Sinners’ Box Office Breakthrough: Michael B. Jordan’s Horror Musical Surpasses $300 Million Globally
The Southern vampire horror that’s redefining the genre
Michael B. Jordan’s latest film, Sinners, has officially crossed the $300 million mark at the global box office as of May 17, 2025, according to Buzzing Pop on X.
About Horror Musical
The genre-bending horror-musical, directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, has become one of the biggest surprises of the year, blending supernatural terror with 1930s Mississippi blues culture. With a production budget of just $90 million, Sinners has quickly turned a profit and established itself as a standout in modern horror cinema.
Set in 1932, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore, both played by Jordan, who return home after working for the Chicago Outfit. Hoping to open a juke joint and start over, their plans took a dark turn when they faced an ancient evil linked to the haunting power of blues music.
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The film tackles deep themes like systemic racism and generational trauma in Black communities, earning praise for its thought-provoking narrative. Roger Ebert’s review emphasized how the film weaves social commentary into a chilling story.
The music, composed by Oscar-winner Ludwig Göransson with contributions from Raphael Saadiq, features authentic 1930s instruments, including a 1932 Dobro Cyclops resonator guitar, giving the score a haunting historical depth.
The musical elements, unusual for a horror film, have helped Sinners stand out and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Since its release, Sinners has shattered expectations. It debuted with $48 million in its opening weekend, beating projections and marking the best launch for an original film since Jordan Peele’s Us in 2019.
Even more impressive, its second weekend earnings only dipped 4.9%, pulling in another $45.7 million, a rare feat for an R-rated horror movie. Industry analysts now project the film will top $330 million globally, putting it in the same league as Get Out ($337 million, adjusted for inflation) and Scream ($358 million).
Behind the scenes, the film was as intense as its on-screen horror. An X post showed Jordan covered in blood, staring solemnly, just one glimpse of the movie’s gruesome aesthetic.
According to People, Jordan, who admitted he’s not typically a fan of horror movies, had a tough time filming due to the sticky fake blood, which led producers to hold an emergency meeting to address the issue.
Co-stars Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku also faced their share of difficulties, with Steinfeld experiencing skin reactions during filming in Louisiana’s hot and humid spring of 2024.
Despite the challenges, Sinners is being hailed as a potential franchise starter. While Coogler has described it as a “full meal” rather than the first of a series, the film’s critical and commercial success is fueling fan speculation. It is a $7.8 million Monday haul, the second-highest ever for an R-rated horror movie, suggesting strong staying power driven by word of mouth.
For horror fans craving something fresh, Sinners delivers a chilling, musically rich experience unlike anything else in theaters. With Michael B. Jordan’s powerhouse performance, Ryan Coogler’s visionary direction, and a haunting score rooted in Black history, this Southern vampire tale is quickly becoming a landmark moment in horror film history.