Top 5 Nollywood Movies of 2026 You Should Watch
From romantic dramas and political thrillers to faith-based stories and crime films, Nollywood has delivered several interesting productions in 2026. Some have attracted large cinema audiences, while others have earned praise for their storytelling and performances.
The Nigerian film industry has had a busy year, with established filmmakers, rising actors and major production companies releasing movies across cinemas and streaming platforms.
Films such as Call of My Life and Love and New Notes have attracted significant box-office attention. Meanwhile, productions such as Agbara Nla: The Return and Black Market have generated interest through their distinctive stories and cinema releases.
For viewers looking for Nigerian films to add to their watchlists, here are five Nollywood movies released in 2026 worth seeing.
1. Call of My Life
Directed by Dammy Twitch, Call of My Life is a romantic comedy starring Uzoamaka Power, Andrew Yaw Bunting, Zubby Michael, Beverly Osu, Broda Shaggi, Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwor.
The film follows Soluchi, a hopeless romantic struggling to recover from a painful breakup with her former boyfriend, Kalu.
Her situation takes an unexpected turn when a routine work call connects her to Eli, a charming stranger who gradually changes her outlook on relationships.
The story explores heartbreak, emotional healing and the possibility of finding love again.
The film has also enjoyed considerable commercial success. According to Nollywood.com, it grossed approximately ₦902.3 million during its Nigerian cinema run as of October 1, 2026, making it one of the year’s biggest Nollywood releases.
2. Love and New Notes
Directed by Kayode Kasum, Love and New Notes is a romantic drama set against the background of Nigeria’s 1984 currency change.
The film stars Timini Egbuson, Sophie Alakija, Odunlade Adekola and Eniola Badmus.
It follows Boma, a young man who wants to provide a comfortable life for his pregnant partner, Chisom. However, financial difficulties threaten their plans, pushing him towards a decision that changes their lives.
The film combines romance, financial pressure and historical events to examine how economic circumstances can influence personal relationships.
According to figures published by NaijaSabi from Comscore data, the movie grossed approximately ₦400.5 million by July 5, 2026.
3. The Return of Arinzo
The Return of Arinzo is a political thriller directed by actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo.
The production features an impressive cast, including Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Williams Benson, Scarlet Gomez and Enioluwa Adeoluwa.
The story follows a rising actor who returns home with his fiancée to support his father’s presidential campaign.
However, the visit revives an old scandal involving a powerful political figure. As allegations, murder, identity theft and family secrets emerge, the fiancée becomes caught in a dangerous struggle involving powerful families.
The film explores political ambition, betrayal, revenge and the consequences of buried secrets.
NaijaSabi’s box-office report placed the movie among Nigeria’s biggest cinema releases of the first half of 2026, with approximately ₦351.5 million in earnings by July 5.
4. Agbara Nla: The Return
For viewers who enjoy faith-based productions, Agbara Nla: The Return is another Nigerian movie worth watching.
The film revisits the 1993 Christian television classic produced by Mount Zion Faith Ministries, bringing its familiar spiritual conflict to the cinema.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru, alongside Gloria Bamiloye, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, Joshua Bamiloye and other cast members.
Directed by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye, the production explores faith, temptation, spiritual warfare and the struggle between good and evil.
Its cinema performance has also attracted attention. According to figures announced by its distributors and production partners, the movie grossed more than ₦307.2 million by October 16, 2026.
The achievement made it one of the biggest Nollywood releases of the year.
5. Black Market
Black Market is a crime thriller directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and produced by Nora Awolowo.
The movie follows five women who operate a cross-border fuel-smuggling network during a period of scarcity and economic pressure.
Their organised business begins to collapse when a rival group kidnaps the daughter of one of the women. The incident forces them into a dangerous struggle to protect their families and survive.
The film features Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Omowunmi Dada, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Lateef Adedimeji, Itele D Icon and Uzor Arukwe.
Beyond its storyline, Black Market attracted attention before its nationwide cinema release through an attempt to set a Guinness World Records attendance record for a film screening at one location.
Its combination of crime, suspense, female-led storytelling and action makes it an interesting addition to the year’s Nollywood releases.