Movies

10 Movies & TV Shows to Satisfy Your Cravings After ‘Sinners’

BBG News

Ryan Coogler’s film, titled Sinners, has exploded in popularity since its debut on April 18th. In merely two weeks, it has raked in over $160 million worldwide and shattered numerous records, such as becoming one of the top 20 highest-grossing horror films in the U.S. Coogler’s unique production masterfully combines various genres like drama, crime, terror, and even weaves music into the narrative. The vampire subcategory within the horror genre has been prevalent for decades, but Coogler introduces fresh perspectives to this niche. His script is so intricate and thought-provoking that it elevates the film beyond a typical vampire movie.

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The movie has sparked such enthusiasm among viewers that they’re flocking back to the cinema for encore viewings. Not only does this film make us yearn for more vampire tales, but it also stirs our desire for films with the same thought-provoking social commentary, distinctive style, moody atmosphere, and well-developed characters. Indeed, Sinners stands out as a unique cinematic gem that lives up to all the buzz and acclaim it’s earning.

Here is a list of films (plus some television series) akin to “Sinners”, which should keep you entertained until your next viewing!

10
‘Interview with the Vampire’ (1994)

In the vein of Anne Rice’s 1976 novel “Interview with the Vampire”, we find the narrative unfolding through Louis de Pointe du Lac (portrayed by Brad Pitt), who shares the harrowing tale of his immortal metamorphosis and a life filled with suffering, to a journalist named Daniel Molloy (played by Christian Slater). Over two centuries, Louis’ tale encompasses treachery, isolation, and an insatiable thirst. Crucially, Louis’ journey revolves around his profound remorse for following in the footsteps of his maker, Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise).

The Appeal of Vampirism

This piece is almost a must-watch for fans of vampire tales, as it delves into the strong allure that vampirism holds in many such narratives. The idea of immortality and having near limitless freedom is enticing to humans, making it hard to resist. Remmick employs this tactic in his novel “Sinners” to try to convince Smoke and his companions to let him join them and become a vampire. However, as Louis repeatedly highlights in “Interview with the Vampire“, there are drawbacks to eternal existence. The AMC series of the same name also does a commendable job in examining this perspective.

9
‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ (1996)

Titled “From Dusk Till Dawn,” this captivating film, penned by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Robert Rodriguez, weaves an intricate tapestry of action, crime, dark humor, and horror. The story unfolds around the escapades of two notorious brothers, Seth (played by George Clooney) and Richard Gecko (portrayed by Tarantino himself), who abduct a family man and his offspring to coerce them into crossing the border towards Mexico. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they arrive at a seemingly ordinary bar, only to find it concealing a hidden secret, compelling them to forge an alliance with their captives.

Embracing and Creating Influence

Warning: The bar disguises itself as an ordinary establishment, but it’s actually a colossal lair filled with bloodthirsty vampires. The movie takes such a significant turn midway that it feels like watching a completely different production. Coogler himself cited the film as inspiration for Sinners, along with Rodriguez’s other horror creation, The Faculty. There are undeniably similarities between the two films, particularly in the dramatic shift that occurs during the second half of Sinners. However, despite its influences, Sinners stands out by being unique and groundbreaking in its own right.

8
‘Let the Right One In’ (2008)

Titled after its Swedish source material, “Let Me In” is a chilling horror film that unfolds in a quaint Swedish town during 1982. The narrative centers around Oskar, a 12-year-old boy who endures persistent bullying at school and struggles to retaliate. However, when he befriends Eli, the mysterious new neighbor, his vengeful thoughts take on a more tangible form as his town experiences an increase in violence and bloodshed.

A Dark Coming-of-Age Film

Despite its gruesome moments, this film carries a powerful emotional heart that resonates with anyone who’s had trouble finding their place as a child. It’s a poignant tale of growth set against a backdrop of darkness, inviting viewers to ponder if revenge is truly worth the cost it exacts. If you found yourself captivated by the authentic themes in Sinners, then Let the Right One In would be an excellent choice for your next viewing.

7
‘Nope’ (2022)

Under the direction of Jordan Peele, a prominent figure in contemporary horror, comes the intriguing sci-fi horror-thriller titled Nope. This movie features Daniel Kaluuya, a frequent collaborator with Peele, in the lead role. The story revolves around OJ Haywood (Kaluuya) and his sister Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer), who run a ranch. They’ve been haunted by mysterious objects falling from the sky that claimed their father’s life. In an attempt to uncover the truth, they enlist the help of tech salesman Angel Torres (Brandon Perea) and documentarian Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott), with the hope of capturing the unknown object on camera.

Entertaining Yet Culturally Important

As a movie buff, I can’t help but admire Jordan Peele’s knack for seamlessly integrating social commentary into his cinematic tales, and “Nope” is no exception. Beneath its surface of two siblings probing the eerie sky-dweller that claimed their father lies a rich tapestry of thought-provoking messages about environmentalism, the relentless pursuit of fame, capitalizing on tragedy, and the film industry’s perspective on entertainment. Remarkably, Peele’s commentary doesn’t hinder but rather enhances the overall cinematic experience, much like how Ryan Coogler skillfully infused commentary in “Black Panther”.

6
‘Near Dark’ (1987)

Under the guidance of Kathryn Bigelow, Near Dark presents a unique blend of horror and Western themes, offering a fresh perspective on the vampire subgenre. The narrative unfolds around a character named Caleb (Adrian Pasdar), who finds himself irresistibly drawn to a mysterious woman. Upon being bitten by her, he is thrust into the life of a band of resilient Southern vampires, who travel the highways in commandeered vehicles. As part of his induction, Caleb is tasked with attacking a tavern filled with hillbillies.

The Battle Between Right and Wrong

In the movie, Caleb’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his mysterious condition. The film delves into ideas of loyalty, endurance, and self-discovery as Caleb, once a simple farm boy from a quiet town, finds himself grappling with the allure of a dangerously thrilling lifestyle without consequences. Yet, his inherent morality clashes sharply with his newfound vampirism. The internal battle between good and evil, coupled with Bill Paxton’s brilliantly twisted portrayal of Severen as the vampire, makes Near Dark an unforgettable watch.

5
‘True Blood’ (2008 – 2014)

In a small town named Bon Temps, Louisiana, the captivating series HBO presents, “True Blood,” unfolds around Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress with telepathic abilities who works at a local eatery. This town is unique because it coexists with vampires and other supernatural beings. In this world, vampires are integrated into society due to the existence of TruBlood, a synthetic substance that enables them to nourish themselves without consuming human blood.

A Show Full of Sexy Vampires

During the peak of the vampire craze brought about by series like the “Twilight Saga”, “True Blood” graced our screens, offering a thrilling experience. It’s hilarious, steamy, gruesome, clever, and excessively entertaining in every way that counts. Typically, vampires in media are portrayed as alluring and attractive, and “True Blood” certainly delivers on this aspect. For instance, Alexander Skarsgård portrays a thousand-year-old Viking vampire who owns a bar named Fangtasia. If you appreciate vampire tales that are incredibly engaging and found the seductive elements of “Sinners” appealing, then you should definitely check out this series.

4
‘Thirst’ (2009)

Under the guidance of acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-wook, the film titled “Thirst” unfolds. It revolves around a devout Catholic priest, Sang-hyun (played by Song Kang-ho), who selflessly agrees to undergo a risky medical experiment to create a cure for a fatal illness. However, things take an unexpected turn when the procedure fails and Sang-hyun inadvertently receives vampire blood during a transfusion. This unforeseen event triggers an insatiable craving for human flesh and blood within him. Struggling to adapt to his new existence and grappling with his religious beliefs, Sang-hyun embarks on a tumultuous journey of self-discovery.

The Morality of Vampirism

In many traditional vampire tales, there’s often a moral quandary humans find themselves in when they become undead. The movie “Thirst” delves deeper into this philosophical struggle by adding another layer: the protagonist’s grappling with his religious beliefs, which he had dedicated his life to. Now, he must deal not only with his unquenchable thirst for blood, but also his sexual urges. Everything about being a vampire contradicts every principle he has ever been taught. Characters like those in “Sinners” face similar challenges as they grapple with the significance of religion and its influence on culture. Sang-hyun must come to terms with these questions too.

3
‘Bones and All’ (2022)

Bones and All is a stunningly sad horror romance movie directed by Luca Guadagnino. The story follows Maren (played by Taylor Russell), a young woman who has had to move around due to her unusual craving for human flesh, accompanied by her father. Alone now, Maren encounters another outcast with similar appetites called Lee (Timothee Chalamet). Together, they journey on a 1,000-mile adventure across America in the ’80s. Regardless of their distance traveled, their haunting pasts continue to haunt them wherever they go.

An Emotionally Devastating Romance

This movie boasts stunning cinematography, showcasing breathtaking landscapes across America and images that are both disturbing yet captivating to behold. The relationship between Maren and Lee might not spark like lightning, but it’s as endearing as can be, stemming from their mutual understanding. Ethical dilemmas are at the forefront once more, as Maren and Lee grapple with the complexities of their survival and its consequences on those they sustain. Although it’s not about vampires, it shares the emotional and moral struggles found in Sinners, and at times can be heart-wrenchingly intense.

2
‘Candyman’ (1992)

In the vein of Clive Barker’s short story “The Forbidden,” the film Candyman revolves around Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen), a graduate student intrigued by local folklore. Her fascination with legends and myths, including that of the Candyman, a man with a hook for a hand who supposedly manifests if his name is spoken five times in front of a mirror, leads her to disregard the cautions from residents in the neighborhood. As she delves deeper into exploring the locations where he’s said to appear, a series of gruesome murders unfolds.

An Intelligent Twist on an Urban Legend

The movie creatively reimagines the Bloody Mary urban myth we often encounter in elementary school, and its narrative is cleverly constructed. The performances by Todd and Madsen are simply outstanding. Similar to the film “Sinners“, “Candyman” explores the repercussions of encroaching upon cultural territories and disregarding their past. Helen, a white woman, aspires to pen stories about legends in a predominantly Black community concerning a Black figure, but she neglects the warnings and fails to invest sufficient time learning from them.

1
‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

Under the skilled direction of contemporary horror maestro Mike Flanagan, Midnight Mass is an exceptionally captivating limited series that transcends the boundaries of a typical vampire tale. Set on the secluded Crockett Island, off the New England coast, the arrival of a disgraced young man named Riley (Zach Gilford) and a charismatic priest named Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) intensifies the existing divide among the islanders. As Father Paul’s appearance on Crockett Island coincides with inexplicable and seemingly divine occurrences, a resurgence of religious zeal sweeps through the community, albeit at a cost.

The Vampiric Qualities of Religion

Mike Flanagan excels at combining dramatic elements with horror to produce films and series that deeply impact audiences, stirring a range of emotions within them. The series “Midnight Mass” offers an unflinching portrayal of life, death, and religion, using vampirism as a symbolic backdrop. The vampires serve as a representation of the predatory aspects often associated with various religions, notably Catholicism. However, it’s essential to note that “Midnight Mass” does not disrespect Catholicism or its practitioners; instead, it encourages viewers to ponder the underlying principles of religion. Furthermore, the series delves into the raw realities of addiction and recovery, seamlessly integrating these themes into its religious narrative. Similarly, the series “Sinners” explores the idea that certain groups have been subjected to the vampiric aspects of religion, while “Midnight Mass” dedicates its seven-episode run to this topic.

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2025-05-04 05:34

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