2026 has been one of the best years for film this decade, awakening cinema culture all over the world. From thrillers to sci-fi to romantic comedies and the renewal of hope with a superhero film, “Spider-Man,” there has been something to watch and add to your top highest-rated films of 2026 every month.
In this article, we list our top 10 Nollywood and Hollywood films of the year.
- Project Hail Mary
“Project Hail Mary” is one of the films on everyone’s minds as the best film of 2026. While the film has crept into the hearts of many, the 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a $684,041,145 box office gross tell us it is indeed the best film of 2026 so far. It follows the story of a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. Soon, he discovers he has to solve the puzzle behind the mysterious substance that’s causing the sun to die.
- Obsession
This A24 film might have been small-budget, but it helped set in motion the rise of small-budget films dominating cinema. “Obsession” ranks 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a $488.2 million box office total, the film details the terrifying events that follow after a hopeless romantic makes a wish to win his crush’s heart.
- The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” had people expecting great things, and when the film was released in cinemas, it did not disappoint. Rated 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, it continues to top the box office. After Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, embarks on a long and dangerous war, his journey back home is filled with perilous obstacles. As he crosses the Mediterranean Sea with his soldiers, they find themselves at the mercy of mythical beings and god-created obstacles. “The Odyssey” has grossed $1.17 billion, and is still in cinemas.
- Spider-Man: A Brand New Day
Currently breaking records as the highest-earning film since “Avengers: Endgame,” this film has opened a new era of cinema culture that critics believe was dead. With 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” follows Peter’s decision to devote his life to protecting New York as Spider-Man and the intensifying pressure that threatens a spark of physical evolution that puts his life at stake. Within less than a month since its release, it has grossed $1.17 billion worldwide.
- Call of My Life
Every romantic comedy lover in Nigeria would have “Call of My Life” as their top 10 highest-rated film of 2026. This is another film that unexpectedly took the Nigerian cinema by storm, with 4 stars on IMDB. When Soluchi, a hopeless romantic recovering from a heartbreak, meets a charming man through a work call, they both find each other gravitating towards the other and giving Soluchi the chance to find the love story she’s always dreamed of. “Call of My Life” gave the Nigerian box office a surprising twist and surpassed ₦855 million, making it the highest grossing Nigerian film in 2026.
- My Father’s Shadow
“My Father’s Shadow” received the most awards at the 2026 AMVCA and for a reason. Although released in 2025, the film was re-released into theatres in 2026 and received a great reception. With a 4.1 rating on Letterboxd and 7.3 on IMDb, the film follows two young brothers and their father as they explore Lagos during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, witnessing their father’s struggles and the city’s scale amid political unrest. This film has grossed over $1.1 million globally, an initial over 25 million Naira theatrical run in Nigeria.
- The Drama
“The Drama” follows the aftermath of an explosive confession at the wedding of a seemingly perfect couple. As they struggle to come to terms with the reality of the strain the confession puts on their relationship, their happy-ever-after seems to crumble before their eyes. The drama received rave reviews, sparked conversations about the importance of dark romantic comedies in cinemas, and currently stands at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, it also grossed over $132,394,497 at the box office.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2
Nostalgic, exciting, and fashionable, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” took its audience back to the days of the first film, and while it was not at the level of the first, with 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and an approximately $691.4 million box office run, it was able to hold its own. Miranda Priestly finds herself struggling against her former assistant turned rival, Emily, when they both compete for advertising revenue amidst a decline in the relevance of print media and Miranda’s upcoming retirement.
- Alive Till Dawn
“Alive Till Dawn” came out in the first month of the year but cemented its status as one of Nollywood’s best films this year. The survival-horror film brought a much-needed genre to Nigerian cinema. The film follows a group of police officers, ex-convicts, and a stranded girl who must work together to survive a zombie outbreak after being trapped in a building. It secured over 74 million at the Nigerian box office.
- Love And New Notes
With a 7.7 rating on IMDb, this was the period-setting film we needed in Nollywood. Set in 1984 Nigeria, “Love and New Notes” follows a young couple as they navigate economic hardship and a dangerous decision that changes their lives. As they find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes situation, they have to navigate the consequences of their actions. “Love And New Notes” grossed a total of 400, 172, 544 at the Nigerian box office.
