The competitive landscape of Nollywood advanced screenings has entered a new phase, with record-breaking figures reshaping the all-time standings. Recent releases from leading filmmakers have not only raised the bar but have also redefined the commercial strength of advance ticket sales in the industry.
In 2024, Funke Akindele set a notable benchmark with Everybody Loves Jenifa, which recorded ₦16.75 million from advanced screenings. At the time, it stood as the strongest performance in this category, reinforcing Akindele’s reputation as one of Nollywood’s most bankable creative forces.
That record, however, was short-lived. Muyiwa Ademola’s Ori: The Rebirth surged past the mark, generating ₦19.3 million in advanced screening revenue. The achievement placed the film at the top of the all-time chart and signaled a growing audience appetite for culturally grounded, prestige-driven narratives supported by strong pre-release momentum.
The lead has now changed once again. Funke Akindele has reclaimed the top position with Behind The Scenes, which delivered an unprecedented ₦27.2 million in advanced screening gross. This figure establishes a new all-time record for a Nollywood film and places Akindele firmly back at number one.
Current All-Time Advanced Screening Gross Rankings
1. Behind The Scenes (Funke Akindele) – ₦27.2 million
2. Ori: The Rebirth (Muyiwa Ademola) – ₦19.3 million
3. Everybody Loves Jenifa (Funke Akindele) – ₦16.75 million
These figures reflect more than commercial success. They underline a shift in audience behavior, where early engagement, premium screenings, and strong brand loyalty now play a decisive role in box office outcomes. For Nollywood, the advanced screening window is no longer a side metric. It has become a clear indicator of market confidence and cultural impact before wide release.
As competition intensifies, these records set a new standard for future releases and confirm that advanced screenings are now a critical battleground for Nollywood’s top filmmakers.
