Ryan Coogler’s latest movie Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan in the lead roles, hit theaters on April 18, 2025, and it’s already making huge waves. The period supernatural horror film has not only impressed audiences but also critics, earning an incredible 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
This is a major achievement, especially for a horror movie, a genre that usually gets mixed reactions from critics. With such a high rating, many are wondering how Sinners compares to some of the scariest horror movies ever made.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 scariest horror movies according to a 2024 poll by Rotten Tomatoes, and how their scores match up to Sinners.
Top 10 Scariest Horror Movies (Based on Rotten Tomatoes Poll & Critics’ Scores)
- Sinister (2012)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 8
- Critics’ Score: 64%
Ethan Hawke plays a true-crime writer who uncovers terrifying home videos in this supernatural horror film.
- Insidious (2010)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 9
- Critics’ Score: 66%
James Wan directs this chilling story of a family whose child becomes the target of evil spirits.
- The Ring (2002)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 6
- Critics’ Score: 71%
A cursed videotape leads to death within seven days in this psychological horror starring Naomi Watts.
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 1
- Critics’ Score: 78%
One of the most iconic horror movies ever, about a girl possessed by a demon and the desperate attempt to save her through exorcism.
- The Shining (1980)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 4
- Critics’ Score: 83%
Jack Nicholson stars in this psychological horror about a man losing his mind at an isolated hotel.
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 5
- Critics’ Score: 84%
A terrifying slasher film where a group of friends falls victim to a family of cannibals.
- It (2017)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 10
- Critics’ Score: 85%
A group of kids faces off against the terrifying, shape-shifting Pennywise the Clown.
- The Conjuring (2013)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 3
- Critics’ Score: 86%
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren try to save a family haunted by evil spirits.
- Hereditary (2018)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 2
- Critics’ Score: 90%
After a family matriarch dies, horrifying secrets come to light that curse the family forever.
- Halloween (1978)
- Rotten Tomatoes Poll Rank: 7
- Critics’ Score: 97%
John Carpenter’s classic slasher where a killer returns to his hometown after escaping a mental institution.
How Does Sinners Compare?
As you can see, even legendary horror films like The Exorcist and The Shining don’t come close to the 98% Rotten Tomatoes score that Sinners has achieved.
The closest competitor is Halloween (1978), with a 97% score, but even that falls just short of Sinners.
So, as of now, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is officially the highest-rated horror movie based on Rotten Tomatoes critics’ scores!
It’s exciting to see if any upcoming horror movies, like Danny Boyle’s much-anticipated 28 Years Later, could challenge Sinners for the top spot. But for now, Sinners holds the crown.
What Is Sinners About?
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a period supernatural horror film set in a haunting small-town atmosphere.
The story follows twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), who return to their hometown hoping for a fresh start. However, their plans are disrupted when they find themselves battling a far more sinister and powerful force than they ever faced in their past.
The movie blends chilling suspense, strong emotional storytelling, and powerful performances, making it a must-watch for horror fans.
In short: Sinners is not only winning the hearts of viewers but is also rewriting the record books for horror films. With Ryan Coogler’s sharp direction and Michael B. Jordan’s gripping performance, it’s no surprise that Sinners is now considered one of the best horror films ever made.
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