20 Huge Horror Movie Hits NOBODY Expected

Until a few weeks before release, the hype for Sinners was rather muted.

Even with a crackerjack cast and the pedigree of writer-director Ryan Coogler, there was much concern that the vampire film would struggle to break out with mainstream genre fans. Plus, its $100 million budget made it even more of a gamble, not only for being an original IP, but a horror film with a period setting, set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, with major musical elements.

As such, Sinners had quite the steep climb to profitability, and so few would've been surprised if it topped out at a modest $150 million or so. But Sinners was thankfully propelled forward by rave reviews and even genuine Oscar buzz, enough that Coogler's film ended up grossing $366.7 million globally, ensuring a sizable return on its hefty price tag.

On top of that, don't be surprised if the film adds a little more to that number with a re-release closer to next year's Oscars.