The Nigerian film industry has recently experienced a notable decline, with box office revenues falling to ₦177 million during the first week of October. This figure represents the lowest weekly intake since March 21, 2025, as reported by the official Twitter account.
This slump indicates a drop of nearly ₦100 million compared to the average weekly earnings recorded throughout 2025, signaling a significant dip in cinema attendance. The industry had anticipated a challenging October, given the absence of major blockbuster releases, with highly anticipated films like Michael and Mortal Kombat scheduled for release next year.
Despite the slow start, film distributors remain hopeful for a rebound this weekend, driven by the launch of Tron: Ares, a significant international release from Walt Disney. Industry forecasts suggest the movie could generate around $33.5 million worldwide, screening in approximately 4,000 theaters.
Additional international titles expected to enhance weekend box office figures include Paramount Pictures’ The Roofman, projected to earn $8 million across 3,127 venues, and Warner Bros‘ One Battle After Another, anticipated to bring in $6.68 million from a total estimated gross of $54.5 million, also playing in 3,127 cinemas.
The leading films for the weekend of October 3rd to 5th, 2025, included: Gingerrr (₦53.6 million, cumulative ₦185.8 million), One Battle After Another (₦10.9 million/₦38.6 million), The Conjuring (₦9.8 million/₦158.1 million), Him (₦9.2 million), Demon Slayer (₦7.6 million/₦171.3 million), and Men’s Code (₦5.3 million).
Also worth noting: Anime ignites Nigerian box office as Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle debuts with ₦82.4 million
Anticipated October Decline in Cinema Revenues
The dip in box office earnings for October follows a difficult September, which closed with just over ₦900 million in total revenue. This made September the second-lowest grossing month of 2025, signaling a slowdown after a strong summer season.
Although the ₦900 million surpassed initial forecasts of ₦750 million to ₦800 million, it highlights the seasonal fluctuations and unpredictability within Nigeria’s film market. Industry experts had predicted a weaker month due to the absence of major crossover hits that typically draw large audiences.
Nonetheless, two international films significantly contributed to the month’s performance: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which amassed ₦129 million in just two weeks, and The Conjuring: Last Rites, which opened with ₦31 million.
The Nigerian production Gingerr also made a strong impression, debuting with ₦82.8 million in its first three days. These films attracted substantial audiences and delivered commendable box office results.
Despite these highlights, the ₦900 million total for September still reflects a downturn compared to the peak months earlier in the year.
Box Office Trends from July 2025 Onward
In August, cinemas recorded ₦1.1 billion from 192,314 admissions, while July saw a strong ₦1.23 billion with 208,435 tickets sold. These summer months benefited from the sustained popularity of blockbuster hits such as Fantastic Four and Superman, which dominated the box office for several weeks.
In contrast, September’s lineup was characterized by a mix of horror, anime, and smaller local productions. The lack of a major, widely appealing blockbuster that had previously driven high box office returns meant the ₦900 million total was considered a relative success, preventing a sharper decline.
September’s box office was shaped by three pivotal weekends. The first, from September 5th to 7th, featured the release of The Conjuring: Last Rites, which opened with ₦31.6 million, setting a strong tone for the horror genre throughout the month.
Even in its seventh week, Fantastic Four continued to perform well, earning ₦18.9 million and bringing its cumulative total to ₦451.6 million. The local film Abanisete also made a significant contribution, adding ₦15.7 million to reach ₦126.9 million in total earnings.
The second major weekend, September 12th to 14th, saw the anime feature Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle make a powerful debut with ₦82.4 million, marking the largest opening of the month.
The Conjuring maintained its momentum in the second week with ₦23.5 million, while Abanisete continued steadily, adding ₦9.5 million and surpassing the ₦140 million mark.
During the final weekend of September, from the 26th to 28th, the local comedy Gingerrr opened strongly with ₦78.9 million, securing the month’s highest domestic debut. One Battle After Another followed with ₦15.4 million.
Meanwhile, both The Conjuring and Demon Slayer demonstrated lasting appeal, adding ₦15.1 million and ₦13.3 million respectively in their later weeks.
By the end of September, Demon Slayer had accumulated ₦154.6 million, The Conjuring reached ₦138.9 million, and Abanisete finished with ₦141.9 million after five weeks in cinemas.
Fantastic Four remained the highest-grossing foreign film of the year, amassing ₦468.3 million by its eighth week.
With September falling short of the ₦1 billion milestone, industry focus now shifts to October’s upcoming releases. Distributors are optimistic that these new international films will help restore the consistent billion-naira weekly revenues that characterized the successful May through August period.
Also read: Nigerian Box Office hits ₦1.29bn in April 2025, driven by ‘Sinners’ and ‘Ori: The Rebirth’