West African Cinemas Hit N15.6 billion Box Office in 2025: A Boost for Filmmakers and Audiences
Photo Credit: FilmOne
The West African cinema industry recorded remarkable growth in 2025, generating a total box office gross of N15.6 billion from theatrical releases across the region. This performance reflects a rising cinema culture and a growing appetite for both local and international films.
Cinema Attendance and Film Releases
According to FilmOne Entertainment, a total of 2.79 million people visited cinemas in West Africa in 2025. Across 122 cinemas, audiences enjoyed 248 new films, showcasing a vibrant and diverse selection of content.
The average movie ticket price for the year stood at N5,596, highlighting cinema-going as a profitable business and accessible leisure activity for many.
Top-Grossing Films and Industry Leaders
The region’s box office revealed strong individual successes:
“Behind The Scenes” emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of the year.
FilmOne Entertainment ranked as the top-grossing distributor.
Other category leaders included:
“Zootopia 2” as the top-grossing animation,
“Sinners” as the top-grossing Hollywood title,
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” as the leading anime.
In total, 16 films surpassed N200 million, while 14 Nollywood titles earned above N100 million, signaling strong commercial potential for filmmakers in the region.
Market Share and Diversity
Nollywood accounted for 49.4% of the total market share, closely followed by Hollywood at 48.8%, while films from China and Liberia contributed 1.2%. In terms of volume, 81 Nollywood films, 92 Hollywood releases, and 52 Indian titles were screened, reflecting a rich mix of local and international stories.
“The strong box office performance shows that West African audiences are increasingly valuing quality storytelling, whether local or international,” said a FilmOne Entertainment spokesperson.
What This Means for Nigerians
This growth presents opportunities for filmmakers, investors, and creative entrepreneurs. Aspiring directors and producers can leverage the rising interest in local stories to develop profitable content, while cinemas can continue expanding and offering premium experiences. For audiences, the variety of films ensures access to a wide range of entertainment, from Nollywood dramas to Hollywood blockbusters and international animations.
The 2025 West African cinema results reflect a maturing film market with significant economic and cultural impact. With Nollywood nearly holding half of the market share and cinemas drawing millions, the industry offers financial prospects for creators and enriching experiences for moviegoers alike.
