Genres play a major role in Nollywood, influencing what gets financed, produced, and promoted. Over the years, the industry has moved from heavy melodramas to a mix of romantic comedies, action films, thrillers, epics, and faith-based stories, largely in response to audience demand and market realities.
Paying attention to what viewers want has helped Nollywood stay relevant. Genres like romance, religion, action, epics, and crime continue to dominate, producing popular titles such as The Wedding Party, The Black Book, Jenifa’s Diary, and Love in Every Word.
Romance still pulls the largest audiences, but recent releases suggest viewers are open to more variety. Films like To Kill A Monkey and The Herd, both crime-driven stories released last year, performed well and showed that strong storytelling can work outside familiar formulas.
As the industry moves further into 2026, there is room to look beyond what already works and invest in genres that have received less attention.
More Mental Health Stories
Mental-health-focused films have shown clear impact. Everything Light Touches won an AMVCA, while In Her Shoes screened at local and international festivals, earning critical recognition. These films show how audiences connect with stories about depression, trauma, and emotional struggles. As interest grows, filmmakers must approach such themes carefully, backed by research and professional input.
More Realistic Romance Stories
Romance remains Nollywood’s biggest draw, but there is space for more grounded stories. While Love in Every Word succeeded with its larger-than-life Odogwu romance, not every love story needs that scale. Everyday narratives—a bus conductor finding love or a university coming-of-age story—can reflect real Nigerian experiences while still delivering emotional weight.
Older People Deserve Love Too
Love stories should not stop at youth. With Everything New Again, an age-gap romance released in cinemas this January, the year has started on a promising note. More films that explore companionship later in life, older women with younger partners, or couples navigating love beyond their younger years deserve attention.
Political Dramas
Social and political dramas remain relatively rare in Nollywood. Daniel Etim Effiong’s directorial debut The Herd stood out last year, showing that films with social commentary can spark conversation and still engage audiences. While political sensitivity is a factor, film remains a strong tool for addressing national issues.
Horror
Supernatural horror is another genre Nollywood has largely avoided. Yet Nigeria’s folklore, belief systems, and everyday fears offer strong material for horror stories that mix suspense, crime, and faith. Classics like Living in Bondage and newer titles such as The Weekend and Idia show that the audience is there.
More Epic Stories
Epic films continue to be one of Nollywood’s strengths, but they are often limited to Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa traditions. With over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, there are many stories yet to be told. Expanding epic storytelling beyond the dominant cultures would introduce new histories and perspectives to the screen.