Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has gone from a bold original idea to one of the most successful and culturally resonant films of the decade. Since its theatrical debut earlier this spring, the supernatural thriller has become both a commercial juggernaut and a critical conversation piece. Here’s everything you need to know about its rise — and why it’s a milestone for both blockbuster storytelling and authentic representation.
Now Streaming in Full IMAX Format
As of June 3, 2025, Sinners is available to rent or purchase digitally on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major platforms. Notably, the home release preserves the full IMAX aspect ratio for key sequences — a rarity in digital releases and a big draw for fans who want the most cinematic viewing experience possible at home.
This format retention is part of what made Sinners stand out in theaters: Coogler’s team shot several pivotal action and dialogue-heavy moments using IMAX cameras, delivering scale and intimacy in equal measure.
Dominating the Box Office
In an era where original IP often struggles to gain traction, Sinners has defied the odds. With $272.6 million in domestic earnings and a global haul nearing $358 million, it is now the highest-grossing original film of the decade.
That milestone puts Sinners in rare company. It is the first original film since Pixar’s Coco (2017) to cross the $200 million mark in North America — a feat made even more impressive given the competition from sequels and franchise-heavy releases this year like Lilo & Stitch and Spider-Verse: Exodus.
A Deleted Scene That’s Making Waves
A newly released deleted musical scene featuring Delroy Lindo’s Delta Slim and Miles Caton’s Sammie has stirred fresh excitement. In the clip, Slim croons a blues-inspired solo in a smoky juke joint — a moment that adds unexpected emotional depth and expands on the film’s Southern gothic roots.
The decision to cut the scene was reportedly due to pacing, but fans are now calling for a director’s cut that reintegrates the powerful performance.
Cultural Impact: Elevating Choctaw Representation
Perhaps one of the film’s most powerful accomplishments is its portrayal of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In just a few brief scenes, the film incorporates authentic language, regalia, and ceremony — not as exposition, but as part of the characters’ lived experience.
Off Topic: Our Favorite Xbox One Exclusives
The Xbox One offers a unique gaming experience with titles you can’t find anywhere else. These exclusive games showcase what makes the Xbox platform special, with many developed by Microsoft’s own studios. Finding the best Xbox exclusives can help you get the most value from your console and experience games that were specifically designed for Xbox hardware.
Whether you’re into racing games, shooters, or action-adventure titles, Xbox One exclusives cover a wide range of genres. Many of these games take advantage of Xbox-specific features and services like Game Pass, giving you access to high-quality exclusives without purchasing each title individually. You might discover some hidden gems that have flown under your radar.
1: Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is an essential Xbox exclusive that brings together multiple games from the iconic Halo franchise. This collection includes Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2 Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 all in one package.
What makes this collection special is that you get to experience the entire Master Chief saga on a single console. The highlight is the remastered Halo 2 Anniversary edition, which features stunning updated graphics that bring the classic game into the modern era.
The collection offers extensive multiplayer options with maps from all included games. You’ll find plenty of customization features too, including animated visors and back accessories that let you personalize your Spartan.
Season 6 of the collection adds even more content with Halo 3 armor, vehicle and weapon skins inspired by the Halo: Fireteam Raven arcade game. These additions keep the gameplay fresh even years after release.
If you’re looking to catch up on the Halo universe or relive classic moments, this collection is your best option. You can play it on any modern Xbox system, including the Xbox One, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X.
2: Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 stands out as one of the most impressive Xbox exclusives available today. Set in a stunning open-world Mexico, this racing game offers breathtaking landscapes and dynamic weather that changes how you experience each drive.
You’ll find an incredible variety of cars to collect and customize, with over 500 vehicles to choose from. The handling feels realistic yet accessible, making it enjoyable whether you’re a racing expert or just starting out.
The game shines with its seasonal changes and special events that keep gameplay fresh. You can race through desert storms, trek through jungles, or speed along beautiful coastal highways as you build your racing reputation.
Multiplayer options let you compete against friends or join random races with players worldwide. The community features allow you to create and share custom race routes and car designs with other players.
Visual performance on Xbox Series X is particularly impressive, with 4K resolution and smooth framerates that consistently improve on predecessors. The attention to detail in both car models and environments creates an immersive experience.
Even if racing games aren’t typically your preference, Forza Horizon 5’s accessible gameplay and beautiful open world make it worth trying. It represents what Xbox does best – technical excellence combined with pure entertainment value.
3: Gears 5
Gears 5 stands as one of the best Xbox One exclusives yet. This action-packed third-person shooter continues the legacy of the beloved Gears of War franchise with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay.
You’ll appreciate how the game expands on the series’ formula with open-world elements and enhanced combat mechanics. The campaign follows Kait Diaz as she uncovers the mysteries of her family’s past, providing a deeper narrative than previous entries.
The multiplayer options in Gears 5 are robust, giving you plenty of ways to compete or cooperate with friends. Horde mode returns with improvements, and the new Escape mode offers fresh challenges for you and your teammates.
Visually, Gears 5 takes full advantage of Xbox One hardware. If you own an Xbox One X, you’ll be treated to enhanced graphics and smoother performance. Microsoft even released a limited edition Gears 5 Xbox One X console bundle for dedicated fans.
The game balances familiar elements with new innovations. You’ll find the signature cover-based shooting mechanics alongside new abilities and weapons that keep the gameplay feeling fresh.
If you enjoy the other entries in the Gears of War series, Gears 5 is an essential addition to your Xbox One library. The game offers excellent value with its combination of an engaging campaign and multiple multiplayer modes.
4: Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrive stands as one of the best Xbox One exclusive games that you might have overlooked. Released during the Xbox One era, this vibrant action-adventure game delivers a unique gaming experience you won’t find elsewhere.
The game throws you into a colorful apocalypse where energy drinks have turned people into mutants. You’ll navigate this chaos with incredible movement mechanics that keep you off the ground and in constant motion.
What makes Sunset Overdrive special is its perfect blend of humor, style, and gameplay. The punk-rock aesthetic combined with fluid traversal mechanics creates a gaming experience that feels refreshingly different from other titles in your collection.
You’ll find yourself grinding rails, bouncing off cars, and wall-running across buildings while taking down enemies with outlandish weapons. The combat encourages creativity and rewards you for staying mobile rather than taking cover.
Despite being considered by many as one of the best Xbox exclusives ever, Sunset Overdrive often gets forgotten in discussions about standout Xbox titles. Some fans even call it a “must play” and possibly the best exclusive from the Xbox One’s life cycle.
The good news? If you haven’t experienced this game yet, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy for you to jump in and see what makes this title so special.
5: Quantum Break
Quantum Break stands out as one of the most ambitious Xbox One exclusives. This third-person action-adventure game from Remedy Entertainment blends intense gameplay with live-action episodes that change based on your choices.
You play as Jack Joyce, who gains time manipulation powers after a quantum physics experiment goes wrong. These powers let you freeze time, dash across spaces in a flash, and create shields to protect yourself from enemies.
What makes Quantum Break truly unique is how it combines gaming with television. Between gameplay chapters, you’ll watch live-action episodes featuring actors like Shawn Ashmore and Aidan Gillen. Your in-game choices affect how these episodes play out.
The game’s visuals were groundbreaking when it released in 2016. You’ll notice incredible lighting effects and realistic character models that still look impressive today.
Combat feels satisfying as you combine conventional weapons with your time powers. You can stop time around enemies, rush to flank them, or create time bubbles that suspend bullets in mid-air.
While some fans rank it among their top three Xbox exclusives alongside Halo and Gears, others place it around the middle of the pack. The story can get complicated, but the gameplay innovations make it worth your time.
If you have Xbox Game Pass, you can experience this highly-rated exclusive without additional purchase.
6: Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves offers you a unique pirate adventure that stands out among Xbox exclusives. This open-world game lets you sail the seas, hunt for treasure, and engage in epic ship battles with friends or strangers.
Developed by Rare, Sea of Thieves launched in 2018 but has grown significantly through regular updates. The game received mixed reviews at launch due to limited content, but has since evolved into a robust experience with loyal players.
You’ll find the game’s cartoony art style charming and accessible. The water effects are particularly impressive, creating realistic ocean conditions that affect how you navigate your ship.
What makes Sea of Thieves special is its focus on cooperative gameplay. You and your crew must work together to sail ships, battle skeleton crews, and protect your hard-earned loot from other players.
The game offers various mission types called Voyages that you can undertake for different trading companies. Whether you prefer hunting monsters, solving riddles for buried treasure, or transporting cargo, there’s something for every pirate.
The Deluxe Edition includes numerous digital bonuses and additional content if you’re looking to enhance your experience. Many Xbox fans consider it one of the must-play exclusives from the console’s life cycle.
Sea of Thieves is available through Xbox Game Pass, making it easily accessible if you subscribe to the service.
7: Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest stands out as one of the most visually stunning exclusives in the Xbox One library. This beautiful platformer captured players’ hearts with its gorgeous art style and emotional storytelling when it arrived on Xbox One in 2015.
You’ll find yourself immediately drawn into the game’s world through its hand-painted visuals and fluid animation. The game follows Ori, a guardian spirit, on a journey to restore balance to a dying forest.
The gameplay combines challenging platforming with metroidvania-style exploration. You’ll gain new abilities throughout your adventure that allow you to reach previously inaccessible areas.
Many Xbox players consider Ori one of the best exclusives on the system, with its perfect blend of artistry and gameplay. The difficulty feels balanced, offering a good challenge without becoming frustrating.
The Definitive Edition adds even more content to enjoy, including two brand new environments and additional story sequences. You’ll also find new abilities and multiple difficulty modes to tailor the experience to your skill level.
The game’s soundtrack deserves special mention, with a beautiful orchestral score that enhances the emotional impact of the story. The music perfectly complements the visual experience.
If you have Xbox Game Pass, you can play Ori without any additional purchase. Many players report subscribing to Game Pass specifically to experience this remarkable game.
8: Rare Replay
Rare Replay stands as one of the most valuable Xbox One exclusives you can add to your collection. This anthology packs 30 classic Rare-developed games spanning the studio’s 30-year history into one affordable package.
When you first boot up Rare Replay, you’ll be greeted with a charming theater-style presentation that showcases the developer’s quirky personality. The collection includes beloved titles from multiple gaming eras, giving you access to games that would otherwise be difficult to play on modern hardware.
You might want to start with Rare classics like Banjo, Conker, and Perfect Dark. These Nintendo 64 era masterpieces show why Rare was once considered one of gaming’s premier studios.
The collection offers impressive visual upgrades for many titles. Killer Instinct Gold looks surprisingly good on a 1080p TV, demonstrating the care put into this compilation.
For newer Rare experiences, you can try Kameo or Viva Piñata. These Xbox 360 titles demonstrate the studio’s creativity even in later years.
What makes Rare Replay special is how it preserves gaming history while making it accessible. You’ll find everything from 8-bit classics to modern adventures, complete with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
The achievement system adds extra replay value, challenging you to experience these games in new ways. For the price, you won’t find a more comprehensive gaming collection exclusive to Xbox One.
9: Dead Rising 3
Dead Rising 3 stands as one of the best Xbox One exclusives released during the console’s launch window. This zombie-slaying adventure became an Xbox exclusive because Microsoft helped finance the game to strengthen the Xbox One’s initial lineup of titles.
The game throws you into an open-world zombie apocalypse with unprecedented freedom. You can explore the fictional city of Los Perdidos while crafting wild weapons from everyday items. The creativity in weapon combinations offers nearly endless possibilities for taking down the undead.
What makes Dead Rising 3 special is the sheer number of zombies on screen. The Xbox One’s improved hardware allowed Capcom to render massive hordes that previous generations couldn’t handle. This creates truly tense moments as you navigate through streets packed with the undead.
The Apocalypse Edition offers you the complete experience, including four downloadable content packs. This version gives you even more ways to enjoy the zombie-slaying mayhem.
While the game maintains the series’ signature humor, it adopts a slightly darker tone than previous entries. You’ll still find ridiculous costumes and over-the-top weapons, but with improved graphics that make the experience more immersive.
If you’re looking for a zombie game that balances action, horror, and absurd humor, Dead Rising 3 deserves a spot in your Xbox One collection.
10: Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct stands as one of the Xbox One’s most successful fighting game exclusives. This combo-heavy fighter revived the classic arcade series with stunning visuals and fast-paced gameplay that fighting game enthusiasts love.
The game features a roster of 26 diverse characters, including the special edition Shadow Jago. Each fighter brings unique moves and combo potential that keeps gameplay fresh and exciting as you explore different fighting styles.
You’ll battle across 20 visually impressive stages complete with intense destruction effects. The environments add another layer of immersion to your fights with detailed backdrops that react to the on-screen action.
Killer Instinct uses a free-to-play model that lets you try the game with rotating fighters before purchasing your favorites. This approach makes it accessible if you’re curious about fighting games without requiring a full-price commitment upfront.
The Definitive Edition includes both Killer Instinct Classic 1 & 2, giving you access to the original games that started the franchise. This package offers excellent value if you appreciate fighting game history.
One significant advantage is that Killer Instinct offers complete cross-play between Xbox and PC through the Windows Store version. This feature expands the player base and ensures you can always find opponents online.
While ranked 13th among Xbox exclusives by some publications, Killer Instinct’s technical performance and deep combat system make it a standout fighting experience you shouldn’t overlook.
The Impact of Xbox One Exclusives on Gaming
Xbox One exclusives have significantly shaped the gaming landscape since the console’s release. These games not only showcase the hardware’s capabilities but also influence how you choose your gaming platform.
From a business perspective, exclusives influence console sales directly. When you can only play certain titles on one system, that becomes a powerful motivator in your purchasing decision.
The quality of Xbox One exclusives has been a topic of debate. While PlayStation has often been praised for its first-party titles, Microsoft has historically had fewer first-party studios, affecting their exclusive lineup.
However, Xbox’s strategy has evolved dramatically. The company is now moving away from strict exclusivity toward inclusivity, allowing games that were once Xbox-only to appear on competing platforms.
This shift represents a bold industry change. Games like Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves have begun appearing on other platforms, challenging the traditional concept of console exclusivity.
Despite this changing landscape, you’ll find that many Xbox exclusives remain must-play experiences. Franchises like Halo and Forza continue to define the Xbox ecosystem and provide unique gaming experiences.
The impact of Xbox exclusives extends beyond sales figures. These games have pioneered services like Game Pass, changing how you access and play games while reshaping subscription models across the industry.
Characteristics of Successful Xbox One Exclusives
Xbox One exclusives need certain elements to stand out in today’s competitive gaming market. These games combine unique gameplay, strong narratives, and visual excellence to create memorable experiences that define the platform.
Innovative Game Mechanics
Successful Xbox exclusives often introduce fresh gameplay mechanics that players can’t find elsewhere. Sunset Overdrive stands out with its fluid traversal system that lets you grind, bounce, and wall-run through a colorful open world. This movement system changed how players interact with the environment.
The Forza series consistently delivers innovative driving mechanics. Forza Motorsport 7 refined the racing experience with dynamic weather systems and track conditions that change during races, affecting your driving strategy.
Halo games continually evolve their combat sandbox, balancing weapons, vehicles, and enemy AI to create unique encounters. The dual-wielding in earlier titles and equipment abilities in newer games keep the franchise feeling fresh.
You’ll notice these games don’t just copy what works—they take risks with new ideas that become their trademark features.
Compelling Storylines
Strong narratives help Xbox exclusives create emotional connections with players. Halo built an extensive universe around Master Chief that spans decades, with rich lore that extends beyond the games into books, shows, and other media.
Character development plays a crucial role in these stories. The Gears of War franchise explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and camaraderie through its cast of battle-hardened soldiers facing overwhelming odds.
These games often tackle complex themes while remaining accessible. Sea of Thieves tells its story through environmental storytelling and shared player experiences rather than traditional cutscenes.
You’ll find that the best Xbox narratives balance action-packed moments with quieter character development, creating stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.
High-Quality Graphics
Visual excellence is a hallmark of top Xbox exclusives, pushing the console’s technical capabilities. Forza Motorsport 7 set new standards for racing game visuals with photorealistic cars and environments running at 60 frames per second.
Lighting techniques create mood and atmosphere in games like Gears of War, where the contrast between dark environments and emergent threats builds tension. The detailed character models show emotion through subtle facial animations.
Art direction is equally important as technical prowess. Sea of Thieves uses a stylized approach that creates a timeless look, while Ori games feature hand-painted environments that feel like interactive artwork.
You’ll appreciate how these visual achievements enhance gameplay rather than existing solely as technical showcases, making Xbox exclusives both beautiful and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox One exclusives offer unique gaming experiences you won’t find on other platforms. These games showcase Microsoft’s commitment to delivering high-quality content for their dedicated fanbase.
What are the top-rated Xbox One exclusive games to date?
The highest-rated Xbox One exclusive games include Forza Horizon 5, which stands out for its stunning open-world racing experience and photorealistic graphics. The game continues the tradition of consistently improving upon previous entries in the series.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection brings together multiple Halo titles with enhanced features and graphics. Despite its rocky launch, updates have transformed it into an essential collection for fans.
Gears of War 5 also ranks among the top exclusives with its compelling campaign and robust multiplayer options. The visual fidelity and narrative depth make it a standout title in the franchise.
Which exclusive titles for Xbox One provide the best multiplayer experience?
Halo: The Master Chief Collection offers the most comprehensive multiplayer experience with multiple game modes spanning several titles in the franchise. You’ll find everything from classic arena combat to large-scale warfare.
Gears of War 5 features excellent cooperative play options and competitive modes that build on the series’ cover-based shooting mechanics. The Horde mode remains a fan favorite for team-based gameplay.
Dead Rising 3 stands out as one of the best co-op action/adventure games exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. The zombie-slaying experience is significantly enhanced when played with friends.
What upcoming Xbox One exclusives should gamers be excited about?
While the focus has shifted to Xbox Series X|S, you can still look forward to playing upcoming titles through backward compatibility. Many new releases adopt a cross-generation approach.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard means future titles from these studios will likely be exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem, including Xbox One through cloud gaming options.
Game Pass continues to be the primary delivery method for new exclusives, giving Xbox One owners access to day-one releases without needing to upgrade their hardware immediately.
Are there any Xbox One exclusive games that are not also available on PC?
True Xbox One exclusives that aren’t available on PC have become increasingly rare as Microsoft has embraced a cross-platform approach. Most “exclusives” are actually available on both Xbox and Windows platforms.
A few earlier titles like Fantasia: Music Evolved and certain Disney games remain console exclusives that haven’t made the jump to PC.
Original Xbox and Xbox 360 backward compatible titles often remain console-only, though this is changing as Microsoft expands PC availability for their back catalog.
How do Xbox One exclusives compare to those available on Xbox Series X?
Xbox One exclusives generally offer lower resolution and frame rates compared to their Xbox Series X counterparts. The newer hardware enables 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and enhanced visual effects.
Load times are significantly reduced on Series X, which impacts the gaming experience substantially for large open-world titles like Forza Horizon 5.
Many exclusives have received optimization patches for Series X, giving you good reason to replay favorites like Gears 5 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection with enhanced performance.
What are some critically acclaimed original Xbox exclusives that can still be played on Xbox One?
The original Halo games, including Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, are available through backward compatibility and The Master Chief Collection. These titles revolutionized console first-person shooters.
Fable and Fable II remain beloved action RPGs that showcase Lionhead Studios’ unique blend of humor and fantasy worldbuilding. Both games are playable on Xbox One.
Jade Empire, developed by BioWare, offers an engaging martial arts RPG experience set in a fantasy world inspired by ancient China. This underrated gem deserves attention from RPG fans looking for classic Xbox titles.
