Is Ryan Coogler’s Sinners a Perfect Hit? Critics Rave with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has critics buzzing, earning a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes just days before its April 18, 2025, release. This vampire horror epic, set in the 1930s South and starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, blends chilling thrills with deep social commentary.

Early reviews hail it as Coogler’s boldest work yet, but what’s behind this universal praise? Let’s explore the Sinners phenomenon and dive into what critics are saying about this must-see film.

What Makes Sinners Stand Out?

Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint and escape their troubled pasts. Their plans unravel when they face a terrifying evil—vampires.

Coogler crafts a unique blend of Southern Gothic horror, blues-infused drama, and historical insight, with a cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, and Jack O’Connell.

Sinners' Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its ability to captivate critics with its ambitious storytelling. It’s not just a horror flick—it’s a meditation on race, freedom, and spirituality, wrapped in a bloody, thrilling package.

Why Are Critics Giving Sinners Perfect Marks?

With 37 reviews counted, Sinners holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, averaging an impressive 8.9/10. Critics praise Coogler’s genre-blending mastery and Jordan’s commanding performances. The site’s consensus calls it “thematically rich as a Great American Novel and just plain rip-roaring fun,” signaling its broad appeal.

This perfect score places Sinners at the pinnacle of 2025’s releases. But it’s the depth of the reviews that reveals why this film is striking such a chord.

What Do Reviews Say About Sinners?

Critics are showering Sinners with superlatives, highlighting its visceral impact and cultural resonance. Here are some key excerpts from Rotten Tomatoes reviews:

• Julian Roman, MovieWeb: “Sinners brilliantly illustrates Black life in the violent and poverty-stricken Jim Crow-segregated South while portraying a vibrant cultural landscape brimming with musical fellowship. Toss a ruthless vampire antagonist into the mix and the result is a must-see blockbuster that will blow audiences out of their chairs.”

• Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film: “Sinners is Ryan Coogler’s most audacious work yet, creating a fresh spin on vampire horror stories to express deeply rich themes of stolen culture and appropriation.”

• Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky: “A masterclass in filmmaking, Sinners is somehow dark, sexy, thrilling, intense, emotional, intriguing, captivating, and terrifying all at once.”

• BJ Colangelo, Fangoria: “Sinners is currently Coogler’s magnum opus, and I can’t help but think he’s only just getting started.”

These reviews underscore the film’s ability to thrill while provoking thought, a balance that’s earning it universal acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes.

How Does Sinners Stack Up to Coogler’s Other Films?

Coogler’s track record is stellar, with Fruitvale Station (94%), Creed (95%), Black Panther (96%), and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (84%) all Certified Fresh. Yet, Sinners’ perfect Rotten Tomatoes score outshines them all, marking a career high.

Critics argue it’s his most liberated work, unbound by franchise expectations.

As Coogler’s first original feature since Fruitvale Station, Sinners feels personal and daring. Its early acclaim suggests it could redefine his legacy.

Will Sinners Keep Its Flawless Score?

A 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating is rare, and with only 37 reviews so far, more could shift the score before the April 18 release. Still, Coogler’s history of sustained critical love bodes well for Sinners staying Certified Fresh. The film’s IMAX visuals, Ludwig Göransson’s haunting score, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s cinematography are also drawing praise, enhancing its big-screen appeal.

Whether it holds perfection or not, Sinners is already a critical darling, poised to draw crowds eager for a fresh take on horror.

Some Closing Thoughts: Is Sinners a Must-See in Theaters?

Sinners is more than a vampire tale—it’s a bold exploration of Black identity, resilience, and culture, wrapped in a pulse-pounding horror package. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and reviews calling it Coogler’s finest hour, it’s shaping up as a cinematic event. Jordan’s dual role, backed by a stellar cast, brings this bloody, soulful story to life.

Don’t sleep on Sinners. Head to theaters on April 18 to witness Coogler’s vision in all its gory, gorgeous glory—a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.