The challenging economic environment did not deter Nigerians as they spent over N166 million during Christmas weekend watching 17 movies at cinemas.

According to data released by Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) weekly box office information published on its website, the amount was spent between Friday, December 23, 2022, and Sunday, December 25, 2022.

A breakdown from the report showed that 59,349 people walked into various cinemas across the country in two days.

This impressive turnout of movie lovers comes at a time many Nigerians are struggling financially and the high cost of living in the country.

Streaming movie services such as Netflix are also giving cinemas the run for their money but the love for the big screen remains a strong attraction.

Out of that number, 29,017 showed interest in Nollywood movies while 30,332 were in the cinemas for foreign movies.

Funke’s Akindele film, Battle on Buka street topped the chart of the most watched movie with 17,518 attendees and gross revenue of N48.21 million.

This was followed by Avatar: The Way Q Water watched by 14,406 earning cinemas a whopping N44.39 million.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever came third in the most-watched movie with 10,757 attendees and gross revenue of N30.89 million.