Box office data has been adjusted to the nearest million and is obtained from The Numbers.
R-rated films frequently generate lower box office revenues compared to movies rated for general audiences, primarily due to their adult-themed content. This inherent limitation affects the potential viewer base, making the financial success of top-earning R-rated films even more remarkable. Their ability to succeed demonstrates their unique appeal and cultural significance.
The diversity in themes, genres, and directing styles among the highest-grossing R-rated films creates a Top 10 list that spans a variety of cinematic approaches. Predicting the box office success of an R-rated film can be challenging, whether it aims to be a groundbreaking superhero flick or a poignant religious narrative.
10
Logan (2017)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $614 million
Logan, released in 2017, epitomizes excellence in the superhero genre, garnering acclaim as one of the finest adaptations. The film narrates the story of an aging Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, as he endeavors to protect Dafne Keen’s character, X23. Celebrated by critics, it notably secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, becoming the first superhero film to achieve this honor.
Fueled by excitement surrounding Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine, Logan grossed over $614 million globally, making it the third highest-grossing R-rated movie at its release, and retaining its top ten position as of 2025.
9
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $622 million
2004’s The Passion of the Christ remains one of the most contentious films ever made, depicting the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. Directed by Mel Gibson, its graphic portrayal of violence and purported inaccuracies ignited debate among viewers and critics alike.
Despite its mixed reviews—evidenced by a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—its box office performance was stellar, amassing over $622 million worldwide. For over twenty years, it held the record as the highest-grossing R-rated film in the U.S. until 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine surpassed it.
8
Detective Chinatown 3 (2021)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $625 million
Directed by Chen Sicheng, the 2021 film Detective Chinatown 3 blends mystery and comedy, centering around detectives Tang Ren and Qin Feng as they hunt for a crime boss’s killer in Japan.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, this film triumphed at the box office, earning over $625 million globally, establishing itself as the highest-grossing non-English R-rated feature film. It also broke the record for the biggest opening weekend for a single market, earning an impressive $398 million.
7
It (2017)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $701 million
The first part of a two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s renowned horror novel, 2017’s It remains one of the most successful interpretations. Directed by Andy Muschietti, it received widespread acclaim, leading to significant box office success.
| Muschietti’s It Movies | Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score |
|---|---|
| It (2017) | 85% |
| It Chapter 2 (2019) | 62% |
It earned $701 million worldwide, solidifying its status as the seventh highest-grossing R-rated film by 2025. While its sequel, It Chapter 2, struggled at the box office, bringing in around $467 million, the original remains a strong contender in horror cinema.
6
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $738 million
The 2003 sequel to the groundbreaking sci-fi action film, The Matrix Reloaded, attempted to recapture the magic of its predecessor. While critics’ reviews were positive, they didn’t reach the acclaim of the original.
However, the film’s financial performance spoke volumes, grossing $738 million worldwide, marking it as a high point in the Matrix franchise despite the mixed critical reception.
5
Deadpool (2016)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $782 million
Deadpool, released in 2016, revolutionized the superhero genre by embracing R-rated content, combining humor and action effectively. Known for Ryan Reynolds’ charismatic performance, it became one of the defining films of that year.
The movie’s success was substantial, grossing nearly $782 million worldwide, and establishing itself as the highest-grossing R-rated movie at its release. Its comedic approach and bold storytelling cemented its position in cinematic history.
4
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $786 million
Following the successful blueprint of its predecessor, 2018’s Deadpool 2 further showcased Wade Wilson’s chaotic adventures against time-traveling antagonist Cable. Lauded for its thrilling action sequences, the sequel garnered praise and even outshone its predecessor in some fans’ views.
| Deadpool franchise entries by year | Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer Score |
|---|---|
| Deadpool (2016) | 85% |
| Deadpool 2 (2018) | 84% |
| Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) | 78% |
Commercially successful, the film grossed $786 million, temporarily claiming the title of the highest-grossing R-rated movie until it was overtaken by the Joker in late 2019.
3
Oppenheimer (2023)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $976 million
Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film earned him an Academy Award, highlighting the film’s critical acclaim. Featuring a complex narrative on the atomic bomb’s creation, Oppenheimer received 13 Oscar nominations, winning seven of them.
Breaking box office records, it generated a global revenue of nearly $976 million, establishing itself as the highest-grossing biographical and WWII-related film ever, while ranking as the second highest-grossing R-rated film overall.
2
Joker (2019)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1 billion
The 2019 release of Joker presented an intense origin story for the infamous character, led by Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar-winning performance. Despite polarizing critics, the financial outcome was anything but controversial.
Joker made cinema history by earning over $1 billion globally, becoming the first R-rated film to surpass this benchmark. Though anticipation for a sequel waned following its lackluster reception, the original remains a standout success in R-rated cinema.
1
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Worldwide Box Office Gross: $1.3 billion
In 2024, Deadpool & Wolverine brought together two iconic characters in a blockbuster crossover, emerging as the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. Praised for reviving the slumping MCU, Shawn Levy’s film resonated with audiences and critics alike, contributing to its impressive box office performance.
This film shattered all previous records, generating over $1.3 billion globally in just three weeks, eclipsing the combined earnings of both previous Deadpool films and highlighting its monumental success in cinematic history.
Source: The Numbers