Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners has surpassed the $200 million mark, which makes it one of the highest-grossing films so far of 2025. The movie, which stars Michael B. Jordan, surprised many with its success. In fact, the entertainment magazine Variety almost pronounced it a flop because it only made $61 million globally in its first weekend. The success of the film has us thinking about the most successful films over the years. Here’s a look at the top grossing movies by Black directors.
Sinners is on pace to hit the $300 million mark worldwide and is receiving early Oscar buzz. Stars like Kevin Bacon and Tom Cruise have endorsed and praised the film.
Movies directed by Black directors have always done well, especially in recent years, with several surpassing the $200 million mark and more worldwide. Coogler seems to be the go-to guy these days if you want a blockbuster hit, but he is not the only Black director out there who can get audiences to the movie theater.
Top Grossing Movies by Black Directors
Black Panther, $1.3 billion, Ryan Coogler
This is not only Ryan Coogler’s highest-grossing film, but it is also the 14th highest-grossing film of all time and is ranked 6th among the highest-grossing Marvel films. The film stars the late Chadwick Boseman, who is not only the king of a fictional African country but also a superhero who joins the Avengers to help save mankind.
The Fate of the Furious, $1.23 billion, F. Gary Gray
This is the eighth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, which came out in 2017. Like the previous movies, it was a hit not only nationally but globally and reinvigorated F. Gary Gray as one of the premier action directors of this genre.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever $859 million Ryan Coogler
After the death of Chadwick Boseman, many wondered if a sequel would happen and whether it would do well without its primary star. The answer to both was yes and yes. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever grossed almost as much as the first movie, which surprised many. The film starred Angela Bassett (nominated for an Oscar for her role as Queen Ramonda) and Letitia Wright as Shuri, who would take on Boseman’s role. Although the movie was mostly female-centered, fans loved it and once again proved that an all-female, or primarily female, cast can carry a movie.
The Fantastic Four $333.5 million Tim Story
There are two versions of the Fantastic Four, but the original version, which came out in 2005, was directed by Tim Story and starred Chris Evans and Jessica Alba. It made the most money and was a massive success among Marvel movie fans who had waited for years for this movie to come out.
The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, $301 million, Tim Story
The sequel almost made the same amount as the original. Although critics and some fans alike panned it, the movie was still another blockbuster success for Tim Story.
Scary Movie, $278 million Keenan Ivory Wayans
Keenan Ivory Wayans’ funny take on the I Know What You Did Last Summer horror franchise garnered him a spot on this list. This movie spawned five sequels and is still the highest-grossing Black comedy of all time by a black director.
Creed III, $276 million, Michael B. Jordan
Even though Ryan Coogler did not direct this movie, he did, however, write the story, and this was the directorial debut of star Michael B. Jordan. As usual with these two, it was a box office success and a great start to Michael B. Jordan’s directing debut.
US $255.5 million Jordan Peele
Peele followed up his success with Get Out with the thriller US, which, like his previous movie, had fans flocking to the theaters. It also proved that Peele was not just a one-hit wonder and that he is the go-to guy when it comes to horror flicks.
Get Out $255.4 million Jordan Peele
There weren’t many, if any, black directors who were well-known in the horror genre, but actor/director/writer Jordan Peele changed all that. Although at the time he was more well-known for his comedic chops, Peele changed the game with Get Out. Not only was this movie a box office success, but Peele won an Oscar for best screenplay. Although the film is seven years old, it still has fans talking.
Sinners, $240 million, Ryan Coogler
Coogler and Michael B. Jordan did it again with the hit Sinners. This was their sixth collaboration and so far, their biggest hit. The movie centers around a bunch of vampires terrorizing people in a small town in Mississippi. The movie is already gaining Oscar momentum, so don’t be surprised if both Jordan and Coogler carry home some hardware next spring.
