2025 proved to be a landmark year for Nigerian cinema. In our roundup of the best Nollywood films of last year, we explored what made those projects stand out and examined the industry’s impressive momentum. As we step into 2026, that momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Alive Till Dawn arrives in January as Nigeria’s first major zombie thriller, a genre experiment that makes us wonder if Nollywood can stake its claim in territory long dominated by American franchises like The Walking Dead and South Korean masterworks like Train to Busan. Meanwhile, Kunle Afolayan returns with a new season of Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre for Netflix, his fantasy series that has already demonstrated how Yoruba mythology can translate into streaming success. And then there’s Mothers of Chibok, Emmy-winning director Kachi Benson’s latest documentary. Twelve years after Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls and fractured a nation’s sense of security, Benson shifts focus to the women who refuse to let the world forget.
So bookmark this page, set your reminders, and get ready. Here are eight films you absolutely cannot miss in 2026.
Mothers of Chibok
Joel Kachi Benson’s documentary, arriving in cinemas on February 27, provides a profound meditation on resilience more than a decade after Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok. Rather than rehashing the tragic events of 2014, Benson shifts focus to the mothers left behind, still hoping, still fighting, capturing their ongoing lives and struggles.
The Emmy-nominated filmmaker spent five years embedded with these families, sharing meals, working their farms, and bearing witness to their daily realities. His immersive approach reveals women who refuse to be defined solely by their losses; they’re community leaders, farmers, fighting not just for their missing daughters’ return, but for their remaining children’s education and futures.
Following his award-winning VR project Daughters of Chibok, Benson’s latest work has earned recognition at major festivals worldwide, including DOC NYC and Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.
Supernowa
Sonia Irabor brings a tender coming-of-age story to Prime Video on January 9 with Supernowa, centered on 12-year-old “Super” Nowa Ohini. The young protagonist would rather blend into the background than shine in the spotlight, despite possessing remarkable abilities. When encouragement from a new educator and her sibling pushes her toward a significant competition, Nowa must wrestle with her inner demons—literally confronting a manifestation of her anxiety—and decide whether safety or self-expression matters more.
Produced by Nemsia Studios, the film features rising young performers including Darasimi Nadi, Nonzo Bassey, and Onyinye Odokoro. With its focus on childhood mental health and self-discovery, Supernowa offers a refreshing perspective on the pressures young people face.
Alive Till Dawn
Nigerian cinema ventures into uncharted territory with Alive Till Dawn, described by its creators as Africa’s first big-screen zombie feature (which is yet to be seen). Landing in cinemas nationwide on January 30, this thriller, directed by Sulaiman Omotola Ogegbo and produced by Leo Obienyi, reimagines the zombie genre through a distinctly Nigerian lens.
Set against Abuja’s backdrop during a catastrophic viral outbreak, the film throws together an unlikely group, trapped in a besieged police station as darkness falls and the undead rise. Sunshine Rosman leads a cast that includes Uzor Arukwe, Chisom Agoawuike, Sani Muazu, and Michael Dappa.
Beyond the scares and survival action, the film aims to explore how communities might respond to health emergencies far more devastating than recent pandemics, while examining the role of protective services during crisis situations.
Everything Is New Again
Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Studios kick off the year with this relationship drama, hitting cinemas on January 30. Directed by Naz Onuzo from a screenplay by Nicole Chikwe, the film examines romantic connections across different life stages, exploring themes of second chances, family expectations, and personal transformation.
The ensemble cast brings together established stars and emerging talent: Mercy Aigbe, Nancy Isime, Gbubemi Ejeye, Desmond Elliot, Gbemi Akinlade, Olumide Oworu, Shammah Agah, and more. Rather than following a single storyline, the film weaves multiple narratives about people rebuilding their lives and relationships after setbacks, asking whether starting over is ever truly possible.
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, Season 2
Kunle Afolayan’s acclaimed fantasy series returns for its second season on Netflix on January 30, continuing the story that began with the 2022 film. The first season transported viewers into Yoruba mythology and the consequences of defying spiritual laws, following traveler Saro as he navigates the realm between life and death.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the production has expanded significantly. Season 2 is set to introduce fresh faces, still unreleased. The series represents Nollywood’s growing ambitions in period storytelling.
A Fisherwoman’s Dream
Laju Iren directs this spiritually infused drama, releasing on March 6 and featuring media personality Chude Jideonwo in his acting debut. While details remain limited, the film promises to explore themes of faith through the perspective of a woman whose aspirations reach beyond her immediate circumstances.
Known for her work across multiple creative fields—including filmmaking, writing, and ministry—Iren brings her storytelling sensibilities to a project that appears to blend the everyday with the transcendent.
Evi
Nigerian cinema’s musical ambitions get a showcase on March 27 with Evi, an uncommon entry in a genre Nollywood has seldom explored. Written and directed by Uyoyou Adia, with production from Judith Audu and Damilola Osikoya, the film centers on Evi-Oghene Donalds, a gifted but arrogant Afrobeats artist whose career implodes when her label suddenly terminates their relationship, leaving her without compensation or prospects.
Stripped of fame and fortune, Evi must navigate the industry’s harsh realities with help from her loyal best friend and a conflicted manager. The film uses music not just as backdrop but as narrative engine, with songs tracking Evi’s emotional journey through loss, vulnerability, and the fight to reclaim her voice.
Backed by CcHub in partnership with Africa No Filter, Evi joins the small but significant roster of Nollywood musicals that includes Lara and the Beat and A Song from the Dark, while shining light on the particular challenges women face in the music business.
The Other Side of the Bridge
Demi Banwo produced this boxing drama, arriving on April 17, that takes inspiration from Creed II while grounding itself firmly in Lagos’s social geography. Directed by Fiyin Gambo from a script by Tamara Aihie and Emil Garba, the film follows two fighters from opposite ends of the city’s economic spectrum as they face off in a high-stakes tournament.
Produced in collaboration with Lord Tanner Studios, the production devoted nearly a year to training its leads, ensuring the boxing sequences carry genuine weight and credibility. The cast includes Tobi Bakre, Olarotimi Fakunle, Iretiola Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Gbubemi Ejeye, and Femi Branch. Beyond the physical contest, the film examines class divisions, personal redemption, and whether triumph in the ring can truly change one’s life circumstances.
0 Comments
Add your own hot takes