The Most Successful R-Rated Movies

R-rated movies, which are restricted to viewers under 17 unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, have historically had a more limited audience than their PG-13 or G-rated counterparts. However, there have been many R-rated movies that have been hugely successful, both critically and commercially. Here are some of the most successful R-rated movies of all time, based on box office gross:

    Joker (2019)

    This movie starring Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous Batman villain grossed over $1.07 billion worldwide and won two Academy Awards.

    Deadpool (2016)

    This superhero film, starring Ryan Reynolds as the foul-mouthed anti-hero, grossed over $783 million worldwide and spawned a successful sequel.

    The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

    This sci-fi action sequel, starring Keanu Reeves, grossed over $742 million worldwide.

    It (2017)

    This horror movie based on the Stephen King novel grossed over $700 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing R-rated horror film of all time.

    Deadpool 2 (2018)

    This sequel to the original Deadpool movie grossed over $785 million worldwide.

    The Passion of the Christ (2004)

    This religious drama directed by Mel Gibson grossed over $622 million worldwide.

    American Sniper (2014)

    This war drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper grossed over $547 million worldwide and was nominated for six Academy Awards.

    The Hangover Part II (2011)

    This comedy sequel, starring Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, grossed over $586 million worldwide.

    The Hangover (2009)

    The first film in The Hangover trilogy grossed over $467 million worldwide and won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

    Logan (2017)

    This superhero film, starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, grossed over $619 million worldwide and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

It is worth noting that these numbers are only for the worldwide box office gross, and do not include any additional revenue from home video sales, streaming, or other sources. It is also worth noting that the definition of what constitutes an R-rated movie can vary from country to country, so these numbers may not be entirely accurate.

Despite these caveats, it is clear that R-rated movies can be very successful at the box office. These movies often feature more adult themes and content than their PG-13 counterparts, which can appeal to a wider range of audiences. Additionally, R-rated movies are often marketed more aggressively than PG-13 movies, which can help to drive ticket sales.

Of course, not all R-rated movies are successful at the box office. There are many factors that can contribute to the success or failure of a movie, including the quality of the film, the marketing campaign, and the overall popularity of the genre. However, the fact that there are so many successful R-rated movies on this list is a testament to the fact that these movies can be very profitable for studios.

 

Movies & Movie Reviews: The Most Successful R-Rated Movies