Hulu’s Prey premiered to critical acclaim, thanks to its stunning effects and flawless action sequences, which can often be extremely brutal. It’s among the latest films that have received an R rating, which restricts viewership for those aged 17 and below. Redditors have chosen their favorite R-rated movies and shared them with others on the social media platform.
From the classic drama, The Shawshank Redemption, to the award-winning sci-fi thriller, Alien, the best R-rated movies of all time mentioned by Redditors span a variety of genres. These films are meant to be appreciated by mature viewers, as there can be violent and shocking scenes not suitable for young audiences.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
The Shawshank Redemption is a classic drama film that revolves around the friendship that forms between the recently incarcerated banker, Andy Dufresne, and fellow prisoner and known smuggler Ellis "Red" Redding. It chronicles Andy’s expanding role within the money laundering scheme among the prison staff, which negatively affects his well-being and chance at freedom.
In a post asking for the “best R rated movies ever made,” BeneficialDrink responds by saying there are “many good ones” and includes the 1994 film in their long list of suggestions. The well-loved movie is still worth watching today, as its scenes that are painful to watch only make its ending more inspirational and heartwarming.
Die Hard (1988)
Available to stream on Starz Play Amazon Channel.
When NYC police detective John McClane visits his estranged wife in Die Hard, he gets caught in the middle of terrorists’ attempts at taking over a Los Angeles skyscraper. He operates in secret for a while, until he’s forced to clash with the criminals, who threaten several hostages’ lives.
When asked for the “best R-rated movies,” OhAnonymousOne writes that “Die Hard” comes “to mind.” It’s a fan-favorite movie that has earned a spot alongside other holiday flicks, as it also happens to be the most rewatchable Die Hard film and is still often considered the best one in the franchise.
300 (2007)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Based on the 1998 comic series of the same name, 300 is a blockbuster centered on the ancient Battle of Thermopylae where King Leonidas leads an army of 300 Spartans against Xerxes’ army of more than 300,000 soldiers. Its stylistic depiction of the tale doesn’t hold back when it comes to showing gruesome deaths.
The user thumbwarwounded simply replies with “300” in a post about “best R rated movies ever made.” Every frame of the epic action film is visually stunning, including the scenes during the battle against Xerxes and his men, with each brutal moment highlighting how far the Spartans will go to defend their homeland.
Logan (2017)
Available to stream on Disney+.
In a not-so-distant future where mutants are seemingly becoming a thing of the past, a much older version of Wolverine is hiding away from everyone while caring for the increasingly ill Professor X. His life of solitude is interrupted by the arrival of a young mutant, Laura, whose powers are strangely similar to his own.
“Logan” is dylc’s pick for the “best R rated movie” of all time, as the superhero film shows the fan-favorite X-Men members in their most vulnerable states. It’s an incredible send-off for the beloved titular character, whose unforgettable fight sequences underscore the extent of his strength and bravery.
American History X (1998)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
The powerful crime drama film, American History X, revolves around the lives and experiences of two brothers, Derek and Danny Vinyard, who are initially involved in neo-Nazi movements. After Derek spends three years in prison and comes out as a reformed man, he tries to steer his younger brother away from delving deeper into the dangerous group.
The Redditor gylnor007 writes “American History X” in a thread about the “best R rated movies.” The controversial film doesn’t hold back in its portrayal of violent beatings and shootouts, with each brutal scene only further emphasizing the movie’s message about racism.
Drive (2011)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
The unnamed protagonist of Drive spends his days as a Hollywood stunt driver and his nights as a getaway driver for criminals. He’s used to being alone, but his daily routines change when he begins to form a relationship with his neighbor and her son, who soon rope him into doing a risky job.
The action drama film is one of der1x’s suggestions after going “down the IMDb 250 list” to look for the best R-rated ones. The protagonist is forced to do more than just drive after he’s targeted by some dangerous men who are determined to get rid of him and the wife and child he’s protecting.
Fight Club (1999)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
The cult classic Fight Club is a film that needs no introduction. It tells the story of the protagonist simply known as the Narrator, a disillusioned and unfeeling seemingly average person who attends support groups to feel something. When he meets soap salesman Tyler Durden, they form the titular club to release their anger.
Galen_415 comments “Fight Club” on a post about the “best R rated movies” of all time. As the Narrator becomes further involved with the activities of the group he forms with Tyler, things escalate quickly and become more violent. Fight Club aged well because it doesn’t pull any punches during the fight scenes, not to mention the shocking ending sequence.
The Godfather (1972)
Available to stream on Paramount+.
There are numerous ways that the crime film The Godfather still holds up today, which is not surprising considering the number of accolades it has won over the years. The film is the first entry in the massively successful trilogy, which chronicles the experiences of the Corleone family.
The user Dracarius85 notes that “at least a thousand other” R-rated films are worth watching, with one of them being The Godfather. The groundbreaking movie is known for the way it allows audiences to peek behind the scenes and see what it’s like for a mafia family, which is why it’s a landmark film in the gangster genre.
John Wick (2014)
Available to rent on Apple TV.
A trio of gangsters messes with the wrong man in John Wick, as they soon learn that they’ve just taken the vintage car and murdered the puppy of a former assassin. The skilled killer uses his connections and skills to seek revenge, which is hindered by criminals who are after him for the bounty placed on his head.
The Redditor danzanzibar doesn’t need to say much beyond “John Wick” in a thread about the best R-rated films. The action-packed movie shows how the protagonist will do everything in retaliation against those who have taken the only things he loves away from him.
Alien (1979)
Available to stream on Starz Play Amazon Channel.
Alien is a legendary sci-fi horror film that is set in the commercial space tug Nostromo, where an extraterrestrial creature is terrorizing its crew. As the terrifying monster takes them out one by one, the survivors must devise a plan to fend it off long enough to stay alive and make it back home.
The movie is among the few “off the top of” OriginalLamp’s head when asked about the best R-rated films. Its excellent use of a tense atmosphere is made even better by the genuinely horrifying scenes that take place whenever the iconic alien is shown revealing itself to its next victim.