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R-rated movies are films with some adult material not suitable for children under 17. While this rating doesn't ban anyone under 17 from seeing rated-r movies, it does require an accompanying adult. The keyword for r-rated films is – some – adult material. Various R-rated films have tested the waters and gone overboard and yet, we still love them.
Do you know of any R-rated films that went too far and yet were still popular? Click through the slideshow for our ten picks.
"Zack and Miri Make a Porno" (2008)
"Zack and Miri Make a Porno" is a raunchy comedy that feels way too adult to just be rated R. With a name like that, is it even surprising? Within this film are plenty of naughty jokes and hilarious moments. The movie stars excellent talent like Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, and Jason Mewes.
"RoboCop" (1987)
Did you know RoboCop was so gruesome the film struggled to receive an R rating? RoboCop was first limited to those 17 and older (X rating) before producers made a few changes to violent scenes for it to receive an R rating. The scene of Murphy's death was previously longer.
"The Girl Next Door" (2007)
"The Girl Next Door" went too far, but is still a well-done film. It's an American psychological horror-thriller film starring Blanche Baker, Daniel Manche, and Blythe Auffarth. It's horrifying and violent, and based on a true story of the brutal murder of Sylvia Likens. "The Girl Next Door" isn't a film to watch unless you have a tough stomach and heart.
"Cannibal Holocaust" (1980)
Technically, "Cannibal Holocaust" is not rated R, but it deserves a mention for the outcry it received and the amount of violence portrayed in the film. "Cannibal Holocaust" is one of the most controversial films in the world. Soon after its release, it was banned in multiple countries for animal cruelty as there were on-screen killings.
"The Interview" (2014)
Political satire is tricky in films, especially when involving a country that is known for oppression and violence. Sony, which released "The Interview" received threats from North Korea. On top of that, right before this rated-R film made it to the public, Sony was hacked. The hackers then threatened Sony to not release "The Interview" without changing Kim Jong Un's death scene.
"I Spit on Your Grave" (2010)
"I Spit on Your Grave" is an extremely controversial film. The 2010 remake is based on the film of the same name released in 1978. Both movies are violent, showing on-screen abuse and torture. In the film, the woman abused gets revenge while hunting down her abusers. The scenes are graphic.
"Poor Things" (2023)
"Poor Things" is one of the more recent films on our list. This movie, while rated R, took things too far. Audience members complain about how much nudity was in the film. Still, despite the confusion over the rating, the film received a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.
"The Human Centipede (First Sequence)" (2009)
Who hasn't heard about "The Human Centipede (First Sequence)" by now? It's a brutal and horrifying film filled with torturous scenes. Even for a body horror movie, this one went too far. While it doesn't have the highest ratings, "The Human Centipede (First Sequence)" is considered a cult classic.
"Martyrs" (2008)
Another r-rated movie that went too far is "Martyrs." This 2008 film has strong messages and hard-to-watch scenes as two victims of abuse try and enact revenge. It has mixed reviews due to its extreme violence as the torture is gruesome and brutal.
"The First Omen" (2024)
Last but not least is "The First Omen," the youngest movie on our list. This horror prequel is chilling and graphic. It's eerie and generally received positive reviews, something impressive for the sixth film in a series to do. "The First Omen" stars Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, and Sônia Braga.