September 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting month for Nollywood, with a mix of historical dramas, thrillers, comedies, family stories and highly anticipated new releases heading to Nigerian cinemas and streaming platforms.
From Pete Edochie’s return in Properties of the Gods to Kamo State’s big-screen debut in Starlomo, the month’s lineup brings together established Nollywood stars, emerging filmmakers and some intriguing new stories.
If you’re looking for the best Nollywood movies to watch in September 2026, here are 10 titles worth keeping on your radar.
1. A Mama Deola Wedding Story
Release date: September 3, 2026
Folagade Banks’ popular Mama Deola character is moving from comedy skits to a full-length movie in A Mama Deola Wedding Story.
The story centres on Demilola and Femi’s wedding, with the familiar Mama Deola character bringing her trademark personality into the celebration.
The movie features Omowunmi Dada, Rotimi Salami, Shaffy Bello, Bukky Wright, Iya Rainbow, Erica Nlewedim, Toyin Adegbola and Femi Adebayo.
Femi Adebayo directs the project, while Folagade Banks produces it. The film is scheduled to become available on Kava on September 3.
For fans who have followed Mama Deola online, the move from short-form comedy to a full movie makes this one of September’s more interesting Nollywood releases.
2. Nne Mgbafor
Release date: September 4, 2026
Nne Mgbafor takes audiences into Nigeria’s historical past through a story inspired by the warrior traditions of Ohafia in Abia State.
Directed by Edward Uka, the historical epic stars Femi Branch, Zubby Michael and Sam Dede.
At the centre of the story is a woman who challenges tradition and fights to change the destiny of her people.
The film opens in Nigerian cinemas on September 4, making it one of the month’s major cinema releases.
Its historical setting and strong cultural focus could make Nne Mgbafor particularly appealing to viewers looking for something beyond contemporary Nollywood dramas.
3. Properties of the Gods
Release date: September 4, 2026
One of the month’s most intriguing releases is Properties of the Gods, a historical drama from filmmaker Joseph Okechukwu.
The film marks Okechukwu’s return to filmmaking after an eight-year break and stars legendary actor Pete Edochie alongside Enyinna Nwigwe, Maria Chike Benjamin, Zack Orji, Hilda Dokubo, Elvina Ibru, Linc Edochie and Jennifer Eliogu.
The story explores the Igbo Osu caste system, inherited identity, forbidden love and family loyalty.
The film is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release in Nigeria on September 4, with Nile Entertainment handling distribution. International screenings are also planned for Ghana, the United Kingdom and other territories.
Pete Edochie’s presence alone makes this a title worth watching, while the film’s historical subject gives it an additional cultural dimension.
4. 19
Release date: September 11, 2026
19 is a crime drama set during the early days of the internet era in Nigeria.
The film takes viewers back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, following Ndubuisi Madueke, a young man who becomes involved in the emerging cybercrime culture surrounding Nigeria’s early internet cafés.
The movie stars Stan Nze, Sola Sobowale, Bisola Aiyeola and Deyemi Okanlawon.
The combination of crime, nostalgia and Nigeria’s early internet culture gives 19 a potentially distinctive identity among September’s releases.
Nollywire lists the film for September 4, while another current industry report notes that its first teaser preceded a September 11 cinema opening, so readers should check local cinema listings for the final screening date.
5. Invitation to Kill
Release date: September 11, 2026
If thrillers are your thing, Invitation to Kill is one to watch.
The film follows Julian, a successful agro-businessman whose life changes dramatically after disaster destroys his business. Left to raise his child as a single father, Julian attempts to rebuild his life, only for betrayal, secrets and unresolved trauma to complicate his search for a fresh start.
The cast includes Kalu Ikeagwu, Oma Iyasara, Gregory Ojefua, Tonia Chukwurah, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Branch and Sola Sobowale.
Directed by Chuks Obaze, the thriller is scheduled for release in cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana on September 11.
With a mixture of family drama, suspense and betrayal, Invitation to Kill could appeal to viewers looking for a darker Nollywood story.
6. One Gidi Night
Release date: September 11, 2026
One Gidi Night takes place over one intense night in Lagos.
The story follows an ordinary man pushed to the edge by financial and personal problems. As his circumstances deteriorate, he becomes trapped in the city’s criminal underworld and is forced to make increasingly dangerous choices.
The movie is directed by James Abinibi and features Gabriel Afolayan, Uzor Arukwe, Ibrahim Yekini, Idia Aisien, Olawunmi Toriola, Jide Kosoko and Mercy Aigbe.
It is listed for a September 11 release.
The Lagos setting, fast-moving story and crime-thriller angle could make this one of the more exciting titles for viewers who enjoy intense Nigerian dramas.
7. The Spectacular Death of Prisca
Release date: September 13, 2026
Despite its dramatic title, The Spectacular Death of Prisca is described as a comedy-drama and a tribute to classic Nollywood cinema of the 1980s and 1990s.
The story begins on the day of a daughter’s wedding, when her fiercely protective mother is thrown into a chaotic mission to save her daughter.
The cast includes Rita Dominic, Genoveva Umeh, Fae Olumide and Shamz Garuba.
With its nostalgic connection to classic Nollywood storytelling and a cast led by Rita Dominic, the film could attract viewers interested in both contemporary and old-school Nigerian cinema.
8. Starlomo
Release date: September 25, 2026
One of the most anticipated September releases is Starlomo, which marks Kamo State’s producing and leading-man cinema debut.
The film is directed by Kayode Kasum and features Mike Afolarin, KieKie, Lateef Adedimeji, Folake Babatunde and BBNaija’s Koyin Sanusi.
Kamo State’s transition from online comedy and content creation into film production and a leading role gives Starlomo an additional level of interest.
The movie is scheduled for September 25.
9. Black Market
Release date: September 26, 2026
Black Market could become one of September’s biggest Nollywood talking points.
The crime drama centres on five market women operating an illegal fuel-smuggling business during an economic crisis. Their operation takes a dangerous turn when one of their daughters is kidnapped.
The movie stars Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Omowunmi Dada, Gbemisola Scarlet Gomez, Uzor Arukwe and Ibrahim Yekini.
But the film has another major attraction: its producers are planning a 50,000-person screening at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, with the stated goal of attempting a Guinness World Record for the largest film screening at one location.
That ambitious screening plan could generate significant attention around the movie even before its official release.
10. Ajosepo 2: The Gathering
Streaming release: September 24, 2026
The Ajosepo story continues with Ajosepo 2: The Gathering.
The sequel returns to the families from the first movie, this time focusing on Jide and Mary as their wedding brings the extended families together again.
Timini Egbuson, Bolaji Ogunmola, Mike Afolarin, Tomike Adeoye, Mercy Aigbe, Yemi Solade, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Odunlade Adekola and Toyin Abraham are among the cast.
Kayode Kasum returns as director.
The sequel was previously released in cinemas in May 2026 and is scheduled to become available to stream on Kava on September 24.
For viewers who enjoyed the first Ajosepo, the streaming arrival gives the sequel another opportunity to reach a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
September 2026 is shaping up to be a busy month for Nigerian cinema.
The month has something for almost every Nollywood fan: historical drama in Properties of the Gods and Nne Mgbafor, crime and suspense in 19, Invitation to Kill and One Gidi Night, comedy in A Mama Deola Wedding Story, and major commercial ambitions in Black Market and Starlomo.
Among the titles on this list, Properties of the Gods, Black Market, Starlomo and Invitation to Kill stand out as particularly interesting releases to keep an eye on.
With several of these films featuring major Nigerian actors and directors, September could become another important month for Nollywood in 2026.