This weekend, the horror blockbuster Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, overtook the long-standing global earnings achieved by Ridley Scott‘s Hannibal, setting a new bar just ahead of its upcoming home release. The film’s rapid box office momentum and impressive milestones have drawn attention, especially as it surpasses Ridley Scott Hannibal box office milestone overtaken, which had been a genre benchmark for years.
Sinners Breaks Through Major Horror Earnings Record
Warner Bros. extended the theatrical run of Sinners, giving the film a rare lengthy period in cinemas before its digital debut. This decision reflected the project’s extraordinary performance at the box office and was also seen as a signal to other studios, particularly after Universal’s recent moves to bring films to home video sooner than expected. Sinners quickly established itself as a major force in horror: it is now the third-biggest domestic horror release and ranks among the top ten highest-grossing horror movies globally.
This weekend, Sinners surpassed Ridley Scott’s Hannibal in total ticket sales, reaching a lifetime worldwide gross of $350 million. The late Roger Ebert famously described Hannibal as,
“a carnival geek show elevated in the direction of art.”
– Roger Ebert, Critic
The success breaks down to over $265 million in domestic revenue, with international markets contributing an additional $83 million. Despite robust earnings at home, Sinners’ international box office appears to have slowed, highlighting what some in the film industry perceive as a troubling pattern for films led by Black creative artists finding it tough to gain the same traction overseas.
Sinners’ Achievements Surpass Recent Horror Classics
Although the film is unlikely to see its overseas numbers pass $100 million, its achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Sinners has earned more worldwide than any title from Jordan Peele or James Wan’s Conjuring universe. It has also outperformed major horror franchises like Saw, Final Destination, and Halloween, and even every Creed film starring Michael B. Jordan. The film’s standing is further cemented by critical and audience acclaim—a 97% certified fresh score from Rotten Tomatoes and a 96% audience rating.
Anticipation Builds for Digital Release Amid IMAX Rollout
Warner Bros. supported Sinners with a lavish release, including showings in select theaters equipped with IMAX 70 mm projection, providing a high-end viewing experience. The movie’s triumph has elevated Ryan Coogler’s cumulative box office career earnings beyond $2.7 billion, making him one of the forty-five most commercially successful directors worldwide. Notably, Sinners marks his first original feature since his acclaimed debut, Fruitvale Station. Audiences still have a final chance to see the film in cinemas before it becomes available for digital viewing starting June 3.
Cast and Storyline Infuse Historical Tension with Horror
Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan, who takes on dual roles as twins named Smoke and Stack, and Hailee Steinfeld, who plays the character Mary. The narrative follows two brothers returning to their Southern hometown during the Jim Crow era, only to uncover an even greater evil beyond what they escaped—including the threat of the Ku Klux Klan. Director Ryan Coogler fuses supernatural horror elements with real period-specific social tension, resulting in a film that resonates with both audiences and critics.
Sinners’ ability to surpass so many genre heavyweights and break Ridley Scott Hannibal box office milestone overtaken underscores a significant shift in horror cinema. Its continued popularity, bolstered by passionate word-of-mouth and high-profile draws, sets the tone for future releases and industry strategies regarding theatrical windows and representation.
