Nollywood, once known for fast-paced, low-budget storytelling, has grown into a formidable force in global cinema. Over the past two decades, the Nigerian film industry has undergone a stunning transformation, evolving from backroom productions on VHS tapes to internationally recognised, big-budget cinematic spectacles.
As production values rise, so do the budgets. With better funding, access to advanced equipment, international collaborations, and the emergence of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Nollywood filmmakers are now telling more ambitious stories, on par with their Hollywood and Bollywood counterparts.
Here’s a comprehensive ranking of the most expensive Nollywood movies ever made, highlighting their production budgets, current value estimates, and what made each film stand out.
Top 10 Most Expensive Nollywood Movies of All Time
1. Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Budget: ₦1.27 billion – ₦1.6 billion
2. Ije: The Journey (2010)
Budget: ₦375 million (₦1.9 billion today, adjusted for inflation)
3. ‘76 (2016)
Budget: ₦600 million (₦1.1 billion today)
4. The CEO (2016)
Budget: ₦600 million (₦1.1 billion today)
5. The Black Book (2023)
Budget: $1 million (₦770 million at 2023 rates)
6. 93 Days (2016)
Budget: ₦400 million (₦760 million today)
7. October 1 (2014)
Budget: ₦330 million (₦540 million today)
8. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)
Budget: ₦300 million
9. The Figurine: Araromire (2009)
Budget: ₦50–₦70 million (₦250–₦350 million today)
10. Flower Girl (2013)
Budget: ₦50 million
1. Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)
Budget: ₦1.27 billion – ₦1.6 billion
Director: Biyi Bandele
Based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel, this historical drama, Half of a Yellow Sun, set during the Biafran War remains Nollywood’s most expensive film to date. With international stars like Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandiwe Newton, the film blends literary depth, historical relevance, and cinematic grandeur.
2. Ije: The Journey (2010)
Budget: ₦375 million (₦1.9 billion today)
Director: Chineze Anyaene
This cross-continental legal drama, Ije: The Journey, starring Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, broke boundaries with its international filming locations and high production quality. Adjusted for inflation, it tops the list in today’s value.
3. ‘76 (2016)
Budget: ₦600 million (₦1.1 billion today)
Director: Izu Ojukwu
Set during Nigeria’s 1976 military coup, this gripping love story against a historical backdrop is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful, earning acclaim for its attention to detail.
4. The CEO (2016)
Budget: ₦600 million (₦1.1 billion today)
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Spanning various African countries, this corporate thriller, The CEO, delves into ambition, betrayal, and competition at the executive level, delivering suspense and luxury in equal measure.
5. The Black Book (2023)
Budget: $1 million (₦770 million at 2023 rates)
Director: Editi Effiong
Dubbed Nigeria’s answer to John Wick, this action-packed Netflix thriller, The Black Book, showcases next-level production quality and stunts, featuring veterans like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sam Dede, and Ireti Doyle.
6. 93 Days (2016)
Budget: ₦400 million (₦760 million today)
Director: Steve Gukas
This poignant film, 93 Days, honours the heroes of Nigeria’s Ebola crisis. Its gripping realism and emotive performances earned it local and global acclaim.
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7. October 1 (2014)
Budget: ₦330 million (₦540 million today)
Director: Kunle Afolayan
Set just before Nigeria’s independence, this period thriller, October 1, combines history, murder mystery, and patriotism with lush cinematography and period-accurate set design.
8. The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)
Budget: ₦300 million
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Glamorous, dramatic, and fun, the sequel to The Wedding Party upped the ante with lavish destination scenes, high fashion, and big-name stars.
9. The Figurine: Araromire (2009)
Budget: ₦50–₦70 million (₦250–₦350 million today)
Director: Kunle Afolayan
This supernatural thriller, The Figurine: Araromire, helped redefine Nollywood’s modern era. Despite its modest original budget, it proved that quality storytelling could compete with higher-cost productions.
10. Flower Girl (2013)
Budget: ₦50 million
Director: Michelle Bello
A charming romantic comedy, Flower Girl stands as one of the earlier examples of polished, youthful storytelling in Nollywood’s modern rom-com boom.
Other Noteworthy Mentions (Budget Undisclosed)
Gangs of Lagos: While the exact budget remains confidential, the action-heavy, Amazon Prime-backed film is believed to have cost several million dollars, based on its production quality and marketing scale.
Breath of Life: Another high-budget project with undisclosed figures, but widely regarded for its cinematographic quality and emotional depth.
The rise of big-budget films in Nollywood signals a new era, one where Nigerian stories are not only told with pride but also with world-class execution. As the industry continues to evolve, fans can expect more visually captivating, thought-provoking, and globally competitive movies from the heart of Africa.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Which Nollywood movie had the highest confirmed production budget?
A: Half of a Yellow Sun holds the record with a confirmed budget between ₦1.27 billion and ₦1.6 billion.
Q: Are Nigerian films getting international attention?
A: Yes. Films like The Black Book, The Wedding Party, and Lionheart have premiered on platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, reaching a global audience.
Q: Why are some Nollywood movie budgets undisclosed?
A: Many production companies in Nigeria still maintain budget secrecy due to competitive reasons, marketing strategies, or private funding sources.
Q: What’s contributing to the rise in film budgets in Nollywood?
A: Streaming deals, international co-productions, improved equipment, and increased investment in Nigerian cinema have enabled filmmakers to strive for higher standards in storytelling and production quality.
Q: Has any Nollywood film grossed more than its budget?
A: Yes. Films like The Wedding Party and The Figurine were commercial successes, raking in strong box office returns relative to their budgets.
