R-Rated movies face a tough challenge at the box office. Most of the time, family-friendly films like Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Avatar steal the show, raking in billions of dollars.
R-rated movies tend to be more violent, use stronger language, and include explicit content. This means that anyone under 17 needs to go with a parent or adult guardian, which can limit their earnings.
But some movies break through these limitations, and we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 highest-grossing R-rated movies of all time.
Highest Grossing R-Rated Movies
10. The Hangover Part II – $586 million
In 2009, “The Hangover” became a comedy hit, making nearly $470 million on a $35 million budget. So, it wasn’t a surprise when “The Hangover Part II” surpassed its predecessor’s earnings.
The sequel had a similar plot, but it moved the shenanigans from Las Vegas to Bangkok. Despite mixed reviews, audiences flocked to see it, and it was genuinely funny.
9. The Passion of the Christ – $612 million
Mel Gibson’s intense religious epic, “The Passion of the Christ,” is not only one of the highest-grossing R-rated movies ever but also the biggest R-rated film in US history.
Usually, movies make more money overseas than in the US, but “The Passion” earned $370 million domestically compared to $241 million internationally.
8. Logan – $619 million
$619 million might not sound like enough for “Logan.” When the first trailer, featuring intense violence set to Johnny Cash’s music, dropped, many expected it to be a huge hit.
This film gave fans what they wanted: a somber, brutal farewell to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Unfortunately, Jackman returned as Wolverine in “Deadpool 3.”
7. Detective Chinatown 3 – $686 million
“Detective Chinatown 3” may not be well-known to everyone, but it’s one of China’s most successful movies. It’s the third installment in a popular series, following detectives Tang and Qin Fen as they compete against the best in Asia.
This film set several records, including the biggest opening weekend ever in a single territory. It’s also the highest-grossing non-American R-rated movie of all time.
6. It Chapter One – $701 million
“It Chapter One” became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time. It gained fame even before its release as the top horror pre-seller for ticket sales, surpassing “The Conjuring 2” and “Get Out.
5. The Matrix Reloaded – $741 million
“The Matrix Reloaded” is an impressive entry on the list, grossing $741 million worldwide. If adjusted for inflation, that’s well over $1 billion.
As a sequel to one of the most iconic sci-fi films ever made, it offered breathtaking action scenes, groundbreaking CGI, and a mind-bending cliffhanger.
4. Deadpool – $782 million
“Deadpool” generated enormous hype, thanks in part to leaked 2014 test footage. Fans were thrilled to see an accurate and humorous portrayal of the Merc with a Mouth.
The movie was both a critical and commercial success, securing its place among the top earners.
3. Deadpool 2 – $785 million
Yes, you read that right. “Deadpool 2” takes second place on the list, earning an additional $3 million compared to its predecessor.
The highly-anticipated sequel continued the adventures of the wisecracking antihero, introducing the X-Force and facing off against Cable.
2. Oppenheimer – $788 billion
Despite facing challenges like its long runtime and black-and-white sequences, “Oppenheimer” achieved phenomenal success. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, explores the creation of a weapon of mass destruction.
It’s set to surpass $800 million soon, making it a box office sensation.
1. Joker – $1.074 billion
“Joker” took the world by storm, becoming a cultural phenomenon. This iconic villain’s solo big-screen debut lived up to the hype.
While it received mixed reviews, “Joker” danced its way into box office history, grossing over a billion dollars. Todd Phillips, the director, had not one but two of the highest-grossing R-rated movies of all time.
