Ryan Coogler’s stunning blank-check vampire movie “Sinners” has taken over the box office for two consecutive weeks, selling out the biggest theaters in the country, making $175 million (and counting) in ticket sales and breaking records, having seen one of the lowest second weekend drop-offs ever. In fact, it was announced on May 1 that Warner Brothers will be re-releasing the film in 70mm and IMAX from May 15 to May 21 due to the demand for more screenings. Indeed, the new showtimes immediately sold out.
If the “Sinners” hype isn’t enough, the Oakland-native director has notably made other headlines recently for securing the rights to the film, including merchandising royalties after 25 years, a studio deal that few other auteur directors have achieved.
The visually striking, thematically layered, and undeniably fun film stars Coogler’s longtime creative partner Michael B. Jordan, who also starred in Coogler’s earlier films such as “Black Panther,” “Fruitvale Station,” and the “Creed” trilogy, Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, and singer turned first-time actor Miles Caton.
If you don’t manage to catch it again for a re-watch before it leaves theaters, here are nine similarly fun, thoughtful, and gorgeous vampire movies to hold you over until “Sinners” hits streaming.
“Ganja & Hess” (1973), dir. Bill Gunn
Similarly exploring themes of Black identity and spirituality, “Ganja & Hess” is a gorgeous horror film that everyone should watch at least once.
“Blade” (1998), dir. Stephen Norrington
“Blade” absolutely walked so Coogler’s “Black Panther” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe could run. If you’re looking for action, style (see: “Matrix”-style leather outfits), and quippy one-liners, look no further. The film follows Wesley Snipes as a half-human, half-vampire, vampire hunter (make that make sense) who kicks butt like Jordan’s “Sinners” twins Smoke and Stack, even as he should probably go to therapy to deal with his self-hatred.
“Nosferatu” (2024), dir. Robert Eggers
“Nosferatu” is one of the rare remakes that elevates its already immaculate source material. Featuring breath-taking cinematography and moving performances from its all-star cast, this movie delivers some serious chills. “Nosferatu” is now available to stream on Peacock.
“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” (2014), dir. Ana Lily Amirpour
Beautiful, smart, and cool, “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” is a must watch for any fan of vampires and like “Sinners,” it deals with themes of retribution. Get this, it’s also a Western.
“From Dusk till Dawn” (1996), dir. Robert Rodriguez
Featuring two brothers and dancing in a night club (sound familiar?), this Quentin Tarantino-penned (and acted) film camps it up, putting a grindhouse spin on the vampire genre.
“What We Do in the Shadows” (2014), dir. Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Made by another Marvel director Taika Waititi, who helmed “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Thor: Love and Thunder,” is this hilarious vampire comedy and precursor to the Hulu show of the same name. Who knew there was such a thing as feel-good horror?
“Only Lovers Left Alive” (2013), dir. Jim Jarmusch
“Only Lovers Left Alive” is vastly different from other films on this list due to its introspective nature and slower pace, though performances from lead actors Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston make this story about vampire soulmates touching and thought-provoking.
“Interview with the Vampire” (1994), dir. Neil Jordan
Perhaps one of the most iconic vampire films of all time, “Interview with the Vampire” is a fabulous and juicy adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel of the same name. Like “Sinners,” it’s romantic and takes place in the south (though about 100 years earlier – the recent TV show adaptation, however, also takes place in the early 1900s).
“The Lost Boys” (1987), dir. Joel Schumacher
“The Lost Boys” is nothing but fun! Enough said.
And a bonus:
“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (2022), dir. Joel Crawford
While this is arguably not a vampire movie, it served as an influence for “Sinners.” Ryan Coogler said in an interview that he took inspiration from “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” for the look of his vampires. So, really, this movie is the you can get to re-watching “Sinners” in 70MM. Enjoy!
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