2025 has so far been a remarkable year for Nollywood, and we are only just entering the second quarter. At Nollycritic, wehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt31593845/ have reviewed a total of 31 titles from January to now. From cinema premieres to streaming platform releases, we have kept our eyes on the screens to bring you the best of the best.

According to the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), 27 films were officially released in January 2025 alone! The full data for February through March is yet to be published, but it is clear that the industry has been in full swing. Amidst the variety, some films have stood out. In this article, we highlight the highest-rated titles across two broad categories: Cinema and Streaming Platforms. Streaming platforms include Netflix, Prime Video, Circuits TV, and YouTube.

Here are our highest rated Nollywood titles of 2025 first quarter:

Blackout – 4.2/5

Directed by Okechukwu Oku and written by Ikenna Okpara, Blackout features Padita Agu, Gideon Okeke, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Nelson Iwu. It tells the story of Judith, a woman who wakes up in a life she doesn’t recognise, trapped in a marriage forged through a spell. This thriller grips from the very beginning with sharp direction, a dark, suspenseful tone, and unforgettable performances, making it our highest-rated cinema film so far this year.

Something About The Briggs – 4/5

Directed and written by Bukola Ogunsola, this drama stars Ariyike Dimples, Daniel Etim Effiong, Stan Nze, Rita Dominic, and Iyabo Ojo. The plot follows Sophie Briggs, a successful lawyer who has no interest in marriage, largely due to the messiness she’s seen in her family’s past. But her convictions are tested when she meets Chuks Obi, a man who challenges everything she thought she believed about love. With an explosive family secret at its core, this film delivers emotionally grounded storytelling and strong performances that elevate its familiar premise.

The Masked King – 4/5

Directed by Uduak-Obong Patrick and written by Awal Abdulfatai, The Masked King is a historical drama focused on the Efic history set in 19th-century Nigeria that explores betrayal, power, and moral legacy. It stars Daniel Etim Effiong as King Ensa, a ruler whose descent into tyranny forces his mother to confront the cost of loyalty and justice.

The film also features Shaffy Bello, Uche Montana, Segun Arinze, Uzor Arukwe, Gideon Okeke, and more. With a budget of N300 million and shot in Calabar and Creek Town, the production spares no effort in creating an authentic, visually striking period piece. It is rich in message and grounded in performance, offering not just spectacle but a strong moral core. It’s a film that blends scale with soul, and easily ranks among the year’s most ambitious and rewarding cinema releases.

Love Lockdown – 3.5/5

Starring Andrew Yaw Bunting (Water and Gari) and Yewanda Osamein, Love Lockdown is a relationship drama that explores emotional vulnerability, modern love, and the delicate balance between independence and intimacy. Released in February, it drew audiences in with its layered character work and thoughtful script. While some pacing issues held it back slightly, the film struck a relatable chord and earned its place among the year’s strongest so far.

Baby Farm (Limited Series) – 3.85/5

Streaming on Netflix, Baby Farm is a socially conscious series that handles difficult themes with nuance. Visually compelling and narratively strong, it tackles the underground baby factory crisis with unflinching honesty. The production impresses with its atmospheric tension and visual storytelling. The subject matter is weighty, but the narrative is handled with sensitivity and restraint, making it one of the strongest streaming projects we’ve seen this year.

Atiko – 3.85/5

A rich narrative exploring tradition, identity, and modern realities. Atiko is a well-executed and engaging story. Streaming on Circuits, the film stands out for its exploration of cultural heritage, generational tension, and spiritual reckoning. It’s visually elegant and thematically ambitious.

The first quarter of 2025 has given us a small mix of standout cinema, decent streaming titles, and some misfires. As Nollywood continues to grow and evolve, we are excited to see what the rest of the year will bring. Keep following Nollycritic as we continue to bring you honest, insightful reviews of the best (and not-so-best) Nollywood has to offer.

All ratings are based on Nollycritic’s internal review metrics and reflect the opinions of our editorial team.