R-Rated Movies, Ranked by Box Office

Highlights

R-rated movies can be a box office hit, offering more creative freedom for actors and directors.
The Hangover Part 2 was a surprising success despite poor critical reception for the unnecessary sequel.
Logan and Deadpool proved that R-rated superhero movies can have a strong presence at the box office.

As a cinephile with over two decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that this year’s cinematic offerings have been nothing short of extraordinary. Two films in particular have left an indelible mark on me – Deadpool & Wolverine and Oppenheimer.

Film production companies should never dismiss the earning capacity of an R-rated film at the box office. A rating that was once deemed detrimental to a movie’s earnings is now viewed as a promotional advantage for mature audiences. This allows for a broader use of explicit language, adult themes, and graphic content, empowering artists like actors, directors, and writers to create their work without catering to the younger demographic.

Let’s examine the most financially successful R-rated films ever made to determine if these adult-themed movies truly thrive. It’s worth noting that you might find a few superhero franchises among the top earners, but it’s intriguing to discover what factors contribute to an R-rated film becoming a box office sensation.

10 The Hangover Part 2

Worldwide Gross: $586,764,305

Release Date: May 25, 2011
Director: Todd Phillips
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 34%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 52%

Originally, Phil, Stu, and Alan’s infamous bachelor party in Las Vegas where they were searching for Doug came back to haunt them. This time, they woke up with no recollection of the previous night and, you guessed it, still without Doug. In this riotous comedy, these three bunglers find themselves navigating Thailand’s nooks and crannies once more. The movie doesn’t shy away from any laugh-out-loud moments.

In spite of having poor reviews, “The Hangover Part 2” performed exceptionally well at the box office for a comedy film. It’s quite astonishing that the audience turned up to watch the movie, given its reputation as an unnecessary sequel. However, its existence might be attributable to the fact that the original movie was considered an instant classic.

9 The Passion of the Christ

Worldwide Gross: $612,060,372

Release Date: February 25, 2004
Director: Mel Gibson
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 49%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 80%

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share that Mel Gibson reinterprets the New Testament, focusing on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion from Judas’ perspective. Through this lens, we witness the harrowing ordeal of Jesus’ torture, culminating in his most profound act of mercy as his last act before his tragic end in the movie titled “The Passion of the Christ“.

As a passionate gamer, let me share an interesting fact about movies that I stumbled upon. Back in the day, “The Passion of the Christ” was a blockbuster domestically, and it’s not hard to see why given the deep-rooted Christianity in America. Despite some unfavorable critical reviews, audiences were undeterred, eagerly flocking to cinemas to witness this biblical tale. Remarkably, even for a film released in 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” performed exceptionally well.

8 Logan

Worldwide Gross: $619,180,476

Release Date: March 1, 2017
Director: James Mangold
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 94%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 90%

In the not-too-distant time, mutants are nearly nonexistent, and an elderly Logan (previously known as Wolverine) spends his days nursing a sick Professor X close to the Mexican border. When he encounters a young mutant who has been engineered, Logan is unwillingly compelled to assume the hero’s mantle once more, possibly for the final time. The Wolverine, despite his resentment, must draw his claws again to fulfill his heroic duty one last time.

“Logan” is a poignant and captivating movie, serving as both an epic swansong and heartwarming farewell to Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine. The performance by Hugh Jackman, playing the character James Logan Howlett for the last time, is truly remarkable, and the film’s impressive box office earnings are largely due to its daring narrative, outstanding acting, and the finality it provides for both Hugh Jackman and Wolverine. Moreover, “Logan” being the first R-rated movie for Wolverine enabled him to be more vocal and violent.

7 It

Worldwide Gross: $704,242,888

Release Date: September 6, 2017
Director: Andy Muschietti
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 85%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%

Reflect back on the summer of 1989, when a group of kids who were often bullied came together to solve the mystery behind missing children in the small town of Derry, Maine. They aimed to forget about the frightening Pennywise the Clown, a creature that can transform and feeds off fear, particularly targeting young people.

Everyone seems to enjoy a thrilling horror tale, and it appears that Stephen King excels at crafting these stories. His “It” narrative has made its way onto the big screen with Part One, causing audiences to eagerly anticipate more chills from the skillfully marketed portrayal of Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise, the terrifying clown. Indeed, “It” offered a delightful dose of fear.

6 The Matrix Reloaded

Worldwide Gross: $741,847,937

Release Date: May 15, 2003

Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 73%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 72%

Journey back to the Matrix, a virtual world controlled by machines where Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus join forces for an uprising against their oppressors who have trapped humanity’s minds and bodies within this simulation. With exceptional martial arts abilities and firearms at hand, Neo embarks on an odyssey to reveal his crucial part in liberating mankind.

The original Matrix film significantly transformed cinema and the concept of reality, leaving a profound impact on thought and popular culture. Consequently, it’s not surprising that The Matrix Reloaded performed exceptionally well following the immense popularity of the first film. The return of characters Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus, along with the anticipation for a concluding part three, drew in audiences for this epic blend of science fiction and martial arts.

5 Deadpool

Worldwide Gross: $782,837,347

Release Date: February 9, 2016
Director: Tim Miller
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 85%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 90%

Wade Wilson is a wisecracking mercenary who is manipulated into becoming a tortured experiment in a vulnerable lie to cure his cancer. In a quest for revenge and to get the girl he lost, a hideously scarred and now immortal Wade Wilson dons a red costume and dubs himself Deadpool, a fourth-wall-breaking merc with a penchant for drugs, foul humor, and plenty of violence.

Deadpool proved to be an electrifying breath of fresh air in the comic book movie genre, providing the necessary risk under the 20th Century Fox banner. The character fit perfectly with the audience’s expectations, and this was evident in the film’s eventual success. It’s hard to believe that Fox originally rejected the idea for a Deadpool movie, but word of mouth, side-splitting humor, genre-bending satire, low-cost productions filled with heart, and unique storytelling are what ultimately made Deadpool a blockbuster franchise.

4 Deadpool 2

Worldwide Gross: $785,896,632

Release Date: May 16, 2018
Director: David Leitch
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 84%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85%

In a new adventure, Deadpool makes his comeback, carrying an intensity of feelings unseen before. Not only does his anger boil over at Wolverine’s demise, but he grapples with the sorrow and remorse brought on by the loss of his girlfriend. Alone in the world, Deadpool turns to the X-Men for help in finding a new sense of purpose.

The increased budget and larger cast enabled Deadpool to make a comeback on the silver screen, resulting in greater financial success. The sequel, Deadpool 2, outperformed its prequel for several reasons. Firstly, it was released in the same year as Infinity War, which generated unprecedented superhero fervor and intensity. Secondly, following the demise of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, the excitement surrounding superheroes had never been greater. Consequently, Deadpool 2 provided a much-needed dose of humor to balance the seriousness while maintaining its spandex appeal.

3 Deadpool & Wolverine

Worldwide Gross: $903,315,851 (As of August 9)

Release Date: July 18, 2024
Director: Shawn Levy
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 78%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 96%

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool is introduced due to the Time Variance Authority informing him that his universe is on the verge of extinction with no means for salvation. Determined to defy this destiny, Deadpool journeys through various universes in search of a Wolverine who can save his world and alleviate his personal crisis of existence.

Deadpool and Wolverine’s team-up is nothing short of thrilling, offering a whirlwind of enjoyment. The humor hits the mark, the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is unparalleled, and the appearances by various Marvel characters from yesteryears to today are brilliantly executed. The box office success continues to climb, which comes as no surprise. Since Avengers: Endgame, it’s been hailed as the best Marvel film yet, and fans are ecstatic about Hugh Jackman’s reprisal of Wolverine.

The ongoing screening of “Deadpool & Wolverine” in cinemas keeps the Marvel Cinematic Universe film in contention for becoming the top-earning R-rated movie ever made.

2 Oppenheimer

Worldwide Gross: $975,297,660

Release Date: July 19, 2023
Director: Christopher Nolan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 93%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 91%

The movie about J. Robert Oppenheimer, titled “Oppenheimer,” chronicles his life as an American scientist involved in the creation of the atomic bomb, a development often considered the most significant milestone in contemporary science and warfare. This film explores the impact of nuclear weapons on society and delves into the bitter feud between Oppenheimer and Lewis Strauss, a conflict that ultimately proved devastating for both men.

It’s astonishingly impressive that a biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the second highest-grossing movie of all time, is Christopher Nolan’s work. Unlike any other filmmaker, Nolan has an exceptional talent, and audiences were captivated by the movie’s portrayal of nuclear tension, dramatic scenes, stunning visuals, superb acting, and maybe even the friendly rivalry in cinemas, as Barbie and Oppenheimer were both released on the same day.

1 Joker

Worldwide Gross: $1,078,958,629

Release Date: October 2, 2019
Director: Todd Phillips
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 69%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 89%

In Gotham City, I sometimes feel like an isolated soul, much like the character Arthur Fleck. He’s a fragile individual grappling with mental health issues, yearning for recognition. His job as a clown is faltering, and his dream of becoming a comedian seems to be sinking further into obscurity. Yet, amidst the chaos, Arthur discovers solace and his true self as madness seeps into his life.

It’s undeniable that Joker has established himself as one of the most formidable villains ever, with his standalone film about alternate origins earning nearly as much money as “The Dark Knight.” The reasons behind the success of “Joker” are quite unconventional. Was it the compelling narrative, captivating music, engaging acting, or perhaps the cautionary tales on mental health and solitude that attracted audiences to cinemas?

2024-08-10 13:34