If Sinners has left you craving more thought-provoking stories that blend supernatural horror, black identity, and rich cultural narratives, you’re in for a treat.
From spine-chilling supernatural horror to poignant dramas, these 10 recommendations share thematic similarities with the movie Sinners, featuring everything from music as a central element to the struggles of black communities against oppressive systems.
Plus, these titles boast incredible performances, unique storytelling, and an unforgettable mix of genres. Let’s dive in!
1. Lovecraft Country|Stream on Showmax
Set in the 1950s, the series follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he journeys across America, battling both supernatural forces and the brutal realities of racism. Directed by Misha Green and based on Matt Ruff’s novel, the show earned an 87% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its compelling storytelling and complex characters.
The series also features standout performances from Jurnee Smollett, Wunmi Mosaku, and the late Michael K. Williams. With 18 Emmy nominations and a win, the HBO series Lovecraft Country became a critical success, offering a unique blend of genre storytelling and social commentary. Available on to binge-watch on Showmax, it’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates horror with meaningful cultural depth, much like Sinners.
2. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom|Stream on Netflix
With a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 97%, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a stunning tribute to Black music and the power dynamics within the 1920s blues scene. Set in Chicago in 1927, the film follows legendary blues singer Ma Rainey as she asserts control over her art amid tensions with her white producers, highlighting the racial and creative exploitation prevalent in the music industry. Directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Viola Davis, the late Chadwick Boseman, and Glynn Turman, the film showcases powerhouse performances—particularly from Davis and Boseman—that elevate its emotional depth and historical resonance.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom saw a limited box office run with $6.2 million in earnings but made a significant cultural impact, winning two Academy Awards—including a posthumous Best Actor win for Chadwick Boseman—and earning five nominations overall. Available to stream on Netflix, the film echoes themes of artistic ownership and struggle, with Davis’ commanding portrayal drawing parallels to similar conflicts in other narratives like Sinners.
3. A Jazzman’s Blues|Stream on Netflix
A Jazzman’s Blues stands as Tyler Perry’s most ambitious work, blending romance and tragedy into a deeply emotional, music-filled journey. Set in the segregated South, the film tells the poignant story of Bayou, a gifted singer who must navigate the harsh realities of racism, family tensions, and betrayal as he chases his dream of a musical career. Directed by Perry and featuring performances by Joshua Boone, Solea Pfeiffer, and Amirah Vann, the film unfolds as both a love story and a reflection on the cost of artistic and personal authenticity.
Released directly on Netflix, A Jazzman’s Blues bypassed the box office but garnered critical attention and was nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards. Its rich soundtrack and layered family drama enhance its emotional weight, making it a compelling choice for those drawn to narratives where music and identity intertwine.
4. The Blackening|Stream on Showmax
With a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 87%, The Blackening is a hilarious horror-comedy that cleverly satirizes racial tropes in the genre while still delivering genuine scares. Directed by Tim Story and starring Antoinette Robertson, Dewayne Perkins, and X Mayo, the film follows a group of Black friends on a weekend getaway who must fight for survival as a mysterious killer begins targeting them one by one. While embracing classic slasher elements, the movie simultaneously tackles issues of race and representation, blending humor with sharp social commentary.
Grossing $24 million domestically, The Blackening was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award, affirming its cultural resonance alongside its entertainment value. Available to stream on Showmax, it offers a fun and satirical take on horror that remains accessible while addressing serious themes, making it a standout entry in the evolving landscape of socially conscious genre films.
5. Get Out|Stream on Prime Video
Get Out holds an impressive 98% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking horror-comedy blends sharp wit with chilling suspense to expose the terrors of systemic racism. The film earned $255.4 million at the global box office and won an Academy Award, with five nominations including Best Original Screenplay.
Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, and Lil Rel Howery, and directed by Peele, the story follows a young black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to discover a horrifying secret behind their hospitality. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video. Peele’s genre-defying style elevates the film’s commentary on racial exploitation and fear.
6. Us|Stream on Netflix
Us holds a strong 93% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. In this gripping thriller, Jordan Peele delivers another standout film, delving into the eerie concept of doppelgängers and the deeper themes of societal division. The movie grossed $255 million worldwide and received one Academy Award nomination.
Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, and Shahadi Wright Joseph, and directed by Peele, the story follows a family whose vacation spirals into horror when they’re hunted by their own violent doubles. Available to stream on Netflix, Us is a psychological thriller that masterfully blends supernatural horror with sharp social commentary on class — much like the tone found in Sinners.
7. Nope|Stream on Netflix
Nope has an 83% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and offers a fresh, thought-provoking take on alien horror. Directed by Jordan Peele, the film explores themes of spectacle, survival, and racial history in a unique and suspenseful way. It earned $171 million at the global box office and received two Academy Award nominations.
Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, and Steven Yeun, the story centers on two siblings who encounter a mysterious phenomenon above their California ranch, unraveling terrifying secrets. You can stream Nope on Netflix. True to Peele’s style, the film blends horror with sharp social commentary, focusing on exploitation and survival within the Black experience.
8. The Idol|Binge on Showmax
The Idol stands out as a bold, provocative HBO series that dives into the dark side of fame, power, and control within the music industry. Featuring intense performances from Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd, the show received one Primetime Emmy nomination. Created by Sam Levinson, the story follows a rising pop star who becomes dangerously involved with a mysterious figure resembling a cult leader.
The series offers a raw look at celebrity culture, identity, and the high cost of fame. It’s available to binge on Showmax.
9. The Harder They Fall|Stream on Netflix
The Harder They Fall holds a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 88%. This stylish and action-filled reimagining of the Old West features a powerful all-black cast that reinvents the Western genre. Released on Netflix, it bypassed a traditional box office run. The film was nominated for a Critics Choice Award.
Starring Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, and Regina King, and directed by Jeymes Samuel, the story follows a Black cowboy on a quest for revenge against the outlaw who killed his parents. The movie combines thrilling shootouts with striking visuals and standout performances, putting Black stories at the heart of its bold narrative. It is available to stream on Netflix.
10. If Beale Street Could Talk|Stream on Apple TV
If Beale Street Could Talk earned a 95% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Adapted from James Baldwin’s novel, it is a moving and emotional story that explores love, racial injustice, and hope. The film grossed $20 million worldwide and received three Academy Award nominations, with Regina King winning Best Supporting Actress.
Directed by Barry Jenkins and starring KiKi Layne, Stephan James, and Regina King, the film follows Tish, a young woman determined to clear her fiancé’s name after he is wrongfully imprisoned. As she fights for justice, the story unfolds as a powerful portrayal of black love, resilience, and the deep impact of systemic oppression. It is available to stream on Apple TV +.
