Warner Bros.’ horror film Sinners has surpassed a significant box office milestone set by Ridley Scott‘s Hannibal, reaching a new global benchmark ahead of its upcoming digital release. This achievement marks a notable moment for the industry, especially as the focus keyword, Ridley Scott Hannibal box office milestone overtaken, underscores the changing landscape for theatrical releases in the wake of altered home video strategies from major studios such as Universal.
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, quickly found itself among the top-earning horror films in history following its release. Domestically, it stands as the third-highest-grossing horror movie, while its global earnings ranked it within the top 10 worldwide. This weekend, Sinners eclipsed the lifetime global total of $350 million achieved by Hannibal—a film that was described as
“a carnival geek show elevated in the direction of art.”
—Roger Ebert, Film Critic. The current figures show Sinners securing more than $265 million in the United States and an additional $83 million from international markets, pushing its cumulative global earnings to $350 million. However, the contrast between strong domestic numbers and more modest international figures reignites long-standing discussions within the industry regarding the overseas appeal of films led by Black artists.
At this point, industry analysts consider it unlikely that Sinners will break the $100 million mark in overseas receipts. Nonetheless, the film’s overall performance is cause for celebration. It has topped the global earnings of every title by Jordan Peele, films within James Wan’s Conjuring universe, as well as entries in the Final Destination, Saw, and Halloween franchises. Even each of the three Creed movies starring Michael B. Jordan was outpaced by Sinners. The film benefited greatly from strong critical reception and enthusiastic audience response. On Rotten Tomatoes, Sinners holds a certified fresh 97% critic rating and a 96% audience score, signaling widespread approval and contributing to its impressive tally.
Sinners to Launch on Digital Platforms in Early June
Warner Bros. provided Sinners with a wide theatrical rollout, even offering screenings in select venues equipped to showcase the film on premium IMAX 70 mm, further enhancing its appeal. The result has propelled Ryan Coogler’s career box office sales to over $2.7 billion, earning him a place among the 45 most lucrative filmmakers in history. Notably, Sinners is Coogler’s first original feature since Fruitvale Station, representing a milestone for both the director and the studio. Audiences currently have the option to experience the film in cinemas, but it will be available for home viewing beginning June 3, drawing anticipation for its digital release.
Main Cast and Story Background
Sinners features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as the twins Smoke and Stack, alongside Hailee Steinfeld who plays Mary. The story follows two brothers who return to their childhood town in the Jim Crow-era Southern United States, only to find themselves confronting a new, deep-seated evil, including the menacing presence of the Ku Klux Klan. Director Ryan Coogler infuses this vampire thriller with both supernatural horror elements and the underlying historical tensions of the era, distinguishing the film from its genre predecessors.
With Sinners overtaking major box office achievements like Hannibal, the film’s journey represents a significant moment for contemporary horror and its creators. As digital release approaches, the strong performance of Sinners may prompt studios to reconsider their distribution timelines, and it further validates the influence of directors like Coogler and leading actors such as Michael B. Jordan in shaping modern film narratives.
