The Story⚡
As Netflix hikes its prices to ₦8,500, Nigerian movie lovers are flocking to Movie Box, raising urgent questions about piracy and the future of Nollywood.
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As Netflix raises its monthly subscription fee to ₦8,500, many Nigerian movie lovers are flocking to piracy sites like Movie Box to satisfy their entertainment needs. The trend highlights a persistent struggle in Nigeria’s digital consumption landscape: affordability versus legality.
Movie Box, a widely known piracy site, offers illegal access to hundreds of Nollywood and international titles for free. Despite its illegality, the platform continues to gain traction among Nigerians frustrated by rising streaming prices amidst economic realities. A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) captures this sentiment. User @abazwhyllzz boldly tweeted:
“Netflix dey whine? ₦8,500 monthly for what? Abeg, Movie Box till infinity.”
Such comments reveal not only a widespread awareness of piracy alternatives but also an emboldened public attitude towards using them. The conversation around Movie Box is no longer hidden in private chats or hush communities. Nigerians now openly discuss it on social media, normalizing piracy as a viable solution to rising streaming costs.
However, the ripple effect of this piracy surge is dire for filmmakers and the entire creative industry. When films are pirated, producers lose revenue that would have been reinvested into better scripts, quality production, and innovative storytelling. For an industry like Nollywood that is still navigating structural funding gaps, piracy threatens its ability to grow and compete globally. Filmmakers are forced to cut corners to break even, leading to rushed productions and declining quality over time.
Beyond economic loss, piracy kills creativity. If producers cannot recoup investments, they are less likely to take creative risks, finance experimental scripts, or fund new voices and talents. The result is a repetitive cycle of “safe” commercial stories rather than daring projects that push Nollywood to the global stage.
While streaming giants like Netflix cite inflation and rising operational costs for their subscription hikes, Nigerian consumers remain caught between supporting legal platforms and managing living expenses. Movie Box and similar sites, however, are not the solution. For Nollywood to thrive and continue telling stories that reflect, entertain, and inspire Nigerians, piracy must be curbed and sustainable distribution models explored.
Tracking Releases Across Legal Streaming Platforms
While Movie Box and other illegal streaming platforms still continue to thrive in their respective domains, titles still get released on legal streaming platforms. Here is a look at existing and emergent titles on the platforms.
1. Netflix
To Kill A Monkey: To Kill A Monkey follows Efemini, an ordinary man whose life spirals out of control after a chance meeting with an old friend. Pushed by circumstances to abandon his morals, he becomes entangled in the dangerous world of cybercrime, facing betrayal and life-threatening consequences at every turn. Written, directed, and produced by Kemi Adetiba, the series features a star-studded cast including William Benson, Bucci Franklin, Bimbo Akintola, and Stella Damasus. To Kill A Monkey premieres on Netflix on July 18.
The Party: Written by Stephen Okonkwo and Ajayi Ope and directed by Yemi Morafa, the series follows the investigation into the murder of Akinbobola “Bobo” Balogun, a young man from a wealthy family who is killed during his birthday celebration at his parents’ high-rise residence. The series debuted on May 30, 2025.
A Lagos Love Story: Written by Ozzy Etomi and Chinaza Onuzo, and directed by Chinaza Onuzo, the film tells the story of Promise, an aspiring event planner who must babysit King Kator, a rising Afrobeats superstar, during Art & Culture Week to save her family home from closure. Starring David Abbas, Nicole Abebi, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, and others, the film premiered on April 11, 2025.
Nonetheless, here is a list of titles leaving Netflix this year, along with their exit dates:
1. Elevator Baby – August 2, 2025
2. The Set Up – August 3, 2025
3. Love is War – August 4, 2025
4. Sugar Rush – August 5, 2025
5. Up North – August 6, 2025
6. Nimbe – August 7, 2025.
2. Prime Video
Suky: Written by Isaac Ayodeji and directed by Ola Cardoso, the film follows Suky, who discovers a brutal underground fight club that offers freedom to the strongest. Driven by revenge, he must fight not only for his life but also for a chance to reclaim his freedom. The film launched on the platform on March 7.
After 30: Directed by Omorinsojo Spaine, the film follows four Nigerian women in their 30s as they navigate love, friendship, and the societal pressures to settle down. While balancing their careers, personal growth, and evolving relationships, they challenge a world that often defines women by their marital status. As part of Nemsia Studios’ 12-slate deal with Prime Video, the film was released on the platform on May 9, 2025.
The Fire and the Moth: The film depicts the violence and chaos that erupt after a smuggler escapes with a rare Ife bronze head into a gritty town in western Nigeria. Written by Isaac Ayodeji and directed by Taiwo Egunjobi, the title was released on June 3, 2025.
Ms. Kanyin: Co-written by Yemi Adeyemi, Tamara Aihie, and Mus Jeffery David, and directed by Ikechukwu Jerry Ossai, the film was released on June 27.
3. Showmax
Wura: The 2023 Showmax original Nigerian soap opera was produced by Rogers Ofime. Adapted from South Africa’s The River, it became Showmax’s longest-running Nigerian series. The show stars Scarlet Gomez, Yomi Fash Lanso, Carol King, and others, and was co-directed by Dimeji Ajibola, Adeola Osunkojo, Yemi Morafa, Ben Chiadika, and Philemon Maigari. Its final episode aired on April 15, 2025.
Kabiyesi: Seyi Babatope’s epic drama is inspired by Orompoto, the 16th-century female Alaafin of Oyo. It follows Princess Aderiyife, daughter of King Adegoke, as her life takes an unexpected turn. Starring Annetta Adebusuyi, Akin Lewis, Amokun Ibrahim, and Patrick Diabuah, the series began streaming exclusively on February 14, 2025.
Between Worlds: The 10-part fantasy series is rooted in Yoruba mythology. It follows fraudster Olamide (Awe Abayomi), who is mysteriously transported to an ancient kingdom ruled by Oba Ajitoni (Femi Branch), where palace intrigues and his past collide. Meanwhile, Detective Ifetozamiwa (Taiwo Ola) investigates a linked case in the present. The series also stars Soibifaa Dokubo as Esu. Created and executive produced by Emmanuel Uduma, it is directed by Edward Uka, Tyrone Terrence, and Sola Roberts, with Terrence also serving as head writer.
4. Circuits
Malaika: The film follows a frustrated woman struggling with childlessness as she seeks spiritual guidance. It stars Toyin Abraham, Anne Kansiime, Emeka Ike, Muyiwa Ademola, Ibrahim Chatta, and others.
Ada Omo Daddy: Written by Yakubu Olawale and co-directed by Kazim S. Adeoti, Mercy Aigbe, and Akay Mason, this 2023 title tells the story of a bride-to-be whose world unravels when her biological father resurfaces before her wedding, forcing her to confront her mother’s hidden past and choose between her two fathers. After its cinema release, it premiered on Circuits TV and Netflix on February 21, 2025.
5. YouTube
Love in Every Word: Written by Daniel Uzodinma and directed by Stanley Obi, this Nollywood romance follows Chioma, a marketing executive who, after a breakup, faces workplace struggles and unexpectedly meets Odogwu at her cousin’s introduction ceremony in Anambra. Starring Uzor Arukwe, Thelma Chukwunwem, and Osereme Inegbenebor, the film has garnered 26 million YouTube views.
The Silent Intruder: Written by Kimberly Britt and directed by Uyoyou Adia, this thriller follows Catherine as she tries to fix her loveless marriage but falls for her therapist, Zaki, only to discover his dark, psychopathic side. Produced by Pere Egbi, who also stars alongside Uche Montana and Kachi Nnochiri, the film has gained 1.5 million YouTube views since its debut two months ago.
Streaming Platforms Struggle to Deliver Consistent New Hits
Despite the growing number of titles on streaming platforms, many viewers argue that there has been a decline in the frequency of new hit releases on these premium legal services. In recent months, only a handful of titles have captured widespread public attention, leaving movie lovers with limited options when seeking fresh, compelling content. This gap in consistent blockbuster releases further fuels the migration to piracy sites, as audiences search for variety and timely entertainment that reflects their viewing appetites.
For Nollywood to effectively curb piracy, streaming platforms must ramp up their acquisition and production of high-quality, widely appealing films and series. The industry needs a steady pipeline of hits to keep audiences engaged and willing to pay for legal access. Without this, the allure of platforms like Movie Box will remain strong, as viewers prioritize immediate access and variety over legality, inadvertently undermining the long-term growth of the creative sector.
In Summary
In 2023, NetNaija, once a popular platform for downloading pirated films and series, discontinued its movie section, proving that piracy sites can be shut down when decisive action is taken. As Movie Box rises to fill that void, it highlights the urgent need to fight for the ban of piracy websites targeting films and TV series. Without this, Nollywood’s growth will continue to be stifled, leaving filmmakers unable to reap the rewards of their creativity and hard work. To build a thriving industry that tells our stories powerfully, piracy must be addressed head-on.
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