This October, Nollywood delivers an exciting mix of thrillers, dramas, and cultural stories. From haunting folklore to family secrets and psychological twists, these films will pull you into worlds of tension, laughter, and revelation. If you’re looking for fresh titles to keep you hooked, here are seven standout picks showing in cinemas this month.
Nini
October 3, 2025
Nini is a stirring family drama about a mother torn between protecting her daughter and honouring a sacred oath. Directed with depth and heart, the film blends family honour, motherhood, and the clash of modern choices with ancestral values. Featuring Mariah Ugbashi, Tina Mba, and Chimezie Imo, the performances breathe life into its emotional weight. At its core, Nini is about love’s sacrifices and cultural obligations. A captivating, layered watch for anyone who enjoys stories rooted in family bonds and heritage.
Life and Dirt
October 3, 2025
Life and Dirt follows two men whose pursuit of wealth through shady get-rich-quick schemes unravels with dangerous consequences. Both comedy and cautionary tale, the film mirrors street hustles and chaotic ambitions with humour and suspense. Chidi Mokeme, Bovi Ugboma, and Sharon Ooja deliver standout roles, balancing wit with tension. Beneath its laughs, the film stresses that shortcuts rarely pay off. Smart, entertaining, and filled with relatable lessons, Life and Dirt makes for the perfect weekend cinema watch.
Koma
October 10, 2025
Directed by Kunle Awonusi, Koma is a psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and dreams. After a tragic accident leaves a man comatose, he drifts between haunting memories and painful truths: betrayal, love, and unfinished business. Bolanle Ninalowo, Eso Dike, Lolade Okunsanya, and Tomi Ojo shine in this layered story. The film asks: what happens when trauma, guilt, and loyalty collide in the unconscious mind? Suspenseful and thought-provoking, Koma is as emotional as it is gripping.
Almost Perfect
October 10, 2025
Imoh Umoren’s Almost Perfect tells the story of a small-town girl who moves to Lagos to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer. The city soon tests her resilience with setbacks, betrayals, and moments of unexpected triumph. Featuring Detola Jones, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Manuel, Liquorose, and Omowunmi Dada, the ensemble cast paints a vivid portrait of ambition and vulnerability. The film captures the highs and lows of pursuing big dreams, making it a relatable story of self-discovery.
Osamade
October 17, 2025
Directed by James Omokwe and produced by Lilian Olubi, Osamade follows a young woman fighting betrayal, family secrets, and the struggle to reclaim her destiny. Sharon Ooja, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chimezie Imo, and Bucci Franklin bring intensity to this tale of power, resilience, and identity. Beyond its drama, Osamade is a reminder of how personal strength emerges in the face of chaos. It’s fresh, compelling, and undeniably one of October’s standout releases.
Idia
October 24, 2025
Rooted in Edo mythology, Idia fuses culture, suspense, and haunting folklore. Gbubemi Ejeye shines in the title role, supported by Mercy Aigbe, Linda Osifo, and Tope Tedela. Produced by Dr Jasper Aziegbemhin, the film explores music, language, and myth while weaving a chilling story about legacy and fear. Idia is not just a horror film, it’s a cultural conversation that reminds us of the richness of Nigerian traditions. Atmospheric and daring, this is Nollywood horror at its most thoughtful.
Tare
October 24, 2025
Tare is a raw drama about survival, identity, and family secrets. Directed by Okechukwu Oku and Stanley Obi, the film thrives on emotional tension and understated storytelling rather than spectacle. Ibinabo Fiberesima anchors the story with moving depth, while Jide Kene, Nosa Rex, and Toyin Abraham add rawness to the fraught relationships. It’s a character-driven story about how secrets can shape generations, leaving scars and questions that linger. Tare is both powerful and intimate, a film that stays with you.
