Ryan Coogler’s latest film Sinners is proving to be one of 2025’s most surprising box office successes, quickly climbing the ranks to become one of the highest-grossing vampire films of all time. The genre-blending original has already surpassed Van Helsing and Nosferatu in global earnings, and is now on track to overtake some entries in the Twilight series, a feat many thought impossible for a non-franchise horror title.
The film has grossed $161 million globally so far, including $122 million from North America and $39 million internationally. These numbers put it ahead of notable vampire hits like The Lost Boys, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, 30 Days of Night, the entire Blade trilogy, and all five Underworld films. With projections estimating a final domestic total between $200 million and $250 million, Sinners may eventually eclipse even some of the Twilight saga’s installments.
A Genre-Defying Vision from Ryan Coogler
Set in 1930s Mississippi, Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers who return to their rural hometown and confront a supernatural evil threatening their community. While the film is centered around vampires, it’s far more than a horror flick. Coogler weaves together a Southern blues musical, a period gangster thriller, and a socio-political drama grounded in Black American history.
Coogler has described the project as a deeply personal one, calling it a “love letter” to his late uncle and a cultural reflection of his Mississippi roots. The result is a film that defies expectations and genre boundaries. As he told The Atlantic, Sinners is what you’d get if you were “reading Salem’s Lot while listening to the best blues record, eating a bowl of spicy gumbo.”
Box Office Strength Signals Long-Term Momentum
Unlike most horror releases, which typically suffer significant drops after their opening weekend, Sinners showed only a 6% decline in ticket sales in its second week. It brought in $45 million during its sophomore frame, nearly matching its $48 million debut. That kind of retention is almost unheard of—particularly for an R-rated horror film—and echoes the trajectory of blockbusters like Avatar.
Such staying power reflects strong word-of-mouth buzz and repeat viewership. Anecdotal evidence suggests many audience members are returning for second and even third viewings, drawn by the film’s depth and unpredictability. Without the constraints of existing IP, trailers kept much of the story under wraps, making each watch a new experience.
Critical Acclaim Fuels the Buzz
Critics have showered Sinners with praise. It holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 97% audience score. Reviewers have highlighted its rich cinematography, genre fusion, and the dual performance by Michael B. Jordan. Emma Kiely of Collider described the movie as “an electric film sparkling with energy and passion,” while other outlets have compared its impact to genre-defying hits like Get Out and Gravity.
The film also stars Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Omar Miller, and Jack O’Connell, with Miles Caton earning standout attention for his supporting role. Its mix of musical numbers, period detail, and horror elements gives it broad appeal, attracting fans across demographics.
A Win for Original Filmmaking
Sinners’ success is especially noteworthy in a cinematic landscape dominated by sequels, reboots, and adaptations. It stands as a testament to the commercial viability of original storytelling when supported by visionary direction and compelling performances. Coogler, already known for reinventing familiar genres with Creed and Black Panther, pushes even further with Sinners, offering something truly fresh.
The film’s impact goes beyond the box office—it may influence how studios greenlight future projects. With a modest $90 million budget, Sinners is already profitable and continues to climb. It’s also sparking conversations about how Hollywood approaches genre and originality.
As the theatrical run continues, Sinners is poised to go down as not only one of the top vampire films in history, but also one of the defining cinema events of the year.
