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50 R-Rated Moves Critics and Audiences Disagreed On
Critics and moviegoers don't always leave the theater with the same opinion. A movie might be called messy, excessive, or downright ridiculous in reviews and still become a favorite with audiences. That divide is especially noticeable with R-rated films, where outrageous comedy, hard-hitting action, and cult appeal can matter more to viewers than critical consensus.
For this slideshow, 24/7 Tempo compared Rotten Tomatoes audience scores with critics' Tomatometer scores for 50 R-rated movies. Each film had an audience score of at least 75% and a critics' score below 60% in the figures used for the original ranking. The movies are ordered by the difference between those two scores, starting with the smaller gaps and working toward the biggest disagreements.
These aren't necessarily the best-reviewed films or the biggest box-office hits. They're movies that connected much more strongly with participating viewers than with critics, according to the original Rotten Tomatoes data. Scores and rating counts can change over time, so the figures shown here should be read as a historical snapshot rather than live totals. Some titles found an audience immediately; others built their reputations as cult favorites.
50. Beerfest (2006)
Two brothers stumble into a secret international beer-drinking contest in this unapologetically silly Broken Lizard comedy. Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (198,870 ratings), compared with 41% from critics (108 reviews)—a gap of 34 percentage points.
49. Up In Smoke (1978)
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong turn a drug-fueled misadventure into one of the defining stoner comedies of its era. Directed by Lou Adler and Tommy Chong.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 82% (63,014 ratings), compared with 47% from critics (19 reviews)—a gap of 35 percentage points.
48. Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
Josh Hartnett gets caught between rival mob bosses in a twist-filled thriller built around mistaken identity and double-crosses. Directed by Paul McGuigan.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 87% (336,882 ratings), compared with 52% from critics (153 reviews)—a gap of 35 percentage points.
47. Young Guns (1988)
Emilio Estevez plays Billy the Kid in this fast-moving Western about a group of young outlaws. Directed by Christopher Cain.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 76% (62,468 ratings), compared with 41% from critics (37 reviews)—a gap of 35 percentage points.
46. Elite Squad (2007)
This Brazilian crime drama follows an elite police unit operating amid violence and corruption in Rio de Janeiro. Directed by José Padilha.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 87% (16,956 ratings), compared with 51% from critics (35 reviews)—a gap of 36 percentage points.
45. Bad Boys (1995)
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence first team up as Miami detectives in this wisecracking, explosion-heavy buddy-cop movie. Directed by Michael Bay.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 78% (660,960 ratings), compared with 42% from critics (64 reviews)—a gap of 36 percentage points.
44. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
This deliberately ridiculous summer-camp comedy found a devoted following well beyond its original theatrical run. Directed by David Wain.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (39,687 ratings), compared with 38% from critics (76 reviews)—a gap of 37 percentage points.
43. The Program (1993)
The pressures and temptations of big-time college football drive this drama about a fictional university team. Directed by David S. Ward.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 80% (12,026 ratings), compared with 43% from critics (21 reviews)—a gap of 37 percentage points.
42. A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004)
Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta star in a Southern drama about grief, fractured relationships, and unexpected connections. Directed by Shainee Gabel.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 80% (22,431 ratings), compared with 43% from critics (100 reviews)—a gap of 37 percentage points.
41. Spun (2002)
A chaotic circle of methamphetamine users drives this grimy, fast-paced dark comedy. Directed by Jonas Åkerlund.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (56,701 ratings), compared with 37% from critics (79 reviews)—a gap of 38 percentage points.
40. The Chumscrubber (2005)
The death of a teenager exposes tensions and secrets beneath the polished surface of suburban life. Directed by Arie Posin.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (39,537 ratings), compared with 37% from critics (60 reviews)—a gap of 38 percentage points.
39. Running Scared (2006)
Paul Walker stars in a frantic crime thriller about a missing gun and an increasingly dangerous night. Directed by Wayne Kramer.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 79% (135,422 ratings), compared with 41% from critics (131 reviews)—a gap of 38 percentage points.
38. Blood In, Blood Out (1993)
This sprawling drama follows three relatives whose lives take different paths through family, gangs, and prison. Directed by Taylor Hackford.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 94% (49,219 ratings), compared with 55% from critics (11 reviews)—a gap of 39 percentage points.
37. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro embark on a hallucinatory Las Vegas odyssey inspired by Hunter S. Thompson. Directed by Terry Gilliam.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 89% (279,451 ratings), compared with 50% from critics (70 reviews)—a gap of 39 percentage points.
36. Men of Honor (2000)
Cuba Gooding Jr. portrays pioneering U.S. Navy diver Carl Brashear in this drama about perseverance and discrimination. Directed by George Tillman Jr..
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 81% (77,333 ratings), compared with 42% from critics (106 reviews)—a gap of 39 percentage points.
35. Green Street Hooligans (2005)
Elijah Wood plays an American who gets drawn into the violent world of English football hooliganism. Directed by Lexi Alexander.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 87% (219,919 ratings), compared with 47% from critics (64 reviews)—a gap of 40 percentage points.
34. Equilibrium (2002)
Christian Bale plays an enforcer in a futuristic society where emotion is suppressed by the government. Directed by Kurt Wimmer.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 81% (268,231 ratings), compared with 41% from critics (91 reviews)—a gap of 40 percentage points.
33. Great Expectations (1998)
Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow lead a modern American reimagining of the Charles Dickens novel. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 78% (47,565 ratings), compared with 37% from critics (35 reviews)—a gap of 41 percentage points.
32. Life as a House (2001)
A seriously ill father tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage son while building a house. Directed by Irwin Winkler.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 88% (57,073 ratings), compared with 47% from critics (105 reviews)—a gap of 41 percentage points.
31. Two Can Play That Game (2001)
Vivica A. Fox plays a woman determined to outmaneuver her partner in this comedy about romance and relationship games. Directed by Mark Brown.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 83% (34,139 ratings), compared with 41% from critics (63 reviews)—a gap of 42 percentage points.
30. Waiting… (2005)
Ryan Reynolds and Justin Long lead a raunchy comedy about the chaotic lives of restaurant employees. Directed by Rob McKittrick.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (233,462 ratings), compared with 30% from critics (92 reviews)—a gap of 45 percentage points.
29. Party Monster (2003)
Macaulay Culkin portrays notorious club promoter Michael Alig in this dark look at New York nightlife. Directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (36,831 ratings), compared with 29% from critics (79 reviews)—a gap of 46 percentage points.
28. All About the Benjamins (2002)
Ice Cube and Mike Epps team up in an action comedy involving a bounty hunter, a fugitive, and a valuable prize. Directed by Kevin Bray.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 77% (34,521 ratings), compared with 30% from critics (76 reviews)—a gap of 47 percentage points.
27. The United States of Leland (2003)
Ryan Gosling plays a troubled teenager whose violent act forces those around him to confront difficult questions. Directed by Matthew Ryan Hoge.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 81% (30,380 ratings), compared with 34% from critics (93 reviews)—a gap of 47 percentage points.
26. Waist Deep (2006)
Tyrese Gibson plays a father racing to find his kidnapped son in this urban action thriller. Directed by Vondie Curtis-Hall.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 76% (94,165 ratings), compared with 28% from critics (76 reviews)—a gap of 48 percentage points.
25. Underworld (2003)
Kate Beckinsale plays a vampire warrior caught in an ancient conflict with werewolves. Directed by Len Wiseman.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 79% (496,020 ratings), compared with 31% from critics (162 reviews)—a gap of 48 percentage points.
24. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Ashton Kutcher plays a young man whose attempts to change the past repeatedly create new problems in the present. Directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 81% (623,433 ratings), compared with 33% from critics (172 reviews)—a gap of 48 percentage points.
23. Poetic Justice (1993)
Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur share a road trip in John Singleton's drama about grief, love, and connection. Directed by John Singleton.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 83% (38,446 ratings), compared with 34% from critics (32 reviews)—a gap of 49 percentage points.
22. Friday After Next (2002)
Craig and Day-Day return for a holiday-season comedy involving a thief, a shopping-mall job, and plenty of chaos. Directed by Marcus Raboy.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (135,097 ratings), compared with 26% from critics (72 reviews)—a gap of 49 percentage points.
21. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx clash in a revenge thriller centered on a man who believes the justice system failed him. Directed by F. Gary Gray.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 75% (517,395 ratings), compared with 26% from critics (162 reviews)—a gap of 49 percentage points.
20. Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
The Wayans brothers spoof familiar conventions of 1990s neighborhood dramas in this outrageous comedy. Directed by Paris Barclay.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 80% (65,851 ratings), compared with 31% from critics (26 reviews)—a gap of 49 percentage points.
19. Man on Fire (2004)
Denzel Washington plays a bodyguard who launches a relentless search for a kidnapped child in Mexico City. Directed by Tony Scott.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 89% (423,695 ratings), compared with 38% from critics (169 reviews)—a gap of 51 percentage points.
18. Half Baked (1998)
Dave Chappelle leads a group of friends trying to raise money to bail one of their own out of jail. Directed by Tamra Davis.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 81% (194,284 ratings), compared with 29% from critics (24 reviews)—a gap of 52 percentage points.
17. How High (2001)
Method Man and Redman play two friends who find an extremely unconventional path to Harvard. Directed by Jesse Dylan.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 79% (67,118 ratings), compared with 26% from critics (57 reviews)—a gap of 53 percentage points.
16. The Players Club (1998)
Ice Cube's directorial debut follows a young woman navigating work, survival, and danger at a strip club. Directed by Ice Cube.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 85% (29,485 ratings), compared with 31% from critics (16 reviews)—a gap of 54 percentage points.
15. Poolhall Junkies (2002)
A talented pool player tries to escape the hustling life in this billiards-centered drama. Directed by Mars Callahan.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 87% (20,258 ratings), compared with 33% from critics (43 reviews)—a gap of 54 percentage points.
14. Next Friday (2000)
Craig leaves his old neighborhood to stay with cousin Day-Day in this suburban-set sequel to Friday. Directed by Steve Carr.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 76% (181,653 ratings), compared with 21% from critics (66 reviews)—a gap of 55 percentage points.
13. Bad Boys II (2003)
Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett return for even more spectacular chases and over-the-top action. Directed by Michael Bay.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 78% (502,048 ratings), compared with 23% from critics (185 reviews)—a gap of 55 percentage points.
12. Super Troopers (2001)
Broken Lizard's mismatched Vermont highway patrol officers turn traffic stops and workplace rivalries into comic mayhem. Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 90% (262,930 ratings), compared with 35% from critics (89 reviews)—a gap of 55 percentage points.
11. Angel Has Fallen (2019)
Gerard Butler's Secret Service agent is framed for an attack on the president and must fight to clear his name. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 93% (14,674 ratings), compared with 38% from critics (188 reviews)—a gap of 55 percentage points.
10. The Five Heartbeats (1991)
Robert Townsend charts the rise and struggles of a fictional R&B vocal group across changing musical eras. Directed by Robert Townsend.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 95% (19,059 ratings), compared with 39% from critics (18 reviews)—a gap of 56 percentage points.
9. For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012)
This historical drama depicts the Cristero War and conflicts over religious freedom in Mexico. Directed by Dean Wright.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 77% (28,154 ratings), compared with 20% from critics (49 reviews)—a gap of 57 percentage points.
8. Jigsaw (2017)
The Saw franchise returns to its gruesome puzzle-trap formula with a new investigation into deadly games. Directed by Michael and Peter Spierig.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 89% (29,519 ratings), compared with 32% from critics (90 reviews)—a gap of 57 percentage points.
7. Harlem Nights (1989)
Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, and Redd Foxx share the screen in this period crime comedy set in Harlem. Directed by Eddie Murphy.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 80% (34,486 ratings), compared with 21% from critics (34 reviews)—a gap of 59 percentage points.
6. The Life of David Gale (2003)
A reporter investigates the case of a death-penalty opponent convicted of murder in this politically charged thriller. Directed by Alan Parker.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 81% (60,988 ratings), compared with 19% from critics (157 reviews)—a gap of 62 percentage points.
5. The Boondock Saints (1999)
Two Boston brothers take the law into their own hands in this vigilante crime thriller. Directed by Troy Duffy.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 91% (335,578 ratings), compared with 28% from critics (29 reviews)—a gap of 63 percentage points.
4. A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996)
Martin Lawrence plays a charming womanizer whose romantic games take a dangerous turn. Directed by Martin Lawrence.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 76% (14,709 ratings), compared with 12% from critics (26 reviews)—a gap of 64 percentage points.
3. Grandma’s Boy (2006)
A video game tester moves in with his grandmother in this irreverent comedy packed with gaming and stoner humor. Directed by Nicholaus Goossen.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 85% (226,305 ratings), compared with 16% from critics (62 reviews)—a gap of 69 percentage points.
2. Belly (1998)
DMX and Nas star in this visually distinctive crime drama from music-video director Hype Williams. Directed by Hype Williams.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 87% (34,290 ratings), compared with 16% from critics (19 reviews)—a gap of 71 percentage points.
1. Shottas (2002)
Two friends from Jamaica become involved in violent crime after moving to Miami in this cult crime drama. Directed by Cess Silvera.
In the original Rotten Tomatoes figures, audiences gave it 91% (10,275 ratings), compared with 19% from critics (16 reviews)—a gap of 72 percentage points.