Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, is now the second-largest film industry in the world—not just by volume but by influence. In 2025, Nollywood actors and actresses continue to lead the African storytelling revolution with Netflix hits, Amazon Prime releases, cinema blockbusters, and social media virality.

This blog reveals the most influential and popular Nollywood actors and actresses in 2025, ranked by performance, audience reach, streaming impact, and cultural influence.

Top 10 Nollywood Actors in 2025

1. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

• Veteran Actor, Lawyer

• Famous For: Fine Wine, The Black Book, Castle & Castle

• Why He’s Top: Still bagging major lead roles at age 60+, RMD remains Nollywood’s timeless heartthrob.

2. Zubby Michael

• Popular Titles: Yahoo King, Shanty Town, Brotherhood

• Fan Appeal: Known for playing rugged street characters, action-packed roles, and cult classics. Very active in 2025.

3. Timini Egbuson

• Known For: Skinny Girl in Transit, Elevator Baby, Big Love

• Why He’s Hot: Loved by Gen Z and millennials, Timini is a Netflix regular and romantic movie king.

4. Odunlade Adekola

• Famous For: Saamu Alajo, King of Thieves, Orisa

• 2025 Buzz: Still leading Yoruba-language films and starring in English crossovers. Fan favorite for his comedic drama.

5. Yul Edochie

• Known For: Royalty-themed films, Political thrillers

• Why He’s Trending: Controversial yet relevant. Also directs and produces faith-based and political stories.

6. Kunle Remi

• Star of: Anikulapo, Ijogbon, Praise Party

• Netflix Factor: A rising Netflix prince known for his versatility—from epic drama to urban love stories.

7. Lateef Adedimeji

• Known For: Ayinla, Jagun Jagun, Stranger

• Why He’s Rising: His intense emotional delivery has earned him top roles and global nominations.

8. Alexx Ekubo

• Roles: Romantic lead, comedy star

• 2025 Update: Active in romantic comedies, lifestyle content, and recently launched a men's fashion brand.

9. Gabriel Afolayan

• Known For: Coming From Insanity, Citation, Gold Statue

• Multi-Talented: A musician and award-winning actor, consistently praised for his deep, layered performances.

10. Uzor Arukwe

• Roles: Sugar Rush, The Men’s Club, Brotherhood

• 2025 Work: Featured in three major crime thrillers and a political satire on Showmax.

Top 10 Nollywood Actresses in 2025

1. Genevieve Nnaji

• Status: Iconic

• Known For: Lionheart, Ijé, Road to Yesterday

• 2025 Buzz: Rumored to direct an African series for Netflix. Despite low screen appearances, her influence is unmatched.

2. Mercy Johnson-Okojie

• Roles: The Legend of Inikpi, Battle on Buka Street

• Why She’s Leading: Loved by family audiences and powerful in both comedy and drama.

3. Nancy Isime

• Known For: Shanty Town, Blood Sisters, The Set Up

• Versatile Talent: Actress, TV host, and fitness model—2025 has seen her take on international projects.

4. Funke Akindele

• Known For: Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street

• Box Office Queen: Continues breaking cinema records while also running a top production company.

5. Bimbo Ademoye

• Netflix Star: Anikulapo, Selina, Sugar Rush

• Why She’s Hot: Nigeria’s current comedy princess, she has a natural flair that draws both laughs and love.

6. Bukunmi Oluwashina

• Roles: Yoruba and English movies

• 2025 Buzz: Celebrated for action-packed, emotional stories and strong female roles.

7. Toyin Abraham

• Famous Titles: Ijakumo, Alakada, The Ghost and the Tout

• Fan Love: Trendsetter on Instagram and queen of cinema premieres.

8. Omowunmi Dada

• Notable Projects: Elesin Oba, Finding Hubby

• 2025 Role: Featured in a historical drama produced in collaboration with South African filmmakers.

9. Sharon Ooja

• Netflix Darling: Glamour Girls, Who’s the Boss, Flawsome

• Why She’s Trending: Has Gen Z in a chokehold. Appealing looks, talent, and growing brand endorsements.

10. Ini Dima-Okojie

• Roles: Blood Sisters, Namaste Wahala

• 2025 Spotlight: Recently starred in a cross-cultural drama between Kenya and Nigeria.

Where to Watch Nollywood Movies in 2025

• Netflix Nigeria – Top titles: Jagun Jagun, Blood Sisters, The Black Book, Anikulapo

• Amazon Prime Video Nigeria – For exclusive Nollywood originals

• Showmax Africa – High-quality TV dramas and crime thrillers

• YouTube Channels – NollyTV, Uchenna Mbunabo TV, and Real Nolly Movies

• IrokoTV / ROK TV (DSTV) – For classic Nollywood content

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the most popular Nollywood actor in 2025?
Zubby Michael and Timini Egbuson top the charts with massive followings and blockbuster roles.

Q2: Who is the richest Nollywood actress in 2025?
Funke Akindele leads with film earnings, business ventures, and political activities.

Q3: Are Nollywood movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime?
Yes! Dozens of Nollywood titles premiere monthly on global platforms, making Nigerian actors visible worldwide.

Q4: Which Nollywood stars are now directors or producers?
Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele, Yul Edochie, Odunlade Adekola, and Toyin Abraham all have thriving production companies.

Q5: What Nollywood movie is trending in 2025?
Jagun Jagun 2, Battle on Buka Street, and The Black Book continue to trend across platforms.

Final Thoughts

Nollywood in 2025 is more global, powerful, and creative than ever before. With veterans like RMD, Genevieve, and Funke Akindele still shining, and younger stars like Zubby Michael, Bimbo Ademoye, and Timini Egbuson taking the torch—Nollywood’s future is secure.

Whether you watch on Netflix, YouTube, or in Nigerian cinemas, these top Nollywood actors and actresses continue to bring African stories to the world stage with fire and flair.