Sinners

Sinners is a 2025 American horror‑thriller film written and directed by Ryan Coogler. The story follows a young preacher, played by John David Washington, who discovers that his small Southern town is a breeding ground for supernatural forces. The film was produced by 20th Century Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It was released on 3 308 screens in the United States and Canada on 18 April 2025, and it was also made available on Prime Video and Netflix in the same year.

The film was a commercial success, grossing $200 million in the United States and $400 million worldwide. It received critical acclaim, with a 97 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 84 on Metacritic. It earned 16 Academy Award nominations, the most ever for a single film, and won the Best Original Score at the Golden Globe Awards. The film was also named one of the top ten films of 2025 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.

== Plot ==

The film opens in a small Southern town where a preacher, John, is called to a church that has been abandoned for decades. He discovers that the church is a front for a cult that worships a demonic entity. The preacher is forced to confront his own faith and the supernatural forces that threaten his community.

== Production ==

=== Development ===

Ryan Coogler, who had previously directed Black Panther and The Untamed, announced in 2023 that he was working on an original horror film. The project was initially titled The Sinners and was later renamed Sinners. Coogler was inspired by the works of Robert Rodriguez and the music of the blues. The film was announced in 2024, and the first teaser trailer was released in March 2025.

=== Casting ===

John David Washington was cast as the preacher, and the film also features a supporting cast that includes John C. Jordan, Mosaku, Caton, and others. The cast was announced in early 2025.

=== Filming ===

Principal photography began in March 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, and the film was shot over a period of 12 weeks. The film was shot on 35 mm film and used a combination of practical and digital effects. The film was shot in a variety of locations, including a church, a cemetery, and a small town.

=== Post‑production ===

The film was edited by Michael B. C. and the score was composed by Ludwig Göransson. The film was also given a special release on 4K Ultra HD and 3D.

=== Release ===

The film was released on 18 April 2025 in the United States and Canada. It was also released on Prime Video and Netflix in the same year.

== Reception ==

=== Box office ===

The film opened to $48 million in its opening weekend, topping projections and becoming the highest‑grossing original film in 2025. The film went on to gross $200 million domestically and $400 million worldwide.

=== Critical response ===

The film received widespread critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 97 % rating, and on Metacritic it has a score of 84. The film was praised for its direction, cinematography, and music.

=== Accolades ===

The film received 16 Academy Award nominations, the most of any film in history. It also won the Best Original Score at the Golden Globe Awards.

== Legacy ==

The film has become a cultural touchstone, with references in television shows and other media. It has also been cited as an influence on other horror films.