In a time when sequels, remakes, and cinematic universes dominate theaters, Sinners is a rare feat: an original story that not only captured attention—it completely took over. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, the supernatural Southern Gothic horror film has crossed $361 million globally, with $275.7 million of that from the U.S. box office alone.
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Sinners is now the highest-grossing original horror film in domestic box office history and one of the most financially successful original movies of the last 15 years. From a surprising opening weekend to record-breaking holds, its run has become one of the most significant box office stories of the decade.
Here’s a breakdown of Sinners‘ most impressive achievements:
1. Highest-Grossing Original Horror Film in U.S. History
Sinners ($275.7) has officially surpassed Jaws ($273.66M) to become the second-highest grossing horror film domestically—behind only It (2017), which made $328.8M.
However, since It is a remake of a well-known IP, Sinners now holds the top spot as the highest-grossing original horror film ever in the U.S.
2. #6 Among Global Horror Films — But #1 When Counting Only Originals
Globally, Sinners ranks #6 among all horror films with $361M, behind:
- It (2017) – $701M (adaptation of the 1986 novel and 1990 miniseries)
- Jaws (1975) – $484M (based on the 1974 novel)
- It: Chapter Two (2019) – $467M (adaptation of the 1986 novel and 1990 miniseries)
- The Exorcist (1973) – $428M (based on the 1971 novel)
- The Nun (2018) – $362.9M (part of The Conjuring universe)
But none of those films are original IPs—each is based on books, sequels, or spin-offs. When you remove existing properties from the equation, Sinners takes the #1 spot globally for original horror films.
3. Second-Highest Grossing Original Film of the Last 15 Years (Domestic)
With $273.8 million at the U.S. box office, Sinners now ranks #2 among all original (non-IP) films released since 2010, only behind Inception ($292M). It has surpassed other major originals like Gravity, Interstellar, and Get Out. The crazy thing of all the all-time domestic films its at 135 but everything above it outside of Inception is either not an original film or came out prior to 2010
4. Best Opening for an Original Film Since 2019
Sinners opened with $48 million domestically, the biggest debut for an original film since Us ($71M) in 2019.
5. Top Easter Weekend Opening for an Original Film
It posted the best opening for an original film during the Easter holiday, beating out past holiday releases like Ready Player One.
6. 45% of Opening Revenue Came From Premium Screens
Nearly half of its opening weekend revenue came from IMAX and premium format screenings—an unusually high share for a horror title.
7. Third-Best Second Weekend Hold Ever for a $40M+ Opener
The film dropped just 4.9% in its second weekend—one of the smallest drops ever for a movie with a $40M+ debut. Only Shrek (+0.3%) and Avatar (–1.8%) performed better.
8. Best Third Weekend Ever for a Horror Film
Sinners earned $33 million in its third weekend, beating It ($29.7M) for the best third frame for a horror film in box office history.
9. First Original Film to Cross $200M Domestically Since 2017
The film passed $200 million in its fourth weekend, the first original to do so since Coco (2017).
10. Most Profitable Original Film of the Decade
Produced on a reported $90 million budget, and with additional revenue from home video and streaming deals, Sinners has become the most profitable original film of the decade.
11. Top-Grossing Original (Non-IP) Film of the 2020s
No other original film this decade has outgrossed it domestically. It surpassed Elemental ($154M), Free Guy ($121M), and Smile ($105.9M) by a wide margin.
12. A CinemaScore from Audiences
The film earned an A grade from CinemaScore—an extremely rare rating for horror—which helped drive its exceptional word-of-mouth and long box office legs.
Sinners isn’t just a box office success—it’s a cultural event. Its performance is a clear message to Hollywood: when done right, original stories can win big. And for audiences, it’s proof that surprise, innovation, and emotional depth still have a place on the big screen.