Nollywood reached a remarkable milestone in 2024, with the top 10 highest-grossing films collectively earning a staggering N3.6 billion at the box office.
This marked a significant jump from the N1.94 billion recorded in 2023, reflecting an impressive 85.5% increase. Even with the exclusion of Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, which contributed N156.6 million, the total could have reached N3.7 billion, showing the incredible growth of the Nigerian film industry.
This success can be attributed to several factors, including an average ticket price of N5000, stronger cinema admissions, and more films crossing the N100 million benchmark. However, the true driving force behind this growth lies in the actors and actresses who have become the faces of these films.
Whether established stars or rising talents, these performers have brought their characters to life with skill and passion, captivating audiences and propelling their films to box office triumph. Here, we highlight the lead actors and actresses behind 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood films.
Ayo Makun, a multi-talented Nigerian actor, comedian, and film director, took on the lead role in the 2024 film The Waiter, which went on to gross an impressive N184.7 million at the Nigerian box office.
In this comedy-drama, Makun’s comedic timing and charismatic screen presence were key to the film’s success, as he brought to life a story about a waiter caught in a complex web of relationships and expectations.
As one of Nigeria’s top comedians and film producers, Makun’s career began to take shape in the early 2000s. Known for his role as the host of AY Live comedy shows and his creation of AY’s Crib sitcom, Makun has long been a dominant force in Nigerian entertainment.
His debut movie, 30 Days in Atlanta, was both a commercial and critical success, further establishing him as a major player in Nollywood.
