The first half of the year in Nollywood is often a mixed bag because most of the stars are saving their films for the more lucrative holiday months. But this year, that space seemed to have given many newcomers the chance to shine with new takes on old genres, fresh stories outside the Lagos centre and an appreciation for our veterans.
This list covers Nigerian films that stood out in celebration of genre, dedication to craft, appreciation of culture and also just a great time at the movies. These are the 10 best Nollywood films of 2026, so far.
Running time: 118 minutes
Director: Allison Precious Emmanuel
Genre: Drama
Films that take us to parts of Nigeria rarely seen are not many, and in Allison Emmanuel’s debut feature he takes us to Bonny Island, a place fraught with economic and political violence. He writes, directs and stars in the film that follows Broda, a first son, who is left to care for his siblings after the death of his parents. It’s a film that leans into the dreary existence that poverty plunges you into and it asks if escape is ever possible.
The Boy Who Gave is currently showing in the cinemas.
9. The Other Side Of The Bridge
Running time: 116 minutes
Director: Fiyin Gambo
Genre: Sports Drama
Many Nigerian films in recent times have tried to capture the class tension between the wealthy and the poor in our society. In the Other Side Of The Bridge, we see the Fiyin Gambo-directed feature put this tension in a gritty boxing drama that follows two boxers (played by Tobi Bakre and Demi Banwo) from vastly different backgrounds competing in a prestigious tournament hoping to win it for reasons that define both their lives.
The Other Side Of The Bridge is not yet available on any streaming platforms.
8. Aba Blues
Running time: 120 minutes
Director: Jack’enneth Opukeme
Genre: Romantic Drama
Jack’enneth Opukeme has a flair for writing interesting women defying cultural boundaries. In Aba Blues he writes and directs a story of a woman (played by Angel Anosike) stuck between two lovers: one from her past and another in her present. It’s a story that celebrates and critiques Igbo culture, centering the love story in a place and time that shows the director’s signature vintage storytelling.
Aba Blues is streaming on Kava TV.
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7. Onobiren: A Woman’s Story
Running time: 104 minutes
Director: Famous Odion Iraoya
Genre: Drama
Nollywood has a fraught history with its women and in a bid to tell their own stories, Onobiren enters with the tale of a woman recounting her life experiences as she moves from her village to the city. It is a film that centres human efforts as acts of faith and miracles. Directed by Famous Odion Iraoya and written by Laju Iren, Onobiren opens the breadth of womanhood for the industry to learn from.
Onobiren: A Woman’s Story is not yet available on any streaming platforms.
6. To Adaego With Love
Running time: 129 minutes
Director: Nwamaka Chikezie
Genre: Historical Romance
In this Nwamaka Chikezie directed feature, we see a love story placed at the core of … civil war reconciliation efforts in the East. Starring Adam Garba and Chisom Agoawuike, who have palpable chemistry, it navigates the complicated emotions of a people who have still not been given proper reparations for a war that ravaged their place and culture. It places this conflict within and outside a love story that will leave you in your feels when the credits roll.
To Adaego With Love can be rented on the film’s official website.
5. Evi
Running time: 107 minutes
Director: Uyoyou Adia
Genre: Musical Drama
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