command ladies attention as they like.
Which of these movies is your favourite?