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The current movie rating system came into play in 1968, replacing the Hays Code, a set of voluntary guidelines that began to hold little impact with the introduction of foreign films and television. With the introduction of the new rating system, known as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) film rating system came the R-rating, which restricted all children under the age of 17 without a parent or guardian. While many great movies are not rated R, just as many incredible films are labeled with this rating.
To determine legendary R-rated films that defined cinema, 24/7 Tempo checked in with the experts on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. We also reviewed some of the most important pop culture sources, including Billboard and Comic Book Resources. We believe you'll find one of your favorite movies on this list. (Want to learn more about the best films ever made? Check out this list of the iconic movies that are turning 30 this year.)
The Hangover
- IMDb Score: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%
- Year Released: 2009
- Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha
When many people think about raunchy films, they'll often think about "The Hangover." This is easily one of the most iconic R-rated movies ever made because it was like nothing we had seen before. Many people are familiar with the idea of drinking too much and forgetting what they did the night before but this movie brought that idea to another level with shocking twists and hilarious moments. The movie was also great because of the trio of Helms, Cooper, and Galifianakis. These are great comedic actors, and they brought their A-game. The sequels are pretty good too.
The Passion of the Christ
- IMDb Score: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 80%
- Year Released: 2004
- Cast: Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Sergio Rubini
"The Passion of the Christ" is rated R for completely different reasons than movies like "The Hangover." Passion was about the final hours of the life of Jesus Christ before he died and rose again. It depicted his violent crucifixion along with flashbacks to his time with his apostles. The film was a smash success and many found it to be one of the most important movies ever made due to depicting what Jesus went through for the people of the world. There is some controversy with the film, but overall, it's a beloved but R-rated film.
It
- IMDb Score: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%
- Year Released: 2017
- Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Finn Wolfhard, Chosen Jacobs
In 2007, we were treated to a remake of "It," a book by Stephen King that was turned into a TV miniseries in 1990. It's the spooky story of an evil demon that poses as a killer clown and manifests itself as everyone's deepest fear. This new version of "It" was a hit and it did great at the box office. In addition to the scary scenes, the movie was also a winner due to the acting of Bill Skarsgård, who played the killer clown. He gave the film a haunting touch of realism.
The Matrix
- IMDb Score: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85%
- Year Released: 1999
- Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving
One of the most iconic R-rated movies and groundbreaking films ever made, "The Matrix" was like nothing we had ever seen before. This movie transcended space and time and gave us a story that was truly mind-bending. The sequel, "The Matrix Reloaded," could also be on this list because it brought the action and intrigue to the next level. Both films have amazing acting, and they really made the audience think. "The Matrix" films should be on every movie buff's bucket list.
Deadpool
- IMDb Score: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 90%
- Year Released: 2016
- Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller
The world was blown away when "Deadpool" was released. This was a superhero film that changed everything we knew about the genre. Ryan Reynolds brought his comic delivery and timing to a superhero who was super violent. You never knew what he was going to say next, and much of it was inappropriate, but it was fun. It wasn't until "Deadpool" was released that many superhero movies tried to be a bit edgier. There are "Deadpool" sequels that seem to push the envelope even further. This is a movie that all comic book fans must watch.
"Oppenheimer"
- IMDb Score: 8.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 91%
- Year Released: 2023
- Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey, Jr.
One of the more recent iconic R-rated films that took the world by storm is "Oppenheimer," which is the story of the man who designed and created the atomic bomb. The movie was directed by Christopher Nolan, who's known for producing hits, and this film was no exception. People really loved the acting and the fact that it was a true story. The movie won the best picture Oscar, breaking countless box office records. It's not typical that a bio picture is one of the biggest movies of the year, but this one was truly astonishing.
"Joker"
- IMDb Score: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 89%
- Year Released: 2019
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz
In addition to being one of the most iconic R-rated movies ever made, "Joker" is also the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Like "Deadpool," this is a superhero film that pushes the limits and fans loved it. The movie is about the Joker, who is the primary villain of Batman. This is an origin story, so Batman isn't in it. However, actor Joaquin Phoenix was amazing in the role and he even lost weight just to fit the part. He was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor.
"The Usual Suspects"
- IMDb Score: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 96%
- Year Released: 1995
- Cast: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
One of the best old-school R-rated films is "The Usual Suspects." It is a crime film about a con man who tricks the police into believing that someone else committed a crime. The movie has many of the tropes of a classic crime film, but it's uplifted by incredible acting, especially by Kevin Spacey. The movie is very famous for its twist ending that tricked audiences. The film is also well-written, and it's considered a classic.
"Die Hard"
- IMDb Score: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%
- Year Released: 1988
- Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
Ask people about their favorite Bruce Willis film, and many will say "Die Hard." The movie was and continues to be a pop culture phenomenon that many folks watch year after year. There are even still debates about whether or not it is a Christmas film. It's your typical action movie about terrorists taking over a building, but Willis' character is very engaging, and there are enough catchphrases in the film to shake a stick at. There's a reason there were many other "Die Hard" sequels. However, none of them compare with the original.
"Aliens"
- IMDb Score: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%
- Year Released: 1986
- Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn
"Aliens" is another James Cameron film that absolutely stunned audiences. It was a sequel to the original "Alien" movie, but it kicked things up to another level. There's more human drama, better special effects, bigger scares, and it's generally very entertaining. There was also a strong female protagonist in Lt. Ellen Ripley, which is a new change of pace. Many people regard this entry as the best in the franchise.
"Goodfellas"
- IMDb Score: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 97%
- Year Released: 1990
- Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci
Many people consider "Goodfellas" to be their favorite movie about gangsters. There are people who will watch this movie every time it comes on TV, even if they've seen it hundreds of times. The acting in this movie is superb. De Niro, Liotta, and Pesci work together seamlessly and the film is very engaging. This is also one of the finest films by director Martin Scorcese.
"Good Will Hunting"
- IMDb Score: 8.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%
- Year Released: 1997
- Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Another of the most iconic R-rated movies ever made is the surprise hit "Good Will Hunting," which was written and directed by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The movie is about a young man who works as a janitor. He's secretly a genius, and his secret comes out when a professor sees his talents. He also meets a special girl. Once it all comes together, he has to decide what's most important to him. The movie did so well that Affleck and Damon won the Oscar for writing.
"Pulp Fiction"
- IMDb Score: 8.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 96%
- Year Released: 1994
- Cast: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson
In the discussion of the most iconic R-rated movies, pretty much any film directed by Quentin Tarantino could make the list. However, of his beloved films, "Pulp Fiction" may be his most popular. Part of the charm is that the movie follows various characters in different small stories that are woven together. This is considered one of the best works of John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, and it's a movie that many people watch time and time again.
"Saving Private Ryan"
- IMDb Score: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
- Year Released: 1998
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore
"Saving Private Ryan" stunned audiences when it was released. The film is shockingly realistic and featured some of the most frightening war scenes in cinematic history. There's also an all-star cast that includes Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti, and more. Many people consider this to be the quintessential war film and it marks an important moment in our planet's history. This is also one of the best films in Steven Spielberg's career.
"Psycho"
- IMDb Score: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
- Year Released: 1960
- Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
"Psycho" was one of the most shocking movies ever released when it came out in 1960. It follows a young woman out to find her lost sister when she comes across a hotel in the middle of nowhere and meets its strange caretaker. There are many famous scenes in this film and there's a twist ending that puts many of the films directed by M. Night Shyamalan to shame.
"There's Something About Mary"
- IMDb Score: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 61%
- Year Released: 1998
- Cast: Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Cameron Diaz
One of the greatest comedies and most iconic R-rated movies ever made is "There's Something About Mary." The film was a laugh-riot and is one of the most iconic films in the massive discography of actor Ben Stiller. There are many memorable lines and scenes in this film that many people still reminisce about to this day. The movie was directed by the Farrelly Brothers, who also made "Dumb and Dumber." The brothers were on a roll in the '90s and 2000s.
"Wedding Crashers"
- IMDb Score: 7.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 70%
- Year Released: 2005
- Cast: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams
"Wedding Crashers" is another comedy that took the world by storm. The movie starred comedic duo Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as friends who make it their business to crash weddings to try and find dates — until they fall in love and everything changes. This is a film with many funny and unique ideas that all came together in a big way. There aren't many other films quite like this.
"Air Force One"
- IMDb Score: 6.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 66%
- Year Released: 1997
- Cast: Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Glenn Close
Actor Harrison Ford has been in many great films, and his action movie "Air Force One" is considered one of most iconic R-rated movies ever made. Ford plays the president of the United States, and when Air Force One is hijacked by terrorists while his family is on board, he has to fight back to save what's most important. In addition to the action and great script, the movie also has Gary Oldman playing the villain, and he knocks it out of the park.
"Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"
- IMDb Score: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
- Year Released: 1987
- Cast: John Candy, Steve Martin, Laila Robins
This is one of the great comedies of the 1980s, and it stars two of the biggest comedians of all time. This rare Thanksgiving comedy film has Steve Martin and John Candy traveling all over the country in various vehicles while getting into hilarious situations. It's also a film with a lot of heart, and that's what makes it so iconic. This will always be a film that people watch around the holiday season.
"Caddyshack"
- IMDb Score: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
- Year Released: 1980
- Cast: Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield
In "Caddyshack," you have an ensemble cast of some of the most brilliant comedic minds of all time, and they come together in this goofball comedy about playing golf. This is one of the earlier movies that truly deserved the R-rating because of the language and the adult-themed antics. Plus, it has Bill Murray playing one of his most iconic characters to date. It's a great film that every adult should see at least once.
"Terminator 2: Judgment Day"
- IMDb Score: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
- Year Released: 1991
- Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong
One of the most iconic R-rated movies ever made in the sci-fi genre is "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." This is also a case of a sequel being better than the original. The movie starred Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Terminator machine who is sent to save the life of John Connor. This movie was directed by James Cameron and is considered to be one of his best. There are many major action set pieces in the film that are simply mind-blowing. (Learn how the franchise started with this list of the 25 facts you may not know about 'The Terminator.')