Michael B. Jordan is set to star in a period horror movie calledSinners, and these related films are must-watches before the movie’s premiere. Set to be released on August 15, 2025,Sinnersis about twin brothers, both played by Jordan, who return to their hometown in the South in the 1930sonly to find that an insidious evil has been waiting for them. Alongside Jordan, the movie also stars Hailee Steinfeld and Jack O’Connell. Additionally, it isdirected by Ryan Coogler, who previously directed films such asCreedandBlack Panther.
Sinnersis highly-anticipated due to its unique premise and blending of genres, from horror to history to action. It is exciting to know thatthe movie will not only tell a terrifying tale, but will also include true historical horrors, such as the Jim Crow South. On top of that, Coogler and Jordan have long been collaborators, and considering the success of their past movies, it seems likely thatSinnerswill once again show off their talents. To prepare for this viewing experience, audiences may want to check out other Coogler/Jordan projects or films with similar premises.
To get a taste of Coogler and Jordan’s work beforeSinners,a great place to start is withBlack Panther.Though not their first collaboration,Black Pantheris definitely one of their most notable and well-received movies. First released in 2018, the superhero film followsT’Challa, a man who returns to his home country of Wakanda after the death of his father to take the throne.However, faced with an unexpected enemy, T’Challa’s place as king and a Black Panther are put at risk.
At first glance,Black Pantheris nothing likeSinners.The movies are set in vastly different worlds and tell separate stories. However, on a thematic level, the movies do share some similarities.LikeBlack Panther, Sinnersrevolves around power, who holds it, and who has the most rightto it. Jordan may be the hero inSinners,but like his character Erik, he is put into a position where violence may be the only path to survival and freedom.
If you are more excited aboutSinnersdue to its vampiric aspects, then an ideal watch would beInterview with the Vampire.Based on a novel of the same name by Anne Rice,this 1994 film centers on Louis, a man whose grief leads him to a vampire, who persuades him to become his companion. However, the more violence Louis sees, the more committed he becomes to leaving his maker and his bloodthirsty tendencies behind. Notably, the film stars Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Christian Slater, and Kirsten Dunst.
10 Best Vampire Movies & TV Shows Of The 2020s That Have Reinvigorated The Genre
Vampire shows and movies that either ran or released in the 2020s like Nosferatu and What We Do In the Shadows have brought new life to the genre.
The most obvious connection betweenSinnersandInterview with the Vampireis the inclusion of vampires as villains. As shown bySinners’trailer, the protagonists are hunted by a group of ruthless (and racially motivated) vampires. Yet, even more than that,Interview with the Vampireis a good choice because it will prepare audiences for a dark Southern setting. Viewers will get the chance to see how history and horror can be combined in a thrilling way.
Another Coogler movie that is worth checking out beforeSinnersisFruitvale Station.This is Coogler’s first-ever feature film, and alsothe first time that Coogler and Jordan worked together. The movie is about a young man who previously spent time in prison, but is now working hard to maintain a better life for himself, his girlfriend, and his daughter. Yet,on one fateful New Year’s Eve, he gets pulled into a misunderstanding, and ends up facing a tragic fate.Fruitvale Stationis based on a true story.
WhileBlack Pantherrepresents the grand scale that Coogler is capable of,Fruitvale Stationreally gets to the heart of his storytelling.
WhileBlack Pantherrepresents the grand scale that Coogler is capable of,Fruitvale Stationreally gets to the heart of his storytelling. It is a tale that is heartbreaking, raw, and shockingly true. There is no doubt after watchingFruitvale Stationthat Coogler is concerned with stories of race and prejudice. ThoughSinnershas its own paranormal twist, it also tackles these ideas in its own way. Thus,Fruitvale Stationmay be the best primer for Coogler’s work (and Jordan’s early acting career.)
When it comes to horror movies that involve race, there is no better film to watch thanGet Out.Released in 2017, this movie is aboutChris, a black man who is invited to visit his white girlfriend’s family home for the first time.Although Chris tries to overlook the family’s strange behavior, he eventually realizes that their intentions may be far more nefarious than he ever could have imagined. By the time he understands this, it may be too late.Get Outstars Daniel Kaluuya and isdirected by Jordan Peele.
Get OutandSinnershave quite different styles in terms of ambiance and plot, yet they are completely connected by their themes of racism.Get Out’svillains may not be vampires, but they have evil schemes brewing, and Chris is essentially alone in trying to escape with his life. Ultimately,both of these films are horrifying, not just because of jump scares or gore, but because of their real-life implications.
Last but not least, a perfect movie to watch beforeSinnersisNear Dark.This 1987 horror movie is about cowboy Caleb who meets a young woman named Mae and immediately falls in love. However, before long,he discovers that she is actually a vampire, and she wants him to join up with her band of bloodsuckers. As a result, Caleb must decide what is more important to him: love or his humanity.
Near Darkmay not be a super recognizable title, but it is still a solid watch. With a Certified Fresh 83% on Rotten Tomatoes,the movie successfully blends horror, Western, and romance to create an evocative storythat takes itself seriously, despite its paranormal qualities. Though it lacks the racial elements ofSinners,it is a great introduction to serious vampire movies and cross-genre projects. All in all, this is the type of movie that will get audiences ready forSinners.
