Empire Magazine has officially named Ryan Coogler’s Sinners as its Film of the Year, marking the genre-blending drama as one of the most critically acclaimed movies of 2025.
The recognition places Sinners at the top of Empire’s annual list celebrating the year’s best films. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, the movie has received widespread praise for its bold storytelling, striking performances, and cultural relevance.
Set in 1930s Mississippi, Sinners blends historical drama, supernatural horror, and music-driven storytelling. The film follows twin brothers who return to their hometown to open a juke joint, only for events to spiral after a supernatural presence disrupts the night. Critics have noted that the film uses horror elements to examine themes of race, identity, exploitation, and resilience.
Empire Magazine’s decision reflects a growing critical consensus around Sinners. Since its release, the film has featured prominently on year end best of lists and has generated strong awards-season buzz, particularly for Coogler’s direction and Jordan’s performance.
In its coverage, Empire praised the film for pushing genre cinema beyond conventional boundaries, blending spectacle with meaningful social commentary. The publication also highlighted the film’s cinematography, production design, and music, which play a central role in shaping its emotional and thematic impact.
The Film of the Year honour further positions Sinners as a major contender in the ongoing awards conversation and underscores Ryan Coogler’s reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most influential filmmakers.