Nollywood’s December Showdown: Who Will Reign in 2025?

Every December, Nollywood gears up for one of its biggest traditions — major releases from some of the industry’s strongest box office names. And once again, Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele are front and center. These two have built a reputation for closing out the year with films that pull crowds, spark conversations, and set new milestones.

The Queens Return for Another Round

In 2024, Toyin Abraham delivered Alakada: Bad and Boujee while Funke Akindele released Everybody Loves Jenifa. Both titles made their mark at the end of the year and continued their rivalry at the box office. Funke held on to her reputation as a dominant force, while Toyin maintained her place as one of the most reliable holiday heavy-hitters.

Their December rivalry didn’t start today. Over the last few years, each has consistently released major projects during the festive period, creating an annual face-off fans now look forward to.

This year, the tradition continues.

Funke Akindele is set to release Behind the Scenes on December 12th, 2025.

Toyin Abraham follows with Oversabi Aunty on December 19th, 2025.

Both films come packed with star-studded casts, and both are positioned to draw massive holiday crowds.

New Challengers Step Into the Ring

While Toyin and Funke remain the expected leaders, 2025 introduces new contenders who aren’t coming to play.

Ini Edo is making her directorial debut with A Very Dirty Christmas, a bold holiday title that already has people curious.

Niyi Akinmolayan, known for multiple high-grossing Nollywood hits, returns with Colours of Fire, a fantasy-driven project with big-screen ambition.

These additions make this year’s lineup more competitive than usual, and they broaden the type of stories audiences will get in December. The 2025 December Lineup at a Glance. Here’s what’s coming this year:

Behind the Scenes — Funke Akindele (Dec 12) Oversabi Aunty — Toyin Abraham (Dec 19) A Very Dirty Christmas — Ini Edo Colours of Fire — Niyi Akinmolayan

This is not a Nollywood Movie - Wale Ojo

Each film targets a different audience, but all have enough appeal to spark a real contest at the box office.

Who Will Take the Crown?

Funke Akindele has led December releases for years, often breaking her own records in the process. Toyin Abraham remains her closest competition and has proven repeatedly that her films can pull impressive numbers.

However, with Ini Edo & Wale Ojo entering as first-time directors and Niyi Akinmolayan bringing a visually ambitious project, this year feels different. The playing field is wider, the audience expectations are higher, and the titles are more varied than usual.

This might be the most exciting December Nollywood has seen in a long time.

So who are you betting on?