From gritty action dramas to cross‑cultural love stories, Nollywood is delivering some of its boldest, most emotional storytelling yet this month. From Lagos to Bagadry to the Utah desert, the big screen is set to entertain with heart-racing thrillers, emotional dramas, and charming romantic tales. Here are the films lighting up cinemas, and why they deserve your ticket.
1. HAKEEM: SEEKING JUSTICE
Directed by music and film icon JJC Skillz, Hakeem: Seeking Justice is a gritty action-drama following Hakeem (played by Deyemi Okanlawon), an ex-officer on a mission to uncover the conspiracy behind his family’s murder. Determined to dismantle a rigged legal system, he faces betrayal, corruption, and personal demons. Featuring Chioma Chukwuka, Zubby Michael, Regina Daniels, and Bolanle Ninalowo, the film leans into psychological realism rather than spectacle. Trailers have drawn John Wick comparisons, but Hakeem distinguishes itself with an emotional core that probes Nigeria’s systemic failures and personal vengeance while delivering tense, high-stakes action. Expect a dark, relentless ride, and one of Nollywood’s boldest departures in the action genre yet.
2. DEAD TIDE
Dead Tide pulls you into a political conspiracy set against the coastal backdrop of Badagry. Directed by Soji Ogunnaike, the film follows Itoro (Ikechukwu Onunaku), a reformed militant-turned-beach bar owner. His quiet life unravels when Sade (Eniola Ajao), a social media influencer with a speech impediment, films the president’s son (Ibrahim Suleiman) committing murder. Forced into hiding together, the unlikely pair must outwit assassins, expose the truth, and survive long enough to make it matter. Blending political intrigue, emotional drama, and stylised action, Dead Tide offers a locally grounded thriller with strong performances and striking visuals. It’s proof Nollywood can tell high-tension stories without losing cultural authenticity.
3. REVELATIONS
An ambitious cross-cultural drama, Revelations is directed and co-written by Martins Samuel and Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), the lead role who also stars alongside his son. Available from August 15, the film follows a Nigerian-American couple navigating infertility, identity, and long-buried secrets across Lagos and Utah. Visually stunning, it pairs the rugged beauty of the Utah desert with the colour and chaos of Lagos life. Having already won Best International Film and Best Actor at the Utah International Film Festival, Revelations signals Nollywood’s growing international footprint. It’s an emotionally precise story with universal themes, powered by RMD’s commanding performance and a fusion of African and American cinematic sensibilities.
4. THE BENEFACTOR
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu (aka Captain Degzy), The Benefactor trades comedy for a tense drama about power, silence, and resistance. When a rising musician’s former benefactor returns with a chilling demand, her refusal unravels a web of institutional complicity. Featuring Akin Lewis, Bimbo Manuel, and Tobi Makinde, the film exposes how abuse of power festers when systems protect abusers. Co-written by Temilolu Fosudo from a story by Folakemi Bello, The Benefactor is layered, emotionally charged, and socially resonant, tackling darker themes of betrayal, silence and social accountability. Owu’s pivot from the light-hearted Owambe Thieves to this darker territory signals a maturing Nollywood that’s unafraid to challenge uncomfortable truths.
- DARK PATH
Premiered internationally in Toronto before its Nigerian release, Dark Path is an emotional drama from directors Adebayo Tijani and Femi Adebayo. It follows Yetunde Adeyemi (Yetibae), who, after her brother’s death, must decide between pursuing her dreams or sacrificing them to care for her aging parents. Featuring Sola Sobowale, Broda Shaggi, and Muyiwa Ademola, the film blends Yoruba and English dialogue, steeping its moral conflict in cultural authenticity. Themes of duty, destiny, and personal sacrifice unfold against a backdrop of family, tradition, and grief. With rich performances and high production value, Dark Path stands out as one of 2025’s most heartfelt Nollywood releases.
