Despite the growing adoption of streaming platforms, cinemas remain the most preferred choice for Nigerians to watch movies, according to the Nigerian Box Office report by Filmone Group. 66% of 500 cinema-goers surveyed in the report prefer cinemas over streaming platforms, suggesting theatrical releases still hold strong appeal and remain a critical part of the Nigerian film industry.
Streaming giant Netflix is the second most preferred choice at 27%, while YouTube which has seen a surge in Nollywood movies came third at 4%. Showmax and and Amazon Prime Video got 2% each. In December 2024, Netflix denied it was exiting Nigeria after media speculations. Amazon Prime, another streaming platform, exited Nigeria in January 2024—one year after investing in several Nigerian productions.
Despite the strong appeal of cinemas, infrastructural gaps exist. According to the report, Nigeria has 102 cinemas, accounting for 92.9% of Anglophone West Africa box office. Lagos dominates with 36 cinemas, reflecting the consumer spending in Nigeria’s economic capital.
2024 shows growth in the cinema ecosystem with the emergence of 24 new cinemas with Silverbird Cinemas opening the first cinema in Kaduna. The report found that cinema admissions in Nigeria increased by 2% in 2024.
“This resurgence underscores the enduring appeal of the big screen experience in Nigeria, even as ticket prices soared by 95% in nominal terms between 2021 and 2023,” the report said.
Filmhouse Cinemas maintained the highest market share in West Africa for the seventh consecutive year with 28% grossing ₦3.2 billion in box office revenue. Silverbird Cinemas and Genesis Cinemas earned ₦2.2 billion each, with Silverbird holding a 19% market share and Genesis Cinemas capturing 18%. EbonyLife Cinemas had the highest-grossing cinema location in the country contributing 7% and making over ₦838 million in ticket sales, with more than 138,000 people buying tickets to watch movies at EbonyLife cinema.
Filmhouse Group remains hopeful, saying ‘The opportunities for more cinema infrastructure, abound, especially as despite the macroeconomic headwinds hitting disposable income negatively, the subsector has remained resilient.’’
