Nigeria’s cinema industry is witnessing a dramatic financial resurgence.
Over the last three years, the Nigerian box office has generated over ₦30 billion in gross revenue, reflecting renewed audience interest and stronger commercial performance across the country.
In 2024 alone, the industry recorded its highest-ever annual gross of ₦15.6 billion, driven by approximately 2.8 million admissions representing a 48% year-on-year increase in revenue and a 6% rise in attendance.
This performance was supported by 122 cinemas operating nationwide.
For context, admissions peaked at about 3.3 million in 2021 before declining steadily through 2022 and 2023, hitting a low of 2.6 million in 2023, a contraction of over 20%.
While 2024 and 2025 showed gradual recovery (2.7 million and 2.8 million admissions respectively), audience volumes have yet to fully return to pre-2022 highs.
The implication is clear: revenue growth is accelerating faster than admissions pointing to higher ticket pricing, premium formats, and stronger per-screen performance.
Below are the Top 10 largest cinemas in Nigeria by revenue in 2025, ranked by gross earnings, screen capacity, and market influence.
10. Filmhouse Samonda – Ibadan. Part of the renowned Filmhouse Cinemas network, Filmhouse Samonda in Ibadan generated ₦384,761,900 in ticket sales in 2025.
The cinema continues to anchor Oyo State’s theatrical market, proving that strong regional locations can deliver impressive box office returns outside Lagos.
9. FilmHouse Ikota – Lagos With six screens and modern viewing facilities, FilmHouse Ikota grossed ₦429,540,000 in 2025.
Its premium seating, contemporary ambience, and balanced mix of Nollywood and international films make it a consistent revenue contributor within Lagos’ competitive cinema landscape.
8. Genesis Benin City – Edo Operated by Genesis Cinemas, the Benin City outlet runs four screens and delivered ₦435,216,000 in 2025 revenue.
The cinema underscores the steady growth of cinema culture in Edo State and the broader South-South region.
7. Genesis Festival Mall – Lagos Located in a busy commercial district, Genesis Festival Mall generated ₦452,873,000 in 2025.
Its strategic positioning and curated programming continue to attract families, students, and working professionals.
6. Silverbird Jabi Lake Mall – Abuja
Operated by Silverbird Cinemas, the Jabi Lake Mall location in Abuja grossed ₦486,901,600 in 2025.
With five screens and modern projection systems, it remains one of the capital’s strongest entertainment destinations.
5. Genesis Port Harcourt – Rivers Genesis Port Harcourt posted ₦586,985,000 in 2025, reflecting strong patronage in Rivers State.
Its six-screen facility benefits from a vibrant urban market and sustained demand for both Nollywood and Hollywood releases.
4. FilmHouse Surulere – Lagos. With eight screens, FilmHouse Surulere is one of Lagos’ largest multiplexes by capacity.
In 2025, it grossed ₦662,534,550, reinforcing its role as a key revenue engine within the city’s mainland corridor.
3. FilmHouse Lekki – Lagos
FilmHouse Lekki crossed the ₦1 billion mark, recording ₦1,084,707,650 in 2025.
Its flagship IMAX auditorium and premium viewing experiences have positioned it as one of Nigeria’s most technologically advanced and revenue-efficient cinema locations.
2. EbonyLife Cinemas – Lagos
EbonyLife Cinemas generated ₦1,086,316,500 in 2025.
Known for its curated programming and premium ambience in Victoria Island, it combines luxury, culture, and strong box office appeal.
1. Silverbird Ikeja – Lagos
Topping the list is Silverbird Ikeja, which grossed ₦1,117,332,000 in 2025 — making it Nigeria’s highest-grossing cinema.
With five screens, luxury seating, and strategic location in Lagos’ commercial nerve centre, the venue consistently attracts high foot traffic and premium ticket sales.
The Big Takeaway
Several key trends emerge from the rankings:
Lagos dominates Nigeria’s cinema revenue ecosystem.
Premium formats and improved customer experience are driving higher ticket yields.
Regional markets like Port Harcourt, Benin, Ibadan, and Abuja are strengthening their box office relevance.
Revenue growth is currently outpacing audience growth indicating a shift toward value-driven consumption.
Nigeria’s cinema market may still be rebuilding attendance frequency, but in financial terms, it is stronger and more commercially structured than ever before.
Source: Nairametrics
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