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Is ‘Sinners’ a Winner?

The Ryan Coogler period horror-drama won the weekend, the Cinemascores, and word of mouth despite its unusual deal framework and the anxiety around Warner Bros. Here’s what Sinners says about the state of the business.

sinners movie
One common prerelease narrative about Sinners was that Coogler’s deal—ownership of the film reverts to him in 25 years—would somehow tank the studio system. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Scott Mendelson
April 22, 2025

With a $48 million domestic debut, strong reviews, and sky-high word of mouth—including a 5/5 on PostTrak and the first “A” Cinemascore for a horror film since Aliens in 1986—Sinners is an undeniable win for Warner Bros. film co-chairs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy. They can now boast of the biggest opening weekend for a wholly original film since the $71 million debut of Jordan Peele’s Us in March 2019—six years and one pandemic ago.