Hollywood’s latest horror-musical drama, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, has become a blockbuster hit in Nigerian cinemas, grossing over ₦567 million after just four weeks on screens. The film has maintained its position as the top-grossing movie in the country for a full month, according to the Nigerian Box Office data as of May 11, 2025.
Premiering on April 18, Sinners opened strongly with ₦79.6 million in its first weekend, far surpassing typical openings for original horror films in the Nigerian market. The movie tells the story of twin brothers, Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore, World War I veterans who return to their hometown in Mississippi during the Great Depression. Their dream of creating a safe space for the Black community through a juke joint is threatened by dark, supernatural forces.
Coogler, acclaimed for Black Panther and Creed, takes a bold creative turn with Sinners, blending historical drama with horror and musical elements. The film’s haunting score, composed by longtime collaborator Ludwig Göransson, adds to its unique appeal.
Despite its American setting, Sinners has resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences, likely fueled by Coogler’s reputation and Jordan’s widespread popularity across Africa. The film’s success highlights the growing appetite in Nigeria for diverse, high-quality international films that push genre boundaries.
Globally, Sinners has also made waves, grossing $216 million in North America and becoming the highest-grossing original film domestically since Pixar’s Coco in 2017. Its strong performance in Nigeria contributes to a broader upswing in the country’s cinema industry, which saw box office revenues reach ₦1.29 billion in April alone.
