As we leave 2025 further behind, we also leave behind major box office hits and anticipated films. From the everlasting success of the Wicked franchise to the highly anticipated “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” 2025 had a fantastic movie year. But one in particular stuck out: “Sinners.”
“Sinners” is a supernatural horror movie following twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by actor Michal B. Jordan. Set in 1932 Mississippi, the brothers return to their home to escape mafia-riddled Chicago, only to encounter racism and supernatural vampire entities as they try to open a juke joint in town. They have to face vampires, buried trauma and “blood-soaked reckoning.”
Directed by Ryan Coogler and released April 18, 2025, it was an immediate box office hit. With a budget of $90 million, it grossed approximately $368.3 million worldwide. This marked it the most successful movie of the 2020s.
The story explores deep Southern culture and racism, portrayed through the vampire entities. The movie also uses dance and music throughout to connect to ancestral and spiritual powers. Coogler also stated that the vampires, who were predominantly white throughout the film, represented the Jim Crow Laws that were still in effect in places like Mississippi. To combat that, the practice of Hoodoo was shown as a way to protect oneself and heal.
The movie had many stacked actors and actresses such as Hailee Steinfield, Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku. Many of them received nominations for their performances in this film, and it’s no wonder why.
While the movie was thought-provoking and featured the unexpected jump scares which belong in a horror movie, some criticism is still necessary. The pacing, especially in the second half, was slower than in the first, which made it feel like it would never end. Similarly, the story never delved into the vampiric characters, leaving the movie feeling incomplete.
But even with the criticisms, “Sinners” continues to dominate screens and in theaters. It’s now streaming on almost every platform, still standing in the Top 10 on HBO Max and continuing to swarm theaters. And the success hasn’t stopped there.
On January 22, the Oscar nominations went live, and “Sinners” dominated the nominations across the board. The movie received 16 nominations, breaking the previous record of 14 held by films such as “La La Land” and “Titanic.” They covered major categories like Best Picture, Director and Acting. However, many fans were disappointed that “Wicked: For Good” got snubbed from the nominations, especially given the success of the first “Wicked.”
For anyone who loves supernatural horror told in a unique perspective, “Sinners” is the movie for you. It ties together African American culture, jump scares and a deep-rooted message into a cinematic film. You can find “Sinners” streaming on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu and at the AMC Waterfront 22 theater in Homestead.
