Black America Reacts To Ryan Coogler’s Film ‘Sinners’

The Ryan Coogler-directed horror film starring Michael B. Jordan has everyone from Spike Lee to LeBron James hyped after watching!

Screenshot: YouTube/Warner Bros

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have reunited once again, and the internet can’t get enough! Their newest project, “Sinners,” is a genre-fluid horror-thriller that blends together themes of religion, freedom, music, mysticism, and vampires— but with that unmistakable Coogler-edge.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Shannon Sharpe Faces $50M Lawsuit Amid Chilling Abuse Accusations And Leaked Messages

In the film, Jordan stars as identical twin brothers who returns home in the South to start a new business. But their hopes at making it big in the small town gets derailed when evil forces drop in and threaten to ruin their dreams and the dreams for the community. It’s a true experience of a film from start to finish and early chatter from folks online are already heralding it as both Coogler and Jordan’s best work to date.

In fact, the movie has taken over so much that famous folks like Snoop Dogg and Gabrielle Union can’t help but add their two cents. So in honor of the movie and all the discourse taking place, we’ve rounded up some of the best, funniest, and most fired-up reactions to “Sinners” that perfectly capture the moment—and the budding movement— it’s sparking.

Spike Lee

As one of the first people to see the film, legendary director Spike Lee gave a massive cosign to Coogler’s latest project. He described it in an Instagram post as “the greatest experience of watching a film in years.”

“His Magnificent Artistry As A Storyteller Iz On A Annudder” Level. And Y’now Brother MICHAEL B. JORDAN Did His ‘THANG,THANG’ ,Da Performances, Cinematography,Production Design,Costume Design,Original Score,Songs,Visual Effects Are DOPE And What Else Ya Want?” Lee wrote in part.

He later added that Coogler “tapped into our ancestors” with this project. Talk about an accolade!

LeBron James

NBA superstar LeBron James and his wife Savannah were also among some the first people to watch “Sinners” before its opening weekend.

In a post to Instagram and X, James wrote:

My brothers Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan did it again!!! ABSOLUTE INCREDIBLE FILM! Ryan, Thank you for allowing My Queen, I, family and friends to screen it. 10/10 movie! Make sure y’all go check out “SINNERS” tomorrow! It’s a MUST SEE!!!!!!

Snoop Dogg

You know a movie is cool when Snoop Dogg enters the chat about it. And that’s exactly what he did when he made a video response to the film on Instagram.

“My God, movie of the f*cking year. Ryan Coogler, great director. Great storyline, it’s a must-see,” he said.

He later added, “This sh*t is f*cking phenomenal, so says Snoop Dogg! Oh yeah, that muhf*cka is smokin’ hot.”

Gabrielle Union

While Gabrielle Union may not have seen “Sinners” yet, she didn’t hesitate to join the conversations about it online. But she did so in a hilarious way by jumping onto a TikTok trend with the caption: “when he watches Sinners without you.”

Uh-oh, D. Wade, please tell us you didn’t pull this move on Gab! You might have to pay for your sins after all.

Carmelo Anthony

In the latest episode of Carmelo Anthony’s “7pm In Brooklyn” podcast, he and cohost Kazeem Famuyide sat down with Spike Lee to discuss “Sinners.” The hosts likened the successful cinematic partnership between Coogler and Jordan to that of Lee and Denzel Washington back in the day.

They also described the movie as a completely different genre outside of horror and commended Coogler for artistically tying in our history and spirit in the film.

“‘Sinners’ Is a Love Letter to Black Culture…”

In a post to X, one user wrote:

#SINNERS is a love letter to African American culture while also being a thrilling journey of minority joy and destruction. Will 10000% say this is a movie meant to be seen in the best quality, since it’s so dark. But very very very worth the night out!

“Sinners” on Easter Weekend? Glory to God!

In another post to X, one user noted the irony of a movie called “Sinners” coming out on Easter/Passover weekend, often referred to as Resurrection Sunday, and joked:

“Sinners coming out Easter weekend because while WE WERE YET SINNERS Jesus died for US!!! GLORAYYYYY.”

“Sinners” is Michael B. Jordan’s Best Acting

One other user on X expressed that the film will be their top film of the year and said that this was Jordan’s best role. They also complimented the musical components.

“Sinners is probably going to be my movie of the year. Best acting from MBJ since Fruitvale Station,” they wrote. The entire cast was in the bag! Ludwig Göransson & Coogler always make the best movie scores 9/10.”

“Sinners” Is A Lot, But In the Best Way

@raisingself

I recorded myself immediately after the Sinners movie ended thinking I was gonna say something profound. Meanwhile, I had no words, there are no words. I think I have to watch this film at least one or two more times before I can form thee words. It was amazing. @thesinnersmovie @Proximity Media @William Kevin Broxton @IMAX

♬ original sound – Samantha Sophia

TikTok user Samantha Sophia brought her followers in on her journey of going to see the film with her husband. And while it took a while for them to get seated, it’s clear from her reaction afterwards that the film was worth the trek.

“It was a lot, it was a lot. The cinematography, the music, the acting, the casting, the writing, the history, the nuance, the relevancy to right now,” she said in part.

She later added that she would watch the movie without sound because it was just that good and moving.

“‘Sinners” is a Predestined Win…”

As for TikTok user The Joker, she took pride in the fact that after 45 reviews, “Sinners” still held a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. She went on to say that while people may have been skeptical about a vampire period piece with Black people in the racist South and Michael B. Jordan playing two roles— the movie is a massive success.

“Kendrick Lamar brought out the lyricism for n*ggas in California last year. And now Ryan Coogler is bringing out the filmography for n*ggas in California. This is a predestined win,” she said.

“Sinners” Makes You Fall In Love With Movies Again

In another post to X, one user said “Sinners” had the potential to remind people of why they fell in love with movies in the first place. They also noted how rare it is for something so new and refreshing like this to get the amount of resources behind it to have it created to its fullest potential.

“SINNERS is so damn good it’s got the power to make you fall in love with movies again. Epic, sexy, soulful, cool as hell vampire picture that keeps getting better. Very rare for a true visionary to get the kind of money needed to paint an original horror masterpiece like this,” they wrote.

“Sinners” Is Scary, But Still OK for Non-Horror Fans

@blackgirlswhobrunch

Replying to @MooreofCodi I still recommend Sinners even for those of us who don’t fool with scary movies 😂😂

♬ original sound – Erika | Black Girls Who Brunch

For TikTok user Erica, who’s not a fan of scary movies, she gave her followers a good rundown on whether or not the spooks in “Sinners” was worth trudging through. The short answer was yes because Coogler doesn’t go for cheap scares and actually spends his time building the story and the tension.

And it’s for that reason that she feels people ought to give it a watch even if it puts them outside of their comfort zone because it’s done very well.

Slight “Sinners” Explainer About the Vampires

Author’s note: If you’re anything like me and decided to give “Sinners” a chance based off Coogler and Jordan’s track record— knowing full well horror films aren’t your jam and you don’t know the first thing about vampires— then this reaction is for you, too.

TikTok user Screened & Scored gave a glowing review of the film and helped break down the significance of one of the major plot points in the film when it comes to vampires and how they cause havoc.

“Sinners” Is Proof That Ryan Coogler Is a Generational Director

In a lengthy post to X, one user praised Coogler as a generational director that’s finally bringing the one thing the industry seems to be severely lacking in: originality.

“Don’t complain to me about the state of Hollywood, don’t lecture me about recycled IP, and don’t f*cking talk to me about the future of show business if you aren’t seeing Sinners in theaters, god damn it. Sinners is further proof that Ryan Coogler is a generational director,” they said.

They continued in part:

Like so many people my age, I’ve wondered for years who will be the directors that I grow old with- who will be the directors that I spend 40 years visiting at the theater & who speak uniquely to my generation. After seeing Sinners, I think it’s safe to say one of those directors is so clearly Ryan Coogler. Coogler is 38 years old. He now represents a new era- a new time- in Cinema. And with Sinners, Coogler gives my generation something we desperately need: originality.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

RIP Valentino: Black Celebs and Their Iconic Valentino Looks

RIP Valentino: Black Celebs and Their Iconic Valentino Looks

Valentino has cultivated a long and important relationship with Black celebrities, notably including iconic supermodels Iman and Naomi Campbell, alongside stars such as Beyoncé and Halle Berry …
All the Ways MLK's Legacy Is Being Misused

All the Ways MLK’s Legacy Is Being Misused

Dr. King shouldered immense pressure for the sake of achieving positive change. However, today, his name is frequently and conveniently invoked to lend credibility to figures and movements that directly contradict the very principles he risked his life to uphold …
Is Elon Musk’s AI Supercomputer Poisoning This Black Historic Neighborhood in Memphis?

Is Elon Musk’s AI Supercomputer Poisoning This Black Historic Neighborhood in Memphis?

Thanks to Elon Musk’s Colossus supercomputer, Black families in South Memphis worry they are being exposed to toxic air from methane-powered turbines, while city leaders prioritize billion-dollar tech expansion …
Iyanla Vanzant's Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter's Funeral

Iyanla Vanzant’s Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter’s Funeral

During “The Breakfast Club” interview, Iyanla Vanzant explains why setting boundaries during grief is an act of self-love …
Photo: Getty Images Bettmann / Contributor

Rev. William Barber: Why We Must Reclaim MLK’s Radical Vision

According to Rev. Dr. William Barber, to truly honor and reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, people must return to King’s original, radical blueprint: organizing multi-racial, local, and state-level movements to challenge systemic injustices …
Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Black people are present, but many have been vocal about choosing not to engage in the same ways they once did. Some have even pushed back against certain protest tactics. This shift has been interpreted by some as apathy or retreat. It is neither …
How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

Did you know that modern-day Pilates was pioneered by a Black woman? Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic Kathy Stanford Grant …
Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride's $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won't Believe Their Response

Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride’s $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won’t Believe Their Response

After Tye Hinson’s wedding dreams came to a tragic end, the venue’s response to her refund request sparked a viral debate …
Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Robert Burke was seen in the video screaming the “N-word” at a security guard and claiming free speech …
Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time...and Here's How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time…and Here’s How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña is now the most successful actor of all time. And now she’s finally responding to her new milestone! …
The <i>Real</i> Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

The Real Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

Fans were left in shock after seeing the prices for Bruno Mars’ tour and were left wondering why concerts are so expensive now. Here’s why! …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Sade's Most Timeless Songs in Celebration of Her Birthday!

Sade’s Most Timeless Songs in Celebration of Her Birthday!

Sade’s music has maintained its potency decades after she burst onto the scene. This playlist delivers hits and sleepers that are definitely a vibe …
Olandria's Recent Red Carpet Slayings Prove She's Here to Stay!

Olandria’s Recent Red Carpet Slayings Prove She’s Here to Stay!

Olandria Carthen may have gained fame from ‘Love Island,’ but she’s clearly here to stay for a long time. Let’s talk about it! …
We Now Know the Shocking Truth of How Much Training ICE Agents Really Go Through

We Now Know the Shocking Truth of How Much Training ICE Agents Really Go Through

After an 120 percent ICE manpower increase, a new report revealed hundreds of agents were never properly trained …
Shannon Sharpe's New Look Has Black Women Feeling Some Type of Way

Shannon Sharpe’s New Look Has Black Women Feeling Some Type of Way

Shannon Sharpe has got the social media streets abuzz once again, but this time it’s for something positive. And boy, do women have some thoughts …
The Worst Examples of Black Women Celebs Being Publicly Mistreated

The Worst Examples of Black Women Celebs Being Publicly Mistreated

Black women have been unfairly talked about from everything from their hair to their financial status. Let’s take a look back at some of the worst moments! …
Why an Empathetic Black Reporter Sparked Backlash in Sports Media

Why an Empathetic Black Reporter Sparked Backlash in Sports Media

Recent interviews reveal double standard in how Black journalists are treated versus their white peers …
Wisconsin GOP Confuses 2 Black Democratic Candidates in Attack Ad -- and Catch Hell Over It

Wisconsin GOP Confuses 2 Black Democratic Candidates in Attack Ad — and Catch Hell Over It

Democrats– and social media users– are dragging Wisconsin Republicans after they confused the only two Black men running for governor …
Bernice King Calls On Black Church to Lead Ahead of MLK Day

Bernice King Calls On Black Church to Lead Ahead of MLK Day

EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Bernice King has never shied away from her father’s legacy. Now, decades after MLK’s death, she’s calling on the Black Church to pick up the slack …