Rolling Stone released its list of the 20 Best Movies of 2025, and the reaction came fast. The omission of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners became the immediate focus, and even Simu Liu highlighted the absence in a direct post on X. His comment captured a frustration that had been building around the film’s position within this year’s awards conversation. The list placed its attention on smaller auteur projects, yet it left out one of the year’s most visible releases. That decision drew scrutiny from fans who expected the film to secure a place in any major year-end ranking.

Sinners Impact on Film Culture in 2025

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners made a clear impression in a year crowded with ambitious films. The story drew power from its Mississippi Delta setting and its blend of Southern horror, blues rhythm and period atmosphere. Viewers connected with the way the film built tension through music and folklore, and critics highlighted its confidence and scale. Strong visuals and a detailed soundscape helped the film hold attention well beyond its opening weeks. Its box office run showed steady interest, which kept it in conversation throughout the season.

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Many who follow Coogler’s work saw Sinners as a continuation of his focus on American memory and regional history, and the film gained traction as awards chatter grew. That momentum strengthened as it collected recognition across the industry. The film earned 22 wins and 42 nominations by early December, including major honors such as six Astra Midseason Movie Awards, three Hollywood Music in Media Awards and five Golden Trailer Awards. It also secured notable recognition at the Gotham Awards and the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards. With the Oscars and Grammys still ahead, the film’s awards profile continues to expand as the season progresses.

Rolling Stone’s List and the Debate Over Critical Taste

Rolling Stone’s list reflected a specific view of the year. It gave space to films driven by intimate, character-focused direction and avoided larger studio-backed projects. That approach pleased readers who seek quieter releases.

Yet many questioned why Sinners received only a brief mention in the article’s introduction and no placement in the ranking itself. The reaction online showed how sharply opinions diverged. Some users framed the omission as a dismissal of a film they felt defined the year. Others defended the list as the product of a critic’s personal judgment. The debate spread across social media throughout the day, fueled by comparisons between Sinners and several titles that appeared in lower positions on the list. Viewers who backed Coogler’s film argued that its reach and creative risks made the absence more striking.

Simu Liu’s Comment and the Shift in Awards Season Expectations

Simu Liu’s post added momentum to the backlash because it came from a prominent actor rather than a fan account. His question echoed the wider sense that Sinners had been positioned as a contender throughout the year.

Screenshot of Rolling Stone’s post sharing its 20 Best Movies of 2025 list on X, followed by Simu Liu’s reply asking why the film Sinners was left off the ranking.

Liu commented on the film’s omission in a direct post, and he has praised Coogler’s work in the past. His comment opened discussions about how early lists shape perception during awards season. Many fans interpreted the omission as a signal of how some critics view large-scale genre films, even when they attempt something new. The exchange showed how a single post can move a conversation from casual reaction to focused critique. Interest in the film’s awards trajectory has grown since the post, and the discussion remains active across film-focused communities.

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