After a full month of theatrical release across global markets, director Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is inching toward what appears to be its final significant box office benchmark. Since its debut, the film has not only opened to record-setting numbers but has also maintained exceptional performance, particularly within domestic markets. Over the past few weeks, it has ascended to become one of the top 10 highest-grossing horror films in history. Current projections estimate that Sinners will wrap up its global theatrical run with over $350 million in earnings.
The film recently reached another milestone by surpassing a cinematic classic. It has now overtaken Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed 1993 drama, Schindler’s List, in terms of unadjusted global box office earnings. Sinners has so far accumulated over $245 million in North America and nearly $80 million internationally, pushing its worldwide total to $322.6 million. This figure just edges out the $322.1 million global earnings of Schindler’s List, a film that has long been regarded as one of the most important and successful historical dramas ever made.
However, it’s important to note that these numbers do not account for inflation. If adjusted, Schindler’s List would boast much higher numbers, particularly in the domestic market. At the time of its release, the World War II-era biopic earned $96 million domestically, which would translate to over $265 million when adjusted to today’s value. Nonetheless, traditional box office records do not typically adjust for inflation, making Sinners’ recent triumph an official and notable milestone in cinematic earnings.
The achievement is particularly striking given the limited overseas appeal of Sinners, with its cultural resonance proving strongest in American theaters. Despite its relatively modest international presence, the film’s domestic performance has been powerful enough to push it into historic territory. The narrative, budget, and direction have all contributed to its widespread acclaim and box office success.
Schindler’s List was a turning point in the career of Steven Spielberg, who was already one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors by the early 1990s. The film, a powerful biographical portrayal of German businessman Oskar Schindler who saved the lives of over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust, represented a significant shift for Spielberg. Known primarily for blockbuster hits like E.T. and Indiana Jones, Spielberg used Schindler’s List to demonstrate his capability in delivering profound, serious cinema.
Indeed, Schindler’s List arrived in the same year as Jurassic Park, a film that showcased Spielberg’s continued dominance in the realm of big-budget action-adventures. Yet it was Schindler’s List that earned him his first Academy Award for Best Director, firmly establishing him as a filmmaker capable of spanning genres and emotional depths. The film remains one of the most critically revered pieces in cinematic history, with an almost flawless 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
More than thirty years later, Spielberg is preparing for yet another ambitious undertaking: a mysterious new science-fiction film slated for release in 2026. While details remain scarce, the announcement has generated considerable anticipation given the director’s track record.
In a similar vein, Coogler appears to be carving out a comparable niche in the landscape of serious studio filmmaking. Much like Spielberg’s evolution from entertainment-driven blockbusters to emotionally resonant dramas, Coogler has shown that he is equally comfortable creating thought-provoking and commercially viable works. Sinners represents his first original concept since his 2013 debut with Fruitvale Station, a film that also garnered widespread critical attention.
Coogler’s latest film was met with near-universal praise upon its release and continues to hold strong ratings across both critic and audience platforms. Sinners currently enjoys a “certified fresh” 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. On the same site, it boasts an equally impressive 96% audience score, labeled as “verified hot.” These scores closely mirror those of Schindler’s List, underscoring the level of critical and popular acclaim that Coogler’s film has achieved.
Produced on a reported budget of $90 million, Sinners tells the chilling story of twin siblings who return to their Mississippi hometown, only to encounter a deadly coven of vampires. The plot fuses traditional horror elements with deeper social commentary, a blend that has resonated strongly with viewers and critics alike. This creative and thematic balance likely contributed to its solid domestic turnout and enduring interest over the past month.
The movie’s success is not just in terms of box office figures, but also in what it represents for Coogler’s artistic evolution. Known for his work on Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther, Coogler has long been associated with character-driven stories that reflect personal and societal challenges. With Sinners, he returns to his roots in original storytelling, moving away from sequels and franchise projects to deliver a fresh narrative infused with his signature style.
The film’s influence seems set to extend beyond the financial realm. Much like Schindler’s List challenged and redefined expectations of Spielberg, Sinners could be the project that fully cements Coogler’s place among the most versatile and visionary directors working today. His ability to craft stories that are both commercially successful and critically respected puts him in a rare category — one populated by directors like Spielberg who have managed to navigate both the box office and awards circuits with equal ease.
Although Sinners may be reaching the final stage of its theatrical journey, its cultural and cinematic footprint appears firmly established. As the global total edges closer to the $350 million mark, it has already ensured its place in box office history. Surpassing Schindler’s List — even in unadjusted terms — is no small feat, and speaks volumes about Coogler’s storytelling prowess and the film’s resonance with audiences.
There is a sense of poetic symmetry in the fact that Coogler, who emerged just over a decade ago as a fresh voice in American cinema, now finds his work being compared with and measured against some of the most enduring classics in the medium. With Sinners, he has not only entertained but also provoked thought, delivering a horror film that lingers long after the credits roll.
As Sinners continues its slow climb toward its final box office milestone, it does so having already joined an elite club of genre-defining films. The movie’s triumph underscores not only its immediate success, but also the enduring appeal of well-crafted, intelligent storytelling in cinema today.
Dr. Kathula along with other AAPI leaders presented before the lawmakers, key issues that affect the delivery of healthcare in the issues in the US. “Fixing Medicare reimbursement cuts, reforming prior authorization processes, addressing scope of practice concerns, fast-tracking green cards for H-1B visa holders, securing equitable Telemedicine payments, and proposing amendments to the Stark Law” were some of the issues AAPI highlighted in their meetings with the lawmakers.
encouraged by the momentum. AAPI’s advocacy on these critical topics will remain ongoing,” Dr. Vidya Kora, Co-Chair of AAPI Legislative Affairs Committee.
