Now Reading: COMING TO CINEMAS: Nollywood Films to Watch from January to March
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COMING TO CINEMAS: Nollywood Films to Watch from January to March
Nollywood’s cinema slate for the first quarter of the year is taking shape, with a mix of romance, drama, action, and genre-led storytelling scheduled for release between January and March.
Based on confirmed announcements, official promotional material, and distributor information, here are eight Nollywood films expected to arrive in cinemas during this period.
Everything Is New Again
In cinemas: January 30, 2026
Everything Is New Again is a Nigerian romantic drama directed by Chinaza Onuzo and produced by Inkblot Productions in collaboration with FilmOne Studios. The film centres on an unconventional age-gap relationship between Funmi, a single mother, and Ekene, a younger man who enters her life unexpectedly.
Starring Mercy Aigbe and Vine Olugu in the lead roles, the story follows the pair as they navigate public scrutiny, personal loyalties, and the pressures placed on women whose lives do not align with social expectations. The supporting cast includes Nancy Isime, Desmond Elliot, Ngozi Nwosu, Olumide Oworu, Abayomi Alvin, Angel Unigwe, and Gbubemi Ejeye. The screenplay was written by Nicole Chikwe, with the film positioned as a romantic drama with comedic elements.
Alive Till Dawn
In cinemas: January 30, 2026
Alive Till Dawn is a Nollywood zombie thriller set in Abuja during a sudden virus outbreak. Directed by Sulaiman Omotola Ogegbe and written by Daisy Olowu, the film places civilians, police officers, and criminals inside a besieged police station as they attempt to survive through the night.
The story focuses on uneasy alliances formed under pressure, testing loyalty and survival instincts as the group searches for an escape and a rumoured safe haven. Uzor Arukwe leads the cast alongside Chisom Agoawuike and Michael Dappa. The film distinguishes itself from similarly titled international productions by grounding its story in an urban Nigerian setting and localised social tension.
Friends Indeed
In cinemas: February 6, 2026
Directed by Richard Omos Iboyi, Friends Indeed explores the strain money, ambition, and power can place on long-standing relationships. The film follows a group of close friends whose lives begin to unravel as financial pressures and external influence disrupt years of trust and shared history.
The cast includes Lilian Esoro, Venita Akpofure, Ifeanyi Kalu, Padita Agu, Anthony Monjaro, Priscilla Okpara, Akin Lewis, Henry Arnold, and MC Lively. Set against familiar social realities, the film examines how societal expectations can reshape loyalty, raise difficult moral questions, and expose hidden resentments within friendships.
To Adaego, With Love
In cinemas: February 6, 2026
Set in post-civil-war Nigeria in 1975, To Adaego, With Love is a historical romantic drama that tells the story of a forbidden relationship between a soldier and a schoolteacher from opposing ethnic backgrounds. Directed by Nwamaka Chikezie and written by Brenda Ogbukaa-Garuba, the film focuses on reconciliation and personal healing in a nation rebuilding after conflict.
The cast includes Chisom Agoawuike, Adam Garba, Chioma Chukwuka, Bob Manuel Udokwu, and Six Foot Plus. The film also features the final screen appearance of Onyeka Onwenu, adding cultural and historical significance to the project.
Greatest Oath (The Rescue)
In cinemas: February 6, 2026
Greatest Oath (The Rescue) is an action-drama produced by Haux of Ocean Portal and distributed by Blue Pictures Cinema. Based on official trailers and promotional material, the film focuses on high-risk rescue missions carried out amid national unrest.
The story highlights themes of duty, sacrifice, and patriotism through intense action sequences and moral dilemmas faced by its central characters. The film is positioned as a large-scale action release aimed at cinema audiences seeking high-stakes storytelling.
Love and New Notes
In cinemas: February 13, 2026
Produced by Timini Egbuson and directed by Kayode Kasum, Love and New Notes is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1984 currency change. The film follows Boma, played by Egbuson, as he makes risky decisions in an attempt to secure his family’s future during the economic uncertainty of the period.
Starring Sophie Alakija, Odunlade Adekola, and Eniola Badmus, the story blends romance and drama while examining how national economic shifts affect personal relationships. The film is positioned as a Valentine’s Day cinema release.
Ọnobirẹ̀n: A Woman’s Story
In cinemas: March 6, 2026
Produced by Laju Iren and directed by World Famous, Ọnobirẹ̀n: A Woman’s Story follows Roli, a young woman who moves from Warri to Lagos while navigating tradition, family expectations, and independence. The film is described as a faith-based drama focusing on resilience and female support systems.
The cast includes Ruby Akubueze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Norbert Young, Chude Jideonwo, and Desmond Bryce. Distributed by FilmOne NG, the film will screen in cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana from March.
EVI
Expected release: March 2026
EVI is a Nigerian musical drama written and directed by Uyoyou Adia and produced by Judith Audu Productions in collaboration with Switch Visual Productions. The story follows Evi-Oghene Donalds, an Afrobeats star whose career collapses after being dropped by her record label.
As she confronts industry realities and personal failures, the film explores themes of resilience, fame, and artistic identity. EVI remains in post-production, with plans for a wider cinema release later in the year.
These upcoming releases reflect the diverse range of stories that Nollywood continues to bring to the big screen, spanning contemporary romance, genre films, historical dramas, and social commentary. As cinema schedules become clearer, audiences can expect an active first quarter for Nigerian film releases.
