Nollywood on the Global Radar: The Films, Series, and Stars That Shaped Google Searches in 2025

If 2025 proved anything, it’s that Nollywood’s cultural footprint isn’t slowing down. The year came with a packed slate of films and shows that captured attention across Africa and beyond, and fans made their curiosity clear through search trends. From breakout series to ambitious film projects and the artists driving conversations, the data shows a year marked by experimentation, nostalgia, and strong audience interest.

Below is a look at the Nollywood-related titles and personalities that appeared consistently across Google searches in 2025, and what their popularity says about the industry’s direction.

SERIES: The Titles That Kept Viewers Bingeing

The small screen held its own with titles that dominated online conversations. While global shows like Wednesday Season 2 and Squid Game Season 2 naturally pulled attention, Nollywood and African titles carved out firm spaces.

Koleoso, already a fan favourite, continued its run with new parts (Koleoso Part 6 and Part 7) sending viewers back to the search bar to keep up with the storyline and cast. Its blend of urban drama, character depth, and culturally grounded storytelling made it a dependable trend magnet throughout the year.

Beauty in Black and Wata Shida also contributed to the spike, attracting strong engagement from younger audiences on social platforms. Their popularity reflects a shift toward series that balance local realism with light entertainment, a formula Nollywood viewers clearly respond to.

MOVIES: The Titles That Sparked Curiosity

Several Nollywood-connected films made impressive appearances alongside major international releases like 28 Years Later, Fantastic Four, Final Destination, Straw, Sinners, G20, The Gorge, and Kpop Demon Hunters.

Among the most searched local titles was Love In Every Word, linked to Omoni Oboli’s emotional storytelling and the standout performances by Uzor Arukwe and Bambam. The film also resurfaced conversations about the name “Achalugo”, a search that trended separately, showing how Nollywood stories continue to shape cultural exploration.

Kemi Adetiba's To Kill A Monkey found steady traction thanks to its theme and casting choice, keeping it abuzz due to the wider distribution. Together, these films show a maturing audience eager for stories that are bold, emotional, and proudly rooted in African identity.

THE PEOPLE: Artists Who Defined the Year

Some names naturally rose to the top of search lists based on their impact, projects, and public presence. Chika Ike had a strong year, returning to the conversation with renewed visibility all thanks to her commentary on the Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko issues amongst others.

Kemi Adetiba, known for her commanding eye and knack for shaping modern classics, remained a major search interest. Anytime her name appears, fans expect scale, ambition, and cultural relevance, and 2025 was no different as she dropped off the classic series To Kill A Monkey which sparked conversations for a long while.

Peju Ogunmola, a respected veteran of the Yoruba film industry and Nollywood in general, also enjoyed a surge in searches not for too great reasons but loosing her son brought the searches about her to a higher spot than usual.

Outside of the artists category, Priscilla Ojo popped up frequently as well. Asides being the daughter of Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, Priscilla marriage to Tanzania singer Juma Jux, the arrival of their baby, her evolving public persona, fashion influence, growing media presence kept her in conversations throughout the year.

WHAT THESE TRENDS SAY ABOUT NOLLYWOOD IN 2025

The data paints a clear picture: Nollywood’s audience is more active, more curious, and more global than ever. Viewers followed long-running series, searched for deeper meanings behind names tied to film characters, revisited industry legends, and placed new creatives under the spotlight. Nollywood didn’t just ride the wave of global content; it stood beside it with its own compelling stories.

If the industry keeps this blend of authenticity, ambition, and digital awareness, the next wave of trends will likely be even more impressive.