Nigeria’s cinema industry has experienced a notable downturn, with box office revenues plummeting to ₦177 million during the first week of October. This figure represents the lowest weekly intake since March 21, 2025, as confirmed by an official statement on Twitter.
This decline is nearly ₦100 million less than the average weekly earnings recorded throughout 2025, underscoring a significant slowdown in the market. Cinemas had, however, anticipated a challenging October, given the absence of major blockbuster releases such as Michael and Mortal Kombat, which are scheduled for release next year.
Despite the subdued numbers, distributors remain hopeful for a swift rebound this weekend, largely due to the launch of Tron: Ares, a high-profile international film distributed by Walt Disney. Industry forecasts predict that the movie will generate approximately $33.5 million worldwide, screening in around 4,000 theaters.
Additional international titles expected to bolster weekend box office returns include Paramount Pictures’ The Roofman, anticipated to earn $8 million across 3,127 venues, and Warner Bros’ One Battle After Another, projected to bring in $6.68 million from a total estimated gross of $54.5 million, also playing in 3,127 theaters.
The leading films from the weekend of October 3rd to 5th, 2025, were: 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).
Anticipated October Slump in Cinema Revenues
The dip in October’s box office follows a difficult September, which closed with just over ₦900 million in ticket sales. This marked the second-lowest monthly total for 2025, signaling a cooling off after a robust summer season.
Although the ₦900 million exceeded initial forecasts of ₦750 million to ₦800 million, it highlights the seasonal fluctuations and unpredictability within Nigeria’s cinema sector. Industry analysts had predicted a weaker month due to a release calendar lacking major crossover hits that typically drive high attendance.
Nonetheless, two foreign films played a pivotal role in surpassing expectations: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which amassed ₦129 million in just two weeks, and The Conjuring: Last Rites, which opened with ₦31 million.
Additionally, the Nigerian production Gingerr contributed significantly by debuting with an impressive ₦82.8 million within its first three days, attracting a strong local audience.
Despite these successes, the ₦900 million total for September represents a clear drop from the peak months earlier in the year.
Box Office Trends from July to September 2025
August saw cinemas pull in ₦1.1 billion from 192,314 admissions, while July recorded an even stronger ₦1.23 billion with 208,435 tickets sold. These summer months benefited from sustained interest in major releases like Fantastic Four and Superman, which dominated the box office for several weeks.
In contrast, September’s offerings were dominated by a mix of horror, anime, and smaller domestic films. The lack of a blockbuster with broad appeal, which had previously driven high ticket sales, meant that the ₦900 million finish was considered a relative success, preventing a more severe decline.
September’s box office was shaped by three key 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 total gross to ₦451.6 million. The local film Abanisete also contributed ₦15.7 million, pushing its lifetime earnings to ₦126.9 million.
The second pivotal weekend, September 12th to 14th, saw the anime feature Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle make a powerful debut with ₦82.4 million, the largest opening of the month.
The Conjuring maintained momentum in its second weekend with ₦23.5 million, while Abanisete added ₦9.5 million, 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, marking the month’s highest domestic debut. One Battle After Another followed with ₦15.4 million.
Meanwhile, both The Conjuring and Demon Slayer demonstrated enduring 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 closed 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 counting on these international premieres to restore the steady billion-naira revenue streak that characterized the successful May through August period.
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