In a spectacular display of growth, the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, has experienced immense success over the past decade, culminating in a valuation of N3.8 trillion, making it the country’s third-largest and most lucrative venture. Legit.ng has compiled a list of the top seven highest-grossing Nigerian movies of 2023, reflecting the industry’s unprecedented achievements.
**1. Jagun Jagun by Femi Adebayo:** Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun asserted its dominance at the box office, earning over $1.4 million within the first 30 days of its release. With 54 million views by August 20, 2023, and a global ranking among the top 10 most-watched non-English films, Jagun Jagun stands as the highest-grossing movie of 2023, showcasing combat, drama, and epic excellence.
**2. A Tribe Called Judah by Funke Akindele:** Funke Akindele, hailed as the queen of Nollywood cinemas, maintained her reign with A Tribe Called Judah, grossing a staggering N400 million within 12 days of release. Funke’s cinematic prowess secures the movie’s position as the second-highest-grossing film of 2023.
**3. Orisa by Odunlade Adekola:** Making a remarkable debut as a filmmaker, renowned actor Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa achieved a remarkable N280 million at the cinemas, earning it the status of the third-highest-grossing movie of 2023.
**4. Gangs of Lagos by Jadesola Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju:** The impactful Gangs of Lagos, directed by Jadesola Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju, garnered 15,000 views within the first 20 days of release, accumulating an impressive N230 million in that period, securing its place as the fourth-highest-grossing movie.
**5. Merrymen 3 by AY Comedian and Ramsey Nouah:** AY Comedian and Ramsey Nouah showcased their consistency as box-office merchants with Merrymen 3, amassing an impressive N100 million within the first four weeks and reaching N117 million by December 3, 2023, ranking it fifth on the list.
**6. Mami Wata by Oge Obasi:** Despite a modest opening weekend, Mami Wata, produced by Oge Obasi, triumphed with a total gross of N108 million, showcasing the movie’s enduring success and earning it the sixth position on the highest-grossing list.
**Honourable Mentions:** The year 2023 highlighted the rise of indigenous Nigerian movies, with titles like Kesari, Malaika, Ada Omo Daddy, and Blood Vessel gaining traction. While these movies have not yet hit the N100 million benchmark, their potential impact on the industry is noteworthy.
Nollywood’s record-breaking year in 2023 reflects the industry’s resilience, creativity, and global appeal, setting new benchmarks that underscore its status as a powerhouse in the world of cinema.
