Variety Faces Backlash After Omitting Critically Acclaimed Horror Film *Sinners*

Variety’s “Best Movies of 2025” list has caused a major stir. The prestigious Hollywood outlet excluded the hit horror film Sinners. Fans and industry figures are loudly criticizing the decision online. The list was published on the outlet’s website this week.

The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, was a critical and commercial success. Its omission is viewed as a glaring oversight by many. According to Variety’s own past reporting, the film was a box office winner for Warner Bros.

Fan Reactions Highlight Perceived Bias and Commercial Success

The online reaction was swift and severe. Fans quickly took to social media to voice their anger. Many pointed to the film’s exceptional review scores as proof of its quality.

Sinners holds a 97% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its audience score is an equally impressive 96%. These numbers are rare for a horror film.

The film also performed strongly at the box office. It grossed a total of $367 million globally. This figure contradicts earlier Variety analysis questioning its profitability.

Industry Figures and Audiences Question Editorial Judgment

The backlash includes prominent industry voices. Actor Wendell Pierce publicly criticized Variety’s objectivity. He suggested the snub reflects deeper issues in film journalism.

Many social media users accused the outlet of bias. Some implied the film’s predominantly Black cast influenced its exclusion. Others cited the film’s originality as a reason for its dismissal by “film snobs.”

The consistent fan defense underscores the movie’s cultural impact. It has become a flashpoint in discussions about recognition and representation. The controversy proves Sinners resonated far beyond typical genre boundaries, making its omission a significant talking point as the year ends.

Info at your fingertips

Why are fans upset with Variety’s list?

Fans are upset because *Sinners* was excluded. The film has near-perfect scores from critics and audiences. Its major box office success makes the omission seem illogical to many.

How did *Sinners* perform financially?

The film was a major commercial hit. It earned $367 million worldwide. This surpassed early industry expectations for its profitability.

What are the critical scores for *Sinners*?

On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 97% approval from critics. The audience score is also very high at 96%. Both scores are exceptional for the horror genre.

Have any actors commented on the snub?

Yes, veteran actor Wendell Pierce spoke out. He questioned the list’s objectivity and the state of film journalism. His comments added significant weight to the fan criticism.