Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Crosses ₦600 Million at Nigerian Box Office, Drawing Over 100,000 Viewers
Ryan Coogler’s latest cinematic masterpiece, Sinners, has officially shattered records at the Nigerian box office, grossing an impressive ₦600.7 million and attracting more than 100,000 moviegoers nationwide. Since its Nigerian release on April 18, the film has maintained an unchallenged hold at the top of the charts for four consecutive weekends, affirming its broad appeal and staying power.
As of May 11, Sinners remains the No. 1 title in Nigerian theatres. Reports from Nairametrics last week highlighted that the film had already surpassed ₦567 million just one month after hitting screens, a remarkable feat for an international release in the local market.
Starring Michael B. Jordan and produced by Coogler’s Proximity Media, Sinners generated significant buzz early on, especially following January’s revelations about its unconventional storyline and bold production terms. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow-era American South, the film uniquely blends historical drama with supernatural elements, creating a fresh and gripping narrative that captivated audiences worldwide.
The film’s originality triggered a bidding war among major studios, with Warner Bros. ultimately securing distribution rights under terms that gave Coogler final cut privileges, first-dollar gross, and full rights reversion after 25 years—an unusual deal reflecting the director’s growing influence in Hollywood.
On the global stage, Sinners has amassed a staggering $294.7 million in box office revenue. Of this, $225.4 million came from the U.S. and Canada, while $69.3 million was earned internationally. Domestically, the film launched with a powerful $48 million opening weekend, surpassing expectations and marking the biggest debut for an original film since Us in 2019.
While some industry analysts in the U.S. have raised questions about the film’s profitability, citing its $90 million production budget and an estimated $50-60 million marketing expenditure, fans and cultural commentators argue that the movie’s significance extends far beyond pure financial metrics. The film’s ability to spark conversations around historical and social issues, combined with its commercial success, underscores its cultural impact.
In Nigeria, Sinners has joined a prestigious group of international films that have made a notable mark on the local box office. Its success highlights a shifting dynamic in how African audiences engage with global stories, signaling an appetite for diverse and meaningful cinema from around the world.
With Sinners, Ryan Coogler—already acclaimed for Black Panther and Creed—demonstrates once again his exceptional talent for crafting narratives that resonate deeply and dominate box office charts. The film not only extends Coogler’s legacy but also secures its place in global cinematic history, reaching far beyond the traditional boundaries of Hollywood.
